Satoru wandered through the bustling market, a skewer of three-color dango hanging from his mouth.
"This place isn't bad," he said vaguely, his words muffled by the sweet snack.
His messy white hair swayed slightly over the bandage on his forehead, and his black robe rippled in the wind. His unusual appearance caused the ordinary villagers to instinctively avoid him, parting like waves around a rock.
Though unintentional, his attire also worked wonders when it came to clearing the way in a rush to buy special snacks.
"Hahaha..."
Satoru emerged from a shop, balancing a towering box of treats nearly as tall as himself. His pale blue eyes curved into a delighted arc.
"I didn't expect this outfit to have such a perk!"
Just then, a figure darted past in the distance.
Satoru paused, narrowing his eyes.
That's... Sasuke?
What was Sasuke doing here?
Satoru adjusted the box in his arms and blinked. After a moment of deliberation, he decided to follow.
The busy street soon became witness to an odd scene.
A man in a black robe, carrying an enormous box of snacks, moved stealthily through the crowd. His movements seemed deliberate, as if he were tailing someone.
The bystanders exchanged confused looks, their foreheads marked with metaphorical sweat drops.
"What a weirdo," someone muttered.
Despite his conspicuous behavior, Satoru's body concealment skills remained impeccable. Sasuke, for all his sharp instincts, hadn't noticed a thing.
"Is this kid looking for someone?" Satoru wondered aloud as he observed Sasuke darting through the market.
Could he be looking for me?
But Satoru quickly dismissed the thought.
My tracks are too well-hidden. There's no way he'd find me.
So, who was Sasuke searching for? And why the rush?
A flicker of realization sparked in Satoru's mind but was quickly overtaken by his hunger.
"Which one should I eat first?" he mumbled to himself, eyeing the box of snacks. "Durian tomato flavor... sounds interesting."
Despite being distracted, Satoru's instincts never dulled. Without much thought, he effortlessly followed Sasuke to the hallway of a guesthouse.
As he arrived, the scene before him triggered a flood of memories.
Wait... isn't this...?
The pieces clicked into place.
This is it. The part where the Akatsuki begins hunting Naruto.
Satoru's pale blue eyes gleamed.
So today's the day. Right here.
He sighed and rubbed his forehead.
What a coincidence.
Meanwhile, Naruto stood frozen in the hallway, facing two figures in black cloaks adorned with red clouds.
The tension in the air was suffocating.
Naruto's blue eyes reflected unease as he felt the immense murderous intent radiating from the pair.
"These guys... they're not ordinary," he thought, his fists clenching.
"Well, Itachi-san," Kisame Hoshigaki said lightly, "he's a bit of a runner. Should we cut off one of his legs to slow him down?"
Naruto's head shot up in shock.
What did he just say?!
Kisame's tone was so casual, as if he were discussing the weather.
He reached for the Samehada strapped to his back, and the oppressive aura of his intent bore down on Naruto.
Before Kisame could act, Itachi Uchiha spoke softly.
"It's been a while... Sasuke."
Kisame paused mid-motion, his attention shifting to the boy who had appeared at the end of the corridor.
"Oh, Sharingan," Kisame remarked, his shark-like grin widening. "And a familiar face. This must be your brother, Itachi-san."
"Sasuke..." Naruto murmured, his unease deepening.
So this was Itachi Uchiha—the man Sasuke had vowed to kill.
Naruto turned to look at his friend, only to see Sasuke's gaze locked on Itachi, his two-tomoe Sharingan spinning.
Murderous intent rolled off Sasuke in waves, and Naruto could sense the deep hatred boiling beneath the surface.
The atmosphere in the corridor turned heavy.
Kisame lowered the Samehada slightly, sensing that something significant was about to unfold.
At the far end of the hallway, Satoru watched silently, his pale blue eyes observing the scene with interest.
Well, what do you know? I was right. The Akatsuki really are after Naruto.
He puffed up his cheeks in frustration.
But why send Itachi? Wasn't there anyone else available?
The thought of appearing in front of Itachi so soon made Satoru hesitate.
That guy's too sharp. If I get involved, I'll just end up with more work on my plate.
Satoru sighed again, holding his box of snacks.
Maybe I should just pretend I didn't see anything.
He glanced back at Naruto and Sasuke. Both seemed frozen in place.
It's a hassle, he thought.
But eventually, he relented.
"Who's there?" Kisame suddenly barked, his sharp eyes darting toward Satoru's corner.
Satoru froze.
How did he notice me?
Kisame's surprise was evident. He hadn't sensed anything until the sigh.
"It seems we have company," Itachi said, his gaze following Kisame's.
"Hi," Satoru said, stepping into view with the box of snacks still in his arms. His tone was relaxed.
"Don't mind me. You guys keep going."
Naruto's eyes widened in surprise.
Mr. Bandage?
It was him!
Naruto couldn't believe his luck.
Is he here to help us?
But his thoughts quickly sobered.
No... Kakashi-sensei said he's an unknown ninja who snuck into Konoha and left with Orochimaru. He's not necessarily on our side.
Naruto gritted his teeth, trying to remain cautious.
Sasuke's reaction was similar, though tinged with worry.
What's he doing here? Doesn't he know Itachi is here?
If Itachi found out about Satoru's identity, it could complicate everything.
Itachi, noticing Sasuke's flicker of concern, turned his gaze to Satoru.
Him?
Recognition sparked in Itachi's eyes.
"Isn't that the guy the Akatsuki was planning to recruit?" Kisame said suddenly.
He chuckled, showing his sharp teeth.
"Incredible timing. He's the one who fought Orochimaru and the Hokage during the Chunin Exams, isn't he? Walked away unscathed, too."
Kisame looked at Satoru with a mix of amusement and curiosity.
"It's rare to see someone who meets all the Akatsuki's criteria. What a coincidence running into him here."
Satoru blinked, feeling all eyes on him.
"Well, this just got more annoying," he muttered under his breath.