Things had once again taken a turn that Uchiha Itachi hadn't expected.
He'd always thought that "B" simply wanted to use his strength to get rid of the fake who looked exactly like him.
But when the other party produced Sasuke's Mangekyō Sharingan, he suddenly realized their intentions probably weren't so simple. Or rather, they had seen through his true feelings for Sasuke and were using Sasuke's life to force him to comply.
Following that line of thought, he secretly surmised that the fake wearing his face was most likely the work of "A" and his group.
Perhaps it had gone out of control for some reason, and they needed him to deal with it.
As for "B" supposedly starting an internal conflict and being hunted by "A," he didn't believe it for a moment. The timing of "B's" rebellion was simply too convenient.
Of course!
The Five Kage and Nagato weren't fools, either. But the Shinobi World had reached this point, and the existence of "A" made both sides feel as if a thorn were in their side. So they were willing to believe that "B" had rebelled and was holding "A" back.
After all, they simply couldn't deal with "A," so they could only hope for the best.
Once he'd figured all this out, even the usually wise Itachi couldn't make up his mind as he looked at the Sharingan in the small nutrient jar in his hand.
Accepting these Mangekyō Sharingan meant agreeing to cooperate with "B." No, with "A."
That would amount to betraying both Nagato and Konoha.
But if he refused, the other party could take Sasuke's Mangekyō Sharingan—and they could take Sasuke's life, too.
Even if Sasuke was possibly a member of their organization, Itachi couldn't risk it.
Seeing Itachi fall silent across from