After watching Itachi dispose of the corpse, Juzo's expression became somewhat complicated. He seemed to want to ask something but hesitated, unsure of how to start.
"How did you figure it out?"
Looking at Itachi fiddling with the human-skin mask, Juzo spoke calmly, trying not to seem awkward.
"I already told you, didn't I?"
Itachi appeared puzzled by Juzo's question.
"Explain more clearly. I'm a little curious," Juzo said impatiently, seeing Itachi's confused expression.
…
"It's simple—luck. Once I suspected him, he was guilty."
Itachi tossed a scroll containing the severed head to Juzo, speaking seriously.
"You were only suspicious? And you just bluffed him?"
Juzo became even more baffled by Itachi's explanation.
Originally, they had intended to chase after the villager, but before they had gone far, Itachi turned back.
This maneuver left Juzo completely confused.
"More or less. At first, I didn't suspect him. But I sensed something odd about the person who ran to deliver the message."
"So, I overturned everything and started anew. I just thought: *If I were him, what would I do?*"
…
"What was so odd? He looked like a typical errand boy rushing to report news," Juzo said, his eyes glazed over. For the first time, he felt like his brain wasn't keeping up.
"When we left, I noticed it was already near dusk. Wouldn't it make more sense to deliver the message late at night when it's quieter? Also, this small village is so hidden—there's no reason to rush up the mountain like some wild man."
Itachi walked into the house, seemingly checking for other spoils, while sensing Juzo following closely behind.
Having nothing better to do, he continued his explanation casually.
"And then?"
Juzo pressed on, his curiosity piqued, resembling an overly inquisitive elder.
"So, I flipped my earlier assumptions. I started thinking: if I were him, I'd probably stay in the village and use some means to integrate into it. That's when I remembered the one man in this village who had a courtyard."
"As a minor expert, he'd definitely prefer a more comfortable life rather than living in a shabby hut. And since he was being hunted by the plutocracy, it made sense. It was a small connection, but it was there."
"The rest was just guesswork. You only need to be partially confident—because, often, in the face of true strength, clever tricks are easily shattered."
As Itachi spoke, he used his Sharingan to scan the house while answering.
…
"Ugh, the more you talk, the more far-fetched it sounds. The first part makes sense, but the rest feels like random guessing. No wonder I couldn't figure it out," Juzo muttered with a faint tone of complaint.
Still, the frustration in his heart subsided. After all, nobody liked feeling like a fool.
At least he was someone willing to learn.
"Everyone has their own style. You just haven't found yours yet."
"With your personality, you're used to staying low-key. But when you're truly provoked, I imagine your methods would be quite brutal."
Hearing Juzo's words, Itachi didn't turn around, responding softly.
…
"Heh, of course. Our organization has grand ambitions, but since we haven't acted yet, we need to stay under the radar. Still, if someone pushed me too far, I'd keep it simple—wipe everyone out. This village is so remote anyway; nobody would trace it back to me."
"By then, I'd naturally notice anything unusual when fighting the stronger guy."
Juzo scratched his head with a sheepish grin, though his words were chillingly ruthless.
After all, they were rogue ninjas. Ruthless and pragmatic, they'd stop at nothing to achieve their goals.
They only tried reasoning with others if the opponent showed skill or they weren't inclined to make a move.
…
Inside the house, Itachi found nothing noteworthy, leaving him feeling bored.
The thrill of treasure hunting often brought joy, but finding nothing inevitably felt dull.
"Are we staying here for the night or heading to the bounty exchange tomorrow?" Juzo asked, noticing Itachi had stopped.
"Let's go. It's better not to disturb the peace of this village. Civilians already have it tough in the shinobi world," Itachi said softly, glancing at the smoke curling from the village chimneys.
"Got it."
Juzo had no objections to Itachi's suggestion.
As Itachi had said, civilians were innocent. Unless necessary, there was no need to disrupt their quiet lives.
Of course, that's assuming they weren't ignorant and didn't block their path.
...
The bumpy, narrow road stretched ahead.
The two walked one behind the other.
Juzo led the way, with Itachi following closely behind.
When he had a moment to relax, images of Sasuke kept flashing through Itachi's mind.
It was instinctive.
Often, instincts and habits can be fatal.
"Wait for me. Soon, I'll be able to take you out to experience freedom…"
Recalling the evenings when he used to carry Sasuke on his back along the trails of Konoha, Itachi murmured softly to himself.
The poetic scenery around him seemed tinged with melancholy.
...
"Kid, what are you good at?"
The two walked in silence.
Suddenly, Juzo asked in a quiet voice.
"What's this about?"
Hearing Juzo's question, Itachi looked slightly puzzled.
"Don't overthink it. I'm just asking so we can work better together in future battles."
Noticing the doubt in Itachi's tone, Juzo gently explained.
"It's fine. Just charge in and do your thing—I'll watch your back."
After considering his role, Itachi replied calmly.
He was an all-around type of fighter, proficient in all five chakra natures: Yin, Yang, Fire, Water, and Wind.
His expertise in genjutsu was unparalleled.
He was also skilled at throwing weapons, which was one of his defining features.
While his close-quarters combat was slightly weaker, with his Sharingan, he could hold his own against almost anyone—except for someone like the Fourth Raikage.
As for ninjutsu, his single-handed seals allowed him to execute techniques faster than most people could finish their hand signs.
So, calling himself an all-rounder wasn't an exaggeration.
That said, Itachi had no intention of boasting and remained modest.
...
Night soon fell.
After completing their mission, the two decided against traveling through the night and found a spot to rest.
Naturally, they agreed to take turns keeping watch—one would stay up for the first half of the night, and the other for the second.
Juzo sat by the campfire, watching the flames crackle and occasionally pop.
In the surrounding darkness, the distant calls of birds and the rustling of small animals occasionally broke the silence.
It was Juzo's turn to keep watch during the first half of the night. Itachi leaned against a nearby tree with his eyes closed, conserving his energy.
Before long, soft snores filled the night air.
...
Itachi's quiet snoring caught Juzo's attention.
He glanced over at Itachi's youthful face and small frame.
A gentle expression softened Juzo's features.
The fact that Itachi could fall asleep so quickly meant he wasn't on guard around Juzo—he trusted him.
Being trusted by someone was a nice feeling.
It was a high form of recognition, a reminder that you were needed.
---