Naruto: Uchiha Survivor Forced to Save the Shinobi World

Under the searing blaze of 'Amaterasu' black flames, even with the immortal bodies granted by their ghostification, the Six Hashira's forms could not withstand it.

Their figures gradually crumbled in the burning black flames, finally turning to ash and scattering across the long street.

"So strong!"

Huddled in a corner, several Hidden Sand shinobi who had witnessed the entire clash couldn't help but exclaim in awe.

In the distance.

The 'Upper Rank One' demonized Tanjiro seemed to sense something, tears streaming down his face.

But soon, as if recalling something, his expression hardened. He wiped away the tears, reverting to his usual cold demeanor!

Elsewhere.

The 'Upper Rank Two' Kokushibo, similarly sensing the loss, sneered coldly, "Those damned swordsmen are nothing but a bunch of useless trash!"

After cursing, he vanished in a flash, seeking new prey.

He continued his slaughter!

His actions weren't entirely to save the Demon Slayer world; they were largely driven by selfish ambition—to grow stronger!

On a long street.

"Itachi, isn't that your Uchiha clan's 'Susanoo'? The red one—it's probably 'B's, right?"

Carrying his Decapitating Carving Knife, Juzo Biwa remarked casually while gazing into the distance.

Itachi, too, was staring at Karin's complete 'Susanoo' in the distance, his eyes showing an unprecedented gravity.

The reason he hadn't rushed to contact the village wasn't just to uncover the true identity of Akatsuki's leader. He also wanted to investigate who the so-called 'A' and 'B' really were.

When he learned that Akatsuki had two mysterious Mangekyo Uchihas, 'A' and 'B,' he had questioned Obito about them.

But Obito gave no answers.

Of course, Itachi didn't know that Obito was genuinely clueless. He assumed 'A' and 'B' were part of the schemes of the man claiming to be Uchiha Madara. So, in recent days, he had been secretly investigating their identities.

At this moment, Juzo Biwa asked curiously, "Itachi, you should be able to unleash a 'Susanoo' like that too, right?"

Itachi shook his head, "I can't."

Juzo Biwa was taken aback, "What?"

"'B's dojutsu is stronger than mine!"

Itachi offered no further explanation, keeping it brief.

"That doesn't sound like something a guy who single-handedly wiped out his entire clan would say!" Juzo Biwa chuckled, adding, "Regardless, 'A' and 'B' and their crew are probably here too. Looks like the 'Upper Ranks' have really pissed off the leader!"

Swish, swish!

At that moment, two figures dashed through the street where Itachi and Juzo stood, seemingly heading toward the distant 'Susanoo.'

But upon spotting Itachi and Juzo at the other end of the street, one of them suddenly halted, roaring, "Uchiha Itachi!"

It was obvious.

The two rushing toward Karin's 'Susanoo' were none other than Sasuke and Haku!

But upon seeing Itachi, Sasuke's long-suppressed hatred ignited, casting aside all thoughts of missions or plans.

Itachi and Juzo were startled, then saw a figure in a hooded red-cloud cloak and a hawk-faced mask charging at them without hesitation.

Clang!

In an instant, Itachi swung his kunai, blocking Sasuke's strike.

Juzo stepped back, gripping his Decapitating Carving Knife and pointing at Sasuke, "Hey, you're with Akatsuki too, aren't you?"

Ignoring Juzo, Sasuke glared at Itachi, roaring like a vengeful spirit, "I'll kill you!"

By now, Itachi had recognized Sasuke, his eyes filled with shock and doubt.

He hadn't expected Sasuke to appear in such a dangerous place, let alone don the red-cloud cloak and become a member of Akatsuki like himself.

Juzo seemed to sense something, "Itachi, you know this guy?"

Itachi didn't respond. Instead, he pushed Sasuke back with force, turned, and fled.

"Don't you dare escape!"

Sasuke immediately gave chase.

"What the hell's going on?"

Juzo Biwa frowned slightly, preparing to follow.

Swish!

At that moment, Haku flashed in front of Juzo, saying, "That's their business. Please don't interfere."

Haku had promised Sasuke that if they encountered Sasuke's enemy, he would help create an opportunity for revenge.

Though now wasn't the ideal time for vengeance, Sasuke had already acted, and Haku couldn't stand by and let Sasuke face two opponents alone.

After all, Uchiha Itachi was the man who single-handedly annihilated the Uchiha clan. And as a Hidden Mist shinobi, Haku was no stranger to the man beside Itachi wielding the Decapitating Carving Knife—Juzo Biwa, one of the infamous former Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist!

Though Sasuke had awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan, rumors said Uchiha Itachi was also a Mangekyo Uchiha. With Juzo Biwa, a former Seven Swordsman, at his side, Sasuke would surely die facing them both. So Haku had to act!

Juzo Biwa sneered coldly, "Looks like you're picking a fight!"

Haku sighed helplessly but didn't step aside.

Eyeing the dog-faced mask on Haku's face, Juzo said, "You must be 'C,' huh? If you don't want me interfering, then you'll have to entertain me!"

With that, Juzo swung his blade, slashing at Haku!

Meanwhile.

Sasuke relentlessly pursued Itachi, shouting, "How long will you keep running? What, you don't even have the courage to face me?"

Itachi ignored Sasuke's taunts. After weaving through twists and turns to reach a secluded mansion, he finally stopped.

Sasuke quickly caught up, his breathing ragged from anger and exertion.

Itachi waited calmly for Sasuke to catch his breath before speaking, "You joined Akatsuki?"

Zzt, zzt!

At that moment, a flash of lightning sparked behind Itachi. Before he could react, an arm wreathed in electricity pierced through his chest.

"Go to hell!"

Sasuke's voice rang out from behind him.

Itachi lowered his head, glancing at the arm protruding from his chest, a faint, ambiguous smile on his face, "You've truly grown."

"I haven't just grown—I've surpassed you!" Sasuke paused, then roared, "Itachi, this is the price for betraying our clan, for betraying our parents! I told you, you'd die by my hand!"

Itachi slowly turned, glancing at Sasuke.

Sasuke froze.

Because Itachi's face showed no fear, no panic.

Caw, caw, caw…

At that moment, Itachi's body transformed into countless black crows, scattering in all directions.

Sasuke's expression shifted, halting his 'Chidori,' his demeanor growing heavier, "Crow Clone Jutsu!?"

The scattered crows quickly regrouped, reforming into Itachi's form. He gazed at Sasuke, "A mere 'Chidori' won't kill me. Let me see how much your Sharingan has grown!"