Land of Fire, Konoha, before the Memorial Stone.
The sky was dim, dark clouds rolling in. Heaven's sorrowful tears were about to fall from the sky.
A host of Konoha ninja, along with numerous clan leaders and dignitaries, all lowered their heads in silence, their faces grief-stricken.
"Lord Fugaku, should Hatake Kakashi's Sharingan be reclaimed?"
"The war has just ended. Settle down, all of you. Since it was Uchiha Obito's dying wish, we should respect the will of the deceased. It is only one Sharingan; it cannot bring out the Sharingan's true power."
Uchiha Fugaku sighed inwardly. His clansmen were united enough, but they seemed unable to see the bigger picture.
"I heard the Third Hokage will soon resign to take responsibility. As for the next Hokage, some of the clan's jonin are preparing to nominate you, Clan Head..."
"Silence. We will speak no more of this..."
Uchiha Inabi fell silent, following Fugaku's gaze toward Flame Fan, who was placing white flowers before the Memorial Stone.
Uchiha Itachi, standing beside his father, looked ahead thoughtfully. After the memorial service ended, the young boy looked around before finally heading toward the figure in a secluded corner, who was quietly sneering.
"What is the meaning of life?"
"Life has no meaning whatsoever unless one can obtain eternity. Humans are such fragile and powerless creatures..."
"Meaning itself represents nothingness. It is merely something created by humans. Yet as long as one keeps living, they will eventually find their own purpose—like this troublesome snake."
Uchiha Itachi turned around. The gaze beneath the Demon Fox Mask seemed to radiate goodwill.
Orochimaru, whose words and memories had been interrupted, gave a quiet sneer before speaking softly.
"That sample you provided truly interested me. It seems to be a creation involving Yin-Yang Release. Did you find ruins