Shisui trailed a string of afterimages as his toes tapped across the stone pavement. Each step left a faint white mark.
Then he sprang upward, turned partway through a somersault, and descended toward the dark Kurenai pillar of the Four Red Yang Formation on the south side.
Toward Uchiha Itachi.
He landed beside Uchiha Itachi. Before he had even found his footing, the six afterimages converged and merged into him.
His chest heaved, his breathing fast and heavy. Fierce emotion churned in his eyes, like a volcano suppressed for too long finally finding an outlet.
Seeing him like this, Uchiha Itachi felt his angry disappointment subside, replaced by a complicated mix of resignation and forgiveness.
He raised his left hand, rested it on Shisui's shoulder, and offered heartfelt comfort.
"It's all right. With the First, Hashirama Senju, here, we're certain to win today."
"Everyone will understand. Don't put so much pressure on yourself."
"For Konoha, any sacrifice is worth it."
Shisui kept his head down and said nothing. His shoulder trembled beneath Uchiha Itachi's hand, as though he were desperately holding back his grief.
Uchiha Itachi squeezed his shoulder again, his voice gentler than before.
"Don't be sad, Shisui. You did well."
"It's all for Konoha!"
After a moment, Shisui raised his head.
His gaze met Uchiha Itachi's. The turmoil in his eyes had settled, leaving only a cold, resolute calm.
"Yes."
"You're right."
"For Konoha, any sacrifice is worth it!"
The moment he finished speaking, his hand moved.
The tip of a Kunai slid from his sleeve, glinting coldly in the dark Kurenai light. It traced a short arc and struck Uchiha Itachi's right wrist with precision.
No hesitation—only a tremor!
The blade sliced through flesh and tendon, then slipped between the wrist bones as cleanly as a hot