Ch-174 Itachi vs Sasuke.

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...

"I see," Tsunade remarked with a subtle nod of understanding, her gaze steady.

Fixing her eyes on Jiraiya, she continued, "You, too, will accompany Team 7 and ensure the successful capture of Uchiha Sasuke this time."

Jiraiya acknowledged her directive with a firm nod, his resolve evident in his voice as he replied, "Rest assured, I will undertake every measure to bring Uchiha Sasuke back, regardless of the obstacles."

"Ah, Hokage-Sama, there's also an additional matter I need to address," Yamato interjected.

Curiosity piqued, Tsunade leaned forward slightly, encouraging Yamato to elaborate. "Hmm, go ahead and fill me in," she urged.

"We've come across traces of Jiryoku in numerous towns and villages. Yet, the purpose behind his wanderings remains a mystery," Yamato relayed.

"Did the Anbu ninjas attempt to tail him?" Tsunade sought clarification.

"Indeed, they did make an attempt," Yamato confirmed. "However, Jiryoku warned them against further pursuit, cautioning of potential consequences. Consequently, they refrained from following him any further. It's understandable, considering the unpredictable nature of Jiryoku," he elaborated.

"Hmm, you made the correct decision," Tsunade acknowledged with a nod of approval.

Regarding the issue concerning Jiryoku, it appeared that it didn't garner much attention within the office. In Konoha, it was only Ino-Shika-Cho who showed any concern for Jiryoku's situation and maintained a positive relationship with him.

Subsequently, without delaying any further, Jiraiya swiftly departed from Konoha accompanied by Team 7 within a matter of hours.

---

After a full day had passed, Sasuke finally reached the designated location where Itachi had summoned him through his crow.

Meanwhile, within the confines of the 'Uchiha Hideout,' Itachi sat regally upon a throne-like chair, its surface adorned with intricate tomoe patterns. With his eyes shut in deep concentration, he was interrupted by the sudden appearance of 'White Zetsu' at his side.

"I've just caught sight of Jiryoku nearby," 'White Zetsu' reported promptly.

Itachi's eyes flickered open, narrowing with intensity as he questioned, "Where exactly is he?"

"He's currently suspended in the air," 'White Zetsu' replied.

Puzzled by this unexpected revelation, Itachi pondered silently, "What could possibly be his purpose for being here?"

But now, there is nothing Itachi can do about it because his fated battle with Sasuke is inevitably approaching, and it cannot be delayed any longer. As a result of overexertion in the battle with Jiryoku, his terminal illness has exacerbated, leaving him with no option but to face Sasuke. He must aid Sasuke in awakening the 'Mangekyo Sharingan' and transfer his Sharingan to Sasuke so that Sasuke can attain the legendary 'Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan'. Consequently, he finds himself unable to control who may be observing their confrontation or predict what the future holds.

"If everything unfolds as per my calculations," ruminated Itachi, "then there should be no cause for concern regarding Sasuke's safety." With this reassurance in mind, he closed his eyes once more, patiently anticipating the arrival of his younger sibling.

At long last, Sasuke arrived, and the two brothers commenced their encounter. However, the skirmish was nothing more than an elaborate genjutsu. To any observer, it appeared as though both siblings stood motionless, locked in a silent exchange of stares within their respective positions.

Finally, after anticipation mounted, the intense battle of ninjutsu erupted between Itachi and Sasuke. With each passing moment, the confrontation in the real world caused the once-sturdy 'Uchiha Hideout' to crumble, succumbing to the onslaught from various angles. It was at this critical juncture that Naruto, accompanied by Jiraiya, Sakura, and Kakashi, made their long-awaited entrance.

"Sasuke is currently engaged in combat with his brother, Itachi," Sakura relayed, her expression reflecting her deep concern for Sasuke's well-being.

"We need to lend our support to Sasuke without delay," declared Naruto with unwavering determination, already taking strides forward.

However, just as Naruto began to advance, a mysterious spatial vortex materialized before them.

The individual who emerged from the vortex was none other than Obito himself, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the unfolding events.

"Stop right there; no one can interfere in this battle," commanded Obito with a tone of authority, halting Naruto and the others in their tracks.

"You're Kakashi-Sensei's friend, aren't you? Why are you obstructing us? Please, move aside," said Naruto, his voice tinged with urgency.

Upon hearing Naruto's inquiry, Obito's countenance hardened, his expression turning cold as he reiterated, "I've already stated that no one is allowed to interfere. That includes you."

With a swift motion, Obito employed the 'Wood Release: Cutting Technique,' launching sharp wooden thorns toward Naruto, who agilely dodged the attack, forced to retreat momentarily.

"This is your final warning. Don't push me, or there will be consequences. Just stand here quietly and observe the battle," warned Obito sternly, before utilizing Kamui to vanish from sight, leaving Naruto and the others to ponder his cryptic words.

With a thoughtful look etched on his face, Kakashi addressed Naruto, emphasizing the importance of believing in Sasuke's abilities. "Naruto, we must place our trust in Sasuke's strength. It's imperative that we refrain from intervening in this battle. Perhaps, once the dust settles and Sasuke emerges victorious, he may be more inclined to return with us. If he succeeds in defeating Itachi and finally achieves closure in his quest for revenge, he will undoubtedly return with us."

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