A few days later.
Outside the Uchiha Clan Grounds.
The Uchiha clansmen were already packed and ready to leave.
They were all the sort who could never sit still.
Hearing that they were going back and would be able to take missions every day again, they were all delighted.
Aside from those remaining at the hospital to study medical ninjutsu, every Uchiha who had returned was now leaving again.
Itachi and Shisui were leading the group again, but this departure was different from the last one.
Of everyone, Sasuke was the most reluctant to see Itachi leave.
After a period of brutal training, Sasuke had made tremendous progress.
He had finally spent a wonderful period of time with his brother—getting beaten up every day—yet now his brother was leaving again.
"Brother, can't Shisui escort them by himself?"
"I still want to train with you."
Little Sasuke spoke in a timid, awkward voice.
Itachi looked at Sasuke and smiled, tapping his forehead with two fingers. "Sorry, Sasuke. Maybe next time."
"I have another mission. I can't train with you for now."
Sasuke rubbed his forehead, his lips pouting slightly in displeasure.
Itachi ruffled Sasuke's hair. "Train your taijutsu properly while I'm gone. Until you've mastered it, you're not allowed to use Chidori. I'll inspect your progress when I return."
"Don't worry, Brother! I'll definitely make you see me in a new light!"
Sasuke said confidently, touching the Kusanagi Blade at his waist.
"Enough." Shamu pressed a hand onto Sasuke's shoulder from behind.
"Your brother won't be gone long this time. He'll be back soon. Let your brother talk to Izumi. Go somewhere else."
Sasuke looked at Itachi, then at Izumi standing beside him. A smile appeared on his little face, and he hurried off to one side.
Several years had passed,