The Land of Water, a secluded lake.
Two figures in black cloaks patterned with red clouds arrived outside the lake. One was cold and indifferent, while the other wore a one-eyed mask.
Itachi Uchiha observed this suddenly appearing new partner from the corner of his eye. Without revealing anything, he tested him with his words. "Why did you suddenly send Kisame to the Land of Earth? Weren't he and I assigned to capture the Three-Tails in the first place?"
"There's naturally a reason for it. We received news from the Land of Wind. Deidara and Sasori were specifically ambushed, and Sasori failed to return."
The one wearing the one-eyed mask turned and spoke, the exposed eye flashing with an unusual light. "Pain suspects there's a traitor among us."
"You think it's me?"
Itachi turned and met Obito's gaze. Ripples seemed to appear in the void between their three-tomoe Sharingan. Neither of them continued speaking. They merely watched each other in silence.
"Talking about this now seems rather pointless, doesn't it?"
In the end, the Masked Man chose to change the subject. He pointed at the calm lake before them. Upon closer inspection, one could vaguely make out a huge creature swimming deep beneath the surface. "This is the Three-Tails' habitat, which the organization located. Ever since its Jinchuriki died, this beast has stayed here.
"Biwa Juzo died because of it back then. Do you want to avenge him?"
"Boring tricks!"
Itachi spoke coldly and rapidly formed seals with both hands, completing the technique in less than a second. A massive fireball several times larger than a normal Grand Flame Ball swiftly descended toward the lake. "Fire Style: Grand Flame Ball!!!"
With a thunderous boom, the enormous fireball exploded the moment it plunged beneath the surface. Water splashed dozens of meters