I'M NARUTO UZUMAKI

After landing on the island, Uchiha Itachi and Hoshigaki Kisame, under the guidance of Tobi, located Kado.

"Master Kado, we are Akatsuki operatives, assigned to eliminate the remaining forces of Uzushiogakure."

"How did you find me?"

Kado, hidden in a secure chamber, was surprised at being discovered. However, their ability to track him only affirmed their prowess—especially the monstrous, shark-like Kisame, whose presence alone was intimidating.

"A trivial skill for a shinobi… We can track by scent and residual chakra signatures," Itachi stated with polite indifference.

"I see… but before you handle those pests from Uzushiogakure, I need you to do something for me—"

Before Kado could continue, Tobi materialized behind them, causing his expression to stiffen.

"Master Kado, speak."

Kado coughed, then said, "Nothing major—just testing your commitment. After all, I'm investing a fortune. Simply deal with the remaining Uzumaki shinobi."

Itachi noted Kado's sudden unease but was unbothered. Wealthy figures like him often used intimidation and bribery to control rogue ninjas—but Akatsuki, comprised of S-rank fugitives, was beyond his influence.

At that moment, Kisame sensed approaching chakra and muttered, "Itachi, we have company… Feels familiar."

Itachi, too, recognized the approaching chakra. If his senses were correct, the leading shinobi was Shisui Uchiha—someone he least wished to confront.

With a silent nod, he and Kisame vanished from the chamber using the Body Flicker Technique.

Now alone with Tobi, Kado hesitated before speaking. "We meet again… Those two—are they your subordinates?"

Tobi gave a slight nod. "Fortunate for you… You unknowingly hired my men."

Kado paled at the realization but remained silent as Tobi observed him with an unreadable gaze.

---

As the opposing forces finally came face-to-face, their identities became clear.

Uchiha Itachi and Shisui had once been inseparable, but conflicting ideals led them down different paths—one defecting from Konoha, the other aiding the exiled Uchiha in Uzushiogakure.

Kisame and Zabuza had a simpler connection—both were former Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, but while Zabuza had turned rogue, Kisame remained loyal to Kirigakure until joining Akatsuki.

After eyeing Kisame, Zabuza turned to Shisui. "That's Hoshigaki Kisame, the one who betrayed the Land of Water's daimyo. He's infamous for killing Suikazan Fuguki. A high-level jōnin, adept in Water Release and kenjutsu."

Shisui nodded. "You take the 'Monster of the Hidden Mist.' I'll handle Itachi. Haku, track down Kado—he's definitely hiding nearby."

With roles assigned, Shisui tightened his grip on his tōken and charged at Itachi.

Zabuza unsheathed Kubikiribōchō, facing Kisame grimly. Despite both being elite jōnin, he knew the power gap between them was significant.

"Water Release: Hidden Mist Jutsu!"

A dense mist rose, engulfing half the battlefield. Visibility dropped to near zero.

Kisame, unfazed, formed hand seals.

Sharks composed of water materialized midair, launching in multiple directions. Then, with a sweeping Water Release: Great Waterfall Technique, he flooded the terrain.

Zabuza, concealed in the mist, frowned as water pooled around his calves.

Even with his high expectations, he had underestimated Kisame. The sheer volume of chakra was monstrous—like that of a tailed beast.

Sensing Zabuza's movements through the water flow, Kisame leapt and swung Samehada down.

Zabuza raised Kubikiribōchō in defense, but the impact was immense—his sword nearly shattered.

Just then, a cold surge spread across the battlefield. The floodwaters froze solid as Haku intervened.

As Kisame shattered the ice, Zabuza quickly distanced himself. "Haku, I told you to capture Kado! We just need to find him to complete our mission."

Ignoring him, Haku silently formed seals, launching ice senbon at Kisame.

Kisame smirked, deflecting most projectiles with a single swipe, the rest leaving only minor scratches.

Licking his wound, he chuckled. "Ice Release—so, Zabuza, you defied Kirigakure's orders and took in a Yuki Clan survivor."

Zabuza's expression darkened. "The Fourth Mizukage was under Genjutsu. The Bloodline Purge was lifted—but you can't be forgiven for your crimes, Kisame. You assassinated the daimyo and joined Akatsuki."

Kisame smirked. "Enough talk. We're enemies now—so fight like one."

---

Unlike Kisame and Zabuza's large-scale ninjutsu clash, Itachi and Shisui's battle was a dance of precision and finesse.

Both had activated their Three-Tomoe Sharingan, engaging in a lightning-fast exchange under the moonlight. Their battle was a display of Uchiha combat—fluid, ruthless, and deadly.

Yet even as they fought, they conversed.

"I hear the Uchiha refugees have settled in Uzushiogakure. Seems you made the right choice, Shisui," Itachi remarked, blocking a kunai-strung wire trap.

Shisui scoffed. "Thanks to you, Itachi. If you hadn't sided with Konoha's elders and slaughtered our clan, the strongest among us would've stayed, and only the weak would've fled."

Itachi's smile faded momentarily before he regained composure. "Time changes people. You've changed too—almost like a different person."

"Is that what you think? Maybe you were the one under Kotoamatsukami." Shisui's eyes burned with anger. "The Itachi I knew would never betray his family—never kill his own parents."

Itachi's expression darkened, then softened into a cryptic smile. "Perhaps I was always pretending. Maybe I've always sought power."

He paused before adding, "The Uchiha's Naka Shrine tablet speaks of an eternal Mangekyō Sharingan—achieved by taking the eyes of a blood relative. A power you'll never attain… because you still have something to protect."

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