The two continued searching and finally stopped in front of an ordinary inn.
Su Bai keenly sensed an unusual fluctuation of chakra.
"It's here," Su Bai said quietly. "Get ready."
Sasuke took a deep breath and pushed open the inn's door.
However, the sight before them left both of them stunned.
Naruto was backed into a corner, facing two men clad in black robes patterned with red clouds—Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki.
Itachi slowly turned his head, his calm gaze falling upon Sasuke and Su Bai.
"It seems we have guests," he said without the slightest fluctuation in his voice. "What an unexpected reunion."
The air instantly froze as a fierce confrontation loomed.
Su Bai's hand was already resting on his sword hilt, while every muscle in Sasuke's body tensed, ready to attack at any moment.
"It's been a long time, Sasuke," Itachi said calmly. "And Su Bai, you got here quickly too."
Endless hatred burned in Sasuke's eyes, his voice hoarse and filled with fury. "Itachi Uchiha... I endured until this day just so I could kill you with my own hands!"
Before his words had even faded, a violent surge of energy erupted from Sasuke's body.
Black markings spread from his neck like flames, quickly covering half his face and his entire left arm.
Powerful chakra surged from within him, forming visible currents of air around him.
A flicker of emotion finally appeared on Itachi's face. His eyes trembled slightly as he murmured, "This is... Orochimaru's Cursed Seal. Have you fallen this far, foolish little brother?"
Sasuke ignored Itachi's words. His hands formed seals at high speed, and blinding blue-white lightning instantly gathered in his right palm.
"Chidori!"
With an angry roar, he shot toward Itachi like an arrow released from a bow.
Lightning tore through the air,