The black figure left streaks of afterimages across the field. Amid dull sonic booms, specially made alloy targets shattered like fragile crackers. There were no unnecessary movements; every sword strike was stripped down to its essence. Blue chakra light streamed from the joints of the Powered Exoskeleton, pushing its wearer's speed to the limit.
Sasuke stopped.
The last target before him had already turned into metal dust scattered across the ground. He lowered his head to look at his hands. Black armor covered his skin, while Curse Mark patterns flowed through the armor's internal conduits, emitting a faint hum like the breathing of a living creature.
"Not enough."
Sasuke closed his eyes and felt the resonance between the cold chakra within him and the armor's core. This power was indeed formidable, but it still was not enough.
If he could not be absolutely certain he could kill him, then it might as well be zero.
"You're about to dismantle all of Clan Head Ancient Iron's hard work."
A voice came from the edge of the field. Sasuke did not turn around. The metal spine on his back glowed faintly red, and a blast of hot air vented from its exhaust ports.
Naruto leaned against a tree with his hands in his pockets. Looking at the mess on the ground, he gave a helpless smile.
"Repairing the target range costs money. I'll deduct it from your pay."
Sasuke turned around.
"I'm ready. Tell me where he is."
Naruto was silent for a moment, then pulled a sealed scroll from his robe and tossed it lightly in his hand.
"Have you thought this through? That guy might be even more dangerous now than he was in your memories. You've seen Akatsuki's recent moves. As a core member, Itachi's strength is unfathomable." Naruto