Sasuke's Susanoo instantly stabilized, becoming even more solid. Silver light shone through its skeletal frame—the light of his own will, formed from pure spiritual energy.
"My path is one I chose for myself. Whether it's revenge or protecting others, it's my choice, Uchiha Sasuke's! You don't get to tell me what to do, you fake!"
The Kusanagi Sword in his hand was no longer simply wrapped in lightning. A layer of silver light, like starlight, now shimmered around it.
That was the perfect fusion of Yin Release and his own will.
"Just... disappear!"
He swung his sword.
The strike made no earth-shaking commotion, but what it severed was neither space nor matter. It severed a definition.
He cut the thread of law named "Uchiha Itachi" that Jin had imposed upon this Illusionary Space.
The surrounding sea of blood, mountain of corpses, and district cracked inch by inch, like a shattered mirror.
For the first time, a look of program-like bewilderment appeared on Itachi's illusionary face.
"That's illogical... Emotions... can actually override facts..."
Just before he vanished completely, he took one last look at Sasuke.
The coldness in his eyes seemed to soften, ever so slightly.
"So... that's how it is... Sasuke..."
The illusion shattered.
Sasuke was still standing in the desert, his Kusanagi Sword held in the position of his swing. His face was a little pale, but his eyes were utterly clear.
"Beautiful answer." Jin applauded, his expression one of pure admiration. "Emotions take precedence over logic, and memories can be subjectively revised... Another valuable specimen. Uchiha Sasuke, you've given me a new understanding of the variable known as 'love.'"
He seemed completely unconcerned that his attack had been overcome.
His gaze passed over Sasuke and settled on the last target—the one he considered most important.
"Then the final