Mitokado Homura suddenly spoke up to warn Itachi. Itachi remained silent for a long while, hesitation visible in his eyes. But as time passed, that hesitation gradually faded until it finally vanished. Only then did he speak to the three of them.
"The Uchiha Clan will not betray Konoha Ninja Village. If anyone truly makes such a choice, then I will personally mete out the harshest punishment, even if they are my closest kin!"
After saying that, Itachi ignored the three of them. He bowed, turned, opened the door, and walked out of the office. He did not wait for Sarutobi Hiruzen's answer, because his words had already left Hiruzen unable to make any choice.
"He's still just a child!"
Itachi's coldness far exceeded the expectations of the three men. After Itachi left, Sarutobi Hiruzen muttered to himself. Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura exchanged glances and remained silent. Who had not grown from childhood into old age? It was simply that they had never been forced to make such cruel choices at his age. Even his closest family could not stop Itachi's awakening. All three of them knew that Itachi was not merely talking—he truly intended to do it, to do what he wanted. No matter who tried to stop him, they would be silently and coldly killed.
"Are we still waiting?"
At last, sound returned to the deathly silent office. The lingering glow of sunset made all three realize how much time had passed. Mitokado Homura asked hesitantly, while Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded firmly.
"We cannot let a child decide all this. Tonight, then! I'll speak with Fugaku personally!"
"Itachi! You're back!"
"Mother, I want to have a proper talk with you and Father!"
Itachi looked at his kind and beautiful mother as he spoke, then stepped into the room.