The Masked Man raised an eyebrow slightly. A hint of disdain flashed in his scarlet Sharingan, but he still nodded. "Don't worry. I have no interest in a little brat. As long as you cooperate, I won't touch him."
He paused, his voice carrying a trace of sinister amusement. "Tomorrow night, I'll be waiting here. Itachi Uchiha, get ready to bury your clan with your own hands and put on the shackles of a traitor."
With that, he flashed away and disappeared into the shadows once more, leaving behind only the chill of his chakra, which continued to drift through the woods.
Itachi stood alone in the dense forest, letting the biting wind whip fallen leaves against him.
He slowly closed his eyes and drew a deep breath. The pressure and pain in his chest threatened to consume him.
Tears slid uncontrollably from the corners of his eyes, down his pale cheeks, and onto the thick layer of fallen leaves, where they were instantly absorbed, as if they had never existed.
He knew that from the moment he had made the agreement, his life had plunged into darkness for good.
He would kill his own family, friends, and clan with his own hands. He would become a traitor to Konoha, a sinner to the Uchiha Clan, and bear endless guilt as he walked alone through the darkness until the end of his life.
But he didn't regret it.
As long as he could protect Sasuke, as long as he could let his younger brother grow up in peace, as long as that ray of light could keep illuminating this dark world, he was willing to give everything and endure anything.
The forest at midnight remained silent, with only the biting wind howling through it.
Itachi slowly opened his eyes. The