On that night, gently caressed by moonlight, one corner of the village was especially quiet. Only the occasional call of a night bird broke the silence.
Naruto had brought Sasuke back from Orochimaru to this place that felt both familiar and strange.
There were so many things Naruto wanted to share with Sasuke, along with so many guesses he wanted to discuss—especially the truth behind the tragedy that had befallen the Uchiha Clan.
The night was as dark as ink. The two of them found a secluded spot, where moonlight slipped through the gaps between the leaves like fine threads and dappled their bodies.
Naruto used his all-seeing Six Eyes, which could see in 360 degrees, to make sure no one was nearby. Then he finally asked Sasuke the question that had been on his mind: "I've heard about the massacre of the Uchiha Clan. Was the killer Itachi Uchiha?"
Sasuke's expression instantly became difficult to read. Anger and sorrow mingled in his eyes. He took a deep breath, as if trying to swallow all his emotions, then struggled to force out a single word: "Yes."
Naruto saw the pain in Sasuke's eyes and continued, "And how do you feel about him now?"
Sasuke's gaze was empty and distant. His voice was low. "He used to be the person I trusted and admired most. Now, he's the person I hate most."
Naruto looked up at the vast night sky, where stars shone here and there. "I feel like there's more to this. It's suspicious that Itachi Uchiha slaughtered his clan and fled the village. What was he really after?"
Naruto's words were like a key, gently touching the tightly shut door in Sasuke's heart. For the first time, they made his mind, so long consumed by hatred, waver and fill