Hot spring water splashed in the red pine tub, giving off white steam.
Sen lounged against the rim, holding an old permit.
As the mist parted, two dark figures emerged from the pale forest entrance.
Itachi's black cloak with red clouds fluttered in the wind, his straw sandals free of mud.
Kisame carried Samehada, his lone eye looking somewhat bruised.
"Mr. Itachi, why does this place feel just like Konoha?"
Kisame's voice rasped like a blade being sharpened.
Samehada shrank back behind him and let out a faint whimper.
"That worm has a good memory. Still remembers eating too much."
Sen stayed in the warm water, glanced sideways, and grinned.
"Sen Senju, you killed Danzo."
Itachi spoke coldly, his Mangekyō Sharingan flashing red in the mist.
"He volunteered to become fertilizer. I never laid a hand on him."
Sen curled his lip, looking utterly helpless.
"Kotoamatsukami is in your hands now, isn't it?"
Itachi stepped forward, cold chakra radiating from him.
"So what if it is? Want to fertilize my new trees?"
Sen lightly hooked his toes over the rim of the tub.
Rumble.
Beneath the surrounding trees, roots scraped with a dull grinding sound.
"Arrogant brat! You think my Samehada is harmless?"
Kisame cursed angrily and reached back to yank out Samehada.
But Samehada clung tightly to his clothes and refused to let go.
The rough barbs trembled as though convulsing, terrified.
"Kisame, stop. You can't beat him here."
Itachi coldly held his hand down, his Sharingan contracting.
He could see that Wood Release filled the ground for several kilometers around them.
Staying to fight was no different from swimming in someone else's chakra.
"Tch. Is that worm afraid I'll stuff it to death? Won't even lift its head?"
Sen gave a shameless grin, his expression full of mockery.