Leaving aside the Akatsuki, which had mobilized because of Kisame Hoshigaki's death and Uchiha Itachi's injuries, Shihōin Naraku had already returned to Konohagakure.
Shihōin Naraku knew without even thinking that the Akatsuki would focus their attention on him next. They could investigate all they liked.
After returning to Konoha, Shihōin Naraku went to the Hokage Building with a mischievous streak.
"Cough, cough, cough..."
"What? You ran into the village's rogue ninja-Uchiha Itachi?"
"And you nearly killed him?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi had initially listened to Shihōin Naraku's report rather casually, his pipe between his lips, without paying much attention.
But Shihōin Naraku's next words gave him an enormous shock.
"Not quite nearly. Uchiha Itachi does have some skill. In the end, I only wounded him and let him escape."
Shihōin Naraku spread his hands and said with a very serious expression, "But his companion, that S-rank rogue ninja from Kirigakure, did die at my hands. Judging by their matching cloaks, they probably belong to the same organization."
"If possible, I plan to take some ANBU members to hunt down Uchiha Itachi..."
"Cough, cough, cough... No need! Don't be so impulsive the next time you encounter Uchiha Itachi."
Hiruzen Sarutobi had truly been given a fright. Uchiha Itachi was only a rogue ninja on the surface; he was actually a spy sent out by Konoha!
That was why, apart from at the very beginning, Konoha had never sent anyone to hunt Uchiha Itachi down or trouble him afterward.
Hiruzen Sarutobi put his pipe back between his lips and thought carefully before saying, "Uchiha Itachi is a spy for the village. If you encounter him outside, there's no need to fight to the death."
"Also, you must not reveal this to anyone!"
"Memorize the codes and hand signals I give you. If necessary, you