Clearly, being compared to Itachi just now had instead spurred Sasuke on, making him understand the crux of the matter in an instant.
"Even a breathtaking genius like you would be used by the village as a political bargaining chip, all under the fine-sounding pretext of preserving the village's peace.
"Then what about the Uchiha Clan, whom the higher-ups had long regarded with suspicion!"
Raito quietly watched Sasuke, who had turned his face aside. That young face was filled with resolve.
"So this was why you ultimately chose to defect?"
"That's right. I don't want to spend another second in a village full of hypocrisy and scheming!"
Raito stepped forward and gently patted Sasuke's somewhat stiff shoulder.
"You chose your own path, and how you walk it is your business. I have no intention of interfering with your decision.
"I only came because this was on the way to my mission. I also wanted to see an old friend and hear your real thoughts on leaving."
Raito lazily stretched his arms, his joints giving a faint series of cracks.
"Now that I know the reason, I have no reason to stop you. Hurry up and go before I change my mind!"
At those words, Sasuke turned back in some surprise, his black eyes fixed on Raito.
"If you let me leave so easily, how will you explain it to your superiors when you get back?"
"I'm a bona fide Kirigakure Ninja now. Our Mizukage treasures me.
"If I were a few years older, I reckon the Mizukage would want to gobble me up alive!"
"Eat you?"
Sasuke froze slightly, then caught the teasing in Raito's words, and even his tightly drawn lips relaxed a little.
"That's good, then. As long as things are going well for you in Kirigakure. Perhaps