The reasoning that Itachi gave was sound and entirely logical.
In the environment that the Uchiha once faced, a kind-hearted and passionate person like Obito—constantly shouting about becoming Hokage, helping old ladies cross the street, and even finding people's lost pet cats—naturally drew attention. It didn't matter if his talent was good or bad; such a person would inevitably become well-known in Konoha.
Perhaps it was precisely because of Obito's popularity that he became the Fourth Hokage's disciple.
After all, although the Konoha leadership, headed by the Third Hokage, feared the Uchiha Clan, they were still willing to use any Uchiha who could be their pawn.
"So, all those theories that fans in the real world came up with are wrong. Madara didn't choose Obito because of his poor talent or because no one cared when he went missing."
"Quite the opposite, it was Obito's kindness, passion, and emotional depth that caught Madara's attention."
"And, perhaps, his goofy personality reminded Madara of the First Hokage," Akira added with a chuckle.
From Itachi's description of Obito, Akira could tell that the fans' assumptions about why Madara chose Obito were entirely off the mark.
"You say the masked man is Obito Uchiha? That's impossible!" Itachi was utterly stunned upon hearing the revelation of the masked man's true identity.
How could it be? Obito had always seemed like a kind, caring person, his personality not unlike Naruto's.
Yet, the actions of the masked man were completely contrary to Obito's character.
On one hand, he was the person who helped old ladies cross the street.
On the other, he orchestrated the massacre of the entire Uchiha Clan.
These two vastly different behaviors belonged to the same person?
"You know what the condition for the evolution of the Sharingan is," Akira said.
"As the Second Hokage put it, no clan feels love as deeply as the Uchiha. The more passionate the emotions, the greater the pain when that love is lost."
"And thus, the faster the Sharingan evolves."
"So, what did Obito lose? With his talent, it should have been nearly impossible for him to awaken the Mangekyo," Itachi questioned, his face filled with disbelief.
If the masked man really was Obito, then what on earth had he experienced to change him so drastically?
"He lost his entire world."
"That's why his Sharingan evolved directly from the two tomoe state to the Mangekyo."
"This kind of transformation is unprecedented in Uchiha history," Akira explained.
"Two tomoe to Mangekyo!?" Itachi was completely shocked, feeling as though he'd been struck by lightning.
As a member of the Uchiha Clan and a Mangekyo Sharingan user himself, Itachi knew what kind of pain was needed to awaken the Mangekyo.
That level of pain wasn't something an ordinary person could endure.
To lose a loved one—and that only gave you a chance at awakening the Mangekyo.
But Obito went from two tomoe straight to Mangekyo?
The level of pain must have been unimaginable.
It was enough to change a bright, kind-hearted boy into the masked man they knew today.
"So, both you and Obito escaping the negative effects of the Mangekyo are exceptions," Itachi remarked, bringing the conversation back to where it started.
"At least for now, there's no reliable way for an average person to merge with Hashirama's cells," Akira said, shaking his head.
"So, let's return to our previous topic," Itachi continued. "My body is failing me, and my eyesight is nearly gone.
"According to the Uchiha tradition, if the Mangekyo goes blind, transplanting the eyes of one's sibling can restore sight permanently. This is called the Eternal Mangekyo.
"Sasuke will also face this problem.
"I want you to help me transplant my Mangekyo to Sasuke," Itachi finally stated his request.
"Have you ever thought about swapping Mangekyo with Sasuke instead? Maybe both of your Mangekyo could evolve into the Eternal Mangekyo," Akira suggested.
"Maybe… but I can't be sure," Itachi pondered for a moment before replying.
"In that case, why not at least try?" Akira urged.
"No," Itachi replied firmly, shaking his head. "If Sasuke regains his sight, but I lose mine, he would insist on returning them to me.
"The best way is for Sasuke to take my Mangekyo.
"As for me, whether I regain my vision or not doesn't matter. My body won't last much longer anyway."
Hearing that, Akira opened his mouth, wanting to argue.
But he found he couldn't.
It was true—given their bond, Sasuke would never accept Itachi being blind if they swapped eyes.
If they did swap, Itachi would surely ensure that Sasuke's vision was prioritized.
"Alright, since that's your wish, I'll help you," Akira conceded.
"But don't be too pessimistic. Your situation might not be as hopeless as it seems.
"As for your body, Orochimaru has a forbidden technique called Living Corpse Reincarnation that lets the soul transfer to a new body. You might still have options," Akira tried to comfort him.
Itachi nodded slightly, though it was clear he hadn't taken the words to heart.
To him, Sasuke was his only concern.
As for himself, it didn't matter anymore.
After that, Akira and Itachi talked about many topics—anything and everything.
But chatting for seventy-two hours straight was obviously unrealistic; they didn't have that much to talk about.
When they had covered everything they needed, Itachi released his Tsukuyomi, and they both returned to the real world.
The Tsukuyomi indeed had its uses—being able to create a mental space for three days. In critical moments, it could help strategize.
Perhaps that explained Itachi's incredible tactical acumen? Always able to enter Tsukuyomi to think through his plans?
Akira shook his head, dismissing the thought.
Konoha was still embroiled in battle, and blood was trickling from Itachi's eyes—a clear sign of the strain using Tsukuyomi had put on him.
"You have the Mangekyo, I have the Mangekyo. Did you really think you could easily defeat me with just your Mangekyo?" Akira teased Itachi.
They both drew weapons: Itachi pulled out a kunai, and Akira brandished his Kusanagi sword. The two clashed in a close-quarters fight.
Because over ninety percent of Akira's chakra was allocated to his wood clones, the fight appeared intense but was essentially a stalemate.
It seemed like neither could overpower the other.
"Itachi!"
Nearby, Sasuke fired several Chidori Senbon, pinning down Deidara's clay creatures. He glanced at Itachi fighting Akira and shouted.
Sasuke dashed towards them.
He felt some guilt towards Akira. Back then, he had begged Akira to save his life, and now Itachi was fighting Akira?
Sasuke shouted and charged at Itachi.
"Sasuke, I have no interest in you right now," Itachi said coldly, hiding his true feelings despite wanting to give his Mangekyo to Sasuke.
"If you want to hurt Akira today, you'll have to get through me first!" Sasuke said firmly, gripping his Chidori Sharp Spear like a weapon.
"Fine, let those brothers fight it out themselves," Akira thought, seeing Sasuke leap in to challenge Itachi.
Using Wood Release, Akira conjured a wooden chair, sat down, and turned his attention to Obito and Tendo Pain's side of the battlefield.
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POWER STONE!!!
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