Orochimaru is a scientist who enjoys experimenting on humans. He escaped from Konoha decades ago after his unethical practices were exposed.
Jiraiya is a writer and a traveler who spends his free time peeping at women in bathhouses. His whereabouts are often unknown.
Tsunade is a medical ninja with a notorious gambling habit. In the gambling world, she is known as the "Legendary Sucker."
"Don't worry, Master. I will definitely find her and convince Tsunade to become Hokage," Jiraiya assured confidently.
The Third Hokage nodded in relief. "I'll leave all matters regarding literature to you."
Jiraiya made an "OK" gesture. "Leave it to me!"
---
Outside Konoha Village
Two figures in black cloaks embroidered with red clouds stood silently at the entrance of Konoha. Their faces were obscured by veils and straw hats, adding to their air of mystery.
"Mr. Itachi, we've arrived at your hometown," the taller man with a strange, wrapped object on his back remarked.
"I heard a great battle took place here a few days ago. Seems a genius has emerged in Konoha."
"A Wood Style user... just like the legendary Ninja God. That's terrifying to even think about."
"Let's go," Uchiha Itachi said, adjusting his hat and coughing lightly.
The tall man, Hoshigaki Kisame, observed him. "Mr. Itachi, your condition worsens when you overuse your Sharingan. You should be more careful."
---
Ichiraku Ramen Shop
Morkel and Naruto used the Flying Thunder God Technique to teleport directly in front of Ichiraku Ramen.
To their disappointment, a sign outside read: "Temporarily Closed."
Even Ichiraku Ramen had suffered damage from the battle two days ago. The owner and his daughter were busy repainting the shop.
Naruto's face fell. "Orochimaru is so evil! He destroyed Konoha and made it impossible for me to eat ramen!"
"Morkel is here!" Teuchi, the owner, lit up when he saw them and waved them inside.
"Morkel-kun, Naruto, what kind of ramen do you want today?"
Morkel hesitated. "Uncle, didn't you say the shop was closed?"
Teuchi laughed. "It's closed to others, but you are the hero who saved Konoha. For you, the shop is always open!"
Naruto cheered. "Awesome! Uncle, give us ten bowls of pork bone ramen!"
Morkel sighed. "Naruto, you need to control your appetite. Ten bowls could cover our food expenses for three days."
"But it's rare for us to eat out..." Naruto pouted. "Fine, five bowls should be enough to get me half full."
Morkel shook his head, thinking how ramen wasn't his favorite anyway. He preferred braised pork and pork rib soup.
Seeing their concern over money, Teuchi smiled warmly. "If Naruto wants to eat, make it ten bowls. Five on the house."
"Really?! Uncle Ichiraku, you're the best!" Naruto beamed.
Morkel frowned. "Naruto, Uncle needs to make a living. We've taken advantage of his kindness too many times."
Eventually, Morkel insisted on paying for all ten bowls, but Teuchi secretly added extra noodles to each serving.
As they enjoyed their meal, two cloaked figures approached the shop.
"Boss, two bowls of ramen, please," one of them requested.
Without looking up, Teuchi replied, "Sorry, we're closed today. The shop was damaged in the attack, and we're renovating."
"But there are two kids eating inside," the customer pointed out.
"They're family," Teuchi answered firmly.
While Teuchi spoke, Morkel carefully observed the mysterious men. One was tall, the other short.
A familiar chakra radiated from the shorter figure—one that closely resembled Sasuke's.
Morkel's heart tightened. This shouldn't be possible. Sasuke was the only Uchiha left.
Unless... there was another survivor.
Then, it clicked. Sasuke's brother.
The man who wiped out the entire Uchiha clan.
The infamous Uchiha Itachi.
An S-rank criminal wanted by Konoha.
If it was him, that explained the familiar chakra.
Morkel stopped eating.
Naruto noticed and asked, "What's wrong? Not tasty?"
Morkel nodded absentmindedly. "It's good..."
Itachi was an S-rank criminal, dangerous like Orochimaru. But... capturing one would mean a hefty reward—at least a million copper coins.
Though Morkel had some money, it wasn't enough for long-term planning. The black market price for ninja tools had skyrocketed—shuriken and kunai were ridiculously expensive.
Morkel started wondering—could he take down an S-rank criminal and get rich?
Difficult.
Itachi was a prodigy who graduated from the academy at seven, an expert in Taijutsu, Ninjutsu, and Genjutsu. He single-handedly annihilated his clan.
Just then, Morkel spotted a familiar figure outside the shop—Kakashi-sensei.
---
Outside the Shop
Kakashi had noticed the mysterious men, his hand tightening around a kunai inside his pouch.
In the past two days, Morkel had survived more than twenty assassination attempts due to his newfound Wood Style abilities.
These two men were likely after him.
Kakashi signaled Morkel to leave.
Morkel hesitated, then grabbed Naruto and used the Flying Thunder God Technique.
Swish!
They vanished instantly.
Teuchi blinked in surprise, but when he saw Kakashi's signal, he silently stepped back.
Itachi and Kisame stood calmly, their backs facing Kakashi.
"Mr. Itachi, looks like we're being watched," Kisame said, grinning to reveal shark-like teeth.
"Ignore it," Itachi replied, continuing forward.
Kakashi trailed behind them, signaling Might Guy and Asuma along the way. Asuma rushed to the Hokage's office for reinforcements.
When they reached Konoha's outskirts, Itachi stopped.
"Mr. Kakashi, you've been following us for quite some time."
Kakashi stepped out. "Unknown individuals entering the village warrant caution."
Kisame chuckled. "Want me to take care of him, Itachi?"
"No hurry," Itachi said calmly, removing his hat.
Kakashi's breath hitched—Itachi.
Once his subordinate in Anbu, Itachi had been exceptionally talented, surpassing even Kakashi in some areas. At thirteen, he had become an Anbu captain.
Then, the Uchiha massacre happened.
"Long time no see, Mr. Kakashi," Itachi greeted.
Kakashi, on edge, deduced their target: Naruto, the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki.
"I won't let you succeed," Kakashi declared, revealing his Sharingan.
Itachi activated his Mangekyō Sharingan.
"Guy, don't look at his eyes!" Kakashi warned.
"No problem!" Guy grinned. "I fight by reading foot movements!"
Too late—Kakashi met Itachi's gaze.
Suddenly, Kakashi found himself bound in a nightmarish world, repeatedly stabbed for three days and nights.
When he snapped back to reality, he collapsed, exhausted.
Morkel watched in horror. Kakashi was taken out just by eye contact?!
Seeing Itachi's Genjutsu mastery, Morkel smirked, forming a hand sign.
"Illusion: Walking in Hell!"
Darkness enveloped everything.
Including Itachi.
The battle had only just begun.
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