𝘉𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘧 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 ( 𝖀𝖈𝖍𝖎𝖍𝖆 𝕾𝖆𝖘𝖚𝖐𝖊)

Chapter 95: Welcome back, Itachi

With much persuading (and no small amount of arguing), the Uzumaki twins and Killer Bee—some of the last remaining jinchūriki—were finally allowed to enter the chaotic battle, despite the heavy losses that had already weighed down on their forces.

"Misa, are you certain? You know what this could mean... Ryu is still waiting for you back in Konoha," Tsunade reminded her. There was a flicker of hesitation in the Hokage's eyes, aware that, as a mother, Misa had more than just duty pushing her into the fray. But Misa's decision to stand against the known evil they faced seemed inevitable.

"I know, Lady Tsunade. I've thought it through." Misa's voice was resolute, though her gaze softened. "Ryu would lose his mother if I die—but if I stayed back, how could I live with myself knowing how many mothers, fathers, and children will be lost if I don't fight with everything I have?"

The Hokage met Misa's eyes, seeing the fierce will of a mother who understood the stakes but refused to let others bear the burden alone. In that moment, it was clear that nothing could dissuade either Misa or Naruto. Both of them, bound by their shared legacy and undying loyalty, were unwavering. To them, the fight for the future of the world felt like a promise they had made long ago—one carved into their very bones, solid as stone and with that, they were running on their way to partake as ninjas in the Fourth Ninja War.

"Brother, we should probably go separate ways," Misa urged, her tone calm yet determined. But the older Uzumaki shook his head, frowning at the thought.

"It's disadvantageous being together. While we're here, the enemy could be attacking somewhere else—somewhere that needs us," she continued, her eyes flicking to the distance. "If we spread out—"

"Separate ways? What are you talking about?" Naruto interrupted, his voice catching with an edge of anxiety. "Look, we're in this together! You're my sister. We're family. We've got each other's backs, right? So whatever's out there... we'll face it together. Side by side. That's how we've always done it."

Just then, Killer Bee nodded along, a wide grin stretching across his face as he took it all in. "Yo, Naruto! That's the spirit I know! Stickin' with your fam, let that loyalty show!" Bee pumped his fist in rhythm, his words ringing with energy. "Together, you and your sis? That's the cure! Ain't no enemy standin' when the Uzumakis come as one!"

Bee's eccentric encouragement drew laughter from both siblings, easing the tension between them. And in that moment, Misa looked at her brother, feeling the weight of the past start to lift. In just a few days, their relationship had transformed, moving from strained silences to unbreakable trust, no different from how it was in the past. Standing with Naruto now, she felt something close to home again.

For Naruto, this wasn't just a fight—it was a chance to make things right. For the first time in a long time, he was truly putting his sister first, just like he'd always wanted.

The laughter died down as soon as the siblings realized this was definitely not the time to be joking around. They could sense it—a presence heavy and foreboding that settled over them like a storm. And they were right to be wary.

Why?

Standing in their path were two figures cloaked in mystery and infamy, their auras chilling the air around them. The "Murderer of the Uchiha Clan" and the "God of Amegakure"—Itachi Uchiha and Nagato—stood before them, looking just as surprised by the encounter as the trio. Both men were known as some of the most dangerous members of the Akatsuki, their actions and reputations marking them as villains of the highest order. But as the siblings held their gaze, an unspoken realization passed between them.

The known villains' eyes were different from how they had been before, back when fear and tension hung thick in their presence. In their previous lives, Itachi and Nagato had exuded a near-constant aura of bloodlust and unyielding resolve, each movement laced with an edge of danger. Back then, they'd felt like immovable forces, driven by their missions at any cost. But now... now, they seemed tamer. Their stances were calm, the sharpness in their gazes softened, the relentless intensity replaced by something else—something almost... approachable.