(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
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The next day, a thick fog appeared in Konoha, shrouding the village in an eerie mist.
The villagers, accustomed to unpredictable weather, went about their daily routines with caution, unaware of the two visitors who had entered their village under the cover of the fog.
Under the illusion created by the Sharingan, the infiltrators, Itachi and Kisame, easily passed the guards at the gate, their presence undetected.
They stood on the city wall and watched.
Itachi specifically was gazing out at the familiar yet unfamiliar village he had once lived in, its landscape altered by the ongoing reconstruction efforts.
Despite that, however, he still felt a wave of emotion fill his empty heart for a bit.
"As expected of the top of the five great nations, the spirit of the village is incomparable to Kirigakure."
Kisame was also impressed by Konoha's atmosphere.
Although the reconstruction was far from over, the vitality couldn't deceive anyone.
However, he changed his tone and said coldly: "Unfortunately, there are no strong people in such a large village, and sooner or later it will fall."
Born in the Land of the Bloody Mist, he felt this deeply.
Itachi frowned slightly: "Kisame, I was born in this village, so I'm very aware of Konoha's true strength. I'm not completely sure about your words, so don't cause trouble."
Hearing this, Kisame didn't say anything more. Usually, Itachi was the brains of this team.
"Let's gather some information first."
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In front of a dango shop, Kakashi was reading "Make-Out Paradise" silently.
"Kakashi? What are you doing here?"
A suspicious voice sounded, and when he looked up, it turned out to be Kurenai.
"Good morning, Kurenai."
Kakashi greeted her, then continued, "I'm just waiting here for Sasuke and Naruto. I'm going to give those two a special training." (E/N: RIP Sakura… lol)
Since Colt warned him, Kakashi had reflected on his past favoritism.
To make amends, he called both of them out to train them.
However, when Sasuke was mentioned, Kakashi keenly noticed that someone in the shop had a rather weird reaction.
It was fleeting, but Kakashi as a seasoned ninja, it didn't escape him.
He silently gestured to Kurenai, who understood.
"I'm here to buy some dango for Anko. You know, that girl's favorite food is the dango from this shop."
Kurenai pretended to be exasperated.
The two exchanged information discreetly.
After a while, Sasuke and Naruto also arrived.
Looking into the store, the two suspicious people had already disappeared.
"Naruto, Sasuke, today's practice will focus on taijutsu. First, you need to run around Konoha five times. We'll then meet at the next location."
Surprisingly, the two didn't complain much, even Naruto.
"I'll beat you Sasuke!"
"Tsk!"
After sending the two away, Kakashi quickly pursued the suspects.
Before leaving, he summoned Pakkun to deliver a message to Colt.
If his suspicions were true, only Colt and Jiraiya could handle this current threat to Konoha now.
Itachi and Kisame left the dango shop and came to a riverbank.
"Itachi-san, why did we leave?"
Kisame was puzzled and annoyed.
Konoha's dango was surprisingly good, and he was pulled away by Itachi before he finished eating.
"That man was the Copy Ninja Kakashi. That guy's awareness is quite high, he already suspected something was off about us," Itachi said calmly.
"Just Kakashi? Itachi-san, don't tell me you're afraid?" Kisame laughed wildly.
Itachi shook his head, "It's not fear. I just don't want to cause unnecessary trouble. Remember our mission."
Kisame nodded.
Their mission was just information gathering.
Suddenly, Kurenai and Kakashi appeared before them, blocking their way.
"Then, can you tell me what your mission is? Konoha's S-rank rogue ninja, Uchiha Itachi."
While speaking, he had already raised his forehead protector and watched Itachi vigilantly. He was on high alert.
"Itachi-san, it seems the people in this village aren't very welcoming to you?" Kisame, carrying the Samehada, grinned.
Kakashi remained unmoved, still watching Uchiha Itachi warily.
When facing someone who could massacre their entire clan at the age of 13, there could be no carelessness.
"Our mission... we're here for the Fourth Hokage's legacy."
Itachi's voice was indifferent but unknowingly revealed key information.
Kakashi's pupils contracted.
It was for Naruto.
He thought it was for Sasuke.
"Kakashi, Kurenai, please step back. I don't want to kill you."
His words were calm and full of confidence.
"We should be the ones saying that. This is Konoha!"
Kurenai was a little annoyed that Itachi ignored her and Kakashi completely.
Kisame was also a little impatient, feeling left out of the conversation.
"Remember, my name is Hoshigaki Kisame!"
Kisame formed hand seals, and the calm lake suddenly grew restless.
But he wasn't the only one who did some hand seals.
"[Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu]!"
The two voices sounded almost simultaneously.
Kakashi and Kisame's water dragons clashed and canceled each other out.
"Is this the Copy Ninja? Interesting." Kisame's eyes showed excitement.
"[Demonic Illusion: Tree Binding Death]!" Kurenai also took the opportunity to attack Itachi, and his body disappeared as if erased from existence. (E/N: Lol, I thought since the author is clearly gunning for her in the harem, he wouldn't do her like that, but I guess I was wrong)
An ancient tree with sprawling roots grew behind Itachi, and the branches bound him tightly.
Kurenai's body emerged silently from the trunk, holding a kunai.
"It's over, Uchiha Itachi!"
A hint of surprise flashed in his red eyes.
The process had gone surprisingly smoothly.
However, in the next moment, she found herself bound to the tree instead.
"Kurenai-san… Genjutsu of that level doesn't work on me"
Kurenai was shocked.
"This is... Genjutsu Reflection!"
Kurenai's heart raced.
Genjutsu reflection could only happen if the illusions of both parties were on completely different levels.
How strong was Uchiha Itachi's Genjutsu?
"Using Genjutsu on me, who possesses the Sharingan, is quite foolish Kurenai-san."
Itachi slowly drew a kunai, unconcerned about this fight.
As the kunai neared her neck, Kurenai forcefully bit her lip, finally breaking free from the illusion through pain.
But in reality, Itachi's kunai was still approaching!
In desperation, Kurenai ducked, barely escaping the attack, but her long hair wasn't as lucky.
Itachi pressed his advantage mercilessly, kicking Kurenai high into the air. She fell into the river with a splash.
"Kurenai!"
Kakashi grew anxious seeing his comrade injured, and Kisame swung the Samehada to press on.
Even the sword's scales ended up grazing Kakashi.
Kurenai struggled to stand on the water's surface using chakra, and just as she breathed a sigh of relief, Itachi's voice came from behind her.
"This is the end."
As Kurenai closed her eyes, resigning herself to death, a familiar voice spoke from behind her.
"You just got back, and you're already causing such a commotion. As expected of you, Itachi."
When she opened her eyes, she realized Colt had appeared behind her, blocking Itachi's kunai.
"Colt-san... long time no see."
Itachi recognized the young man who had treated him several times years ago.