"Akatsuki!?"
Several people in the scene froze at the same time.
Itachi and Kisame looked up at Karin and Izumi.
Originally, according to the rules, they needed to take Kakashi away and interrogate him about the source of his information.
But now...
Looking at the Red-Haired Maiden watching the spectacle in the distance,
both of them felt an absurdity they could hardly describe.
"What exactly are these people after?"
The two were puzzled.
But at the same time, they didn't act rashly.
Because they knew those two were very strong!
"That's right~
Kakashi~
They're Akatsuki~
The leader in name is Pain."
Karin removed the straw hat from her head, then wrinkled her little nose.
"Hey!
That Kisame, you smell like rotten fish and shrimp!
It's disgusting!"
The corner of Kisame's mouth twitched.
He looked at the faint fighting spirit on Karin's face.
"You're the Uzumaki Maiden who defeated Orochimaru?"
"Yep~"
"You're an opponent worth cutting down."
Kisame waved Samehada.
"Itachi.
What do we do now?"
"You take Kakashi. I'll kill the other two.
Leave the members of the Black-Clad Organization alone for now.
Once we're done, retreat immediately!"
"Got it!"
Kisame laughed excitedly, then charged toward Kakashi.
However, just as he reached the halfway point, a kick sent him flying.
"Konoha Hurricane Kick!"
"What the hell!?"
Kisame exerted some effort before managing to steady himself. Then he looked at the newly arrived weirdo in green.
"Konoha's proud Blue Beast!"
The newcomer bared his teeth at Kisame.
His white teeth flashed under the sunlight.
"Might Guy!"
"What kind of outfit is that?
You should be called a rare and exotic beast, not the Blue Beast, shouldn't you?"
"Don't underestimate him."
Itachi spoke slowly.
He felt much more at ease inside.
He had already achieved everything he had come here to do.