Harry Potter: Toji Potter

The bustling streets of Tenzakugai teemed with life, its chaotic energy a sharp contrast to the unease simmering beneath the surface. Jiraiya, Naruto, and Harry made their way through the market, Jiraiya scanning for any sign of Tsunade. Naruto, ever curious, pointed at every stall, asking Harry and Jiraiya questions about food, weapons, and oddly enough, decorative pottery.

"Oi, Naruto," Jiraiya grumbled, smacking the boy lightly on the head. "Focus. We're here to find Tsunade, not redecorate your dump of a house."

Harry smirked at Naruto's pout, his dark energy-laced robes drawing the attention of several onlookers. "If he's got questions, let him ask. He's got a curious mind—it's a sign of intelligence."

Jiraiya snorted. "He's got a curious stomach more than anything."

Naruto ignored them, grinning ear-to-ear as they entered a small inn Jiraiya had been tipped off to. Once inside, Jiraiya handed the innkeeper a few coins, securing them a room for the night. The group retreated to the modest quarters to regroup and discuss their next steps.

Back in the Hidden Leaf Village, three elite Jonin stood tense in a forest clearing. Kakashi Hatake, his Sharingan exposed, faced off against a tall, shark-like man wielding a massive blade. Kurenai Yuhi and Asuma Sarutobi flanked him, their focus on the calm yet deadly figure of Itachi Uchiha.

"Hand over the Nine-Tails' Jinchūriki," Itachi said, his voice cold and detached. Kisame's sharp grin widened, his grip on Samehada tightening.

"We'll protect Naruto with our lives," Kakashi replied firmly, the weight of his promise resonating in his voice.

Kisame lunged first, his blade meeting Asuma's chakra-infused trench knives in a clash that echoed through the trees. Kurenai weaved hand seals rapidly, attempting to ensnare Itachi in a genjutsu, but the Uchiha deflected it effortlessly, countering with a swift genjutsu of his own. Kakashi intervened, his Sharingan flashing, and broke the illusion.

The battle raged, the three Jonin holding their own but struggling to gain the upper hand. The tide shifted when a green blur shot into the fray. Might Guy arrived with his usual enthusiasm, landing a powerful kick that forced Kisame to retreat momentarily.

"Kakashi! I'll take the shark-man!" Guy declared, his teeth sparkling as he struck a dramatic pose.

Kisame growled, clearly unimpressed. "You're an energetic one. This might be fun."

Realizing the odds had turned against them, Itachi placed a hand on Kisame's shoulder. "We've accomplished our task for now. Let's go."

Reluctantly, Kisame followed, and the two Akatsuki members disappeared into the shadows. The Jonin regrouped, catching their breath. Kakashi's mind raced as he considered their target.

"They were after Naruto," he said grimly. "But with Jiraiya and Harry with him, he should be safe."

Kakashi remembered his first encounter with Harry vividly. The man had appeared in Konoha during the invasion, his presence both intimidating and intriguing. Kakashi had been assigned to assess him, a task that proved far more enlightening than he'd anticipated.

"I am the Shinigami," Harry had told him, his tone calm yet laced with power. "The embodiment of Death across all realms, realities, and dimensions."

At first, Kakashi had been skeptical, but when Harry allowed him to feel the overwhelming aura of his true nature, all doubts vanished. It was as if every fiber of his being was telling him this man wasn't lying. Strangely, despite the chilling revelation, Kakashi felt no hostility from Harry, only an unshakable certainty.

"You trust me that easily?" Harry had asked, genuinely surprised.

Kakashi had shrugged. "Sometimes, you just know when someone's telling the truth. Besides, anyone who enjoys Icha Icha Paradise can't be all bad."

Harry had laughed, a rare, genuine sound that startled Kakashi. "That's quite the standard for trust, but I'll take it. By the way, Jiraiya's books... they're something else. I might borrow a few techniques."

The two had bonded over their shared appreciation for Jiraiya's works, forming an unlikely friendship.

In their room, Harry and Naruto sat cross-legged on the floor, a pile of popped balloons between them. Naruto frowned, sweat dripping from his brow, as he struggled to maintain the swirling chakra needed for the Rasengan.

"Remember," Harry said, his tone patient. "It's all about control. Your chakra is like lifeblood—flow it through you with intent, but don't let it overwhelm you."

"Why do you have to make it sound so creepy?" Naruto complained, his face scrunching in frustration. "It's not lifeblood; it's catra!"

Harry chuckled. "Call it what you want. The point is to focus. Here, like this." He demonstrated, effortlessly forming a spinning sphere of chakra in his hand.

Naruto's jaw dropped. "That's not fair! You're too good at this!"

"Death's perks," Harry replied with a wink. "Now, try again."

They were interrupted by a sharp knock at the door. Naruto sprang to his feet, eager for a break. He opened the door—and froze, his eyes widening in shock.

His lips moved, but no sound escaped. Whatever he saw left him utterly speechless.

To Be Continued...