Hearing Jiraiya's question, Uchiha Itachi's expression remained calm, though his tone carried a trace of thoughtfulness.
"So Kakashi knew," Itachi murmured.
"I see. You were the source of that information."
Itachi's mind flicked back to their encounter in Konoha when Kakashi, alongside other ninjas, intercepted him and Kisame.
At the time, it was evident they were aware of Akatsuki's purpose—capturing Naruto. Now, Itachi understood how they had prepared.
His gaze shifted to Jiraiya, and his voice lowered with an air of finality.
"Taking Naruto away is an order from our organization. It is absolute."
His words carried the weight of inevitability, and tension rippled through the Konoha ninjas.
Naruto? A supreme command?
Jiraiya, Naruto, and Sasuke stiffened at the implications, their expressions darkening.
Nearby, Satoru leaned against the wall, cradling his chin in one hand, a faint smirk playing on his lips.
Itachi, you're so obvious. That was almost as half-hearted as one of my excuses.
Jiraiya's expression grew firm as he replied, "I'm not handing Naruto over to you."
His sharp gaze alternated between Kisame, Itachi, and finally, Satoru.
This one's still a mystery.
Satoru's presence was just as concerning as the Akatsuki duo.
"Not necessarily," Itachi responded coolly, his unwavering tone chilling.
The air grew heavier, charged with tension as if ready to snap at any moment.
Then, breaking the silence, a sharp crunching noise echoed through the hallway.
Everyone turned their eyes toward the source.
Satoru stood there, holding a snack, chewing nonchalantly.
"What's going on?" his muffled voice asked, confusion painted across his face.
Sasuke froze mid-step, his expression shifting between shock and helplessness.
Second brother, what are you doing?
Couldn't he see this was a critical moment? Why draw attention to himself now?
Sasuke glanced nervously at Itachi, hoping this wouldn't escalate further.
Jiraiya frowned as he studied Satoru.
What kind of ninja is this? He's clearly skilled, but his behavior is so... odd.
Even Kisame and Itachi looked at Satoru with mild surprise.
"Is this guy serious?" Kisame muttered.
Feeling their stares, Satoru looked up, blinking innocently.
"Huh? What are you all staring at me for?"
Beneath his bandages, his pale blue eyes curved slightly, amusement flickering in their depths.
He knew what he was doing.
If I hadn't stepped in, Sasuke would've rushed at Itachi. Then it'd be all fractures and Tsukuyomi, followed by the inevitable angst and eye upgrades.
Satoru leaned against the wall, munching his snack.
Besides, Itachi doesn't need to use Tsukuyomi to push Sasuke forward. The Sharingan evolves through heightened emotions, not just hatred.
His six eyes swept across the room.
No need to escalate things now.
Kisame's voice cut through his thoughts.
"Mr. Itachi, this guy's getting on my nerves. Let me teach him a lesson."
He lifted his Samehada, grinning wickedly.
"No," Itachi said calmly, his tone carrying finality. "Naruto is our target. Don't waste time."
Jiraiya, observing the exchange, narrowed his eyes.
"Looks like you think you can come and go as you please," he said, a trace of anger seeping into his voice.
"If you're here, you're staying."
His gaze flicked to Satoru, including him in the declaration.
"Hey," Satoru protested lightly, raising a hand. "I'm just passing through. Don't mind me."
"Passing through?" Jiraiya repeated with a skeptical laugh.
"You snuck into Konoha undetected, fought against the First and Second Hokage, and now just happen to be here during Akatsuki's operation?"
His eyes narrowed.
"Are you after Naruto too?"
Before Satoru could answer, Naruto interjected.
"Pervy Sage! Mr. Bandage isn't a bad guy!"
Naruto's voice was firm, his faith in Satoru unwavering despite the circumstances.
"He's helped me before," Naruto continued, his blue eyes shining with determination.
Jiraiya frowned, weighing Naruto's words.
Sasuke took the opportunity to back up Naruto's claim.
"He came here with me," Sasuke said quickly, his voice steady despite the situation.
"I ran into him after he'd finished buying snacks, and we came here together."
His explanation was hurried but plausible.
Jiraiya regarded them both with a mix of suspicion and surprise.
Sasuke, vouching for him? This is unexpected.
Though the reasoning felt thin, it was hard to imagine someone hostile carrying a massive box of snacks.
For now, Jiraiya let it slide, but his guard remained up.
Itachi, however, wasn't so easily convinced.
He studied Sasuke closely, noting the subtle tension in his posture.
Sasuke's lying, Itachi thought, his sharp intuition catching the inconsistencies in his brother's words.
His gaze shifted to Satoru.
Who is this ninja? Why is Sasuke defending him?
A spark of curiosity and suspicion flared in Itachi's mind.
While the tension simmered, Satoru continued chewing his snack, blissfully ignoring the layers of scrutiny.
If he'd known Jiraiya and Itachi's thoughts, he would've laughed and said:
Hey, I'm just here for snacks. Relax.
>>>>>
Complete Story available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
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