Path Not Taken 71

Hyuga Hinata

Look up there! Is that... Gaara?!

Hyuga Hinata

He's fighting someone on a flying bird!

Nara Shikamaru

That's Deidara of the Akatsuki. But why would Gaara be here?

Nara Shikamaru

Something doesn't add up. Naruto went rogue with Azula... why would he risk coming here?

Uchiha Itachi

Naruto Uzumaki rescued the Kazekage from our organization.

Uchiha Itachi

He's currently engaged with Sasori nearby. Their battle is... quite intense.

Hyuga Hinata

Naruto-kun is fighting alone? What's happening to him?

Hyuga Hinata

I need to find him right away!

Uchiha Itachi

I could let you pass to find him... on a whim.

Uchiha Itachi

The rest will stay to entertain me. It's been some time since I've had worthy opponents.

Hyuga Hinata

Naruto-kun!

Nara Shikamaru

Hinata, wait! It's obviously a trap!

Uchiha Itachi

Too slow, Nara. Perhaps your strategizing would be better applied to surviving the next few minutes.