"This is..." Kakashi was stunned, his mind racing as he stared at the man before him. He recognized him. His face was filled with disbelief.
Recalling Fujiwara Kirito's words—that the Third Hokage and Danzo were the culprits behind the Uchiha clan's extermination—Kakashi couldn't shake the thought. Could this man really be Sasuke from the future? Did he travel through time just to see Itachi, his brother?
"Kakashi, have those two left?" asked Bizu Raito and Yamashiro Aoba as they opened their eyes.
Kakashi nodded slowly.
At that moment, Might Guy arrived, scanning the area with wide eyes. "Where are the enemies?"
"They're already gone." Kakashi sighed. "This is getting more troublesome by the second."
Not far from Konoha, Itachi stopped and landed gracefully on the ground. "Kisame, go on ahead and wait for me."
"What's going on?" Kisame asked from a tree trunk, glancing back.
"Someone is following us. You go ahead. I'll handle it," Itachi replied, his back to Kisame.
"Strange... you're awfully proactive about fighting today." Kisame smirked but didn't press further. With a few quick leaps, he disappeared into the trees.
Soon, Uncle Sasuke caught up.
"Sasuke?" Itachi's usually stoic voice softened, and a rare, gentle smile graced his face.
To ensure his brother would recognize him, Uncle Sasuke revealed his Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan in his right eye and the Rinnegan in his left.
"Yes, it's me, brother." Uncle Sasuke's voice trembled, his eyes moist. "These years... it must have been hard for you, living alone out here."
Itachi shook his head, his cold demeanor melting away as he stepped closer to Sasuke. Placing a hand on his brother's shoulder, he studied the familiar yet matured face before him. His brows relaxed, and a proud smile spread across his face. "It seems you've truly grown up."
"Brother, I..." Sasuke began but faltered as emotions overwhelmed him.
"You don't need to say anything. I understand," Itachi interrupted, his voice warm and kind.
"But... brother, you'll die." Uncle Sasuke's voice cracked, his throat tightening as he forced out the words.
Even though he knew this Itachi wasn't truly his brother from his timeline, he couldn't stop himself from wanting to change something—anything.
"It's alright, Sasuke." Itachi's smile was serene. "The future is already decided. There's no need to fight it. Seeing how much you've grown is more than enough for me."
Hearing this, Uncle Sasuke couldn't hold back his tears any longer. Desperate, he pulled out a photo of Sarada from his pocket. "This is my daughter—your niece, Sarada. She's the daughter of Sakura and me. She's almost thirteen now and has already awakened her Sharingan. She's incredibly talented."
"That's... wonderful," Itachi said softly, taking the photo. He stared at it for a long moment, his expression unreadable.
"Brother, I wish you could see Sarada being born, see her grow up. I know the Sasuke of this world will feel the same once he learns the truth," Uncle Sasuke said, his voice trembling with hope.
Itachi gently returned the photo, his face becoming distant. "Go back, Sasuke. I'm a criminal beyond redemption, and my fate can't be changed. Don't make me hate you for trying."
Uncle Sasuke froze, his heart aching as he realized Itachi misunderstood him. Itachi believed he was speaking about the future of their timeline, not a parallel one.
Taking a few steps back, Itachi returned to his stoic demeanor. His expression turned cold once more.
A long silence hung between them. Itachi's inner conflict was palpable.
Though he longed to see his niece grow up, to be there for her milestones, he knew he didn't deserve such happiness. He had wielded the blade against his own family, his parents, and countless innocent clan members. No amount of repentance could erase the weight of his sins.
In contrast to Kirito, who avenged his loved ones by eradicating the Sarutobi and Shimura clans, Itachi had taken a different path—one he could never forgive himself for.
Seeing the unyielding determination in Itachi's eyes, Uncle Sasuke gave a bitter smile. "It seems I can't change your mind, no matter what I say."
"Take care," Itachi said with a nod. He took one last, deep look at Sasuke before turning away and disappearing into the distance.
Uncle Sasuke stood motionless, his heart heavy. Eventually, he turned and began his journey back to Konoha to reunite with Boruto. Despite his sorrow, he felt a glimmer of happiness from seeing his brother once again. However, protecting Naruto in this timeline was now his top priority.
As soon as Sasuke left, Fujiwara Kirito and Pakura stepped out of the shadows.
"I never thought the brothers, who have both love and hate for each other, would share such a heartfelt moment," Pakura remarked.
Kirito smirked. "Let's not get carried away by sentiment. Itachi may have been gentle for a moment, but he's the same man who slaughtered his own family and clan. If a few kind words could redeem him, then the lives of his parents and his people would be meaningless."
"Even if many Uchiha were arrogant and troublesome, the one person who had no right to kill them was Itachi—their heir, their protector, and their son," Kirito said, his voice cold.
Pakura nodded, choosing not to comment further. Changing the topic, she asked, "What's next? That older Sasuke has both the Mangekyō Sharingan and the Rinnegan."
"Let him be," Kirito replied with a faint smile. "When the time comes, he'll return to his own world. All we need to do now is wait patiently."
The wait was for Urashiki Otsutsuki, whose death Kirito had already planned.
Three days passed quickly.
Having recognized Uncle Sasuke, Kakashi shared the information with Jiraiya. Without Naruto knowing, Uncle Sasuke and Boruto followed Naruto and Jiraiya on their journey, posing as traveling magicians.
Finally, the sky darkened as Urashiki arrived.
"Is that the enemy you mentioned?" Jiraiya asked, gazing at the swirling void in the sky. A man in white robes with pure white eyes stepped through the spatial rift. He carried a glowing red fishing rod and a matching fish basket at his side.
"Yes, that's him," Uncle Sasuke confirmed, unsheathing his sword. "His name is Urashiki, and he's here for the Nine-Tails inside Naruto."
Urashiki glanced down at the group, his tone mocking. "Well, well. The little fox isn't in Konoha after all. It took me some time to track you down, but it seems I've stumbled upon some unexpected surprises today. Those two worthless insects trailing the fox—why don't you come out?"
(End of this chapter)
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