An Itachi Fanfiction [EDITING]

Konoha Crush

Kakashi, who had also managed to repel the Genjutsu, turned toward us sharply.

"Release the Genjutsu and wake Naruto and Shikamaru," he ordered. "This is now an A-rank mission."

I turned to see both Naruto and Shikamaru completely unconscious on the ground.

Kakashi-sensei continued quickly.

"Sasuke is chasing Gaara and the Sand siblings. Go after them immediately."

As he spoke, he sliced his thumb with a kunai and slammed his hand against the ground.

A puff of smoke appeared.

A small pug wearing a Leaf headband appeared beside him.

"A ninja hound?" Sakura whispered.

"This is Pakkun," Kakashi-sensei explained. "He'll help track Sasuke."

We immediately moved toward Naruto and Shikamaru and released the Genjutsu.

Naruto jolted awake with a gasp.

Shikamaru didn't move at all.

Naruto blinked.

"...Did he die?"

"He's sleeping," I deadpanned.

"And honestly? I respect it."

While Naruto panicked uselessly, I crouched beside Shikamaru thoughtfully.

Then smiled.

"Don't worry," I said brightly. "I know exactly how to wake him."

Before anyone could stop me—

I slapped him across the face.

Hard.

"WAKE UP!"

Shikamaru practically launched upright in horror.

He clutched his cheek while glaring at me murderously.

I burst out laughing.

"That was completely unnecessary," he grumbled.

"Maybe," I admitted. "But it was funny."

After Kakashi-sensei explained the situation to them, we left immediately.

⸻

We raced through the forest at full speed.

The deeper we went, the heavier the atmosphere became.

Pakkun suddenly stopped mid-branch.

"We've got company."

We all froze.

"Nine Sound ninja," he continued grimly. "Closing in fast."

Naruto swore.

"If they catch us here, we'll never reach Sasuke in time," Sakura realised.

For a brief moment, silence fell.

Then Shikamaru sighed dramatically.

"What a drag..."

We all looked at him.

"I'll stay behind."

Naruto immediately protested.

"What?!"

"My Shadow Possession Jutsu is the best option for delaying them," Shikamaru explained calmly. "Besides, you idiots are better suited for chasing Gaara."

He looked toward me specifically.

"You're the only one who might actually get through to him."

I blinked in surprise.