Naruto: Fire-Release system

Chapter 137: The More You Fear, the More I Enjoy It!

Obito wasn't the same as he had been during the Nine-Tails' attack on Konoha. With his Kamui-based intangibility, even against Minato Namikaze and Gamabunta, two formidable adversaries, he remained completely unscathed.

However, defeating both Minato and Gamabunta was no easy feat for him either. His objective wasn't victory—it was simply to stall Minato long enough for Akatsuki to secure the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki. Once Naruto was transported to a location shielded against Minato's Flying Thunder God Technique, even Minato's speed wouldn't matter.

This strategy to counteract the Flying Thunder God had been inspired by Black Zetsu, who referenced the ambush on the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, by Kinkaku and Ginkaku decades earlier.

As the fight dragged on, Minato began to understand the workings of Obito's Kamui. Yet, even with this knowledge, he realized that defeating Obito without support would be nearly impossible.

Minato devised a plan. He summoned Gamabunta not to defeat Obito but to create a distraction. While Gamabunta drew Obito's attention with his massive attacks, Minato quietly left a shadow clone to engage with Obito and create the illusion that he hadn't left the battlefield.

Meanwhile, Minato's real body slipped away, stealthily pursuing the Akatsuki members who had taken Naruto.

Minato's Pursuit of the Akatsuki

Without Obito obstructing him, Minato quickly caught up to Hidan and Kakuzu. The two members of Akatsuki were carrying the unconscious Naruto, their mission nearly complete.

On another front, Itachi Uchiha was consumed by rage.

After the unexpected abduction of Sasuke, Itachi abandoned Akatsuki's mission and pursued the culprit, leaving Kisame and Zabuza behind. His anger burned hotter with each passing second, fueled by his failure to protect his brother.

Itachi Confronts Hiruko

Using his full speed, Itachi caught up with Hiruko, the rogue ninja who had taken Sasuke.

"Who are you?" Itachi asked coldly, his voice a mixture of anger and control.

Hiruko smirked. "Itachi Uchiha, here to save your precious little brother?"

Seeing Itachi up close, Hiruko's greed flared. Sasuke had been a substitute for his failed attempt to capture Kakashi, but now, standing before him was the real prize.

Itachi's Mangekyō Sharingan.

The potential of fusing Itachi's dojutsu into his own body sent shivers of excitement through Hiruko's spine. His vision of himself as the ultimate being in the shinobi world seemed more attainable than ever.

"Let Sasuke go," Itachi commanded, his tone sharp enough to cut through the tension.

Hiruko chuckled darkly. "Let him go? I think not. But if you're offering yourself in his place, Itachi, I might just consider it."

Before Hiruko could react further, Itachi's eyes spun, his Mangekyō Sharingan activating.

"Tsukuyomi!"

Hiruko's surroundings blurred as he was dragged into the illusory world of Itachi's Tsukuyomi. In this space, Itachi was the absolute master.

Meanwhile, Uchiha Naoi Intervenes

Unbeknownst to Itachi, Uchiha Naoi had marked him with the Flying Thunder God Technique some time ago. While Itachi was focused on using Tsukuyomi to incapacitate Hiruko, Naoi suddenly appeared beside Sasuke.

Calmly walking toward the unconscious Sasuke, Naoi's presence sent a shiver down Itachi's spine.

As reality reasserted itself, Hiruko collapsed, his mind broken by the Tsukuyomi's relentless torment. The rogue ninja lay limp, his body and spirit shattered.

Itachi turned to see Naoi standing near Sasuke, one hand gripping the boy's neck and lifting him effortlessly into the air.

"Uchiha Naoi!" Itachi's voice was laced with fury and desperation.

Naoi smirked. "Oh, Itachi, why the anger? I'm just keeping Sasuke warm for you."

Itachi's eyes burned with intensity as he glared at Naoi. Memories of their previous encounter, coupled with Naoi's chilling promise to kill Sasuke, surged to the forefront of his mind.

"Sasuke is innocent!" Itachi shouted. "What do you gain by killing him?"

Naoi's smirk deepened. "Why do you look so scared, Itachi? The more fear I see in your eyes, the more I enjoy this."

Naoi's hand tightened slightly around Sasuke's neck, causing the boy's unconscious body to twitch.

"Stop!" Itachi's composure cracked. "What will it take for you to let him go?"

Naoi tilted his head, feigning thoughtfulness. "Hmm… how about your Mangekyō Sharingan? Hand over your eyes, and I'll let Sasuke live."

Itachi froze, torn between his love for his brother and the potential consequences of giving up his Mangekyō.

"What guarantee do I have that you'll keep your word?" Itachi asked cautiously.

Naoi laughed. "Guarantee? There are no guarantees in life, Itachi. You either trust me—or you don't. Your choice."

He tightened his grip on Sasuke's neck, causing the boy's face to redden.

"Fine!" Itachi shouted, his voice trembling. "I'll do it. Just… don't hurt Sasuke."

Satisfied, Naoi released Sasuke, letting the boy fall limply to the ground.

"Good. Now, let's see those precious eyes of yours, shall we?"

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