"Sasuke? You did all this just to give my younger brother a perfect world?"
Seeing that Itachi seemed unconvinced, Naruto smiled.
"Don't overcomplicate things. The leaders of those mysterious organizations you know about might have even more ridiculous reasons for existing than I do."
"If I can overthrow this world and rebuild it for the person I love, who's to say someone else wouldn't destroy it, enslave it, or seize control of it just to bring their lover back to life?"
"Didn't you murder your own family, wipe out your clan, and turn your brother against you for the sake of that laughable peace?"
Those casually spoken words dealt a powerful blow to Itachi.
"So Orochimaru works for you too, and you've had control over everything Sasuke has done?"
"That's right. Sasuke told me he wanted to gain power through his own efforts and defeat you, or even kill you. As his boyfriend, naturally I had to help him grow step by step from the shadows while respecting his pride. I'm not like you. Your love is far too heavy a burden."
Looking at Naruto's serious expression, Itachi smiled, something he almost never did. It was his first smile of relief since the Night of the Massacre.
"Knowing Sasuke found a boyfriend like you puts my mind at ease. I can finally rest easy."
The battle had pushed his body beyond its limits, and Itachi's condition kept deteriorating.
He could clearly feel his life force draining away.
As the cells throughout his body withered, his skin gradually lost its luster. He struggled to focus his vision on Naruto.
"I'm leaving Sasuke to you. Sorry for the trouble, but please take good care of him after I die. My stubbornness and naivety caused him so much anguish and hatred. I'll never