"Genya?"
"Uchiha Genya?"
"Genya?"
The sudden, startled voices rang out, and those present immediately went on high alert.
Tsunade and Shizune's eyes first flashed with obvious surprise, then filled with confusion.
Uchiha Itachi's aura stiffened, his gaze sharp and wary, while Kisame looked like a powder keg ready to explode, his face full of vigilance and anger. Today had already been a terrible day for him.
Genya's sudden appearance was like a fuse being lit.
"Kid, do you want to die?" Kisame roared, his arm muscles tensing as he suddenly drew his massive sword, the tip pointing directly at Uchiha Genya.
The blade radiated a chilling, deadly aura, exuding intense intimidation.
"Oh~ you want to attack me?" Genya said calmly, eyes narrowing slightly. His unique Dual Pupil eyes fixed on Kisame, the light in them seemingly piercing through everything, making Kisame shiver for no reason.
Kisame's heart skipped a beat. He had only felt this kind of presence from a few top-tier shinobi. Could this seemingly frivolous kid be a hidden powerhouse?
Or maybe his perception was wrong?
Trying to bolster his courage, Kisame hardened his stance even more. "Kid, don't think I won't kill you!"
He snorted coldly, his killing intent overflowing. If Genya made even the slightest provocation, he would strike without hesitation.
Sensing Kisame's intent to kill, behind Genya, Kurenai and Hinata reacted immediately, kunai appearing in their hands for some unknown reason, bodies tense, ready for battle.
Kurenai knew clearly that if Genya clashed with Itachi, conflict could erupt at any moment.
After all, Itachi's previous actions had gone too far.
"Kisame, you're no match for him. Step back!" Uchiha Itachi's expression was grave as he spoke seriously to stop him.
Wait… no match for Genya? Did Itachi really overestimate him that much?
These few words hit like a bomb, sending shockwaves through everyone. Tsunade and Shizune were stunned, mouths slightly open, unable to speak.
Tsunade had known Genya was strong, but in her view, in a real fight, Genya might not be able to defeat her.
Yet now, Itachi was issuing such a stern warning directly to Kisame. Could she have been underestimating Genya all along?
Kisame's reaction was even more intense, his face full of disbelief and defiance.
"Itachi, you must be joking. He's just a kid from the Uchiha clan. Even if their leader came, he wouldn't be my match!"
Kisame's voice echoed in the air, filled with incredulity. In his mind, his own strength was more than enough to crush this reckless kid standing before him.
"Heh. You're right. If my dad showed up, he might not be your match. So do you want to try attacking me instead?" Genya's lips curved slightly, a challenging smile forming.
Genya knew his father's current strength—it was probably just a bit stronger than an average Chunin, nothing exceptional.
But when it came to himself, to Shisui, or even the current Uchiha squad leaders, Kisame wouldn't stand a chance against any of them.
Moreover, Kisame had already lost his trusted weapon, Samehada.
"Itachi… I might lose control. Even if this kid is the Uchiha clan's current heir, today I'll teach him a lesson!" Kisame's anger completely took over his mind.
He gripped his massive sword tightly, his knuckles whitening, and leaned slightly forward, ready to strike at any moment.
"Kisame… have you forgotten how you lost Samehada?" Itachi said quickly, seeing that Kisame wouldn't listen.
Facing Genya was practically suicide for Kisame.
A buzzing sound ran through the air. The words hit Kisame like an explosion in his mind.
His body trembled violently, and the motion of his attack froze instantly.
A flicker of fear passed through his eyes, and he couldn't help but recall that day of utter despair.
When the one who took his beloved weapon confronted him, he had no strength to fight back. He could only watch helplessly as his precious weapon was stolen. The feeling of powerlessness still haunted him.
But why did Itachi suddenly bring this up? Kisame's eyes widened in shock.
Itachi, seeing Kisame's confusion, no longer hid the truth. He spoke slowly, "He is the one."
Bang bang bang bang—
Kisame felt as if giant hammers were violently striking his chest. His heart pounded fiercely, and his breathing grew rapid.
He looked at Uchiha Itachi in disbelief, then turned to Genya standing not far away. His mouth opened slightly, and after a moment of stunned silence, he said, "Impossible… that masked guy wasn't this tall!"
No matter what, Kisame couldn't associate this young brat in front of him with the powerful figure who had once cornered him.
"That's because he was still young back then," Uchiha Itachi explained again, his tone calm but unwavering.
"Still young?" Kisame's mind struggled to accept the fact. How old had that brat been a few years ago?
And yet, he had been able to push Kisame into a desperate situation. It completely shattered his understanding.
After a long silence, Kisame finally calmed himself and cautiously asked, "Brat, what about my Samehada?"
"Of course, it's lent to someone who needs it!" Genya said with a faint smile, tilting his head slightly as he sized up Kisame. Then, in a teasing tone, he added, "These past few years, I didn't expect you to switch swords. Is it better than Samehada?"
"You…" Kisame felt his anger flare again at Genya's teasing, ready to attack him.
But thinking of Genya's terrifying strength, he hesitated. He weighed the risks—getting beaten up again would be too costly.
"I'm just passing by. You guys keep treating yourselves!" Genya said, smiling lightly, his tone casual, as if the tense atmosphere from before had never existed.
He walked forward with steady steps. Yet, as he passed by Uchiha Itachi, his pace slowed slightly. He continued, "I hope you can hold on until the next Chunin Exam in Konoha. Because some interesting things will become dull without it."
A sly glint appeared in Genya's eyes as the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.
He and Orochimaru had carefully planned a grand performance. Without Itachi, the show would lose much of its excitement.
So, he sincerely hoped that Uchiha Itachi would appear during the Konoha Chunin Exams.
"Huh? Chunin Exams?" Uchiha Itachi's expression flickered, and the calm in his eyes trembled for an instant.
From Genya's words, it seemed he was planning to create some major stir during the Chunin Exams.
"Ahem, ahem." Itachi coughed a few times, unable to hide his agitation, and quickly asked, "Genya… what exactly are you planning?"
He had already devoted everything to Konoha. The village held an irreplaceable place in his heart, and he would never allow it to fall into chaos—or be overturned.
"Nothing much." Genya smiled gently, a trace of mystery in his expression, and continued, "By then… some truths may come to light. I hope you'll be there to witness them. Among them, there might be something you've been wanting to see."
****
Support me on my patreon and read upto 15 early chapters.
https://www.patreon.com/AniScout