Evening, in the Uchiha Clan's courtyard in the East District of Dragon Release Village.
Itachi and Sasuke walked side by side down the quiet street. After a moment of silence, Sasuke spoke first.
"Brother, we're going to Konoha."
"Yes."
"Naruto..."
Sasuke clenched his fists, then slowly relaxed them. "He should be taking part in these Chunin Ninja Exams too, right?"
Itachi's steps paused almost imperceptibly as he looked at his younger brother.
Sasuke's profile looked especially resolute in the evening glow. Deep within his black eyes burned an unwavering flame.
"He will. He'll definitely be there."
Itachi answered in a low voice.
Over the past five years, they had not been entirely ignorant of the situation in Konoha.
Through Dragon Release Village's own intelligence network and certain special channels, they knew that Naruto's position in Konoha remained unusual, that many people shunned or even hated him. But they also knew that he had entered the Ninja Academy, found companions, gained Jiraiya as his teacher, and was working hard to become a ninja.
Yet that sunny, blond-haired, blue-eyed boy who had once circled Sasuke, excitedly shouting "Sasuke! Sasuke!" and clung to Itachi, affectionately calling him "Brother," no longer had any memory of the Uchiha.
"We'll bring him home."
Sasuke spoke each word distinctly, as though making a vow. "Once I'm strong enough, once we find a way to undo that seal... we have to bring Naruto home."
Itachi reached out and gently rested a hand on Sasuke's shoulder.
The warmth of his palm made Sasuke pause slightly.
"Yes."
Itachi looked at him, the pattern of his Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan flashing briefly deep within his eyes, carrying a certain heavy tenderness and resolve. "We will."
This was their promise to their mother, and to that "family member" whose memories and past had