Then, Itachi's complexion also turned a bit paler, while Shisui's remained as usual, clearly indicating that the victor of this battle was Uchiha Shisui.
"Itachi, even if your clone has a third of your strength, it's still not enough in front of me," Shisui said with a smile, his insight allowing him to recognize that the Itachi before him was some sort of clone technique.
"Indeed, as expected of Shisui," Itachi's voice had a ripple of emotion as he complimented Shisui.
"Sasuke, are you alright?"
At that moment, Naruto hurried to Sasuke's side, helped him up, and retreated behind Satoru, as it was the safest place for them at the moment.
"It's been a long time, Captain."
Shisui then turned to Hatake Satoru and spoke, recalling that during the Third Great Ninja War, Shisui had been a member of Satoru's team.
"Yes, it's been a long time, Shisui. You've become much stronger. Even I feel a bit of pressure facing you now," Satoru responded.
"Don't joke, Captain," Shisui chuckled lightly.
"The one who should feel the pressure is me."
Shisui hadn't seen Hatake Satoru for several years and had thought that his growth over the years would mean he wouldn't feel much pressure facing Satoru again. But reality was often more brutal than fantasy.
The pressure Shisui felt upon seeing Hatake Satoru again had not diminished at all.
"So, Shisui, are you intending to be my enemy now?"
As Satoru spoke these words, his tone became serious, and a formidable aura burst forth from him. Those standing nearby, like Naruto and Sakura, felt as if a mountain was pressing down upon them.
After all, if you're going to play a role, you have to play it fully.
"How could that be possible."
Shisui quickly waved his hands and said, "I'm not ready to die yet. I'm here just to catch up with Itachi."
"That's really for the best then."
Hearing Shisui's response, both Sakura and Naruto breathed a sigh of relief. Although Sakura was sensitive to Genjutsu, she felt inadequate against such high-level Genjutsu. Shisui harboring no ill will towards them was the best scenario they could hope for.
"Damn it."
At that moment, Sasuke muttered under his breath from behind Satoru. Despite his hard training over the past two years, he still felt insignificant in front of Itachi.
"Come before me again when you have eyes like mine, Sasuke."
Itachi knew he couldn't lay a hand on Sasuke now. After saying those words to Sasuke, he transformed into a flock of crows and flew in all directions.
"Sasuke, don't mind what Itachi said. We do this for a reason, for the peace of the ninja world."
Shisui also spoke to Sasuke. Although he agreed with Itachi's desire to make Sasuke stronger, the idea of possessing the Mangekyou Sharingan was a cruel fate for any Uchiha.
So, if possible, he hoped Sasuke would never awaken the Mangekyou Sharingan.
"I hope the next time we meet, your eyes won't be clouded by anger."
After saying that, Shisui left in the same manner as Itachi.
"Both of you, stop."
Sasuke shouted in impotent rage, but the two who had left obviously wouldn't heed him anymore.
"It's over, Sasuke. They've left."
Naruto consoled Sasuke, witnessing his helplessness for the first time.
"Why? Why? I've worked so hard these past two years, why am I still so far behind them?"
Sasuke knelt on the ground, pounding the earth with his fists.
Seeing this, everyone fell silent. Sakura, Naruto, and Kakashi all knew the burden Sasuke carried, and although Granny Chiyo wasn't as clear on the details, she could sense something from Sasuke's emotions.
"Sasuke, you're well aware of Itachi and Shisui's talents. While you've been improving these past two years, they've been progressing non-stop. No one is going to stand still and wait for you to catch up. To surpass them, you must put in even more effort."
Hatake Satoru spoke amidst the silence.
"I don't know what you've been through these past two years, but I can tell you, when I was teaching Itachi, he never became arrogant about his strength. He always took things step by step. He often reminded himself that even if he became stronger, there would always be a stronger enemy to face. What drove Itachi to do this was his will to protect his family."
Sasuke was taken aback by these words. He knew himself well – a person prone to pride, complacency, and even arrogance.
"If you truly want to surpass Itachi, then you must work harder than before.Now, you should also be qualified to learn Sage Mode. After this mission, I'll have Kakashi teach you Sage Mode. With Sage Mode, you'll surely be not much weaker than Itachi."
Satoru glanced at Kakashi as he spoke.
Kakashi nodded in agreement, affirming Satoru's words. After all, Kakashi had long intended to teach Sasuke Sage Mode, but he had yet to decide on the right sacred land for his training.
Kakashi was training at Mount Myoboku, but he felt that the Sage Mode of Mount Myoboku was not suitable for Sasuke, so he had been delaying Sasuke's learning of Sage Mode until now.
"Sage Mode?"
Sasuke looked up at Kakashi, voicing his confusion.
"Sage Mode, to put it simply, is a state that enhances one's own strength by absorbing natural chakra. Under Sage Mode, various Ninjutsu will be amplified, and combined with the Sharingan, it can have unexpected benefits."
"Teach me."
Sasuke looked at Kakashi and uttered these two words.
"After we return, I will apply to Hokage-sama to let you sign a summoning contract with Ryuchi Cave, so you can learn the Sage Mode of Ryuchi Cave."
"Sage Mode? Kakashi-sensei, do I also need to learn it?"
Hearing Kakashi's explanation, Naruto immediately lit up and said.
"You can go directly to Hokage-sama after you return, I believe Hokage-sama will arrange it for you.
Sakura, you can also go to Tsunade-sama. Since you've also signed a summoning contract with Shikkotsu Forest, if you want to learn, Tsunade-sama will arrange it for you."
"Yes."
Naruto and Sakura both nodded with joy.
(End of this chapter)
----