There was now a house belonging to Itachi in the woods of Blue Moon Island.
Having shed his Akatsuki Robe, he was no longer the Vermilion Bird of Akatsuki, which also meant he no longer clung to his promise to Konoha.
As he connected with the future, his horizons and his heart had grown once more. Now he had only one identity: Sasuke Uchiha's older brother, and... his comrade-in-arms!
The truth had come to light. Next, they had to consider how to get along.
The ninja world was not all fighting and killing. It also had its human relationships and social niceties.
After dinner that evening, the residents of Blue Moon Island gathered together.
"Mr. Orochimaru, I feel ashamed of my earlier suspicions of you. And whether in the past or now, you have taken care of Sasuke. Please accept my bow in gratitude for that kindness!"
On the tatami, Itachi actually performed a dogeza before Orochimaru.
"Please, there's no need! No need!"
Orochimaru hurried to help Itachi up. His overwhelmed reaction was not mere politeness, nor did it stem from the shadows of the past.
Just as Orochimaru's devotion to the truth had never changed, neither had his heartfelt respect for Itachi.
"Itachi, I'm the one who feels deeply honored that you can set aside our past grievances and treat me with such respect! My abilities are modest, but I look forward to learning from you!"
Itachi smiled and nodded, then turned to Kabuto. "Kabuto, you're a few years older than me. Shall I call you Senior Brother Yakushi from now on?"
Kabuto was utterly flustered. "Absolutely not! In vision, strength, or experience, I can't compare to you in any of them! Besides, both Lord Orochimaru and Sasuke-kun respect you. How could I possibly deserve to be called your