"Itachi Uchiha!" Gaara had heard that name before. He was Sasuke's older brother.
Naruto began introducing him. "He's Konoha's most outstanding spy ninja. He infiltrated Akatsuki for many years, held an important position within the organization, and even gained the leader's trust, providing us with a great deal of classified information about Akatsuki."
Gaara was completely taken in by Naruto's nonsense.
Listening to Naruto, Itachi felt that something was off, yet he somehow could not refute him.
Itachi had always felt that Naruto was unfathomable.
"What classified information does Akatsuki have?" Gaara asked the question he most wanted answered.
"Akatsuki plans to collect all the tailed beasts, starting with the One-Tail and ending with the Nine-Tails." Naruto grinned smugly. "Gaara, both you and I are Akatsuki's targets."
Gaara's expression turned grave. "How strong are Akatsuki's forces?"
The first person Itachi thought of was Kisame Hoshigaki, his former teammate. "Very strong!"
"No matter how strong they are, if they dare provoke me, I'll make sure they never return." Killing intent surged from Gaara's body.
Naruto glanced at Gaara and thought, If you go up against Akatsuki, you won't even know how you died...
"Of course. Lord Kazekage possesses extraordinary strength, so naturally you need not fear Akatsuki. But Akatsuki's members are despicable and shameless, with underhanded methods. They may launch a surprise attack on the village or even threaten you with those closest to you."
"Why not simply hand the One-Tail Shukaku over to me? Tailed beasts are nothing but trouble, and you know that better than anyone."
"The tailed beast has been sealed inside you since your birth. What has it brought you? Nothing but suffering and pain. The people around you kept their distance, feared you, and shunned you..."
"And now Akatsuki has suddenly appeared, intending to seize the