Chapter 3: Chapter 3
The day was sunny and birds were singing. There were two clouds in the sky, against a clear blue sky and today the sun was very bright. But luckily, the four ANBU travelers were in the forest and the thick trees covered them with their shade. Hopping from tree to tree, the Shinobi were bored, so to kill time, Hayate started the conversation:
-Have you guys considered just quitting the NSAIDs after this assignment?" began Hayate. He continued to wear his mask.
-I've been thinking about it, but not right now. Maybe in a couple years I'll leave and work peacefully in Konoha, without blood and murder. I might even become a florist and spend more time with my family. I'll also visit the former village of the Haruno clan," Kizashi replied, a little thoughtfully.
-I haven't really thought about it, I'm fine with it. I'm always a Shinobi at heart," Kakashi added with a smile, "as long as I have my books with me. Even if I die, I'll take those books with me to the next world.
-Huh... - Itachi smiled at Kakashi's answer. After all, he had read many books in paradise, especially the one about "Brother and Sis". And also Itachi added, jumping away from the next tree, -I personally am more interested in the order and cleanliness of Konoha. I think that by joining the ANBU, we're doing more good.
-I've always admired your insight Itachi," the black-haired Hayate added with a smile, then turned to the rest of the team, "but personally, my dream is to be with Yugao. It's to be with Yugao.
-Have you finally made up your mind?", Kakashi raised one eyebrow, then put his ANBU mask back on.
-Is it that noticeable?" replied Hayate confusedly.
-We guessed. Kakashi smiled again, but it wasn't visible to them through the mask.
Kizashi, who had been silent the whole time and trying to focus on the task at hand, noticed something down below.
-Stop,‖ he descended from the tree, followed by the three of them. The ANBU shinobi instantly gathered as they ran to him. Kizashi continued, "This branch is broken, so he was stepping on it when he came through here.
-So I'm not the only one who noticed that branch," Itachi replied, and with a slight smile, continued, "That branch is just a distraction. It looks too wet. It looks like it was sawed to make it look like it was stepped on. If it were dry, it would break at the first light footfall.
-Really... He's trying to throw us off the scent," Kakashi replied, also turning his gaze to Itachi and adding, "Itachi, how do you have such experience? You look like you've been here before," he smiled at Itachi with that questioning look, as he had been here before and had experienced this moment.
-Shisui and I once tracked a similar target, we had a lot to learn from each other," Itachi shifted his serious gaze to the branch and continued, "Look for any sign of him. If he was here, he should have left a fresher imprint on the ground.
Itachi's POV
In the first time line, I said the same thing I'm saying now. I don't think I changed the course of events much. Still, Kakashi's "It's like you've been here before" remark sounded rather ironic. Had he known how close to the truth he was. I then also replied that I had been tracking a similar target with Shisui, while teaching each other different things. For it was true... But now I have to repeat most of the scenarios of what I had previously said and done. The most important thing now is to keep it a secret from everyone, including Konoha. Because otherwise I can change the timeline, as well as their identities. And the time line should be basically the same as it was before, because otherwise you can cause serious changes and replace the coming catastrophes. I think I can handle it, though. After all, the world is at stake. There's a reason Rikudo chose me...
The end of Itachi's POV
-Find it! -Hayate's attention was drawn to the wet footprints of the renegade's sandals, adding, -He was probably in a hurry, so he only covered his footprints with leaves. So he's close... - the whole team nodded and followed the trail eastward.
***
Night fell, the stars began to twinkle more intensely. The ANBU squad came across a camp, led by the renegade fog man himself. In addition to him were the mercenaries he had hired during his long wanderings. Still, it was not safe to be alone, for robbers or Shinobi from other villages might attack unexpectedly at night. His bright appearance didn't add to his disguise, his lush green long hair and ANBU fog armor were eye-catching. His partners, on the other hand, looked like common thugs. Scars, an eye patch, or a bare torso, nothing special in appearance, because it was even easier to get lost among them. Among them was even a former ANBU shinobi from the village of hidden mist, now its Noukenin. Konoha's ANBU saw that there were four tents set up in a spacious clearing. And the renegade himself, who was now the Leader of that group, was sleeping alone in his own tent.
