The girl in the picture looked so much like him around the eyes and brows that they were practically identical. Even her expression closely resembled his younger self. If the two of them stood together...
At that moment, Anyo finally understood why Genno had been so cautious.
Turmoil surged through Anyo's previously calm heart, and even his voice began to tremble. "What... is her name?"
Genno answered, "From what I heard Tsunade call her, it should be Kikyo."
"I see. Understood."
The instant he heard that name, all doubt vanished from Anyo's heart. Kikyo Mountain was where the two of them had last seen each other before parting.
"Genno, thank you." Anyo's gratitude was sincere. Otherwise, he truly had no idea how much longer he would have been kept in the dark. Tsunade, you've really outdone yourself.
Anyo's feelings were incredibly complicated: happiness, panic, confusion, and even fear. After hovering on the brink of death for so many years, he had thought his state of mind had reached great heights. At that moment, it all shattered.
Watching Anyo's expression keep shifting, Genno tactfully took out a map and pointed to a small town on it. "This is where they were last seen."
Anyo clenched his teeth and spat out a single word. "Go."
Outside the small town nearest Konoha, Kakashi lay slumped on the ground, staring at the two people before him with bloodshot eyes. Gasping heavily, he said with difficulty, "Itachi, no wonder you became an Anbu Squad Captain at thirteen. Are you here for Sasuke?"
Itachi said calmly, "No. We're looking for the Fourth Hokage's legacy."
"So it is Naruto. I know you aren't the only ones taking action. Your organization is called Akatsuki, right?"
At those words, both Itachi's and Kisame's expressions changed.
Itachi made his decision.