"Wake up, Naruto! Come on, wake up!" Sakura cried anxiously, shaking Naruto's shoulders. Beside her, Chiyo clasped her hands and performed the Genjutsu Dispelling Technique, rousing Naruto from the Genjutsu.
At last, thanks to their efforts, Naruto slowly opened his eyes. He gasped for breath, his forehead slick with sweat.
"W-what happened? I didn't even look into his eyes!" Naruto stammered, his frightened gaze fixed on Itachi, who was facing off against Kakashi nearby.
Just moments ago, a fierce battle had unfolded in Naruto's mind. Yet to everyone else, he had simply stood frozen in place, his eyes vacant. It had all happened in an instant: Itachi had successfully cast a Genjutsu, making Naruto see what he feared most and least wanted to face.
In that terrible vision, Naruto had heard his comrades cruelly mock him. A dear friend he'd once fought alongside had chosen to become a traitor, a teacher he'd always respected had harshly scolded him, and the people of the village had misunderstood and despised him... These scenes had surged in like a tide, battering Naruto's defenses.
"Are you all right, Naruto? You have to stay strong!" Kakashi asked with concern, stealing a moment as he faced off tensely against Itachi. He knew how powerful Itachi's Genjutsu was. If Naruto couldn't break free in time, the consequences would be unthinkable.
"That was all Genjutsu... I don't know what he made you see, but none of it was real! Don't let it cloud your mind!" Jimo had silently come to Naruto's side. He held out a Senzu Bean, hoping it would help Naruto recover his strength and focus.
But Naruto firmly shook his head, refusing Jimo's offer.
"So his Genjutsu doesn't rely solely on eye techniques..." Chiyo stood protectively in front of Naruto, her expression grave. Gaara had