"Master Ubi."
The ninja cats respectfully gathered around the gigantic orange cat, finding their backbone.
Itachi stared at the giant ninja cat blocking the way, his expression no longer as relaxed as before.
He knew Ubi, the ninja cat.
Most of the ninja cats in the Ninja Cat Clan were not adept at combat but excelled in information gathering. However, Ubi was an extremely rare combat-type ninja cat.
In the history of the Ninja Cat Clan, there has never been a combat-type ninja cat with capabilities surpassing his.
His contractor was a renowned ninja in the Ninja Realm—Uchiha Ruri.
As far as Itachi knew, Ubi's current status in the Ninja Cat Clan was second only to the clan leader, Granny Cat.
"Leave, Uchiha Itachi, there is no place for you here anymore. Our Ninja Cat Clan will no longer provide you with information or weapon supplies."
Blocking the ninja cats, Ubi took advantage of his physical stature to look down on Itachi and spoke.
A hint of hostility gleamed in his cat eyes.
This was only natural; many ninja cats in the clan had good relationships with the Uchiha Clan's ninjas. Itachi's act of clan annihilation also meant severing ties with the Ninja Cat Clan.
Even the generally mild-mannered ninja cats in the clan remained neutral concerning Uchiha Itachi's actions, not expressing opinions, but none openly supported his actions.
The majority of the ninja cats unanimously terminated their contracts with Itachi, and all the clan's outposts were no longer accessible to him, whether for intelligence or supplies. They stopped working for him.
"I came here to retrieve something, exactly from Granny Cat. I'll leave after I get it."
Itachi gazed composedly at Ubi with his Three-Tomoe Sharingan, making it challenging to discern his thoughts.
Yet, Itachi's insistence greatly angered Ubi, annoyed by Uchiha Itachi's lack of recognition.
Couldn't he see that he was unwelcome by everyone here?
Or perhaps he wanted to forcefully break into the Ninja Cat Clan's outpost? Such behavior was tantamount to provocation.
"Hmph! If you don't leave soon, then never leave!"
Ubi took a step forward, his paw pressing against the ground and causing a slight tremor. His massive body shaded the sunlight, casting a large shadow.
A visible layer of substantial chakra enveloped his exterior, and Kisame felt his breathing become slightly suffocated by the powerful chakra.
This cat seems not to be merely large, Kisame thought inwardly.
He watched the scene in front of him with great interest, having no intention to step forward and assist.
Itachi sighed slightly, unsure if it was for regret or something else, and his hand emerged from his sleeve, holding several shuriken between his fingers, ready for combat.
Suddenly, a dark figure sprinted over from afar. It was a ninja cat resembling a fox with words engraved on its forehead.
"Ubi."
The ninja cat shouted Ubi's name.
"What is it, Denka? Eat the dried fish yourself first, I have 'guests' to entertain here."
Ubi looked at the ninja cat that wasn't even the size of his palm and called out its name.
Especially when mentioning "guests," his tone intensified.
"It's not about the dried fish; Granny Cat knows about the situation here and has agreed to his request."
The ninja cat named Denka glanced at Itachi.
"What's so significant about seeing this kind of guy? I could burn him up with a single flame."
Ubi's attitude was extremely discontented.
"But, you fight too violently, and you'll damage the entire outpost. Granny Cat doesn't want to move so soon."
Denka said.
"Honestly, just driving out traitors like him would be enough. There's no need to indulge. Granny Cat is really..."
Ubi snorted coldly, although he was displeased with Granny Cat's decision, he still had to show respect.
Ignoring Ubi's complaints, Denka walked up to Itachi and said, "Follow me."
As he spoke, he reluctantly led the way.
Enduring the hostile gazes of numerous ninja cats, Itachi followed Denka calmly into the Ninja Cat Clan's outpost.
Kisame shrugged helplessly alone outside, tactfully waiting, subject to the ninja cats' surveillance.
The underground corridors were as maze-like as ever. Even though Itachi had been here many times, he still felt dizzy, unable to distinguish one route from another.
This underground maze was like countless tendrils rooted underground, protecting the safety of the Ninja Cat Clan.
Entering the innermost room, Denka did not enter, allowing Itachi to go in alone.
At the front of the room, a granny sat calmly cross-legged, surrounded by many non-ninja cats. Her hair was white as snow, adorned with cat-ear headwear, and she held a smoking pipe in her hand.
Though old, her demeanor was still energetic.
Granny Cat.
Though self-proclaimed as Granny Cat, she was actually human.
However, her family, like the Uchiha Clan, had a symbiotic contract relationship with the Ninja Cat Clan.
Granny Cat's family was the premiere commercial family in the Ninja Realm, primarily involved in military trading, selling underground, and secretly providing weapons and supplies to the Uchiha Clan.
This matter was scarcely known even to Konoha.
Therefore, the relationship among the three parties was quite evident.
Granny Cat's family provided a commercial platform, sold arms, and earned development funds.