In the forest, two figures leaped swiftly through the trees. Uchiha Itachi continuously scrutinized the path ahead, constantly adjusting his course.
"What exactly are you looking for?" Sasuke shouted as he followed him at full speed.
Itachi glanced back at him just as a crow flapped toward him. Hearing its caw, his expression tightened slightly. "Finally found it?"
Without hesitation, he accelerated. Ahead, an entrance to a lava cave emerged within the forest, and he immediately leaped inside.
The cave was cold, filled with sharp, thornlike stalactites. Drops of water fell one after another, producing hollow echoes. Itachi showed no intention of slowing down. His Three Tomoe spun as he charged straight at the stone wall ahead, which appeared to be the end of the cavern.
"A barrier? What a boring thing."
Itachi snorted. His pupils shifted into the Mangekyo pattern, and the ribs of a red Susanoo appeared around him. A massive arm extended and smashed into the wall with a thunderous punch. Stone fragments flew everywhere as the barrier shattered along with it.
Susanoo's ribs gradually faded away as Uchiha Itachi walked inside. Kabuto Yakushi, seated on the ground, had yet to move, but the white snake that seemed to be his tail had already turned its head, flicking its tongue incessantly.
Kabuto did not turn around. His gaze remained on the board before him as he chuckled. "You managed to break my barrier and find this place. Should I praise you for living up to the name Uchiha Itachi?"
Uchiha Itachi stepped forward twice. His Sharingan swept lightly from side to side, taking in the cave's general layout and committing it to memory.
"While I was under your control, I could continuously sense your chakra. And when you first reincarnated me through Impure World Reincarnation, I had