-The plan is that they're not expecting us. So there's no point in planning everything in detail, we'll just attack them and surround them from all four sides," everyone nodded, looking at Kakashi.
Here Itachi thought about how this all happened in the first timeline. And drifted off into his own thoughts for a moment:
Flashback to the first timeline
-The plan is... - Kakashi began and finished in much the same way- ...on all four sides," everyone nodded, looking at Kakashi.
Everyone took their positions, Kakashi signaled and the fight began. Four ANBU's burst into the camp at the same time, one of the thugs noticing them raised the alarm by striking his small bell. The thugs woke up quickly grabbed their weapons and began to fight. Itachi took the first two, activating his sharingan and using his genjutsu to paralyze the criminals. He then drew his wakizashi from his back and moved between them with lightning speed. With a single swing, he killed both Nukenins, critically damaging them in the stomach area. In order for them to die quickly and without pain, he gave them a swift kick. Even though they were rank-A or B criminals. Who knows what dirty deeds they had managed to do in their lifetime. But Itachi still held honor above emotion.....
Meanwhile, back to back, Kizashi and Hayate fight against the three. The fight is not easy, with Kizashi even getting hit in the shoulder. Hayate was hit in the knee with a few shurikens, but they kept fighting, because Shinobi don't just give up. Kakashi, on the other hand, took on the largest, two meter tall renegade of the mist, a former ANBU.
-Giving up his village... And what made you fall so low?", Kakashi decided to ask him a question before engaging his opponent.
-It's just money and I'll kill you for it too. It's nothing personal," Kakashi's opponent said hoarsely.
They ran at each other and crossed their kunai like swords. The battle was fast and brutal, both were experienced ANBU. Kakashi's opponent could be compared to Zabuza in some ways. However, Kakashi was young now, and not as strong as that version of Team Leader-7. When he faces Zabuza Momochi in the future, he will be stronger than he is now. But for now, Kakashi is not perfect as he will be in the future.
After dealing with his opponents, Itachi used the "Fire Element: Sage Phoenix Flower" his fire phoenix technique, along with the explosive seals in his kunai, flew towards the enemies who were fighting Hayate and Kizashi. Both of Itachi's partners realized his plan and closed their eyes in time. And the two thugs turned around, and the flash of explosive seals along with the katon blinded them for a short time. However, it was enough for Itachi, along with Kizashi and Hayate, to pull out their kunai and deliver swift, deadly blows to the three, each taking their own. Only two remained in the battlefield. That renegade Mist Leader. And the two meter tall Nukenin ANBU that Kakashi was now fighting against. The renegade, seeing that he was losing, decided to run away. In order to find a safe place to retrieve his scroll, which will move him away from this battlefield.
-Itachi catch up with him," Hayate said sharply, "we'll deal with Kakashi's opponent," Itachi nodded and heard Hayate give him one last good luck, "good luck...
***
The protagonist continues to catch up with the renegade, he is still close to him. The renegade comes out of the forest and finds himself in a spacious field, pulling out his scroll that would move him to his proper place.... Throwing it to the ground he folds the seals he needs. Finished folding the seals, he stands beside this scroll, and was ready to move. The scroll causes a fire effect when you move. It gives the impression that you're on fire, but you're actually moving sharply. No sooner had he opened the scroll than Itachi came running in and threw his kunai explosive seal at him. Tearing the scroll to shreds in the process.
-You're not going anywhere until you pay for your crime, Kowaki Kurosuki," Itachi began coldly.
-Crime? -It's just business. I just give information to Stran, to interesting personalities in my village," the green-haired Kowaki replied.
-In doing so, you're betraying your village too. By communicating information about the weaknesses of the fog to criminal organizations," Itachi assured confidently and calmly. He also added, -Transmitting weaknesses about the village-hidden-mist as information is already a crime and the first step towards war. Given the fact that you've glimpsed outside the leaf village boundary, we've been asked to deal with you. You were closer to us than you were to them. I can tell you're not even a double agent, just a lost shinobi. Who lives without finding his own meaning in life. Your purpose in life is all about money. I'm guessing you won't understand much about life even before you die.
-Well, let's start the fight then, or are you scared?", Kowaki replied smiling and indifferent. But in response, he saw Itachi's sharingan. Kowaki gritted his teeth as he realized he was facing the Uchiha.
