Chapter 118

Pain nodded slightly, scanning the gathered members. After a moment of thought, he spoke, "Typically, a Genin team consists of three members. Kirito and Pakura are still short of one. Who among you is interested in participating in this Chunin Exam?"

As soon as the words left Pain's mouth, Deidara raised his hand enthusiastically. "Me! I'll go! I'll go!"

"Absolutely not," Sasori retorted sharply. "Kirito's mission involves neutralizing the First Hokage, reincarnated through the Impure World Reincarnation. With your reckless behavior, Konoha would be reduced to rubble before the Konoha Collapse Plan even begins."

"Brother Sasori! How can you insult my art like that?" Deidara snapped back, clearly offended.

"That's not art," Sasori said dismissively, his hoarse voice emanating from his puppet body. "True art is eternal, something you'll never understand."

While the "artistic duo" bickered, Itachi, who had remained silent, finally spoke up. "I'll go."

Pain turned to him, his Rinnegan eyes unreadable. "Deidara's methods are too conspicuous, so he is unsuitable for this mission. As a former Konoha ninja, you are a better fit. Your familiarity with the village and its structure makes you invaluable. Are you prepared?"

Itachi nodded solemnly. "I understand."

Pain continued, "The mission is critical. Along with Kirito and Pakura, you must ensure the First Hokage's Impure World Reincarnation is stopped permanently. Kisame will be responsible for assisting with your extraction. Under no circumstances can this mission fail."

The leader's voice carried weight, and the gravity of the task was clear. One by one, the Akatsuki members began to disconnect their Phantom Body Technique until only Kirito, Pakura, Itachi, and Kisame remained.

Kisame grinned widely, his shark-like teeth on display. "Well, this is unexpected. Working with Mr. Kirito is a real honor."

Kirito returned the smile faintly. "The feeling is mutual," he said smoothly, though inwardly he thought, So Itachi and Kisame will head to Konoha earlier than expected because of me. The timeline is already shifting. I wonder if Jiraiya and Kakashi can handle what's coming.

His mind briefly wandered, but he quickly refocused. "Let's get to work."

Kirito, Pakura, Itachi, and Kisame gathered outside Konoha's gates. Itachi had already undergone a complete disguise, now appearing as an average Rain Village ninja. His face was partially hidden by a gas mask reminiscent of Hanzo's, and his distinctive tear troughs were covered with makeup. His usual ponytail had been untied, and his hair fell to one side, giving him a slightly unrecognizable appearance.

Kisame, who wasn't infiltrating Konoha, remained in his Akatsuki uniform. He handed over two Rain Village Ninja ID passes. "These are for you, Mr. Kirito and Ms. Pakura," he explained. "The leader prepared them. As long as you follow the appearance in the photos and use these passes, you'll enter the Konoha examination center without issue."

Kisame grinned wickedly. "To ensure the trail is clear, I've taken care of three actual Rain Village ninjas who resembled you in body shape. Their bodies are long gone. Even if your identities are exposed, there's no way this can be traced back to the Akatsuki or the Hidden Rain Village."

Kirito inspected the ID photos and was momentarily taken aback. The images resembled the late Second Tsuchikage—fully wrapped in bandages with only the eyes exposed. He couldn't help but mutter, "A mummy? Really?"

Pakura chuckled lightly. "Not the most fashionable, but it serves the purpose."

With their disguises complete, the trio entered Konoha through the gates without incident.

Kirito inhaled deeply as they walked through the familiar streets. "Five years since I last set foot here. Nostalgic, isn't it?" he remarked, his tone casual yet layered with meaning.

Pakura stayed a step behind him, maintaining a respectful distance. Meanwhile, Itachi, now disguised, followed silently with a stoic demeanor.

"Lord Kirito, what's our next move?" Pakura asked softly, though her gaze flickered toward Itachi, her discomfort with him evident.

Kirito smirked. "There are three days until the Chunin Exams begin. First, we'll find a place to stay. After that…" He paused, his Sharingan briefly activating as he scanned the area. "It seems we're not far from some familiar faces."

Itachi's gaze sharpened, though he kept his expression neutral. "What do you mean?" he asked.

Kirito pointed in a specific direction. "At nine o'clock, about five hundred meters away, I sense three chakra signatures I recognize. One of them is your little brother, Sasuke. There's a hotel in that direction. Why not stop by and pay him a visit?"

Itachi's eyes flickered with a trace of emotion before he quickly masked it. "Do as you please," he replied curtly, though his tone betrayed a hint of unease.

"Tsundere much? You're dying to see him, but you won't admit it," Kirito teased before turning to Pakura. "Let's go. It looks like Team 7 has already found some trouble."

When they arrived, a commotion was already underway. Konohamaru had accidentally bumped into Kankuro from the Sand Village, sparking a confrontation.

"That hurt, brat!" Kankuro growled, hoisting Konohamaru into the air by his shirt. The puppet Crow loomed ominously behind him, wrapped in cloth. "What even are you? A boy or a girl? You dress like a boy, but you sound like a girl!"

"Put me down, you idiot!" Konohamaru yelled, thrashing in Kankuro's grip. "I'll kill you for this!"

The crowd began to gather as tensions rose. From his vantage point, Kirito observed the scene with mild amusement. "Ah, the same old Konohamaru. Still feisty even after all these years," he muttered to himself. His gaze shifted to the others present, including the Sand trio—Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro—alongside Team 7.

"Shall we intervene?" Pakura asked, her tone neutral but ready for action.

Kirito shook his head, a smirk playing on his lips. "No need. Let's see how this plays out first."

(End of Chapter)

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