Under the moonlit night, two cold figures stood on the tops of towering trees, blending into the dark background as they gazed at the distant specks of firelight.
"Whoa, you can see the signs of destruction from so far away. Is that black smoke... It seems Konoha suffered heavy losses in this attack."
The tone of the speaker was frivolous, and the mood of the speaker was obviously not as heavy as what he said. His tall frame carried a massive sword, giving off an aura that warned others to stay away.
"Hmph, it's pitiful to see a once prosperous village reduced to this state." Another cold voice echoed in the silent air. The speaker's shadow was cast from high above, stretching into the darkness below.
"By the way, it's been a while since you were last here," The man carrying the sword said meaningfully, "Right, Itachi?"
Wearing black cloaks with red clouds pattern and wearing hats that concealed their faces, the two people standing on the canopy of the tree under the moonlit night were none other than members of the Akatsuki: Uchiha Itachi and Hoshigaki Kisame.
"From your tone, it sounds like you have some attachment to the village." Kisame chuckled with his characteristic shark-like grin, "That's not a good thing."
Itachi glanced at his companion, with whom he had shared considerable time. Years had passed since that bloody night of the crimson moon, and his face, no longer youthful, bore the marks of his experiences. Besides the growth in his strength, he had become increasingly adept at hiding his true emotions.
"Don't worry, I have no attachments." Itachi replied in a short, decisive statement.
Not dwelling on the useless question, Kisame did not bother to argue further. The two jumped down from the tall trees and landed steadily on the ground.
"I feel very tired after crossing the border these past few days." Kisame complained as he switched his large sword to the other shoulder, "But our mission in Konoha has changed this time. The sudden change in our task really surprised me at first."
Itachi remained silent, maintaining his usual indifferent demeanor that he had held for most of the time since they became partners. Kisame didn't mind and continued talking to himself, "Hey, speaking of which, it's quite a coincidence. Back then..."
Itachi's eyes flashed, it is unknown what he was thinking, "Indeed, it is surprising."
The second phase of the Akatsuki's plan had already been in progress for some time. To those unaware, the mission to capture all the Biju seemed impossible, even unbelievable. But for the Akatsuki, it was far from unattainable.
At this point, the purpose of Itachi and Kisame coming here was obvious. They had originally come to retrieve the Fourth Hokage's Legacy. However, midway through their journey, things took an unexpected turn.
The original mission to capture the Kyubi had temporarily shifted to the task of assisting another member, the owner of the 'Void' Ring, Raiden Hattori.
"You and that guy were the ones who came to the Amegakure back then to gather intelligence on the organization, right? I had a fierce fight with him. I'd love to challenge that swift lightning again..." Kisame spoke with a hint of battle-hungry malice in his eyes, " But who would have thought that after a few years, we'd end up not only in the same organization but also going to help him out?"
Kisame shook his head, the moonlight illuminating the path through the forest, "I can't help but marvel at the wonders of time."
When Itachi heard this, his eyes flickered and some memories were stirred in his mind.
"But that guy, Raiden Hattori, is quite something." Kisame continued, in a tone that didn't suit his usual style. He quickly bared his pointed teeth again, "He joined the organization and still stayed in Konoha, supposedly stealing information... This time, after Konoha was attacked, he somehow ended up fighting Orochimaru. His cover was blown as a result, and he had to escape. Tsk tsk tsk."
"Speaking of which, I also want to fight that traitor, Orochimaru, someday. I just never had the chance..."
Kisame's voice filled the quiet forest, and Itachi frowned slightly, "You're talking too much, Kisame."
"Hey, it's a boring journey, that's why I talk to pass the time."
Itachi didn't respond. A few seconds later, he quickened his pace slightly, "Don't be careless. We don't know who Konoha will send to handle this. Raiden Hattori's condition might not be good."
The moonlit night remained gentle and serene as the two figures continued toward Konoha.
"Let's go bring him back."
…
Inside the spacious Hokage's Office, it was packed with people, and the noise of arguing voices filled the room.
Kakashi scratched his head, looking embarrassed as he stood before Hiruzen behind the desk, "I'm really sorry, Hokage-sama... my students can be a bit too reckless."
Hiruzen wore simple clothes, with a few bandaged wounds visible on his body. His desk was piled with documents that needed to be handled, but he hadn't been able to focus on them since earlier.
He glanced at the source of the argument nearby, rubbed his temples, and instead of showing any blame toward Kakashi, he smiled with a complex expression, "Haha, Kakashi, I bet you secretly share the same thoughts as the kids, which is why you let them come here, isn't it?"
Kakashi was stunned for a moment, then laughed nervously, "Ah haha, how could it be possible? Of course not..."
Hiruzen sighed and turned to face Team 7, who had barged in minutes ago, 'Hattori, it seems you have many who care about you in Konoha. But when did it all start, and why...'
The chaotic battle and conversation on the rooftop flashed through his mind again.
After Logan's shocking declaration, he had decisively used his Lightning Release to speed away. Orochimaru had also taken the opportunity to retreat with his men. Amidst the sudden shift, Konoha's Ninjas were left momentarily unsure whether to pursue or defend, who to chase, and with what stance?
The momentary confusion had caused them to miss the best opportunity, allowing the true mastermind behind the village attack, Orochimaru, to escape unharmed. Meanwhile, Logan's inexplicable actions had made his identity suspicious...
The only good news, perhaps, was that Naruto had defeated Gaara, leading to a full retreat of the Sunagakure's Ninjas, and Konoha successfully defused the crisis without major casualties.