"He has the earth and wind techniques, but that won't help him anyway" Itachi thought as he strategized his battle strategy.
Itachi threw both kunai to begin with. The first kunai flew at a medium speed, but the second kunai flew faster. The opponent was not impressed at all, he smirked and easily dodged the first and the second fast kunai was also able to dodge accordingly. Both kunai were already behind the renegade's back. Itachi, however, remained impartial, allowing himself a slight smile. As everything went according to his plan, his second kunai, which flew faster, then forcefully struck the hilt of the first kunai. The first kunai changed its flight path to a 90-degree angle. As a result, it accelerated in the opposite direction, into Kowaki's back. And yet the kunai still managed to hit his back. From the surprise and pain, the green-haired man even fell to his knees. Itachi caught his gaze and used his sharingan to paralyze him with his paralysis genjutsu. Then he simply chopped off his head with his vakizashi, which he got from his back. At the same time, he mentally added, "The fight is over...".
***
When he returned back, he saw that things were not going as well as he would have liked on the battlefield. He noticed Kakashi lying unconscious, badly wounded. And next to him lay the corpse of a traitorous ANBU from the mist. Hayate and Kizashi were generally okay, but still battered and scratched.
-What's wrong?" itachi inquired evenly.
-After you went after Kowaki Kurosuki. We had a hard fight against that Nukenin," Hayate began, "He was stronger than we expected. The three of us fought against him, but there weren't many results. He was good at everything, including taijutsu. He did a lot of damage with his sword, and it was lucky that it was just the hilt and not the sharp side. Kakashi decided to use the raikiri and ran at him. First throwing shurikens to distract him. And then when he was distracted, Kakashi still managed to hit him with a lightning raikiri strike to his chest. But before he died, he gathered chakra into his katana and struck Kakashi's left shoulder hard. He was knocked out... Probably would have died if he hadn't been protected by the sheath. It seemed to be iron," Hayate told the story briefly.
-And what was in there, in that pouch?", Itachi asked.
-Unknown... It was shattered into pieces. And Kakashi was always modest he didn't say what's in there before," Hayate hummed with a slight smile, "And how's the situation with you? Have you dealt with our renegade? - Itachi only nodded in response.
-The important thing is that Kakashi's heart is intact, thanks to that object in the pouch. Whatever it was, it saved his life. His collarbone is badly damaged, but he'll live," Kizashi replied, stepping to the side of the unconscious Kakashi.
***
Then they traveled back to Konoha. In the village, they reported on the success of the missions. The Third realized that Kakashi was in no condition to participate in missions for another couple of weeks. Seeing that Itachi's potential was immense, the Hokage decided to make Itachi the ANBU Leader. There were no missions for two weeks, but he later prepared for his first mission as ANBU Leader.
The end - Flashback - of the first timeline
As Itachi began to think about it, everyone had already gathered. When Kakashi signaled to attack the camp, it distracted Itachi's thoughts further and he took control of himself.... And it was exactly the same as in the first timeline. The four surrounded the camp and the thug signaled again with his little bell. But this time Itachi took on not two, but three thugs. Since he was even more experienced, he didn't use genjutsu this time. Instead, simply making a leap up and bringing out a 4-kunai in one hand while holding them in each finger. Two of those kunai had an explosive seal, Itachi threw them at the thugs with all his current strength and they naturally dodged. Two of their four kunai, flying at an even faster speed, they were already behind their backs. When the two regular kunai hit the two explosive kunai, Itachi realized that everything was going according to plan. Those explosive kunai changed trajectory, flying back at 90 degrees. The first explosive kunai hit the back of the bandit on the left, and the second explosive kunai hit the one on the right.
They scream and then clench their teeth, then the kunai explode as they were attached with explosive seals, after the explosion both thugs die honorably from Itachi. And the one who was at the center is already personally attacked by Itachi. Pulling out a vakizashi, which looks like a very long knife and yet like a very short sword. Attacking the thug that was in the center, Itachi decided not to deal with him. So he tries to fight seriously, and after 5 seconds he easily hits him in the solar plexus with his sword, and wins.
