A few days later, two traveling merchants came to Konoha. They brought a special product from Country of Rain to Konoha for sale.
The Country of Rain was closed to the outside world all year round. Therefore, as soon as they put things out, they attracted Konoha villagers’ looting and quickly sold out.
After selling, the two didn’t leave Konoha immediately; instead, they strolled around the village of Konoha.
This was no surprise. Many traveling merchants came to Konoha, and after selling things, they chose to have some fun in Konoha.
When it was almost noon, the two of them went to the Dango store in Konoha together.
One of them, who was relatively young, ordered 100 sticks of dango. While he was waiting for the dango to arrive, the other merchant picked up one of them and tasted them, then frowned, “Itachi-san, these dango are not as good as you said.”
Itachi said lightly, “Is it? I think it’s just as delicious as before.”
That was right. These two were Itachi and Hoshigaki Kisame. They wrapped their bodies with the Chakra of White Zetsu and become what they were today.
Unlike Itachi when he returned to Konoha in the original Naruto story. The current Konoha had Yamanaka Ryo, Hatake Sakumo, Kakashi, Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Kushina’s six Hokage-level Ninjas. Even Akatsuki couldn’t do anything to Konoha.
Moreover, in the original Naruto story, Itachi sneaked into Konoha to warn Danzo. This time, he sneaked into Konoha just to see how the village was doing after the explosion. So, Itachi and Hoshigaki Kisame went as two men teams to investigate the Konoha and used White Zetsu’s Henge no Jutsu to sneak out.
White Zetsu’s Henge no Jutsu could be said to be the perfect camouflage.
In addition to Orochimaru’s special understanding of White Zetsu Chakra, Kyuubi’s malicious perception and its Spiritual Strength relied on Sage Mode to increase its power. With the invisible Spiritual Strength to detect subtle breakdowns, no one in Ninja World could see through.
After eating the dango, the two continued to hang around, gathering information in the village. Coincidentally, they met Team 7, who had just returned from an outside mission.
Sasuke and Itachi brushed past each other.
Itachi’s body stiffened, and he couldn’t help but look back at Sasuke, who turned back almost simultaneously as if he had some sense.
Itachi’s familiar eyes made Sasuke’s body tremble. Naruto, who noticed Sasuke’s strange behavior, turned to look at the two.
The Kyuubi inside Naruto followed Naruto’s gaze and saw Itachi and Hoshigaki Kisame wrapped in White Zetsu Chakra.
“Hey! Naruto, there’s something wrong with these two guys in front of you. They’re using a special Henge no Jutsu; you have to be careful.”
Naruto froze, then took out his Kunai and looked at the duo warily.
“Naruto, Sasuke, what’s wrong with you guys?” Kakashi asked, somewhat strangely, when he saw the two stop.
“Kakashi-sensei, Kurama told me just now that they both used Henge no Jutsu.” Naruto pointed at Itachi and Hoshigaki Kisame.
“Henge no Jutsu? Are they spies?”
…….
“Itachi-san, they seem to have identified us; what should we do?”
“Let’s go!”
After that, Itachi dropped Smoke Bomb and jumped into the room with Kisame.
Kakashi had no intention to chase them. Konoha’s lurking spy wasn’t just one or two. Cleaning up spy was Anbu’s job. Unless he met one, Kakashi wouldn’t bother.
“Well, don’t mind them! We should go back to hand in our mission.”
After speaking, Kakashi took the lead and left. Naruto reluctantly followed while Sasuke bowed his head thinking about that familiar look of the familiar person.
Itachi and Hoshigaki Kisame ran to the edge of the village together.
Hoshigaki Kisame found that Kakashi didn’t catch up and said, “Itachi-san, it looks like he has no intention of catching us.”
Itachi nodded and said, “He just treats us as an ordinary spy. Anbu generally handles Konoha’s spy. So, it is normal that he didn’t come after us.”
“However, since we’ve been discovered, we should leave immediately. It’s good to know that we’ve pretty much understood the current situation in Konoha, and we can go now.”
As soon as Itachi’s voice fell, a voice rang out behind them, “Since you’re here, don’t be in a hurry to leave! Itachi, don’t you want to go home after leaving for so many years?”
Hoshigaki Kisame’s expression greatly changed. He turned around and backed up, distancing himself.
Itachi, on the other hand, looked calm. He slowly walked to Hoshigaki Kisame and said, “Ryo-sama, long time no see!”
“Yes! It’s been a long time. I think it’s been about 3 or 4 years!” Yamanaka Ryo said with a smile.
Hoshigaki Kisame heard Itachi’s address Yamanaka Ryo, and his expression became more serious. He then whispered to inquire, “Itachi-san, is he Yamanaka Ryo?”
Itachi nodded, “Yes, he is Yamanaka Ryo, the strongest person in the Ninja World right now!”
Hoshigaki Kisame froze for a while, not expecting Itachi to say something like that about Yamanaka Ryo, “Itachi-san, are you saying that he is stronger than… Pain?”
“That’s right. So, whether we can escape depends on our luck. In a moment, I will use the Mangekyou Dojutsu to hold him back. You directly use your strongest Suiton Ninjutsu on him. If we are lucky, he may be a little wounded, and we will have a chance to leave.”
“Okay, I understand.”
The conversation between the two sounded very quiet, but Yamanaka Ryo could still hear it. Yamanaka Ryo smiled; he didn’t care about their tactics.
Itachi ordered and nodded at Hoshigaki Kisame, then opened his Mangekyou Sharingan. Yamanaka Ryo felt before he appeared in Tsukuyomi space.
“Ryo-sama, sorry to invite you over this way.”
Yamanaka Ryo waved his hand and said, “It’s okay, I understand. It’s not convenient to talk with someone watching outside. So, this is fine.”
“Well, thank you for your understanding.”
“Well, don’t be so polite. If there’s anything you want to know, just ask.”
Itachi nodded and asked about the current situation of the village and Uchiha Clan. Yamanaka Ryo talked to Itachi about some recent events and the changes in the village.
After listening, Itachi felt a little strange because Yamanaka Ryo, from the beginning to the end, didn’t mention Shisui. He hesitated a little and asked, “Ryo-sama, what is Shisui doing these days?”
Yamanaka Ryo snapped, then said, “Oh Shisui, he’s running a Secret Mission with people.”
“Secret Mission? Can…”
“No, Itachi, I’m sorry. This mission is important, and I’m the only one in the village who knows. So, I can’t tell you for now.”
Itachi didn’t pursue the question but talked about something inside Akatsuki.
After the exchange of information, Yamanaka Ryo said, “Itachi, it’s time to test your acting skill. Later, whatever you see, don’t be surprised, just leave.”
“What about Hoshigaki Kisame?”
“Do you want him alive?”
“Well, Hoshigaki Kisame still trusts me.”
“Okay then, you two just turn around and run later. I’ll try to pretend a little bit.”
“I’m sorry for the trouble, Ryo-sama.”
