Sasuke Uchiha propped up his battered body, the wounds covering him still throbbing.
But even in this desperate situation, his vigilance never wavered. His eyes remained fixed on the masked man leaning against the rock wall.
His gaze traveled down the man's body, settling firmly on the black Red Cloud Robe he wore.
He knew that robe all too well.
Uchiha Itachi, who had fought him to the bitter end not long ago before finally falling amid the rain, had worn that very same outfit.
The matching uniform meant that this mysterious man calling himself Tobi belonged to the same organization as Itachi.
"You don't need to be so wary."
Tobi maintained his relaxed, casual posture, leaning against the cold rock wall. His voice was light and easy, without a trace of malice.
"Come to think of it, I was the one who just saved you."
"If I hadn't arrived in time, the people lurking in the shadows would have already divided up your body, Itachi's body, and both your eyes."
His tone was offhand, as though he were discussing something utterly trivial.
Sasuke pressed his thin lips together and said nothing.
His gaze was cold as frost, his entire body taut. Far from easing, his wariness only grew stronger.
Tobi seemed utterly oblivious to Sasuke's vigilance and distance, continuing to speak on his own.
"Sasuke, what do you think of Uchiha Itachi?"
The casually spoken question landed like a pebble dropped into a deep, deathly still pool, instantly shattering the cave's quiet.
A flicker finally crossed Sasuke's eyes, breaking his cold, expressionless composure.
Itachi.
The cave fell briefly silent.
Only after a long while did Sasuke pull himself free of his tangled thoughts. His expression was cold and heavy as he slowly spoke, each word steeped in bone-deep hatred.