A Brand-New Danzo

"Itachi, what an incredible resolve."

Although he had expected Itachi to make such a decision, he still could not help being surprised when he actually heard it.

Itachi's expression did not change in the slightest. Once he made a decision, he would never alter it.

"Make your preparations. It will be within the next couple of days."

With that, Itachi vanished from where he stood.

He left ANBU and returned to the lakeside training ground where he, Shisui, and Arima had often trained together.

"I've made my decision, Shisui. But I don't know whether it's right or wrong."

Facing the lake before him, Itachi murmured in a voice only he could hear.

"Itachi, so you were here."

A gentle, crisp female voice rang out, sounding like a clear spring in summer.

Itachi turned around and, without surprise, saw a girl with waist-length hair and an exceptionally gentle appearance.

"Izumi?"

The newcomer was Izumi Uchiha. In a sense, the two of them could be considered childhood friends.

During the Nine-Tails Incident, Itachi had rescued Izumi from the battlefield, and their relationship had remained good ever since.

Izumi Uchiha was also one of the few female friends this genius had.

Although she sensed that Itachi's mood seemed somewhat cold, Izumi did not mind.

After all, the situation between the clan and the village was so tense now. As the young clan head, Itachi must have been carrying immense pressure, right? She could understand completely.

Izumi stepped forward and held out the box in her hands. "Itachi, there must have been a lot going on in the clan lately. I brought you some tricolor dango. Make sure you take some time to relax."

Itachi's expression froze for a moment before turning cold again.

He did not take the tricolor dango he usually loved