Back in Amegakure, Naruto and Itachi had a long conversation through the night, with Naruto revealing the events of the future to Itachi.
After listening, Itachi felt both comforted and sorrowful.
He was comforted because Sasuke, despite having gone astray, eventually became a capable ninja, protecting Konoha, safeguarding the ninja world, and restoring the Uchiha name.
But he was sorrowful because neither Sasuke, Konoha, nor the ninja world could escape such a tragic fate in the end.
Naruto's gaze was heavy and serious:
"That's why I came back. To prevent that ending from happening again, I broke free from the shackles of the village and began to act independently!"
"As for why I let Sasuke fend for himself, it was to turn his hatred into a driving force for his growth. After all, power itself knows no distinction between noble and ignoble... Do you blame me for this, Itachi?"
Itachi walked to the window, his figure weighed down by gravity:
"Speaking of using Sasuke's inner hatred, wasn't I the same? When I decided to die by Sasuke's hand, I once regretted my choice. I thought if I had believed in his strength and opened my heart to him from the start, maybe things would have ended better. But..."
Itachi clenched his fist tightly:
"If there truly exists an enemy beyond all common sense, then that's a different matter. When faced with a survival crisis for the entire ninja world, morality and emotions must take a back seat. Those abstract ideals are mere self-gratification. Once you're dead, everything ends."
"Given the circumstances, as long as Sasuke eventually finds his way back to the right path, that would be the best outcome."
Itachi...
Looking at Itachi's back, Naruto's expression grew complicated. He understood how much resolve it took for Itachi, who valued Sasuke more than Konoha, to say such words.
Itachi turned around, his gaze earnest:
"Don't hesitate. Do what you need to do. I'll lend you my strength as well!"
Naruto was overjoyed:
"Huh?? Is that really okay?? Aren't you under the influence of the genjutsu to protect Konoha?"
Itachi explained:
"The genjutsu implanted by Shisui's left eye does indeed compel me to protect Konoha. But I was already inclined to do so myself. This genjutsu has no impact on my personality or actions; it merely serves as an additional safeguard, eliminating the theoretical possibility of me turning against Konoha. Besides, your plans inherently include protecting Konoha, don't they?"
At this, Itachi smiled knowingly:
"Naruto, you actually have a bit of selfishness, don't you? Earlier, to obtain the secret technique scroll, you were prepared to attack Kumogakure and even considered taking action against Iwagakure, Kirigakure, or Sunagakure. Yet, you never once thought about targeting Konoha."
Naruto scratched his head:
"So nothing escapes your eyes, huh."
Itachi patted Naruto on the shoulder:
"It's fine. Everyone has their own selfishness. The love people hold for things beyond themselves—that proportional love—is the essence of genuine care. Only through self-awareness can one extend that care to others. Too lofty and empty a love will only be fleeting and unsustainable."
Naruto sighed sincerely:
"Itachi, you're really suited to be a life mentor."
Later that night, the two strolled through the empty, rain-soaked streets of Amegakure.
Stopping under a streetlamp, Naruto gently touched the fresh cement walls and remarked:
"Not long ago, Madara came here. Amegakure suffered heavy damage and was only recently rebuilt."
"Thanks to everyone's help, the village managed to retain its foundation, and I was able to step forward from behind the scenes and gain recognition as the village leader."
Naruto turned to face Itachi, his expression earnest:
"Itachi, you once bore the burden of infamy, walking in darkness and sacrificing silently. This time, I sincerely hope you can stand in the light!"
"So, please become the deputy leader of Amegakure!"
The streetlamp stretched Itachi's shadow long. His face, in the rain, was calm yet profound.
"The talents of a ninja and the ability to govern are two entirely different things."
"Crows are birds naturally suited for the night."
"Returning to the darkness is their destiny."
"So, while I appreciate your kind offer, there are other tasks more suited for me than being a deputy leader."
Itachi declined Naruto's invitation and shifted the topic.
"Earlier, you mentioned that after Kaguya Ōtsutsuki consumed the Chakra Fruit, she, fearing the arrival of her clansmen, not only used Infinite Tsukuyomi to cultivate a large number of White Zetsu but also manipulated space with her Rinne Sharingan, preventing her clan from sensing our dimension."
"The arrival of Momoshiki, Kinshiki, and Urashiki was triggered by spatial disturbances. Can you elaborate on this?"
Naruto recalled:
"Ah, that happened years after I became Hokage. Sumire Kakei, a contemporary of my son Boruto, turned out to be the sole daughter of Tanuki Shigaraki, a remnant of Root. Before his death, her father implanted Danzo's legacy, the Nue, into her body."
"Unaware of the truth, Sumire, driven by revenge, summoned the Nue in Konoha using the Gozu Tennō. Though the Nue incident was resolved and Sumire returned to the right path, it ultimately planted the seeds of disaster."
"The spatial cracks appeared, and our planet re-emerged within the perception of the Ōtsutsuki clan. Not long after, Momoshiki, Kinshiki, and Urashiki, as their clan's vanguard, launched an attack."
"The Nue incident might have been the beginning of it all!"
"But at this point in time, Sumire hasn't been born yet, so maybe there's no need to rush."
Itachi, however, had his own considerations:
"Didn't the Great Toad Sage's prophecy state that the Pear that could manipulate time had been destroyed, and the causality tied to it would be rewritten? The Ōtsutsuki Urashiki, who once held the Pear, and his close associates Momoshiki and Kinshiki, have all become variables. Their arrival could be advanced or delayed. We cannot let our guard down."
"The amount of time we have to grow will determine the success of your plans."
"As of now, Sumire hasn't been born, Shigaraki is still alive, and Danzo's legacy, the Gozu Tennō, remains in his hands. This is an unstable factor!"
"During my time in Konoha's Anbu, I had extensive contact with Root. No one is better suited for this mission than me. I'll try to locate Shigaraki and seal the Gozu Tennō. Perhaps this will delay the Ōtsutsuki clan's arrival, buying time for you and the ninja world to grow."
Naruto was astonished:
"Itachi, you've thought this far ahead in just one night!?"
Naruto asked:
"When will you set out?"
Itachi replied:
"Before dawn."
Naruto nodded:
"Alright, I'll assign someone to accompany you!"
Itachi was curious:
"Oh? Who might that be?"
Naruto smiled mysteriously:
"You'll find out soon enough."
Before dawn, at the gates of Amegakure.
When Itachi saw the tall figure behind Naruto, he was also slightly surprised:
"Kisame?"
Under his hat, Kisame Hoshigaki smiled warmly, his voice filled with emotion:
"Itachi-san, I never thought I'd have the chance to work with you again."
Naruto handed over a brand-new Akatsuki cloak and the ring symbolizing the Suzaku (Vermilion Bird) position in Akatsuki, smiling:
"Itachi, welcome to Akatsuki Reborn!"
Swoosh!
Without hesitation, Itachi donned the Akatsuki cloak over his slender frame. His right hand slipped out from the sleeve, emerging near the collar to reveal the ring on his ring finger.
Buzz!
The tomoe of his Sharingan spun into view within his pupils.
Itachi placed the hat on his head with his left hand, then turned and stepped into the rain.
"Let's go."
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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