Might as Well Slash Itachi Once!

Guy and Itachi left the main hall and headed toward Listening Wind Cliff at the back of the mountain.

Along the way, the monks they encountered all stopped when they saw Guy.

They pressed their palms together and bowed respectfully.

"Greetings, Chief Fahai."

Watching silently from the side, Itachi gained a more direct understanding of Guy's current standing within the Fire Temple.

Yet this did not create any distance between them.

Instead, their interactions became even more natural.

Guy still treated him like an equal friend.

And Itachi did not become restrained simply because the other man was the "chief."

As they walked, Guy casually introduced the Fire Temple's buildings and daily routines.

When they reached the back mountain, they could see disciples of the Martial Monk Hall practicing in the open space from afar.

Some swung blades, while others adjusted their breathing and practiced vocalization.

Itachi found it novel.

But what interested him even more was beside a huge boulder in the distance.

A massive black-and-white panda sat cross-legged in meditation like a human monk.

Its posture was remarkably convincing.

Golden light even occasionally radiated from its body.

"Huh? Is it cultivating?"

Itachi asked in surprise, a flicker of curiosity passing through his calm eyes.

Guy smiled and explained.

"That's right. Although Iron Arm is a summoned beast, it can cultivate and grow stronger on its own."

Hearing Guy's words, Itachi was immediately intrigued.

It was his first time seeing a summoned beast cultivate.

And what exactly could a panda cultivate?

Ninjutsu?

Guy did not explain further and led Itachi closer.

As they approached, Itachi discovered a huge, simple thatched hut behind Iron-Arm Panda.

This was Iron Arm's new home.

Not long after Guy became the chief of the Martial Monk Hall, he had moved Iron Arm's den to