Uchiha Itachi's Assault

Early the next morning, Tsunade set out early with Kakashi and Shizune for the Fire Country Daimyo's residence to formally report for duty. In her own words: "I'm just going home. It's only a formality."

And that was indeed the case. When the Daimyo's residence learned that Tsunade was succeeding the position, everyone rejoiced. After all, she was the First Hokage's own granddaughter, and communicating with her would be far smoother than it had been with Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Qianyu was happy to have some free time. After taking care of a few trivial matters, he remembered the promise he had made Naruto yesterday and headed out with Karin. Karin had changed into a clean, well-fitting casual outfit. Though her eyes behind her glasses still held a timid curiosity, the terror and numbness from before were gone.

"We're going to meet... someone from your clan. He's also a good friend of mine," Qianyu explained simply.

Karin nodded and quietly followed at Qianyu's side. Her Kagura Mind's Eye instinctively remained slightly open, sensing the lively, peaceful flow of chakra throughout Konoha's streets and alleys. It was an atmosphere entirely different from the oppressive cruelty of Grass Village, and it allowed her taut nerves to ease a little.

When they arrived at Naruto's apartment, Qianyu knocked on the door.

"Naruto, are you in?"

A series of clatters and hurried footsteps immediately sounded from inside. The door was yanked open with a rattle, revealing Naruto Uzumaki's eager, expectant face. He clearly had not slept much the night before; there were faint dark circles under his eyes, but his blue eyes were astonishingly bright.

"I'm here, I'm here! Qianyu! You came! This is..." Naruto's gaze instantly fell upon the red-haired girl behind Qianyu. His voice unconsciously softened, carrying a cautious note of probing.

Karin was studying Naruto as well. The boy before her had dazzling blond hair, deep blue eyes, cute whisker-like markings on his face, and a brilliant smile that was almost blinding. So this was... someone from her clan?

"His name is Naruto Uzumaki," Qianyu said, stepping aside to introduce them. "He is Princess Kushina Uzumaki's son."

It was the first time Naruto had heard his mother's name. He wanted to ask Qianyu about it—

"Naruto, once Teacher Tsunade takes office, you'll know who your parents are."

Naruto did not ask any further questions after hearing that. He had waited all these years already.

"Kushina Uzumaki?" Karin repeated quietly. She had heard her mother mention that name before—the princess of Whirlpool Village. "But his hair..."

Qianyu shrugged and replied as if it were only natural, "Oh, his dad's genes were too strong. But you'll know once you sense him."

At once, Karin focused her mind and extended Kagura Mind's Eye toward Naruto with all her strength. The next instant, her eyes widened slightly. That was right! That vigorous chakra, so full of life, bore the unique feeling of the Uzumaki Clan! And Naruto's chakra felt exceptionally bright and scorching, like a little sun, filled with a power that could move people's hearts.

Naruto, meanwhile, felt a little embarrassed under Karin's gaze. Scratching his head, he gave a foolish chuckle before gathering his courage and asking in a small voice, "Are... are you my... relative?"

Seeing Naruto's desire to get close while fearing he might be too abrupt, as well as the reassurance and faint glimmer that flashed through Karin's eyes after confirming their kinship, Qianyu knew he had made the right arrangement. He smiled. "You two talk first and get to know each other. I have something to take care of. I'll be back around noon."

After leaving Naruto's apartment, Qianyu headed briskly toward the Yamanaka flower shop. Yesterday's battle and the meeting afterward had probably made that girl worry again, hadn't they? He should show his face and put her mind at ease.

The flower shop was filled with a fragrant scent. Ino stood with her back to the entrance, intently trimming a bouquet of lilies. Her golden ponytail swayed gently with her movements, and under the sunlight filtering through the glass window, her profile looked soft and beautiful.

"Ino," Qianyu called softly.

Ino turned around. The moment she saw Qianyu, a rosy flush spread across her face. "Qianyu! Wh-what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be busy?" She put down the flower shears and hurriedly straightened her apron.

"Teacher Tsunade went to the Daimyo's residence, so I'm taking a break." Qianyu walked into the shop, his gaze sweeping across the dazzling assortment of flowers. "I came to see you, and while I'm at it... maybe learn flower arranging? The arrangement you made yesterday was pretty nice."

Ino's face turned even redder, her heart pounding like a startled deer. Yesterday, she had personally witnessed Qianyu's towering Wood Man Technique. The shock it had brought, along with the admiration that followed, was simply beyond words. What girl did not admire a hero? Especially when that hero was the person she had silently liked all along.

"R-really? Then... then I'll teach you!" Ino forced herself to remain calm. Picking up several flowers, she began explaining color coordination and composition, though her voice was far gentler than usual.

