Outside the lair, Itachi and the others, with help from the reincarnated Yamato, defeated the copies created by the Mirror Image Assailant Technique after a considerable struggle.
By then, Black Zetsu had already fled with Naruto.
Kabuto Yakushi leaned against the mountainside, all ten fingers clutching his hair, his face filled with frustration. "If only I'd been stronger, things wouldn't have turned out like this!"
Itachi came over and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Kabuto, I'd like to say this wasn't your fault, but that would sound like I was deliberately trying to soothe you. I don't think you need to be comforted like a child..."
Kabuto adjusted his broken glasses. "Yes, Itachi. I have a request. Please punch me as hard as you can! It's the only way I can keep from drowning in guilt and self-reproach!"
Itachi tightened his grip on Kabuto's shoulder. "Would just one punch be enough?"
Under Kabuto's questioning gaze, Itachi spoke earnestly. "I understand how you feel right now better than anyone. Regrets like wishing you'd paid closer attention back then. But people don't grow overnight. Too many lessons can only be learned at the cost of blood. Kabuto, at least you should be thankful you still have a chance to make things right. I never will again..."
Itachi curled his hand into a fist and lightly tapped Kabuto's chest. "I'll save that punch for now. Once you bring Naruto back, I'll give you a truly satisfying one..."
Kabuto smiled from the heart. "With you around, I never feel lonely. Once a man finds someone who truly understands him, what's there to fear in death?"
Itachi smiled and was about to reply when his expression suddenly changed. Covering his mouth, he broke into a harsh coughing fit!
Kabuto Yakushi immediately stood up. "Are