Itachi was on his feet less than a moment behind, hoisting Isamu up onto his back. It slowed him down - but he didn't want to leave his eldest son alone if there was danger.

The scream was definitely Minoru's, and coming from just beyond the forest to the edge of a mountain cliff. As they cleared the trees, Minoru could be heard, but he was nowhere to be seen. Instead, a massive black bear was furiously slashing over the edge. A trail of blood followed the creature. Whether it was the bear's or Minoru's, though, was still to be determined.