Just then,
a light breeze swept past.
A figure in black appeared beside Sasuke without warning.
"Good work, Sasuke."
The familiar voice sent a shudder through Sasuke.
He turned his head in disbelief and saw that ever-composed face.
"Big... brother...?"
Uchiha Itachi stood beside him, one hand resting on his shoulder, his black hair stirring in the sea breeze.
Sasuke's eyes instantly filled with tears.
All his fear, all his perseverance, all his resentment welled up in a surge of wordless emotion the moment he saw that face.
"You..."
He opened his mouth, but no words came out.
Itachi's gaze swept over him-the countless wounds, the deathly pale face, those eyes that remained stubborn...
A flicker of heartache passed through his Mangekyō Sharingan, but calm quickly replaced it.
"You've had enough field experience."
Itachi spoke evenly.
"Leave the rest to me."
With that, he took a step forward.
Inside the Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals, Haku's pupils contracted slightly.
He hadn't sensed this man's arrival at all!
But his instincts as a ninja made him react immediately.
Countless senbon shot toward Itachi from every direction!
They filled the air, leaving nowhere to dodge!
Sasuke's pupils constricted.
"Brother!"
Itachi didn't even raise a hand.
He merely tilted his head slightly and cast a glance with his Mangekyō Sharingan.
The next instant, every senbon about to pierce his body burst into flames simultaneously, three inches from his skin!
Black flames silently clung to each senbon, consuming it completely from tip to tail!
Not even ash remained, only ripples of distorted heat in the air.
Amaterasu.
Haku's expression finally changed.
"What... is that fire?"
Itachi didn't answer.
His gaze passed through the layers of ice mirrors and settled on Haku's delicate face, as calm as though he were looking at a phantom destined to