[Note: If you've already read IUPM - 4 before this chapter was released, I recommend reading it once more. There have been some updates, including additions, removals, and a few changes in the storyline. Please focus only on IUPM - 4, and then come back to enjoy this chapter. I hope this makes everything clear. Thank you!]
"Itachi Uchiha is dead!" announced the new guy standing next to the masked Akatsuki member.
Sakura, Kakashi-sensei, and the others were stunned by the news.
But could Sasuke really be powerful enough to take down someone like Itachi? I only encountered Itachi's clone, and even that was incredibly strong. A clone of Itachi would be a tough opponent for almost anyone.
If Sasuke truly defeated Itachi, it means Sasuke has grown much stronger since I last faced him. Or perhaps Itachi had other plans. Whatever the case, if Itachi is truly gone, I wonder what Sasuke's next move will be according to Itachi said
"I can't believe it," the masked guy exclaimed, pulling me out of my thoughts. "Just kidding, it's exactly what I expected," he continued, his voice suddenly deeper and different. Was he hiding his real voice all along?
"What!? Sasuke actually killed him? He killed Itachi!?" Sakura asked in disbelief.
"Sasuke is down for the count right now, so what's next? I think he's in really bad shape," the new guy said.
"Where is Sasuke now!?" Sakura demanded.
"It doesn't concern you!" the masked guy replied, turning to face us. That's when I noticed something striking—one eye visible through his mask had a Sharingan. Could he be an Uchiha?
I turned towards Kakashi-sensei who looked surprised as well,"You saw it too!?" I asked Kakashi-sensei, eager for answers.
"That's a Sharingan!" Kakashi-sensei exclaimed, his voice filled with surprise, and everyone else stood frozen in shock.
"but who on earth is he!?" Kakashi-sensei responded, just as the other guy suddenly vanished into the woods as quickly as he had appeared.
"Later!" the masked guy called out, using a teleportation technique to disappear from sight.
"We need to find Sasuke before they do!" Kakashi-sensei urged, and I nodded in agreement
"Let's go, then," Captain Yamato said as we began to move forward.
"Naruto, can you still sense him?" Kakashi-sensei asked, his tone focused.
"Yes!" I replied confidently, taking the lead in front of everyone.
"This way!" I pointed in the direction I felt Sasuke's presence, while Kakashi-sensei climbed to a higher vantage point to get a better view.
"Hinata, can you check the direction Naruto pointed out?" Kakashi-sensei instructed.
"Yes!" Hinata responded eagerly. "Byakugan!" she activated her special eyes, scanning the area ahead. "About 10 kilometers ahead, there's a strong chakra spreading across a white swamp. For some reason, the forest is on fire, and it's burning with black flames," Hinata explained, her voice steady despite the alarming news.
"Let's move, everyone! Follow me!" Kakashi-sensei commanded, and we all hurried after him
"Wait... wait..." I called out as I flew up to where Kakashi-sensei was perched on a tall tree. "What are you thinking that you're not telling us?" I pressed.
"The black flames—it's Amaterasu. It's a technique used by Itachi through his Mangekyō Sharingan," Kakashi-sensei explained, his expression serious.
"Does every Sharingan, especially the Mangekyō Sharingan, have different patterns?" I asked, curious about the unique abilities of the Uchiha clan.
"Why do you want to know?" he responded, raising an eyebrow.
"Just... nothing. I was just thinking about it," I replied, not wanting to reveal too much.
"Yes, each Mangekyō Sharingan has its own distinct pattern that reflects the user," he confirmed.
"Hey, what are you all talking about up there?" Sakura called from down on the ground, looking up at us with concern.
"We don't have time for this! Let's go!" Kakashi-sensei urged, leaping down from the tree and starting to move toward the location of Sasuke and Itachi's battle. We quickly followed him, knowing that every second counted.
"What were you talking about?" Sakura asked, her brow furrowed with curiosity.
"Nothing important. We just need to get there before they do, that's all," I replied, trying to keep my thoughts to myself.
I couldn't shake the feeling that everything happening was somehow connected to the crow Itachi had given me.
As we pressed forward, we finally began to close in on the location, and my heart sank when I saw the black flames swirling around the area.
"They've already reached Sasuke's location," I said with a sense of urgency creeping into my voice. "I think we're too late."
"What's that!?" Sakura asked, her eyes wide as we stopped near the flames.
"That's one of Itachi's jutsu..." I replied, feeling the weight of the situation.
"We need to get inside quick!" Kakashi-sensei urged as he led the way.
After what felt like an eternity, we finally reached the heart of the battle site where Itachi and Sasuke had clashed. The area was eerily empty, a stark contrast to the chaos that had clearly unfolded moments before.
"I think they're already gone!" I said, scanning the wreckage around us.
"Oh man, what do you guys think happened here? I mean, what kind of battle can cause this kind of destruction?" Kiba exclaimed, taking in the shattered remnants of trees and scorched earth.
"It's Itachi we're talking about, and Sasuke isn't far behind in terms of strength, so it's not surprising that the place is in ruins," I replied
"So, what do you think? Where is Sasuke?" Sakura asked, worry creeping into her voice.
"I really don't know. But it seems like the Akatsuki members we encountered might have taken him, or his teammates," I replied
"Yeah, I don't sense any chakra in this area either," Hinata added, her Byakugan still activated as she scanned the surroundings.
"We were too late," Kakashi-sensei said, his expression grim.
[A. N: Thanks for reading, drop Powerstones that will help a lot and drop reviews if you like the story and add to your library]