Fugaku stared straight at the Uchiha Clan Crest on the wall at the front of the shrine, his voice sinking:
"But I... and these clansmen, have no way back anymore."
He paused, then continued:
"Go do what you want to do. Everything... has been prepared for you."
The moment those words fell, Itachi's eyes widened.
He understood instantly-
The reason his father had brought the clansmen involved in the rebellion to a shrine far from the village, then used his Mangekyō to incapacitate them all,
was actually just to... make things easier for him?
Itachi's sword hand began to tremble.
His father had done all these unusual things because he was seeking death?
"Don't be afraid. Compared to the pain you'll have to bear, this little bit of pain of mine will be over in the blink of an eye."
Uchiha Fugaku never turned around, but his voice was as steady as a rock:
"Promise me. Sasuke and your mother... I'm leaving them to you."
"...Yes."
Itachi's voice was thick with tears.
"It's over."
When Uchiha Itachi walked out of Naka Shrine, both his tone and his bearing were several degrees colder than when he had entered.
Minato Namikaze and Shisui Uchiha had been guarding the entrance the whole time.
When they saw him emerge, they released their techniques at the same time-the Three Violet Flames Formation and the Wood Release Cage both dissolved.
"All that's left is to put on an act. Shisui, Lord Fifth, leave the rest to me."
Itachi's face betrayed no expression, but a tear still slipped from the corner of his eye.
"Also, Lord Fifth-my father asked me to give you this."
Uchiha Itachi handed another scroll to Minato Namikaze.
Minato Namikaze took the scroll, his expression complicated.
Shisui Uchiha pressed his lips together