Meanwhile, things are going smoothly for Kizashi and Hayate. They are already defeating their opponents in this time line. It's already a two-on-two fight. Hayate uses the ninjutsu style of the moon sword. Kizashe continues to demonstrate the art of taijutsu, also holding a pair of kunai.
The renegade leader, seeing this sight runs away again. To retrieve the scroll again, but this time to vaporize. But Itachi does the alternative this time and says:
-Kizashi, Hayate, go get him. I'll help Kakashi deal with him," Itachi ordered. They nodded and both of them ran after Kowaki," I may change the timeline for the first time this time. But it won't affect the outcome that much," the protagonist said into the void.
Itachi sees that Kakashi can't resist him for long. Even though Kakashi is mostly fending off his attacks, but even a block will keep his onslaught at bay for a long time. Itachi sees Kakashi fall to the ground, but still holds the block. The two meter tall ANBU, fills his sword with his slashing chakra, at this point Kizashi and Hayate, who had gone after the renegade, should have come to his aid. But this time there was only Itachi here, that's even better....
Itachi finds himself between them with incredible speed and wanted to deflect the blow. Itachi suddenly remembers the words of a wise man: "Try not to change the event too much. Sometimes, and even rarely, it happens that the price is worse. Only if there is no choice, change the timeline..." Itachi decides that even if there is one, whatever the price, it's better that it falls to him than to any of his comrades. So instead of counterattacking, he sets up a block, with both hands knowing it won't help. The katana filled with slashing chakra does a lot of damage to Itachi's ANBU gantlet, which protects his biceps. This gantlet is given to all ANBU. Itachi's gantlet bursts, and his left arm is badly damaged, even breaking a bone. But Itachi's timing is perfect. After all, if Nukenin's chakra had been filled with the dark blue glow on the katana, it would have cut off his arm... And Itachi wouldn't have set up a block, of course. But that glow was more whitish and in addition Itachi had ANBU gantlets. So it would have been enough to hurt or break his arm at most.
Because of his wounded arm, he gritted his teeth and stepped back, thinking how to attack him, "Maybe ninjutsu?, no...? a broken arm won't allow me to fold seals. Taijutsu isn't an option either because of the broken arm. Then why don't I just activate mangyoke and use tsukuyomi or amaterasu? No, that's not an option either, because it might affect my eyes. I think I have a plan, but if it doesn't work, I'll use mangyoke."
Itachi quickly pulls out a kunai with his right hand and throws it at the former ANBU's face, shattering his mask. That Nukenin had not yet had time to gather chakra, after his use of cutting chakra for his sword. Therefore, his reactions were slowed down and the breaking of the mask was unexpected to him. He fell in confusion. Itachi takes advantage of this and quickly pulls out two senbon from his pouch. He throws them at his neck. And in turn he falls into paralysis, Nukenin's entire body unable to move even a finger. Itachi was well versed in anatomy back in the academy. One of the reasons why Itachi was released from it, back when he was seven years old. Itachi's trailing fire style even though his arm was broken. To quickly defeat and finish off the traitorous mist masked ANBU.
-Fire style: great fireball," After saying that, Itachi heard the renegade's last words were like that, "great fight. He even speaks with a smile before Itachi's strong and blue flames fly at him. Next thing you know, only embers are left of him.
-You're okay Kakashi-san," Itachi began, reaching out his hand to Kakashi who was lying on the ground.
-Yes... - replies tiredly and wounded Kakashi, -You did a great job ordering Kizashi and Hayate around. Also taking on that renegade. Though I always knew you'd be Itachi's best Leader," he said it with ease.
-Itachi smiled, "It's not the title that matters to me, but the order and justice of Konoha. I don't think there will be anyone to replace you. You are unique in your own way, and I'm sure you will be a good leader for your students in the future.
-I doubt I'd want to be captain. I mean, who knows what kind of squad I'll get. If they sit on my head and say, "Sensei, or teach me all the techniques every day," Kakashi says smilingly. And then changing his face to one of sadness continues," Or they will fall, just like my former team... - Itachi looked understanding and replied:
-You once said you inherited the Sharingan from a friend. I'm sure he would have wanted you to be his squad leader. After all, having survived the Third Great War as a Genin. Then becoming a Genin, it's hard to imagine that your team would have lost," he finished his speech in a calm voice. Itachi also added - though you shouldn't be in a hurry, time will show everything in the end...
