The Cleanup and the Southern Sea Frontier

Of course, Naruto had no idea at this moment that his identity had been completely seen through by Uchiha Itachi. It was hard to say what the future held; while Itachi certainly prioritized his younger brother, Sasuke Uchiha, he still valued the survival of Konoha. He would only cast the village aside if his brother—the Second Pillar—were in danger; otherwise, Itachi hoped to preserve both. Regardless, he remained one of the most faithful believers educated in the "Will of Fire."

In other words.

If there were any hope in the future to have the Second Pillar return to Konoha as a hero.

Uchiha Itachi would absolutely show Naruto no mercy!

At this stage, it was only due to the deterrent power of the Akatsuki organization and the fact that he was unsure of his brother's specific intentions that Uchiha Itachi suppressed his inner impulses. Once Uchiha Itachi figured everything out, especially the relationship between Sasuke and Naruto, given his decisiveness and cruelty in wiping out his own clan, this "Mr. Black and White" would inevitably strike again without hesitation.

As far as Naruto was concerned.

Whether they were friends or foes was truly hard to say.

There was even a special greeting awaiting Naruto in the near future.

Yet, Naruto remained completely oblivious to it all.

But even if Naruto knew.

He would not feel fear.

Itachi was strong!

The Mangekyō Sharingan could even suppress the Nine-Tails within him.

In a sense, Naruto, who had not yet mastered Sage Mode, might be completely countered by Uchiha Itachi!

But at the same time.

Naruto was not without options when facing Uchiha Itachi.

Furthermore, Naruto was well aware of Uchiha Itachi's physical condition; his eyes were not as normal as they appeared on the surface.

If they were to truly clash one-on-one.