By now, the innkeeper's wife was drenched in sweat, as if she could no longer sense anything.
Asuma removed the hood of his black robe, took out a cigarette from his pocket, lit it, and took a deep drag. "Itachi Uchiha, Kisame Hoshigaki, we're old rivals."
"Tell me! What exactly are you trying to do this time? Were you behind all of this?"
Itachi Uchiha remained aloof and silent, merely watching them quietly.
Kisame Hoshigaki spoke. "Heh heh, we really are old friends. It truly brings back memories of the first time we met."
Asuma raised his hand slightly. "Enough. There's no need for more nonsense. If this incident was caused by you, then neither of you is getting away today."
As he spoke, he prepared to wave his hand and have the others immediately attack the two of them.
Kisame Hoshigaki, however, looked utterly unconcerned. It seemed that if Asuma and the others struck first, he would not mind fighting them first.
But at that moment, Itachi Uchiha spoke. The moment he opened his mouth, his voice was as cold as ice from hell, startling everyone. "A bunch of fools."
As he said this, his gaze turned directly toward Hinata and the others. They had yet to understand what he meant.
Kisame Hoshigaki had already spoken again. "Ah, I forgot. If we really fight here, we might end up benefiting that group of people nearby."
"Although battle brings me pleasure, that doesn't mean I'm willing to gamble my life for such a tiny bit of pleasure."
As Kisame Hoshigaki spoke, Kurenai Yuhi and the others immediately came to their senses. Their anger had clouded their minds just now, and under such circumstances, they had actually forgotten about the other terrifying and mysterious force.
Because of Itachi Uchiha's words, it