In the forest.
Uchiha Itachi pulled back his arm and blocked Kakashi's attack with a kunai. Metal rang against metal again as he formed a hand seal with one hand.
"Fire Release: Dragon Fire Technique!"
Boom—
A vicious fire dragon erupted between them.
Whoosh, whoosh!
Kakashi's eyes narrowed. He sprang back, then retreated farther.
He slapped one hand against the ground. "Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall!"
Boom!
The fire dragon slammed into the Earth-Style Wall and exploded.
Behind the wall,
Kakashi's expression grew grave.
A rustle of clothing reached him in an instant.
He looked up.
Uchiha Itachi leaped down from atop the Earth-Style Wall, kunai in hand, and closed in again!
Kakashi had no choice but to keep fighting at close range. Kunai clashed as they traded blows, their fists and feet moving too fast for the eye to follow.
"Does Kakashi-senpai not know that you're supposed to return things you take from others?"
"Cut the crap!"
Kakashi kicked. Uchiha Itachi dodged easily, twisted, and whipped a leg toward Kakashi's waist!
"Kakashi-senpai... your old friend has lost the sight in one eye forever. If he had any other choice, why would he come to take yours?"
"Can't you... understand how your closest friend feels?"
Uchiha Itachi looked perfectly at ease, his words never stopping.
Kakashi's heart sank.
"If that's true, then let him stand before me and tell me himself! You... are a mere missing-nin. You have no right!"
"Heh. Is that so?"
Uchiha Itachi smiled faintly. "Then I'll just have to take it for him!"
He had gotten the answer he wanted!
Clang, clang, clang, clang—
Their figures flashed back and forth as they traded blows. The trees around them shuddered from the force of their fight, shedding leaves and branches.
Yugao and Anko weren't idle either. They exchanged