That name seemed to have been forced out through clenched teeth, only to dissolve into the still air an instant later.
But Naruto and the others all heard it, and they immediately understood what exactly was happening before them.
Inside the room, Uchiha Fugaku and Mikoto sat kneeling, their faces expressionless. It could not be called despair, only the calm of people who had already made their choice.
Holding a katana, Itachi stood behind them with his Sharingan already activated.
Though his emotions were surging violently, Sasuke still noticed Itachi's expression. The Itachi who had always been composed and calm in his memory was now visibly conflicted and somewhat flustered.
As though the "audience" had all arrived, Fugaku, who had been sitting quietly, suddenly spoke.
Fugaku: "I don't want to fight my own son to the death... I see, Itachi. So you chose to side with Konoha after all."
Itachi: "Dad, Mom... I..."
Mikoto: "We understand, Itachi."
Hearing those voices that existed only in his memories, Sasuke nearly lost his composure. How he wanted to speak a few more words to his parents, but reason told him that everything before him was merely an illusion.
Fugaku: "Itachi, promise me one last thing. I'm entrusting Sasuke to you!"
At those words, Sasuke could no longer hold himself together. Tears poured from his eyes. This was the first time Sakura and Naruto had ever seen him cry.
Hearing Fugaku's words, Itachi stepped forward out of the shadows. Cold moonlight fell across his face, and tears rapidly gathered in his eyes before spilling over and streaming down his cheeks.
"I understand..."
To be honest, this was also the first time Sasuke had seen Itachi cry.
As though sensing his son's anguish and pain, Fugaku said:
"It's all right, Itachi! We understand. Don't be