Shin Uchiha had given Itachi this mission not only to put Sasuke through hardship and help him awaken his Sharingan, but also to use the opportunity to let Mikoto fake her death and escape. She could then move into his space, allowing him to spend every day with her without worrying about her safety.
Shin breathed a sigh of relief when Itachi accepted the mission. After all, the way the Sharingan awakened and evolved was rather unusual. To give Sasuke the best possible chance of awakening and evolving his Sharingan, his beloved older brother, Uchiha Itachi, was indeed the ideal choice.
As for why Uchiha Itachi had agreed, Shin Uchiha did not know whether he was doing it for Sasuke or to atone for the other version of himself who had murdered his parents.
Having achieved his goal, Shin Uchiha looked at Itachi and said solemnly:
"Take these next few days to say a proper goodbye to your mother. Don't worry. I've already told Mikoto and Shisui about your mission. I won't let you become an unsung hero."
Hearing Clan Leader Shin's words, Uchiha Itachi felt a trace of warmth stir in his heart, which had already fallen silent. He understood that the Clan Leader was telling him this to make it clear that he was not a disposable pawn. Moreover, the people closest to him all knew the truth about his mission, so he would not be left utterly abandoned.
Uchiha Itachi lowered his head slightly and answered calmly:
"Yes, Clan Leader."
After Uchiha Itachi left, Shin glanced once more at the Stone Tablet before him and shook his head regretfully, feeling sorry for those it had deceived. Then he waved his hand and put it back into his space.
The dilapidated shrine fell silent once again.
Over the