Across the vast hills bordering the Land of Earth and the Land of Hot Water, the air hung heavy with sulfur and damp mist. Han, the Five-Tails Jinchuriki known as the "Steam Ninja," raced along at a pace that looked cumbersome but was actually astonishingly fast. Thin white steam shrouded his body, a sign that his unique kekkei genkai, Boil Release, was using chakra to invigorate his body and boost his speed and strength. Steady by nature and devoted to putting missions first, he was carrying out a border patrol assignment for Iwagakure.
Suddenly, an inexplicable tremor stirred within him. Five-Tails Kokuō's clear voice rang through his mind, carrying an unmistakable warning. "Han, watch out! Two extremely powerful chakra signatures are approaching fast! One is... cold and evil, with ominous ocular power! The other is like a bottomless ocean, brimming with a devouring presence!"
Han stopped instantly. His steam armor grew denser as he scanned his surroundings warily. He trusted Kokuō's senses; tailed beasts were naturally sensitive to malice.
"So you noticed us? Just what I'd expect from a tailed beast." A cold, calm voice drifted from the shadows of the woods ahead. Uchiha Itachi slowly emerged, wearing the Vermilion ring that marked his place in the Akatsuki. His scarlet Sharingan rotated slowly as he watched Han without emotion.
Almost simultaneously, the ground behind Han rippled like water. Kisame Hoshigaki surfaced with Samehada slung over his shoulder, grinning to reveal a mouthful of sharklike teeth. "Heh heh, looks like a tough one, Mr. Itachi. That steam smells pretty hot."
Attacked from both sides! Han's heart sank. The Akatsuki had finally come for him, and they had sent two core members at once!
"Boil Release: Unrivaled Strength!" Without a moment's hesitation, Han struck first. The ground beneath his feet exploded, and