Dark red eyeshadow appeared around Itachi's eyes and spread downward, merging with the two tear troughs beside his nose!
Whoosh! Fiery red Sage Power chakra suffused Itachi's Akatsuki Robe, making its red clouds seem to come alive!
When Itachi opened his eyes, his gaze had changed completely!
Shikkotsu Forest Sage Mode, activate!
In a state of perfect clarity and serenity, no unnecessary emotion or stray thought could distract him. He remained absolutely calm throughout battle, which meant he would never miss an opening!
Sasuke watched him intently. "This is completely different from when Naruto and Kabuto used Sage Mode. I can't sense any emotional fluctuations from Itachi. Is this a characteristic of Shikkotsu Forest senjutsu?"
Crackle!
Chidori's Lightning Release erupted in Sasuke's right palm. Infused with White Cursed Seal power, it became white lightning with even greater piercing power. With the tremendous speed boost of state two, he lunged at Itachi!
—White Chidori!
Whoosh...!!
But the instant the attack would have struck, Itachi flashed up to the ceiling!
"That kind of Body Flicker Technique speed really is only possible in Sage Mode!"
Sasuke stopped abruptly. The Lightning Release in his hand sharpened into a spear and sliced into the ceiling with a crack!
Itachi dodged again... then flashed before Sasuke at an unbelievable speed. Catching him in the opening as he withdrew his attack, Itachi struck his chest with a palm!
—Katsuyu Sage Palm!
Thud!
Sasuke was knocked back beneath the shattered steps. Just as he tried to move, tough, blue-and-white objects erupted all over his body and pinned him in place!
Sasuke recognized what they were.
"Slugs appeared from inside my body...!?"
Shortly after joining the Akatsuki, Itachi had fought the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura. Immobilized by his Coral Palm, he had nearly died to a Tailed Beast Bomb!
This