Jingle.
Jingle...
At the first defensive checkpoint on Konoha's outskirts.
When the Chunin guard saw two strangely dressed women approaching, he was about to give them a routine questioning.
But the moment he looked into the eyes of the long-haired one, his gaze went blank, and he slumped to the ground.
With the first checkpoint cleared, the two leaped onto Konoha's towering walls in a few bounds.
Looking out over Konoha's badly damaged streets and buildings, Kisame remarked teasingly, "They managed to survive, but the damage was pretty severe."
Beside him, Itachi, half his face hidden by the collar of his Red Cloud Cloak, said flatly, "Such a prosperous village... how pitiful."
"That doesn't sound like you. Still attached to your hometown after all?" Kisame looked at Itachi. "Seems even you..."
"No, not at all."
Itachi slowly closed his eyes. When he opened them again, they revealed the Three-Tomoe Sharingan unique to the Uchiha.
"Let's go, Kisame. We'll gather information on the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. This is a top-secret mission from our leader."
Kisame nodded. "Leave the information gathering to me. You're not well, so find a teahouse and rest for a while."
A familiar figure filled Itachi's mind. Sasuke, just how much have you grown in the five years I've been away? Don't disappoint your older brother.
The two jumped down from the wall, walked into Konoha's streets, and disappeared.
Meanwhile, inside the Uchiha Clan Compound.
Sasuke had gotten himself neatly ready and shyly kissed Naruto on the cheek before saying goodbye.
"Honestly, why have you been staying home all the time lately?"
"Because I can practice the Pervy Sage's lessons without going out, of course."
Hearing that, Sasuke waved goodbye. "All right, then I'm going to train with Kakashi-sensei."
"Okay. I'll have dinner ready here when you get back."