The Gate of Shock Opens!

tread!tread!tread!

Amidst a series of casual and steady footsteps, two fiery clouds covering the black robes shone brightly as they passed through the gates of Konoha as if it were empty.

"Arno..."

As the two guardians of Konoha Village, Kotetsu and Izumo, they barely managed to utter a question before reluctantly closing their eyes due to an irresistible drowsiness.

tread!

The previously steady footsteps suddenly became slightly heavier, but this slight change sounded so jarring in the otherwise tranquil atmosphere.

"Mr. Itachi!"

Kisame Hoshigaki turned his head in disbelief, his gaze towards his companion revealing an undisguised shock for the first time.

the first time!

From this man, who clearly surpassed him in every aspect, whether it was killing his comrades or in the abilities and awareness of a ninja, I felt a palpitation that shouldn't exist in him.

What could have happened to cause such a cold-hearted man to change like this? He was perfectly fine just a moment ago, how could this be...?

next moment!

Kisame, whose perception was not much inferior to Itachi Uchiha, vaguely realized from the unrestrained, terrifying, and chilling chakra fluctuations in the distance why the ninja beside him, whom he respected, was causing such a huge commotion.

but……

Even if this situation seems reasonable to most people, it's still... this shouldn't be how Itachi should behave!

"The leader's mission for us this time is to investigate the unusual events in Konoha, and at the same time, confirm the situation of the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. If there's an opportunity, we can also try to retrieve the Nine-Tails ahead of schedule!"

That's right!

According to Akatsuki's plan, the task of retrieving the Nine-Tails should be the last priority. However, the unusual events that occurred in Konoha more than a month ago have attracted the attention of many beings in the ninja world, making Konoha full of unpredictable events at this moment.

Chaos... is the ladder to progress!

Especially after the Akatsuki organization unexpectedly learned that Orochimaru was about to attack Konoha, they naturally wouldn't let go of this excellent opportunity to seize the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki ahead of time.

Sending Kisame and Itachi Uchiha, two truly elite ninjas, clearly indicates high expectations for achieving this goal.

only!

Kisame had assumed everything would go smoothly, confident that with Itachi Uchiha's unparalleled mastery of genjutsu, there was a high probability of success within the chaotic Konoha. However, he never imagined that they would fail so quickly, barely having crossed the village's barrier...

"Tsk... I was originally planning to try the famous Ichiraku Ramen in the ninja world."

"Okay, I understand!"

Kisame sighed inwardly. After confirming that Itachi Uchiha beside him had come to his senses, he slowly turned his gaze forward again, staring helplessly at the two figures that were gradually becoming clearer.

Konoha's barrier is not entirely useless!

Even the slightest fluctuation earlier was enough to attract the attention of ninjas, a profession known for its vigilance, especially given the extremely tense and critical situation Konoha was in at that moment!

"Uchiha... Itachi!"

Two figures arrived in a hurry. The one in the lead unconsciously bit the cigarette butt in his mouth and looked at Uchiha Itachi with a very ugly expression.

Swish!

Knowing that his plan to infiltrate Konoha had completely failed, Kisame quickly analyzed the situation and decisively gave up hiding. He threw off his straw hat and spoke loudly.

"Let me introduce myself, I'm Kisame Hoshigaki. Nice to meet you!"

Introducing oneself is foolish for a ninja, but it was enough to buy Kisame the time he needed!

Swish!

With a sharp gust of wind, the bandaged Samehada was already positioned against Asuma's neck!

If Sarutobi Asuma hadn't reacted in time and used his chakra sword, Shinichimonji, to defend himself, he might have been cleaved in two by that terrifying force.

Even so, Asuma underestimated Kisame and the Seven Ninja Swords of Kirigakure—Samehada!

"A knife isn't just for cutting, it can also... slice!"

Hiss!

The bandage shattered completely in an instant, and the deep blue blade covered with terrifying barbs began to flow as if it had a life of its own, tearing down like a greedy giant shark.

Blood splattered...

If it weren't for that deadly premonition that made Asuma instinctively turn to the side, that attack would have swallowed his entire arm.

Damn!

As expected, they are the evil Uchiha!

The injured Asuma quickly retreated, looking at Uchiha Itachi not far away with a horrified expression.

Yes!

Although it was Kisame Hoshigaki who attacked Asuma, the person Asuma resented the most at this moment was Itachi Uchiha, who was standing there dumbfounded!

As soon as the unusual activity appeared at the Sarutobi clan's territory, a large amount of information had already been passed on to many Jonin of Konoha, so they naturally knew that the terrifying chakra giant was a creation of the Uchiha Mangekyou Sharingan.

However, due to orders from Hiruzen Sarutobi and the obstruction of Root members who arrived later, Asuma Sarutobi and Kurenai Yuhi could only take charge of the evacuation of the civilians first.

But I never expected...

Surprisingly, on the other side of Konoha Village, they encountered an even more vicious S-rank rogue ninja from Konoha, and like the previous one, he was an Uchiha!

What a coincidence!

New and old grudges, irreconcilable!

