A crow landed on the stone door. Black Feathers scattered as Uchiha Itachi walked out from the end of the passage.
His body still bore the cracks of Impure World Reincarnation. His Forehead Protector hung down, covering half of one eye. The white scales at his feet were still burning, their firelight illuminating the face Sasuke knew so well.
Kabuto braced himself against the stone wall and stood.
"After Madara broke free of my control, I kept Itachi nearby."
Sasuke held the Kusanagi Sword, his gaze settling on Itachi.
"You summoned him just to buy time."
"He can hold you off."
"He can't even save you."
Itachi raised his eyes, looking at Kabuto first.
"Kabuto Yakushi, you shouldn't have summoned me here."
"There's no point saying that now."
"You've controlled many dead people and treated them as tools."
"Aren't you dead too?"
Kabuto raised his hands to form Hand Seals, and Itachi's body took a step forward.
Itachi's foot stopped halfway, his fingers twitching slightly.
"I told you, you shouldn't have summoned me."
"I need you to stop Sasuke."
"That's what you need."
A trace of impatience surfaced in Kabuto's eyes. Black Runes emerged from Itachi's chest, tightening along his chakra pathways toward his limbs.
Itachi raised a hand to his chest.
Sasuke watched the runes.
"You can't even control Impure World Reincarnation properly."
Kabuto turned toward him.
"You think he'll take your side?"
"He's never been on anyone's side."
Itachi looked at Sasuke.
"Sasuke."
They had not seen each other for years, but Itachi's voice had not changed.
Sasuke raised his sword.
"Don't say my name."
Itachi fell silent for a moment.
"You've changed."
"You haven't."
"You're now at the center of the Allied Shinobi Forces, using war to seize power and binding everyone to your orders."
"Going to