After the battle had ended, the Konoha ninjas gathered to debrief. Kakashi, still slightly battered, recounted the events of the day to Naruto and the newly arrived reinforcements.
The story of Satoru's sudden intervention and his defeat of Kakuzu spread quickly among the group.
"So, he took down Kakuzu in one move?" Naruto exclaimed, wide-eyed.
"That's insane!" Ino added, shaking her head.
"Not just that," Shikamaru muttered. "He toyed with Hidan and turned the whole fight into a joke."
The group's awe was cut short when they realized something—Satoru had vanished again.
"He's gone?" Choji asked, looking around.
"Yeah," Kakashi said with a sigh. "He always leaves like that."
Shikamaru smirked slightly, despite himself. "He's as unpredictable as ever."
The discussion soon shifted to Satoru's mysterious nature and the canceled bounty orders.
"So, Hokage-sama canceled the bounty on him?" Naruto asked.
"Yes," Kakashi confirmed. "It wasn't justified. Satoru hasn't harmed Konoha, and his actions, for the most part, have been helpful."
"But why was the bounty issued in the first place?" Shikamaru wondered aloud.
Kakashi's face darkened slightly. "It was from the Root organization. Likely Danzo's doing."
The group grew quiet at the mention of Danzo.
"I wouldn't put it past him," Shikamaru said. "That man always has his own agenda."
Naruto clenched his fists. "So he's trying to stir up trouble for no reason? Typical."
As the conversation continued, Naruto noticed a small box left near the group.
"Hey, what's that?" he asked, pointing.
Shikamaru walked over, picking it up. A note was attached.
"For Kakashi and the team. From Satoru."
Opening the box, Kakashi's face froze.
Inside were several photographs of the battle, all taken at the most unflattering moments: Shikamaru being thrown toward Hidan, Choji tumbling awkwardly, Kakashi dodging a blow with his hair sticking up comically.
The photos were expertly timed, capturing their worst expressions.
"Are these… from him?" Shikamaru groaned, rubbing his temples.
Naruto burst out laughing. "This is hilarious! Mr. Bandage really knows how to make an impression!"
"Naruto!" Ino scolded, smacking his arm. "It's not funny!"
"It's a little funny," Choji muttered under his breath.
Kakashi let out a long sigh, tucking the photos back into the box.
"Blackmail material," he muttered. "He's too dangerous."
"Why do I feel like he's just trolling us at this point?" Shikamaru grumbled.
Elsewhere
Satoru leaned against a tree, reviewing his system panel.
System Panel
Host: Wu Satoru World: Naruto Unlock Progress: 70% Skills: Six Eyes (Complete), Limitless Technique, Void Style Play Points: 3000
"Not bad," Satoru muttered, his pale blue eyes glinting behind his blindfold.
With most of his skills unlocked and the major threats neutralized, it was time to prepare for the next phase.
"Guess it's time to head back."
But as Satoru walked toward the border of the Fire Nation, his journey was interrupted.
He paused, noticing a banner outside a small shop.
"All desserts 50% off!"
Satoru froze, his thoughts of returning to his clan momentarily forgotten.
"Fifty percent off…? Priorities," he muttered.
Turning on his heel, he strode toward the dessert shop.
The shop was small but bustling with customers. As Satoru entered, his white hair and calm demeanor immediately caught everyone's attention.
"Three hundred sticks of dango, please," he said, his tone casual.
The shop fell silent.
"Three hundred?" a customer whispered.
"Who is this guy?" another murmured.
Despite the growing whispers, Satoru remained unbothered, glancing at the menu as he waited.
Suddenly, a loud bang broke the quiet.
Satoru's pale blue eyes shifted to the source of the noise.
In the corner of the shop, two figures wearing black cloaks with red clouds stood, one of them having knocked over their table in shock.
"Ah," Satoru said, recognizing them immediately.
"Itachi and Kisame… what are the odds?"
The two Akatsuki members stared at him, equally surprised.
"It's him," Kisame growled, his grip tightening on Samehada.
"Satoru," Itachi said softly, his Sharingan flickering to life.
Satoru sighed, scratching the back of his head.
"Can't a guy just enjoy his dessert in peace?" he muttered.
To be continued…