What was Sasuke doing at that moment?
Konoha's Back Mountain, the Root Base.
Itachi, whom Tobirama had called outside the Root Base, was a little puzzled.
Hadn't Teacher already finished checking Sasuke's condition?
Why did he have me stand outside?
Vaguely, an inexplicable feeling stirred deep in his heart.
The sun was setting, and through the densely layered branches, the evening clouds glowed crimson like clouds of fire.
At first, Root members still passed through the area, but as time went on, none came through the area around him anymore.
Rustling footsteps sounded, the sound of someone stepping on fallen leaves.
A familiar presence approached Itachi from behind.
The corner of Itachi's mouth twitched. He seemed to understand now why Teacher Tobirama had told him to go somewhere more secluded.
He also knew why fewer and fewer Root members had been coming by.
So that was it.
"Sasuke, you're here."
Itachi sighed softly, then turned to look at the newcomer.
His heart had recognized his younger brother before he did.
"Itachi."
Sasuke gazed at Itachi with his black eyes and softly called his name.
"I'm here to take you home."
He spoke firmly.
"Sasuke, that wouldn't be appropriate."
Itachi no longer knew how to persuade Sasuke. After reflecting for so long, he felt he should simply do his duty as the dark side of Konoha-no, the Shinobi World Federation.
Infiltration, hunting people down, wiping out clans.
Someone had to do that dirty, grueling work.
Naruto, Sasuke, and the others were heroes who stood in the sunshine.
He, meanwhile, was the darkness in their shadows.
Without their knowledge, he cleared away obstacles that should not exist.
Just like the Black Market he had drenched in blood during the operation to capture Isshiki a year ago.
Killing was merely part of everyday