Sasuke had not expected his oni-chan to come looking for him at a time like this.
At this moment.
Having been led by a crow to an open area, he...
Looked at that familiar face, now frail and seemingly much older, and could not help feeling somewhat emotional.
Sasuke had heard a little about Itachi's circumstances in Konoha. After something so major had happened to the Uchiha Clan, how could the Third Hokage and the others possibly still trust Uchiha ninja?
And in the end, the entire clan had defected to Kusagakure. Even if the Third Hokage still trusted Itachi, the others surely would not.
Especially after Itachi had awakened those eyes as well...
Seeing his once most beloved brother reduced to this state left Sasuke with complicated feelings.
Looking at Itachi, who still wore that gentle smile from the past, Sasuke hesitated slightly before saying calmly, "I... came, Itachi."
As soon as he spoke.
"Long time no see!" Itachi did not mind Sasuke's complicated expression or indifferent tone.
Just as he had in the past, he looked at his former younger brother, nodded, and said with a smile, "I didn't expect you to have grown this tall already, Sasuke."
"I didn't expect you to come looking for me at a time like this either." Sasuke remained calm. "I thought Konoha would only send you out during the final battle!"
Wasn't that precisely why he had returned to the ninja world this time?
And he believed... Itachi felt the same way!
It was time to settle what had happened back then. There was no point dragging it out any longer!
This great ninja war was their final opportunity!
They both knew that regardless of how this war ended, it would likely be the final war for the Land of Grass