Qianyu actually knew nothing about flower arranging, but he learned earnestly. His occasionally clumsy technique made Ino cover her mouth and laugh softly, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere. They chatted here and there, their topic gradually shifting from flowers and plants to yesterday's battle. Ino complained with lingering fear that Qianyu had been too reckless, while Qianyu smiled and promised he would not do it again. Time quietly slipped away amid floral fragrance and hushed conversation.

However, as morning neared its end, just as Qianyu was trying to place a sunflower into a vase, his movement suddenly froze!

A violent chakra fluctuation erupted from somewhere in the village! Though it lasted only an instant and was swiftly suppressed, there was no mistaking that feeling—

The Nine-Tails' chakra! From Naruto's direction!

"Ino, go home immediately! Something may have happened!" Qianyu's expression changed drastically. He issued the order at a rapid pace, and his figure vanished from the flower shop, leaving behind only an afterimage and a gust of wind.

Ino froze for a moment. The flush on her face instantly faded, replaced by worry and seriousness. She did not ask questions. Following Qianyu's instructions, she quickly packed up and hurried toward the Yamanaka Clan compound.

Qianyu pushed his Body Flicker Technique to its limit, leaping across rooftops and through alleyways as he raced toward Naruto's apartment at top speed. The closer he got, the more clearly he could sense the lingering traces of clashing chakra!

By the time he arrived, Naruto's small apartment had already been completely wrecked. Half a wall had collapsed, and smoke and dust filled the air. Karin lay unconscious on the ground, blood at the corner of her mouth. In the middle of the scene stood a tall, pale man with fish-gill-like features on his face, carrying the vicious-looking greatsword Shark Skin over his shoulder. Beside him was another figure—black-haired, red-eyed, calm-faced yet carrying a bone-deep coldness. It was Uchiha Itachi!

Jiraiya had arrived as well. He stood in front of Naruto and the injured Karin, confronting Uchiha Itachi with an expression graver than Qianyu had ever seen.

Qianyu's gaze instantly locked onto Uchiha Itachi, and fury exploded in his chest!

"Bastard!" He forced the word through clenched teeth, the killing intent in his voice nearly solidifying. Yet he forcibly restrained the urge to attack immediately. First, he flashed to Naruto's side and quickly checked Karin's injuries—mainly excessive chakra depletion and trauma from the impact. Her life was not in immediate danger.

"What happened?" he asked Naruto in a low voice.

Naruto hoisted Karin onto his back, shocked and furious as he spoke rapidly. "Karin and I were talking when these two weirdos suddenly appeared! That shark-faced guy tried to grab me without saying a word! Karin used her ability to block him for me, and she got hurt! I panicked and wanted to protect her, so that thing inside me came out a little... Then Pervy Sage showed up!"

Qianyu's thoughts raced as he swiftly assessed the situation. Across from them stood Uchiha Itachi and Kisame Hoshigaki, both S-rank rogue ninja with unfathomable strength.

"Naruto, take Karin and get out of here immediately! Notify the ninja arriving nearby to seal off this area. Ordinary chunin and genin are absolutely not to approach! Go!" Qianyu made the decision without hesitation.

Naruto knew this was not the time to act tough. He nodded heavily, secured Karin on his back, and left.

Unexpectedly, Uchiha Itachi and Kisame Hoshigaki merely watched Naruto leave without stopping him. There was barely any change in Itachi's gaze, as though his target had temporarily shifted.

Qianyu relaxed slightly. At least the two most vulnerable people were safe for now. He stepped forward and stood shoulder to shoulder with Jiraiya. "You two really are hard to get rid of. Teacher Jiraiya, can we handle two against two?"

But Jiraiya burst into hearty laughter. His laugh was filled with boldness and confidence, instantly dispersing the oppressive atmosphere. "You're underestimating your teacher, brat! One against two might be a bit troublesome, but two against two..."

Before he could finish speaking, his hand had already reached into his robes and pulled out a scroll. Forming seals with one hand, he abruptly unfurled part of it!

"Besides... when dealing with certain people with a history, how could I not do a little homework beforehand?"

A flash of light glimmered across the scroll, revealing several clear words. Though it was not fully unrolled, Qianyu's sharp eyes had already caught them—

<Uchiha Itachi · Analysis Report on Mission Capabilities and Weaknesses · Top Secret>

Jiraiya grinned and looked at Uchiha Itachi, whose expression had finally changed. "The old man may have grown somewhat timid in his later years, but the observation records he left behind on dangerous elements within the village were extremely thorough. Itachi, I've confirmed that you were the one who killed the Fourth Mizukage. According to the information left behind by the Uchiha Clan, Amaterasu resides in your eyes, doesn't it? This technique isn't without a solution—especially... when the information is unequal!"