At dusk in the afternoon, Itachi left the Anbu building.
This seemingly unremarkable structure was actually one of the locations set up by the higher-ups to monitor the Uchiha clan.
Inside the Anbu building, densely packed surveillance devices had been installed—
24-hour monitoring of the Uchiha's movements.
Because the Uchiha were suspected of being involved in the Nine-Tails' attack, they had been relocated and isolated from the village...
These measures and treatments were all to prevent an Uchiha uprising.
At first, Itachi was shocked by the village's attitude toward his clan.
But then, thinking about the stances of Yashiro, Inabi, Tekka... even his own father, he came to terms with it.
The Uchiha being monitored wasn't without reason.
However, Itachi began to doubt the effectiveness of these devices—
because the Uchiha clan had already abandoned the path of "violent revolution" in favor of "peaceful evolution."
This more dangerous strategy could allow the Uchiha to seize power without shedding a drop of blood.
Especially after the war with Kumogakure, the Uchiha's fame had spread even more.
His father's ambition was growing.
The shrine maiden incident could have been a wake-up call for the Uchiha,
but thanks to Naruto Uzumaki's help, the mission was a success.
This time, his father even directly sent Shisui to assist, and the Hokage agreed to it.
The ninjas of the Land of Demons would surely not let this go.
They would definitely return.
If the Uchiha managed to even defeat the demon Mouryou...
Then his father and the others, at the height of their power,
would surely force the higher-ups into a corner—
At the very least, they might push for the retirement of Elder Koharu and Elder Homura,
and insert their own people into the council.
Itachi was convinced his father would do that.
So…
Naruto Uzumaki again.
Always Naruto Uzumaki!
Just thinking of Naruto twisted Itachi's expression.
"Itachi, are you okay...?"
A gentle voice, accompanied by a firm hand, rested on his shoulder.
"Captain Kakashi..." Itachi murmured his name.
"Monitoring your own people... can't feel good. I understand," Kakashi consoled him.
No, you don't understand.
Itachi thought to himself.
That wasn't what was troubling him—
Monitoring his clan was the least of his concerns.
"I have to go…"
Itachi took a step and walked away.
Seeing how heavy-hearted Itachi seemed, Kakashi had a bad feeling.
---
Dusk. A small forest.
A man wearing a mask with orange flame patterns stood there.
He wore a dark home-style kimono and clogs—almost like he was out sightseeing.
"Hmph... Uchiha Itachi. I was wondering when you'd finally notice me... hmm..."
Obito turned around, staring at the now much more mature Uchiha youth.
"Are you... 'Uchiha Madara'?"
Itachi activated his Sharingan, staring intently at him.
A man who could use space-time ninjutsu and bypass barriers at will—
only Uchiha Madara fit that description.
But this time... the outcome would be completely different.
"Relax. I don't intend to attack Konoha...
At least not today,"
Obito placed a hand on his hip—now was the time to strike.
To seduce Itachi into becoming his pawn.
"I'm guessing you're currently troubled about the Uchiha's ambition to seize control of the village, right...?"
"!"
His words hit the very center of Itachi's heart.
"What do you know?" Itachi asked sharply.
"Hmph... I told you long ago—I know everything about the Uchiha,"
Obito's tone turned arrogant.
"Are you planning to side with the Uchiha, or with Konoha?"
"I am, of course, a ninja of Konoha." Itachi answered without hesitation.
"Good."
Satisfied, Obito nodded.
"When I left the village, no one followed me.
I hold a deep grudge against the traitors of the clan..."
Obito began weaving his web.
"This resentment… even after decades, it hasn't diminished one bit..."
"..."
Itachi silently listened, tasting the hatred Obito held for the Uchiha.
"Then… become my helper this time. Let's deal with them together..."
Obito offered.
If your father tries to seize power, I'll intervene.
"Alright."
Itachi nodded and walked away.
Their second meeting ended with both sides satisfied.
Itachi didn't want the Uchiha to take over the village—
and if "Uchiha Madara" helped, things would be much easier.
---
On the way home.
Itachi suddenly stopped.
In the wind, a girl sat on a swing.
Her long black hair fluttered in the breeze, and her melancholic face gazed up at the twilight sky.
The swing's swaying painted a beautiful picture.
"Izumi..."
Just one day apart, and Izumi's aura had completely changed.
Itachi swallowed, feeling a strange impulse in his chest.
Today, Izumi looked nothing like she used to.
She seemed... even more beautiful—
But also had a quiet, lonely chill about her.
Then, Itachi walked over and sat on the swing next to hers. They began to talk.
The sad smile on the girl's face shattered his heart.
Something had clearly happened to Izumi.
"Izumi."
"Hm?"
"I feel like... I'm drifting away from you..."
"!"
Itachi's words struck her heart like a hammer, making her face twist with pain.
"Itachi..." Izumi whispered, her voice now tinged with sorrow and coldness.
"I'm sorry."
Unable to express himself, Itachi could only apologize.
And then—
"Let's just sit together like this for a while..."
Though they sat side by side on different swings,
a sense of distance hung between them—
as if a barrier was forming, pulling them toward different paths in life.
"Izumi, we're not even eighteen yet.
But you're already... where are you going?"
Itachi, sensitive as always, noticed how distant his lover had become.
"I'm not going anywhere~."
Izumi almost sobbed the words, lowering her head as tears seemed to glisten in her eyes.
Maybe...
She added silently.
I'm sorry, Itachi.
I should be the one saying sorry.
Even after slaying the Nine-Tails, I can't go back—because...
Last night, when I returned home, I suddenly realized—
My body, bathed in the blood of the Nine-Tails, had been tainted with evil.
All night long... my body burned with heat.
I couldn't sleep...