After spending a little time playing with the child and Kurenai Yuhi, Kurenai asked, "Are you leaving again soon?"
"Yes. The Fourth Shinobi World War is about to begin. I need to use this war to change this world completely, so wars between ninja will disappear forever."
Kurenai hugged Anyo affectionately and said, "I know you're very strong now, but don't push yourself too far. You're no longer alone. Whatever you do, think of us first."
Anyo stroked Kurenai's silky hair, greedily breathing in her scent. "I know. I've already been through too many brushes with death over the years. I'm lucky to have all of you. I'll give it everything I have and do my best. Kurenai, trust me."
Kurenai smiled and nodded firmly. "All right. I look forward to the day you fulfill your dream."
After saying goodbye to Kurenai, Anyo returned to the courtyard outside Mikoto's home. The conversation inside had already ended.
Mother and son sat facing each other. Whatever Itachi had said, the atmosphere was fairly good. Having learned everything, Mikoto could not hide the sorrow on her face, but there was relief there too.
Seeing Anyo enter, Itachi turned and bowed deeply. "Godfather, I no longer have any lingering attachments in this world. I entrust Sasuke and Mother to you. Also, I'd like to leave my eyes to Mother."
Anyo saw that Itachi's soul had already separated from this body. Clearly, after letting go of the attachments he had held in life, he had used his will to break the Impure World Reincarnation's hold on his soul and begun ascending on his own.
Anyo nodded. "All right, I understand. Leave it to me. You can rest easy."
Itachi took one last, long look at Mikoto, and his soul vanished completely.
Mikoto could not hide