At the same time.
In a corner of Konoha.
Kisame's shark-like head looked especially menacing in the moonlight. His rows of sharp teeth opened and closed as he said, "Mr. Itachi, our intelligence-gathering work is done. You can finally put your mind at ease."
Itachi stood opposite him, looking haggard.
His eyes were laced with bloodshot veins that never seemed to fade. Dark circles and bags hung beneath them, and his gaze was utterly weary.
Ever since his failed attempt to pursue Kyoshin Uchiha, the other man's words—"I'll finish the mission for you"—had kept echoing in his ears.
Itachi had known for years that Kyoshin's potential was terrifying, even surpassing his own.
Now, that prediction had come true.
Kyoshin had dazzled everyone at Konoha's Chunin Ninja Exams.
In his battle against Shukaku, he had sealed the beast with overwhelming ease, earning Sunagakure's goodwill.
When Ōnoki and Hiruzen Sarutobi were in danger, he had learned the Flying Thunder God Technique on the spot and entered the Four Violet Flames Formation without a hitch.
That was the Flying Thunder God Technique.
Who could learn it on the spot?
It was simply unheard of!
Then, during Danzo's coup, Kyoshin had effortlessly defeated Shimura Danzō, Konoha's veteran Kage Level shinobi.
What made Itachi most wary was Kyoshin's Mangekyō Sharingan.
Itachi knew that Danzo possessed Shisui's Mangekyō Sharingan, along with Kotoamatsukami, which could forcibly alter someone's will.
Kotoamatsukami had almost no conditions for activation.
Yet Kyoshin had seemed completely at ease while fighting Danzo.
Itachi didn't believe he could have done the same.
Fortunately, Kyoshin hadn't made things difficult for Sasuke.
Kyoshin's face rose in Itachi's mind, and a trace of regret stirred in his eyes.
Perhaps, as Kyoshin had said, if they had waited a few more years, things between the Uchiha and Konoha