Ueno Kei stood where he was, frowning as he watched Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki leave. Thinking over their conversation just now, he realized that he and Itachi Uchiha had indeed reached an understanding on certain matters.
But some things...
"People always have things they insist on... Looks like I'm not suited to being a guest either... Heh." Ueno Kei shook his head self-mockingly and murmured under his breath.
"Itachi, aren't you afraid the leader will find out that you sought out Ueno Kei?" Kisame Hoshigaki suddenly asked after they had left. In fact, regarding Kisame knowing about their conversation, Ueno Kei had directly brought up the issue while speaking with Itachi Uchiha.
At the time, Itachi Uchiha had merely said calmly, "Kisame will listen to me." His tone had been utterly flat and natural, but the confidence within it had been unmistakable. Even Ueno Kei had paused slightly at those words.
"Mm. The leader won't find out. And even if he does, it's no big deal. We both had our reasons for joining Akatsuki. What about you, Kisame?" Itachi said lightly after a moment of silence.
"You're right. Heh, I just never expected you to seek out Ueno Kei. And that kid has actually grown to this extent... I'm probably no match for him at all now. Heh heh." Kisame gave a strange grin, his words carrying deeper meaning.
"Mm. Kei's eyes can see farther than mine..." A strange glint passed through Itachi Uchiha's black eyes, though his words had nothing to do with Kisame's.
"Let's go. This matter is what's most important now."
"Heh heh, right-o!"
"Whoosh." "Whoosh." Two dark figures flickered faintly through the gloomy forest before vanishing within it.
"Are these damn things seriously impossible to clear out?" Naruto panted. Damn it, after fighting fiercely for