Your Lies | Itachi Uchiha x Reader

Chapter 4

POV – Narrator

The two ANBU stood stiffly at the cave's exit, their bodies alert, their eyes watchful. Their mission was simple: don't let Lady Y/n out of the cave.

But Y/n was more determined than either of them.

"I don't think Lady Mizukage should've tasked us with guarding her sister," one ANBU said quietly. "Is Lady Y/n really going to try to escape?"

"You're new, right? If you knew her growing up, you'd know she always wanted to do things her own way. Her sister never let her."

Just then, something small rolled out of the cave and landed at their feet.

"A smoke bomb!" one shouted.

Before they could move out of range, it exploded, releasing a thick cloud of smoke. Through the haze, they saw Y/n leap into the air, her hands already forming seals.

"Hyōrō no Jutsu!" she called.

A prison of ice erupted around the ANBU, freezing them solid.

Of her three kekkei genkai, Ice Release was her weakest—she hadn't had much opportunity to train it, and no one else in the village shared the ability. Most who once had were long dead or in hiding. Still, her jutsu was effective enough.

One of the ANBU struggled, trying to form signs for a Fire Release jutsu.

"I promise the ice won't hold forever!" Y/n shouted through the fog. "I left enough airflow in there so you won't suffocate before it melts. Sorry, guys! When my sister scolds me later, I'll be sure to tell her you did your best."

She couldn't see their expressions behind the masks, but she was certain they were fuming.

With that, she sprinted off toward the village.

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"It's a good thing we got these disguises," Kisame said as he tugged at the collar of the ANBU uniform they'd stolen. "Helps us blend in."

He glanced down at the mask on his face, clearly annoyed.

"Do we really have to keep these on?"

"Yes," Itachi replied. "Someone might recognize us. I'm also suppressing our chakra for the same reason."

Kisame huffed. "This uniform brings back bad memories."

"From your time here?"

"No, from having to wear uniforms."

Itachi gave a subtle nod. "Reminds me of the Leaf."

The two walked side by side, scanning the streets for any sign of the Six-Tails jinchūriki. Passersby paid them no attention, seeing only two masked ANBU on patrol.

Then Kisame stopped in his tracks, staring at a seafood restaurant.

"You've got to be kidding," Itachi said.

Kisame was already drooling as he eyed the posted menu.

"This was my favorite place when I lived here. They even refuse to serve shark dishes—out of respect for the Hoshigaki clan."

"We don't have time."

"Come on. Let me just grab a bite. It'll be quick, promise." Kisame pouted.

Itachi blinked slowly. A pout? From Kisame?

"...Fine."

"Yay! Thank you, Itachi! I'll get something for you too."

"I'm not hungry."

"You'll love it. It's phenomenal." Kisame opened the door and stepped inside.

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POV – Y/n

Now where could the Akatsuki be...?

As I passed the restaurant Kurotanesou Seafood, a wave of nostalgia hit me along with the mouth-watering aroma of shrimp tempura and soft-shell crab. Ginger, garlic, wasabi, shōga—so many familiar spices lingered in the air.

Forget the Akatsuki—I need to eat first.

I hadn't been here since Team 3 disbanded. This was a taste of home.

I pushed the door open and stepped inside.

The restaurant was nearly full. Two open seats caught my eye at the barside table—next to two ANBU. They probably don't know about Mei's order. I guess it's fine.

I sat down next to the ANBU with an orange-patterned mask. He glanced at me but said nothing.

"Konnichiwa!" I greeted with a bright smile.

He turned his head again, looked at me for a moment, then faced forward without responding.

Rude, I thought.

"You must be new," I said. "Otherwise, you'd know who I am."

"I could care les—"

He was cut off by the other ANBU, who wore a blue swirl mask. "Apologies, Lady Y/n. My partner is new."

"Oh, it's fine..." I said, smiling at him instead.

"Lady Y/n!" Hana, the owner, called out from behind the counter. "Would you like a menu or your usual from your Team 3 days?"

"My usual, please. And an order of shrimp tempura too."

"Coming right up—kani-meshi and shrimp tempura," she replied, polishing a wine glass as she turned toward the kitchen.

"Kani-meshi? Good taste. That's what I ordered too," said the blue swirl ANBU.

"Thanks. Best way to eat crab, in my opinion."

He seemed polite and relaxed—unlike his grumpy companion. But something still felt... off. I didn't recognize them, and I knew most of the Mist ANBU. Maybe I was just being paranoid.

While waiting, I drifted off into thought.

"Here's your food, Lady Y/n," Hana said, setting down the two dishes.

"Thank you."

I lifted my chopsticks—only for the restaurant doors to crash open.

There stood Mei.

"Y/n! What did I just say earlier?!" she yelled, making every head in the restaurant turn toward me.

Behind her were Ao, Chojuro, and Hangetsu.

"How did you find me?" I asked, frozen mid-bite.

"I found the ANBU you froze in ice," she said sharply. "And as for how I found this place—villagers saw you come in. But that's not the point. Get over here. Now."

She pointed firmly to the floor beside her.

POV – Narrator

"Lady Mizukage," Ao whispered, leaning toward her, "I don't recognize the chakra signatures of those two ANBU. They're strong—far stronger than any of ours."

"What?" Mei's eyes narrowed.

"Hangetsu, Chojuro. Approach with caution," she said, calculating fast. "Those two may not be from the Mist."

"You think they're the Akatsuki?" Chojuro asked.

"There's a high chance," Mei replied.

As the group stepped forward, a powerful shift in chakra filled the room.

"Do you feel that?" Ao asked grimly.

"I recognize that chakra!" Hangetsu said. His face went pale.

"It's them."