Chapter 81: Chapter 81
Translator's Note:
Due to a numbering issue with the platform, chapter numbers might appear inconsistent. Starting now, chapters will follow the numbering as displayed (e.g., Chapter 81 onwards), and I won't manually adjust them. I appreciate your understanding and hope you enjoy the story despite this minor issue
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"That's right, these two people are Uchiha Itachi and Juzo Biwa.
Half a month ago, Obito noticed that the genjutsu he had placed on the Three-Tails had been broken. At the time, however, he had more pressing matters to attend to. After planning and preparation, he sent Itachi and Juzo to the Hidden Mist Village yesterday to gather information and confirm the situation.
Itachi's expression was calm, but there was an unspoken tension in his demeanour. His voice was steady but firm as he said, "Let's move quickly. The longer we stay, the more dangerous this will get."
"Right," Juzo agreed, gripping the hilt of his executioner's blade, Kubikiribocho, slung across his back. "We've got what we came for. There's no point sticking around."
The two moved swiftly, their movements silent and calculated. The Hidden Mist Village shrouded in mist and secrecy, faded behind them as they headed into the surrounding forest.
But what they didn't realize was that their every move was being closely monitored. Hidden in the shadows of the treetops, Kaito watched them, his Sharingan glinting faintly in the dim light.
…
In the dense forest just outside the Hidden Mist Village, Itachi and Juzo moved with purpose, the oppressive atmosphere around them becoming more noticeable with every step.
"Something doesn't feel right," Juzo muttered, glancing around warily. "It's too quiet out here."
Itachi's gaze sharpened as he scanned the area with his Sharingan. "Keep moving. Don't let your guard down."
They were nearing the edge of the forest when a voice suddenly echoed through the trees, calm yet carrying an unmistakable authority.
"Leaving so soon? After coming all the way to my Mist Village, it would be rude to leave without saying goodbye."
The pair froze, their eyes narrowing as they turned toward the source of the voice.
"If word got out, people might start to think the Hidden Mist lacks hospitality," the voice continued, a hint of mockery in its tone.
Itachi's eyes widened slightly, and cold sweat began to form on his brow. He recognized that voice.
"Kaito…" he muttered under his breath.
Juzo's expression hardened. "Kaito? You mean the Mizukage?"
"Yes," Itachi confirmed, his voice low but tense. "The Fifth Mizukage. And he's not someone we can take lightly."
Juzo tightened his grip on his blade, his body tensing for a fight. "So what's the plan? Fight or run?"
Itachi's response was immediate and firm. "Run. Don't stop. Don't look back."
As the two broke into a sprint, the oppressive feeling around them grew heavier, as if the very air was working against them.
Then, just as they thought they were clear of the forest, Kaito appeared in front of them in a swirl of space-time distortion, blocking their path with an air of effortless confidence.
"Leaving so quickly?" Kaito said with a faint smile. "How disappointing. I thought we might have a proper chat."
Juzo stopped abruptly, drawing his Kubikiribocho and leveling it at Kaito. "Looks like we're not running anymore," he said grimly.
Itachi sighed, realizing the futility of their situation. "Kaito possesses time-space jutsu. Escape isn't an option."
Kaito's smile widened slightly as he folded his arms. "Smart as ever, Itachi. But I didn't expect you to run in the first place. That's not like you."
Itachi ignored the taunt. "So, you've become the Mizukage. Did you manipulate the leadership of the Mist Village with your Sharingan? What are you planning here?"
"Tsk, tsk," Kaito said, shaking his head in mock disappointment. "A man who slaughtered his entire clan is accusing me of manipulation? That's rich."
Itachi flinched but remained silent, his jaw tightening.
Kaito continued, his tone turning more serious. "For your information, I didn't manipulate anyone. I freed the Mist Village from someone else's control—the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, who was under a genjutsu.
"Now, here's a question for you: who do you think was controlling Yagura? I'll give you a hint—he was the jinchuriki of the Three-Tails."
At this, Itachi's Sharingan flared slightly as realization dawned on him. "Obito," he muttered.
Kaito nodded, smirking. "Exactly. And that's why you and Juzo were sent here, isn't it? To clean up his mess?"
Juzo growled in frustration, his grip on his blade tightening. "Enough talking. If you've got something to say, say it. Otherwise, get out of our way!"
Kaito's expression turned cold, and his chakra flared ominously, the oppressive atmosphere around them intensifying. "You're in no position to give orders, Juzo Biwa."
Itachi placed a hand on Juzo's shoulder, signaling for him to stand down. "We can't win this fight," he said quietly.
Juzo hesitated but eventually lowered his blade, though his stance remained defensive.
Kaito chuckled. "Smart choice. Now, I could let you leave… but where's the fun in that? After all, you came all this way. It would be a shame not to test your resolve."
The air crackled with tension as Kaito's Sharingan glimmered dangerously, promising that this encounter was far from over.