Inside the sphere of light formed by the Chains of Heaven, Isshiki tried to break through the seal before him with brute force after his dōjutsu proved ineffective.
But the instant his fist touched the steadily approaching chains, it was as though an ordinary person had been struck by high-voltage electricity.
His body shuddered, and he immediately pulled his hand back as the power inside him fell into disarray.
"What the hell is this thing!"
Isshiki gritted his teeth, watching the chains draw ever closer, his body trembling like a helpless delinquent boy cornered against a wall.
Outside.
Naruto and Hinata descended from the sky and landed beside Sasuke.
At that moment, one of Sasuke's eyes was nearly blind, while the other was badly strained from using Susanoo.
"Sasuke, are you okay?"
Naruto walked over with concern, stood beside Sasuke, and asked considerately.
After all, Sasuke was his little brother.
"I'm fine."
Sasuke wiped the corner of his eye, blood splattering onto the ground as he lowered his hand.
He spoke with a show of bravado.
Itachi came over then, too.
He gently patted Sasuke and said:
"Well done, Sasuke."
"That was really impressive."
Watching this, Naruto and Hinata could more or less guess how Sasuke would react next, thanks to their years of knowing him.
Sure enough, Sasuke turned his head away, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly as he said with a hint of haughtiness:
"Hmph, who asked you? Of course I'm stronger than you, Nii-san."
Itachi couldn't help chuckling at that, then played along:
"Yes, yes, Sasuke has grown up. You're already stronger than me."
Just as Itachi said that, Sasuke's eyes shifted, and he asked the question he had long been planning:
"Then when are you coming home?"
Itachi froze for a moment. He hadn't