In the Demon Realm, Itachi Uchiha and Shizuka Uchiha arrived at the forbidden grounds. After carefully surveying their surroundings, Itachi said to Shizuka, "Wait here. The fluctuations we sensed earlier should be just up ahead. I'll scout the area and see what happened. I'll be back soon."
Just as Itachi turned to leave, Shizuka hurriedly caught his sleeve. He looked at her questioningly, and she said, "No, I'm going with you. Whatever happens, I want to be by your side, even if it means dying."
Itachi glanced at Shizuka. Seeing the resolve in her eyes, he knew he could not persuade her otherwise. Helplessly, he said, "All right. But if anything really happens, you have to listen to me and leave immediately. Understand?"
Shizuka hastily nodded, but her expression told Itachi that his words probably would not do much good. Still, he did not mind. Even if he left her behind, she would follow him in secret anyway, and her strength was not much below his own. Rather than let that happen, he might as well bring her along. Having her where he could see her would put his mind at ease.
The two rushed toward the valley. At that moment, Thanatos and Black Zetsu, who had already obtained what they wanted, emerged from the canyon. The four ran straight into one another.
Black Zetsu watched Itachi warily. "Itachi, what are you doing here?"
Itachi said coldly, "This is the Demon Realm of the Azure Continent. I'm just as curious about why you're here. And who is this?"
Itachi studied Thanatos carefully, then exclaimed in surprise, "You're... you're Madara Uchiha. How is that possible? Didn't you die? How are you still alive? Could it be the Rinnegan?"
Thanatos gave a cold smile. "Madara Uchiha? Yes, I remember that was indeed