Until little Sasuke returned, he maintained a cold and heartless facade.
The previous scene replayed itself. Sasuke ultimately collapsed on the street and passed out.
Itachi turned back to look at the pain on his younger brother's face. Tears glimmered in his eyes, his heart full of anguish, but he silently put his mask back on.
He lay in wait nearby until the Third Hokage arrived with Anbu personnel and discovered Sasuke, the last survivor.
Only then did Itachi feel at ease, his gaze turning resolute.
Because he still had one final thing to do: leave enough room for Sasuke to grow up safely in the future. Before he defected from the village, this was the last thing he could do for Sasuke.
The moonlight deepened. Figures appeared once more on the deathly silent streets. Another group dressed in Anbu uniforms entered the Uchiha clan compound, led by the man the Uchiha hated most in Konoha—Shimura Danzō.
The surroundings suddenly seemed to split apart, revealing another scene.
Itachi was kneeling on one knee before Danzo. Leaning on his cane, Danzo wore a sanctimonious expression, as though he himself embodied justice.
"Itachi, the conflict between the Uchiha and the village has now reached an irreconcilable point."
"Shisui's death is regrettable. I had merely wanted to borrow his Mangekyō Sharingan, yet I never expected that he would..."
"Things have come to this, and I do not wish to say more. I have conducted myself honorably all my life; only in this matter have I wronged Shisui."
"After deliberation between the Third Hokage and myself, you will begin carrying out that mission tonight."
When Danzo finished speaking, Itachi, still kneeling on the ground, clenched his right hand.
What a heartless, selfish old dog. He had stolen Shisui's eye out of greed, yet he