Itachi froze in shock at Tsunade's order, but soon recovered and said, "No, Lady Tsunade. I chose to become a rogue ninja. No one forced me. Besides, pardoning my crimes like this would be difficult to justify. It would damage your reputation, and you wouldn't be able to explain it to Konoha's villagers. So please withdraw your order. I, Itachi Uchiha, willingly shouldered all of this so Konoha could remain at peace and the Uchiha Clan could remain its pride, rather than become traitors."
Just then, Sasuke's voice rang out. "You could abandon everything for the village and the Uchiha name, but what about Mom and Dad? What about Big Sister Shizuka, who's been waiting so desperately for you? What about me? You might have done right by yourself, but you've let down everyone who loves you, you selfish bastard. Fine, don't come back! Who wants you back anyway? Hmph!"
Hearing Sasuke's words, Itachi looked toward the woods ahead in surprise. Sasuke was slowly walking over, glaring at him in anger. Itachi stared at him and asked, "How did you get here?"
Naruto called out happily when he saw Sasuke. "Sasuke, you sure took your time! I've been waiting ages, and you only just got here!"
"Couldn't help it," Sasuke replied coldly. "Applying to leave the village takes paperwork. I only got here this quickly because the Third Hokage helped."
Listening to their exchange, Itachi said, "Naruto, you secretly contacted Sasuke."
Naruto grinned. "Hehe, don't say I set you up, Big Brother Itachi. I knew getting you to come back wouldn't be easy, so I had no choice but to bring Sasuke here. Don't blame me, okay?"
Itachi sighed. "Naruto, why go to all this trouble? Even if you bring Sasuke here, I won't go back. I absolutely won't change