Itachi knew that to put it that way, Kakashi would understand him differently. But he knew what kind of captain he would be and for what kind of team. Unless of course Itachi changed the timeline too much. And remembering one detail Itachi asked.
-By the way, Kakashi-san," Kakashi paying attention answered him with a hum "Hmm?" he looked at him questioningly and was ready to hear the question, "what's with the black and iron pouch you have in your left pocket?" finished Itachi.
-How did you know?", Kakashi replied questioningly.
-Intuition, Heh... - Itachi replied, and his slight smile, made itself known.
-You don't even need a sharingan to develop your intuition," Kakashi said, pulling out a black pouch from his left chest pocket.
Itachi eyed the iron case carefully and then Kakashi continued:
-Have you ever heard of the story of the two brothers. who stood up to their rabbit goddess. And I think her name was K.
-Kaguya... - Itachi replied calmly, wondering at the same time how he knew that story.
-However, that name is hard for me to remember," Kakashi yawned a little and continued his story, "There was a time when the older brother went against this Kaguya's power. Kaguya, the goddess of rabbits, applied genjutsu, using her Byakugan, on Hagoroma's younger brother. Thinking he was an enemy, he attacked his older brother. The older brother's name was Rikudo, and he was the Sage of the Six Paths... At first, he fought off his brother's attacks. Then he decided to kill his younger brother... Stabbing him in the chest with his lightning blade and awakening the rinnegan, he became the Sage of the Six Paths. Then to save his brother, he took out a paper that contained quite a few seals, symbols, and a lot of natural chakra. Using it, he could completely heal him. Almost anything can be healed by this seal, even if your heart is ripped out, it will still be restored by this seal. Natural chakra utilizes the power of space. It could recreate anything from nothing. Using it, he was still able to revive his brother with this seal. Then they defeated the Kaguya. And it's the exact same seal I put in the pouch.
-Where did you learn this story of the sage. And how did you get that seal, what did you use it for?" Itachi asked a little questioningly.
-My teacher's teacher, whose name was Jiraiya. He wanted to give this seal to his student Minato. But he didn't have time to give it to him... because he was already dead after sealing the Nine-Tails... So he gave it to me. He also told me this story that he himself heard from a 10,000 year old toad seer named Gamamaru. But in all these years, I haven't used this seal. That's why I put it in the pouch to give it to you," Kakashi with a smile hands him this paper seal filled with natural chakra, in clear form on the pouch. Itachi smilingly accepts taking it in his right hand. After all, he realizes that it will come in handy to correct the course of the stories. Itachi taking it in his hands adds a smile. Kakashi continues, "The week we went on this mission, you just turned 13. And we've been working for three years. I felt it was rude not to give you a gift.
-I'd say I can't accept it. But I know you won't die before your time, Kakashi-san. You won't need it yet," Itachi replied with a smile and added, "But if you die in front of me. I'll apply that condition to you right away," Itachi finished with a slight smile and put his pouch in his pocket.
-Okay... - Kakashi replied, fixing his neck after the fight with the renegade ANBU.
Strange sounds were heard in the trees. Itachi and Kakashi noticed it. Then they realized it was Kizashi and Hayate. They came back to report the news of the renegade fog man.
-I see you guys have everything under control," Kizashi began.
-We've dealt with him," Kakashi replied and then added, "Well, mostly thanks to Itachi. And how's the situation with the Thug Leader?
-He escaped... - Hayate replied sadly and explained in detail, -He managed to open the scroll. He became a kind of flame and vaporized. We didn't have enough speed to catch up with him.....
-I see. then I guess our mission is a failure... - Itachi replied in a calm voice.
-I wouldn't say that... We had a good time, and we were able to defeat all of his minions. I'm sure we'll find him soon, too," Kizashi said, wiping the sadness from Kakashi and Hayate's faces.
-All right, let's go back to the village to give the third information," Kakashi himself gave the order. Kizashi and Hayate nodded to him.
And Itachi jumped into the nearest tree that led into Konoha, everyone began to follow him. Then they continued on their way towards Konoha. Jumping from one tree to another. And then dawn broke.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone