At the entrance of the Uchiha Police Department headquarters, two figures dashed across the lake, one chasing and the other fleeing. The figure in front moved like a crimson flash, weaving through water, buildings, and trees, attempting to escape in every direction. But no matter how fast or cleverly he maneuvered, he couldn't shake off the strange figure behind him, who appeared and disappeared as if in a montage.
Yet, the one growing more anxious wasn't the figure in front, but the one chasing him, who had been strung along for some time.
"Damn it," Uchiha Obito muttered as he missed another strike, glaring at the figure who once again dove into the water. "This guy's fast, but it's not just that. It's as if he can sense where my Kamui will appear. Is it sensory jutsu? Or could he have some kind of unique dojutsu, like the Byakugan?"
Obito knew he was being delayed. But who was this person, and why did he know Obito's true identity? If he was from Konoha… did Itachi know as well?
No. He couldn't allow himself to dwell on that. If this didn't work, he could bring in the one monitoring Danzo and close in from both sides—he would not let him escape!
Obito clenched his fists, struggling to suppress his rising anger. Every time he forced himself to calm down, that fake Kakashi's masked head would bob up from the water, wearing the same irritating white-haired disguise from his memory. The poor imitation and the transformation technique, which Obito could easily see through with his Sharingan, seemed almost like mockery.
The Nine-Tails' transformation into Kakashi was even more infuriating than the real thing. "What's wrong, Uchiha Obito?" the fake Kakashi taunted, smirking. "Your Mangekyo Sharingan doesn't seem so impressive. Already losing your edge? Oh, I get it! It's no surprise you're slow—you were always too late to save Rin, weren't you?"
Obito snapped, rage boiling over. "Damn you!" he roared, charging at the Nine-Tails.
The fake Kakashi laughed and dove underwater, though beneath the surface, the Nine-Tails wasn't feeling so at ease. This shadow clone was near its limit.
"Minato… Don't let me down…"
In the realm of Tsukuyomi.
Itachi Uchiha remained silent, lost in deep thought. But for Namikaze Minato, that silence was as loud as thunder. Time was running out, and he didn't know how much longer this illusory realm would last, yet he waited, giving Itachi time to speak.
Finally, Itachi raised his head, his eyes filled with sorrow. "Why… why am I doing this? All of this… what is it for?"
Tears brimmed at the corners of his eyes, his expression one of bitter self-mockery. He loathed himself, far more than he ever had before. He'd never felt so repulsed by his own existence, almost wishing he had never been born.
Minato said nothing, though he desperately wanted to comfort the boy. But he couldn't bring himself to offer empty words. No matter how young Itachi was, Minato knew he wasn't simply a child.
As Konoha's Fourth Hokage, he was as much a part of the oppressive system that weighed down Itachi's life. Minato thought back to his own shortcomings as a father and a leader, realizing he too bore responsibility for the village's state.
It was all so ironic.
And now, having learned the truth, Itachi's despair toward the village, the Uchiha clan, and even the title of Hokage made sense.
After a long silence, Itachi wiped his tears and looked up, his gaze steely. "Fourth Hokage, I can keep this Tsukuyomi realm active for a bit longer, but if I'm to retain enough strength, I can hold out no more than half an hour. Tell me, what should I do?"
Minato was taken aback by Itachi's resolve. Just a boy, yet he held such inner strength. How corrupted had Konoha become to drive him to this point?
He spoke gently, hoping to spark a sense of hope. "First, we need to ensure any surviving Uchiha can live. Are there still any left?"
Itachi clenched his fists. "Some were saved because Sasuke came back early, and others I managed to restrain with genjutsu… but Obito won't spare them."
Minato nodded, trying to reassure him. "Don't worry—I have a trusted ally keeping him at bay. We'll act quickly. Once you dispel this Tsukuyomi realm, let's gather the survivors."
Itachi's eyes darkened. "But… Anbu is likely surrounding the Uchiha district by now. They won't let anyone leave. If I go out alone…"
Minato cut him off, firm yet compassionate. "Itachi, don't think of sacrificing yourself so quickly. The Uchiha's plans for a coup were real, and the village was prepared. But tonight, the Uchiha clan must 'disappear'—that's undeniable."
Itachi's face twisted with pain. "So… there's no escaping this fate?"
Minato's voice softened. "Disappearing doesn't have to mean dying. Death is one way to vanish, but leaving unseen is another."
Itachi blinked, realizing what Minato was suggesting. "Then… you mean to take them away from Konoha?"
Minato's gentle smile returned. "Yes. To take them away from this version of Konoha. This path, one you and Shisui never considered, can offer choice instead of ruin."
Itachi closed his eyes, absorbing this new perspective. Minato's words resonated with him, reshaping his view on his role in the clan's fate.
Minato placed a hand on Itachi's shoulder. "It won't be easy. But this time, the Uchiha can take a different road. I believe, in time, you will shape the future of the village and the ninja world."
Itachi took a deep breath, suppressing the surge of emotions.
"Alright," he replied, determination filling his voice.
As he prepared to release Tsukuyomi, Minato added one final thought. "Itachi, I understand the burden of being a father and a leader. Your father didn't fight you to the death, not because of weakness, but because he loved you and Sasuke more than anything. Even in his final moments, he chose to let you follow your path."
A small smile touched Minato's face. "Carry that understanding with you. It's the Will of Fire passed down from one generation to the next. It's now yours to inherit and grow."
Understanding his path, Itachi opened his eyes, focused and resolute.
With a deep breath, he muttered, "Tsukuyomi, release!"
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Note: If you are interested, you can read up to chapter 120+ at patreon.com/Esei01.