Before long, Mikoto returned from buying groceries and noticed Naruto standing at the door, along with the two brothers, Sasuke and Itachi.
The familiar faces made Mikoto freeze for a moment. Then, as if suspecting she had fallen under a genjutsu, she muttered "Release" several times before asking excitedly, "Sasuke, Itachi, is that really you?"
Sasuke nodded. He had imagined this very scene countless times in his dreams.
Now that he had seen his mother in person, he realized he had underestimated how emotional he would feel. He hesitated over whether to throw himself into her arms, but his sense of embarrassment made him abandon the thought.
At that moment, Mikoto noticed that Itachi's eyes were covered by bandages. She seemed to want to say something, but held back before saying, "Lord Menma, thank you for sparing Itachi's life. Thank you so much."
Naruto shook his head. "Aunt Mikoto, Itachi was defeated by Sasuke. How your Uchiha handle this traitor has nothing to do with me. But if traitors are not punished, it will only breed more betrayal."
After saying that, Naruto left Mikoto's home. He had no intention of disturbing the Uchiha family's reunion.
After Naruto left, Sasuke relaxed. Like a child, he crouched beside Mikoto and told her about everything that had happened over the years, as well as how he had eventually found Itachi Uchiha and defeated him.
After hearing all that, Mikoto remained silent for a long time before saying, "Sasuke, did you come back this time intending to join Uzushio Village, or to remain a ninja in Konoha? Be bold. No matter what decision you make, Mom will support you."
"I don't plan to stay in Uzushio Village, and I don't plan to stay in Konoha either."
As though he had made up his mind,