Asuma's mind was somewhat clouded, which is why he suffered an even greater loss than in the original story. His right hand is now completely useless in a short period of time!

Facing Kisame Hoshigaki, a notorious S-rank rogue ninja, was troublesome enough, but now, with Itachi Uchiha, an even more vicious villain, lurking behind him, things are looking bad...

but!

Even if it costs me my life, I will hold these guys off so that Kurenai can escape safely!

Magical Tree Binding Kill!

Huge trees sprouted out of thin air from Kisame and Itachi's hands and feet, binding them tightly like pythons. At the next moment, Kurenai Yuhi's figure appeared on the tree trunk above Itachi.

"It's all... over now!"

but!

This should have been a fatal blow, but instead it earned Kurenai Yuhi's incredulous gaze.

Boom~

Contrary to expectations, there was no tearing sound of metal piercing flesh. Instead, a merciless force burrowed into her abdomen, rendering the female ninja helpless in an instant.

The difference between people can sometimes be greater than the difference between a person and a dog!

The two renowned Jonin of Konoha Village were already in an irreversible decline after just one encounter.

"finally……"

Kisame wasn't shocked at all by what he saw; instead, he unconsciously breathed a sigh of relief.

Itachi seemed to have finally snapped out of his daze from the chakra fluctuations of his clansmen in the distance, but his previous ruthless destruction of flowers was enough to prove that he was still not at peace.

Swish!

Kisame slowly drew his sword, ready to deliver the finishing blow, but a slender right hand firmly held it down. With a slight frown, he looked at Uchiha Itachi with some confusion.

This seemingly perfect ninja is behaving abnormally today!

"We're not here to start a war; there's no need to get entangled with these people here!"

Itachi Uchiha's tone was slightly hoarse, but his gaze was solemn as he looked south.

True!

Itachi Uchiha knew that his actions at this moment would inevitably create an opening, but what mattered most to him at the moment was what was happening in Konoha.

That familiar fluctuation of eye power... there's no mistake!

Although it was only a fleeting glimpse on the night of the massacre, Itachi Uchiha would never forget the single-tomoe eye power fluctuation that he had awakened after being tortured for seventy-two hours.

According to Itachi's calculations, even with his full support, Sasuke would only have a 50% chance of awakening the Mangekyou Sharingan several years later, but...

Before Itachi Uchiha could even begin to make any plans, the Mangekyou Sharingan power, imbued with Sasuke's aura, had already ignited such a fierce battle within Konoha.

That's why.

At this moment, Itachi Uchiha has no time to spare for Kurenai Yuhi's "release of the sea" (a metaphor for a situation where she is left to her own devices). He has no choice but to forcefully defeat this female Jonin who dares to use genjutsu in front of him in an instant. He also has no time to think of a perfect solution to avoid exposing his "spy" identity to the Akatsuki organization.

Right now, the most important thing in Itachi's mind is to stop... to stop Sasuke!

but!

Even though Itachi Uchiha had already made up his mind, Konoha Village, which had long been in a state of war, was not as lax as it usually was.

Just a moment after Itachi Uchiha intervened to stop Kisame from finishing off the enemy, several more figures appeared in the distance.

tsk...

Seeing that reinforcements had arrived, Kisame's eyes flashed with ill intent. The next moment, he suddenly broke free from Itachi Uchiha's right hand, wielding Samehada and violently pressing down on Asuma.

Under these circumstances, Konoha's reinforcements will inevitably increase, so at this moment, it's natural to eliminate as many living forces as possible!

Although Kisame had calculated things very clearly, after being blocked by Itachi Uchiha earlier, he seemed to have lost that perfect opportunity forever.

boom!

Just as Samehada was about to devour Asuma's head, scorching flames suddenly formed an impenetrable barrier in front of him.

Ninjutsu? No, wait!

It's physical skill!

To Kisame's slight surprise, the flames that appeared out of nowhere were actually generated by the friction between his fist and the air!

After struggling to withstand the attack with Samehada, Kisame finally saw the somewhat comical green figure!

"Who goes there!"

"The Azure Beast of Konoha—Might Guy!"

Although Kisame really wanted to complain about the outfit that should be called a "rare beast," he was filled with extreme vigilance and surging fighting spirit as he faced Might Guy, who had already opened his "Six Gates" and was exuding a powerful aura.

At this moment, Might Guy's attention was not on Kisame, who was somewhat skilled, but on the familiar face not far away, which made him completely excited.

"It really is... Itachi Uchiha!"

Ok?

Even with Itachi Uchiha's composure, he couldn't help but frown slightly at the sight of that burning gaze.

A proper infiltration operation!

Why do I keep running into these troublesome guys?!

Furthermore, during this brief exchange, the other party showed no intention of testing the waters, seemingly genuinely prepared to carry out the "life or death" Konoha warrant.

Ok!

Itachi Uchiha was aware that his current position was somewhat awkward, but at this moment, what was most important to him was the battle situation in the south of the village.

This level of intensity in combat!

Could it be that Danzo Shimura is preparing to attack Sasuke?

If Sasuke were to unexpectedly awaken the Mangekyou Sharingan, given Danzo's greedy nature, it wouldn't be impossible, but...

