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Kakashi's tone remained calm, though his gaze sharpened as he asked, "Did they tell you their purpose? Or give away any useful information?"
Inoiki shook his head. "No, I tried asking them directly several times, but neither of them revealed anything about their intentions. However…" He paused, his expression thoughtful. "I did notice that they were wearing identical outfits, which means they likely belong to the same organization."
Kakashi's visible eye narrowed slightly at this detail. Though he kept his composure, he couldn't suppress a growing sense of unease. Still, he pressed further. "You mentioned they were dressed alike. Can you describe their clothes in detail?"
Inoiki nodded. "They were wearing black overcoats with red cloud patterns on them. On their heads, they had straw hats with small bells tied around the brim. And both of them were wearing identical rings, though I couldn't make out the exact symbols on them. Their nails were polished black, which struck me as… unusual. Oh, and they were both male."
Kakashi listened intently, his demeanor outwardly calm. He gave a slight nod to indicate he understood, but inside, his mind was racing.
Akatsuki.
The word echoed in his thoughts like a drumbeat. Everything fit—the distinctive cloaks, the rings, the shared traits. Jiraiya had warned him about Akatsuki's existence and their potential threat, but hearing firsthand that members of this dangerous organization had been in Konoha sent a chill down his spine.
Though his heart was in turmoil, Kakashi kept his face impassive. He didn't want to alarm the others just yet, not without solid evidence. "I see," he said, his voice steady. "Thank you for sharing that, Inoiki."
Inside, though, Kakashi's suspicions were solidifying into certainty. The pieces fit too well to be a coincidence. He was sure now that Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki were part of Akatsuki, and their presence in Konoha likely meant they had a goal far more dangerous than anyone could yet understand.
Inoiki exhaled softly, his tone calm but laced with fatigue. "If you're done asking questions, can I leave? I'm tired."
Kakashi gave him a nod, his voice gentle. "Of course. You've earned some rest."
Without another word, Inoiki turned and walked away, his figure soon disappearing into the distance.
Asuma broke the silence after a few moments. "I didn't expect Itachi to ever return to the village. But why now? And why is he accompanied by someone as dangerous as Kisame Hoshigaki?"
Kakashi crossed his arms, his gaze thoughtful. "If I had to guess, they're after Naruto."
Kurenai's eyes widened. "What? Kakashi, do you know something about them and their purpose?"
Kakashi hesitated for a moment, his expression unreadable. "I can't explain everything right now, but we need to confirm Naruto's safety. That's the priority."
Kurenai, Guy, and Asuma exchanged glances before nodding in agreement. Without wasting any more time, the group split up and began searching the village. After half an hour of scouring Konoha, they finally uncovered the critical information: Naruto had left the village with Jiraiya earlier that day.
Relieved, the four of them reconvened outside the Hokage building.
Asuma leaned against the wall, exhaling deeply. "So, Naruto's not here, and he's with Lord Jiraiya of all people. That's a relief."
Kurenai nodded, her tension easing. "At least he's in capable hands. We don't have to worry about him for now."
Just as the group was beginning to relax, Sasuke appeared from around the corner. He noticed the gathering of Konoha's elite Jonin, his curiosity immediately piqued.
"All the Jonin gathered in one place?" Sasuke asked, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. "What's going on?"
Kakashi quickly raised a hand in a subtle gesture, signaling the others to be cautious. They understood instantly. Itachi's return was not news Sasuke needed to hear—not yet.
Kakashi turned to Sasuke, his tone casual but firm. "We were just discussing the aftermath of the recent attack and coordinating our next steps for the village's security. Nothing for you to worry about."
Sasuke frowned slightly, clearly unconvinced. "Is that so? It seems more serious than just routine discussions."
Kakashi's demeanor remained calm, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Everything is under control. Focus on your training, Sasuke. That's where your energy is best spent right now."
Sasuke glanced at the others, his suspicion lingering, but he didn't press further.
At that precise moment, Aoba Yamashiro appeared as if out of thin air, his voice booming across the scene. "Is it true that Itachi has returned to the village—and that he's after Naruto?"
Kakashi's hand instinctively flew to his forehead, his visible eye narrowing in exasperation. "Did you have to say that?" he muttered under his breath, his tone laced with frustration.
It was clear Kakashi was deeply displeased with Aoba's untimely outburst, especially given the sensitive nature of the situation—and the fact that it had been voiced directly in front of Sasuke.
Sasuke, who had been on the verge of leaving after Kakashi and the other Jonins had finally managed to persuade him, froze in his tracks. His expression shifted instantly, his features twisting into a mask of fury and rage. Without a word, he turned and bolted, his figure disappearing into the distance as quickly as the storm of emotions that had overtaken him.
The air grew heavy with tension, leaving Kakashi and the others to grapple with the fallout of Aoba's careless revelation.
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