The Wise Man's Gambit: The Truth Revealed!

Through the Sharingan's illusion, Sasuke Uchiha saw everything Itachi had experienced growing up!

He saw the six years Itachi had spent in Konoha before Sasuke was born, including all those warm moments with their father and mother. They were the very thing Sasuke had always lacked!

After all, he had never known what it was like to live with his parents.

"Itachi... don't forget tonight's gathering. You haven't officially become a ninja yet, but you're my son. Everything you say and do draws attention, especially at a time as sensitive as this."

"I understand. I'll be there, Father."

It was an ordinary exchange between father and son, yet it carried an indescribable weight. These were troubled times for the Uchiha Clan.

The scene shifted to a gathering at the Naka Shrine, where the crowd seethed with indignation.

"Captain, let's do it! The Third Hokage is badly wounded, and the Fourth Hokage has gone to the Land of Iron for the Five Kage Summit. We'll never have a better chance to strike!"

"That's right! We've had enough of this treatment!"

"Let them see that the Uchiha Clan has a spine!"

Uchiha Fugaku opened his eyes and looked past the crowd toward his wife, Uchiha Mikoto.

Worry shadowed Mikoto's face. She rested a hand on her slightly rounded belly; she was several months pregnant.

Beside her, five-year-old Uchiha Itachi seemed to sense what was troubling his mother. He gently took her hand.

"Itachi." Mikoto looked at him.

"Mother, no matter what happens, I'll protect Sasuke," Itachi said solemnly.

Mikoto's face softened. "We don't even know whether the baby's a boy or a girl. How can you be so sure it's Sasuke?"

Itachi smiled gently but gave no answer.

Uchiha Fugaku looked away, swept his gaze over those assembled, and raised his voice.