There's still too little intelligence!

Even Itachi Uchiha, the "perfect ninja," couldn't deduce the whole story based on the available information, but he knew things were getting increasingly complicated.

"Teacher Kurenai! Teacher Asuma!"

Just as Might Guy was confronting Itachi and Kisame, Tenten, Lee, and Neji, who were originally responsible for evacuating the people with their teacher, finally arrived at the scene and immediately protected Asuma and Kurenai.

"not good!"

Upon seeing this scene, Kisame revealed a cruel smile, but Itachi Uchiha, whose expression appeared extremely indifferent, felt a sudden pang in his heart.

Swish!

A sharp gust of wind from the fist left a white streak in the air. Might Guy took a step forward and stood in front of everyone without hesitation, speaking to the people behind him without turning his head.

"Xiao Li, you take Kurenai to the medical ward first. Asuma, you look after them for me. Leave this place to me!"

"You don't have time to care about others right now!"

Although somewhat shocked by Might Guy's appearance, Kisame did not believe he would be defeated by this strangely dressed rare beast, and immediately brandished Samehada and charged forward.

boom!

The Samehada, having completely broken free of its bandages, revealed the barbs covering its entire blade, opening its terrifying jaws like a greedy giant shark.

Faced with Kisame's overwhelming and terrifying attack, Might Guy, who was standing in front of everyone, had no way to dodge and could only choose to take the blow head-on with his bare hands.

"What an incompetent ninja! Then you can... die!"

Although Kisame's attack was intended to threaten Might Guy, when he saw that the person in front of him actually did not dodge or evade, a complex mix of admiration and disdain flashed in his eyes at the same time.

Clang!

Kisame did not experience the exhilarating sensation of Samehada tearing flesh as he had imagined. Instead, scorching flames, accompanied by an explosive aura, surged toward him.

"What?!"

Kisame's eyes were filled with disbelief. The person in front of him was using a high-speed punch to generate flames from the friction with the air, and the shockwave generated by hitting the air could not only withstand Samehada's attack, but also pressed down on him from the opposite direction like a peacock spreading its tail.

"The Morning Peacock!"

At this moment, Might Guy, empowered by his protective spirit, had such a fiery gaze that the air itself seemed to scorch, and he managed to force Kisame to retreat repeatedly with his flames and shockwaves.

But what Kisame found most humiliating was...

This strangely dressed beast still retained some of its attention on Uchiha Itachi, who was standing to the side.

Damn!

Might Guy's offensive tactics effectively limited Samehada's abilities, and Kisame, who hadn't been fully prepared from the start, quickly found himself in an extremely dangerous situation.

"Mr. Itachi!"

Before Kisame could even speak, Itachi Uchiha moved, and Might Guy, noticing this, immediately retreated to stand in front of Rock Lee and the other two.

"The Kaleidoscope Sharingan?"

The moment he sensed that terrifying, cold gaze, Might Guy quickly lowered his eyes and then spoke rapidly to the people behind him.

"To deal with Kakashi, I've researched methods to counter the Sharingan. Now everyone's attention is focused on the ground, so let's get out of here quickly!"

"teacher!"

The three of them, including Xiao Li, immediately obeyed the order to close their eyes, but they hesitated when Might Guy gave them the order to retreat.

"Follow my orders!"

Facing two formidable enemies, Itachi Uchiha and Kisame, Might Guy couldn't afford to explain further. He forcefully shouted something behind him and then coldly addressed the two in front of him.

"Before my reinforcements arrive, let me be your opponent!"

"Interesting, that's tough!"

Kisame, who had just breathed a sigh of relief, shook his slightly numb forearm and a fanatical smile appeared on his face. He then adopted his most serious fighting stance, knowing he would no longer underestimate his opponent.

Swish!Swish!Swish!

Kisame, holding Samehada in front of him, immediately began forming hand seals. However, before he had even completed half of the action, Itachi Uchiha's cold voice rang out again.

"Kisame, forget it!"

"I've said I'm not here for war today, and unfortunately... we can't continue!"

Following Might Guy's mention of the possibly nonexistent Anbu reinforcements, Itachi Uchiha decisively gave the order to prepare for evacuation, and Kisame, who always trusted him, reluctantly chose to believe him as well.

only!

Seeing that Itachi Uchiha had no intention of continuing to fight, Might Guy's vigilance increased once again, because the direction the two were trying to retreat from was not outside the village, but rather the area to the south of the village from which terrifying chakra fluctuations were constantly emanating.

"The Morning Peacock!"

The scorching flames and violent shockwaves swept through once again, and a green figure stood steadily in front of Itachi Uchiha and Kisame.

"It's no use, you can't stop us!"

Itachi Uchiha quickly retreated and dodged, a hint of anxiety creeping into his eyes. He didn't have time to hold back anymore.

"The badges of youth are the unexpected bursts of passion; how will you know if you don't try?"

A dazzling light flashed between Might Guy's teeth, and his eyes were filled with a resolute will. His aura reached its peak at this moment!

"The Eight Gates Formation!"

"The Gate of Shock!"

"open!"

...(End of this chapter)