Meanwhile, inside Itachi's base.
"...Did I really do something like that back then? Was my smile that memorable?"
"Of course. You were sitting in this very chair, using genjutsu to reinforce my hatred of you over and over. I'll never forget the way you looked."
Adult Sasuke's lips twitched.
A faint smile rested on Itachi's face. "Hearing you say that makes me a little curious about what exactly I did back then... I can roughly guess what I was thinking, but without having been there myself, I really can't fully understand how I acted."
Seeing Itachi's smile, understanding what it meant and sensing the relief behind it, Adult Sasuke fell silent.
"Though it might sound a little strange coming from me, are you really not going to see your little brother Sasuke one last time?"
"I already have."
"You know I don't mean me." Adult Sasuke looked troubled as he gazed at Uchiha Itachi, who was completely different from the man in his memories, yet exactly like the Itachi he had come to understand later. "There's still time. If you change your mind, we can act together now and still..."
"Sasuke, would the Itachi you knew accept your suggestion?"
Without waiting for Sasuke to answer, Itachi gently shook his head. "Sorry. Forget what I just said. After all, I'm not him. I might have stirred up some painful memories."
"No... You're just like him. Forget it. I have no right to interfere with your wishes."
Sasuke sighed, but he also felt a measure of relief. "Then, as my last task before I return, let me witness the choices you make."
"Thank you."
"He's here. I'll be going."
"All right. I'm leaving everything in your hands."
With that, Adult Sasuke vanished from the spot. Almost simultaneously, the masked Obito appeared before