With Orochimaru and Kabuto Yakushi explaining things, Itachi learned the general situation at their bases throughout the Land of Rice Fields. He was secretly stunned. He had never expected Orochimaru, one of the Sannin, to be so capable. If their plans proceeded smoothly, a formidable new Ninja Village would likely rise in the Land of Rice Fields before long.
Of course, what shocked him most was the relationship between his teacher and Orochimaru.
He could tell that Orochimaru seemed to hold his teacher in the highest regard and had no intention of opposing him on anything.
If he had to put it into words, Orochimaru seemed more like Shinichi's subordinate.
"What's wrong? Surprised?"
Only Shinichi and Itachi were in the secret chamber. Seeming to notice Itachi's fluctuating emotions, Shinichi smiled. "Do you think I'm no good either, since I'm secretly collaborating with Orochimaru, an S-rank rogue ninja?"
"No, Teacher."
After a moment's thought, Itachi shook his head. "I can judge things for myself. You saved the Uchiha Clan and set Konoha on the path toward a peaceful future. Father told me about those things. I don't believe you would do anything that harmed Konoha."
What else could you expect from the legendary Itachi?
Shinichi nodded in satisfaction. That ability to judge for himself alone put Itachi leagues ahead of Uchiha Sasuke.
It was just a shame that Itachi didn't have Uchiha Sasuke's protagonist halo. Otherwise, there would have been no limit to what he could achieve.
"Good."
Pleased, Shinichi said, "Since I brought you here, I'm not afraid to explain my plans to you. Itachi, let me ask you something. Do you know what true peace is? Or rather, do you know what it takes to preserve peace in the Shinobi World?"
The question struck at the deepest part of