Chapter 56
While Shisui was taking action, Itachi was accompanying Sasuke in ninja training at the training grounds.
Watching his younger brother attack him, Itachi defended himself absentmindedly and sighed softly inwardly.
Since Shisui's death, he had taken Shisui's place as the bridge between the clan and the village. Though both sides appeared to be trying to win him over, in truth, both were wary of him. He could never truly become one of their own.
On the village's side, he could not trust Danzo, the Hokage, or even Kakashi, his former superior.
On the clan's side, he could not trust his clansmen or his father. He could not even trust his mother. The only one he could believe in was Sasuke, who had always admired him, but Sasuke could not offer him any help.
His only comfort was that Sasuke still called him brother with the same excitement as always.
Sasuke attacked once more. Itachi sidestepped the kunai Sasuke threw at him, casually picked up a stone, and hurled it back, only for it to strike a Shadow Clone Jutsu Sasuke had created.
He had already learned the Shadow Clone Jutsu at this age?
Itachi was slightly surprised, but he still avoided the sneak attack from behind and pinned Sasuke to the ground in a single motion.
It was not because Sasuke was too weak, but because Itachi was too strong.
At Sasuke's age, Itachi had already become an official ninja, with many lives on his hands. Sasuke, meanwhile, had not even killed anyone with his own hands. He always held back when attacking.
Yet it was precisely that hesitation that strengthened Itachi's wish and resolve to protect his younger brother.
Because just last night, the leader of Root had come to him and demanded that he choose between