Kisame's broad, shark-like face stretched into a grin as he turned to Hiruzen Sarutobi. "Hokage-sama, do you also think I'm handsome? Hahahaha... My mother always praised me for being handsome when I was a child! Even our neighbors said the same! I still remember when my mother took me to the streets, people were shocked when they saw me! Each one asked her—where did you buy this mermaid?!"
Souta Kazuki's eyelids twitched slightly as he listened. Kisame's idea of "handsome" was clearly different from everyone else's. He shook his head and sighed. There was no need to argue with a man who believed his fish-like features were an advantage. Instead, Souta threw Kisame toward Kakashi and the others.
"Kakashi-senpai, let the medical ninja treat him. Don't let him die. After all, he's my most loyal subordinate now. If I ordered him to kill his own father and mother, he wouldn't even blink."
Despite being tossed away, Kisame's eyes remained locked on Souta, burning with unshakable fanaticism. Souta had broken him and rebuilt him into an unwavering follower, completely bound to his will.
But Souta's focus soon shifted. His eyes fell on Itachi Uchiha, his mind calculating. The battle with Kisame had given him an idea—he should gather the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. They were a formidable force, a small yet elite group. If he could control them all…
It wasn't just about collecting strong warriors. Souta was also interested in experimenting further with Kotoamatsukami. Shisui Uchiha had once told him that without the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, the cooldown time was eight years. After evolving into the Eternal Mangekyō, it was four years.
Souta had just tested it himself. His cooldown?
Two and a half years.
And that time was still shortening. His Sharingan was still evolving, constantly growing stronger as Indra's and Asura's chakras continued merging within him. If things progressed at this rate, he estimated that in a year and a half, he'd be able to use Kotoamatsukami again. If he formed a bond with the Seven Ninja Swordsmen before then… the possibilities were endless.
As Souta analyzed his own power, Itachi's expression hardened. He had sensed it clearly—Souta possessed the Mangekyō Sharingan. More than that, he had just used Kotoamatsukami, Shisui's technique.
How?
Was it possible that Souta had taken Shisui's eyes? Did that mean… Danzo was dead?
That would explain why Danzo was nowhere to be seen.
Itachi closed his eyes briefly, exhaling. His brother, Sasuke, was alive and well. Konoha was standing strong. If that was the case…
Then perhaps it was time for him to die.
He had been living in agony for too long, weighed down by the sins of his past. But before he left, there was one final thing he needed to do—help Sasuke reach his true potential. His brother had already awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan. Now, Itachi would give him the final push to reach its ultimate stage.
Sasuke, however, had no idea what Itachi was thinking. His heart burned with hatred as he took a step forward, staring at his brother with blazing eyes.
"Uchiha Itachi," Sasuke spat. "The traitor of the Uchiha clan… the executioner who killed our entire family! I will never forgive you!"
His voice was filled with raw emotion. The memories of that night had haunted him every day since childhood. He clenched his fists so tightly that his nails dug into his palms, drawing blood.
"How many nights have I dreamed of this moment? I will never forget what happened! I will have my revenge—for our parents, for our clan! You will die here, Itachi!"
Tears streaked down Sasuke's face, but they soon turned red—blood tears, a mark of the Uchiha's sorrow and hatred.
The surrounding shinobi watched in silence. Many of them knew about the Uchiha massacre, but few understood why Itachi had done it. Why would a Uchiha betray his own family? And why had he spared only Sasuke?
Sarutobi Hiruzen stood in the back, his face full of guilt. He had known about Danzo's plan but had chosen to do nothing. He had silently accepted the massacre as the price for Konoha's safety. Now, as he watched Sasuke confront Itachi, he couldn't help but feel responsible.
But Sasuke was beyond reason now. His fury exploded as he roared:
"Susanoo!"
In an instant, his perfect Susanoo materialized, towering over the battlefield. The massive, ethereal warrior burned with dark energy, its piercing eyes locked onto Itachi.
Itachi, however, remained calm. Inside, he felt relief.
His brother had truly grown strong.
Although Itachi's expression remained unreadable, a silent smile formed in his heart. This was exactly what he had wanted.
This was the moment.
Today, he would die by his brother's hand.
But first, he had to play the role of the villain one last time.
A crimson glow flickered in his eyes as he activated his own Susanoo. Unlike Sasuke's perfect form, Itachi's was incomplete—but still, it radiated immense power.
The battle began.
Sasuke's rage fueled his attacks. His Susanoo's sword cleaved through the air, each swing carrying devastating force. Itachi dodged with precision, his movements graceful yet weary. He countered, his own Susanoo striking back with calculated blows.
Boom!
The ground trembled. The sky darkened as their chakra clashed, sending shockwaves through the battlefield.
"You will die here, Itachi!" Sasuke bellowed, his voice filled with pain.
Itachi's lips curled into a faint, almost wistful smile.
"Heh… my foolish little brother. Your temper is still as ridiculous as ever."