The chamber fell into a heavy silence as Itachi sat regally on the ancient stone throne, his Sharingan eyes fixed on the group before him. The air seemed to thicken with tension.
"You finally arrive, younger brother," Itachi's voice cut through the silence like ice. "Do you think you can see through my genjutsu now?"
Sasuke's fists clenched, his emotions warring across his face. "I came here to hear the fucking truth!" he spat, anger and confusion mixing in his voice. "The truth that everyone seems to know except me!"
For a brief moment, Itachi's carefully maintained mask slipped, genuine surprise flickering across his features. He hadn't expected this approach from his younger brother - not the rage-filled avenger he'd helped create.
Shikamaru stepped forward, his calculating eyes fixed on the elder Uchiha. "Uchiha Itachi," he said firmly, "we're not here for information gathering, and we're definitely not here for Sasuke to fight you to the death." He paused, gauging Itachi's reaction. "We're here so Sasuke can learn the truth about that night. Lady Tsunade and Naruto believe it should come from you directly."
"Hn," Itachi's expression returned to its usual stoic mask, but something had changed in his eyes. "And what makes you think I'll simply tell the truth?"
"Because," Sasuke's voice was quieter now, but no less intense, "Naruto said you're not who I think you are. And that idiot... he's never wrong about people."
The chamber grew silent again as Itachi studied his younger brother. The flames from the torches cast dancing shadows across the walls, making the moment feel almost surreal.
"Very well," Itachi finally spoke, his voice carrying a weight that hadn't been there before. "But first, tell me, Sasuke... what would you do with this truth?"
Sasuke's eyes narrowed, his Sharingan activating instinctively. "That depends on what the truth is, doesn't it?" His voice was taut with barely contained emotion.
"YOSH!" Guy suddenly interjected, striking his signature pose. "The flames of youth burn brightest when illuminated by truth!"
"Troublesome," Shikamaru muttered, but his eyes remained sharp, watching the interaction between the brothers carefully.
Itachi rose from his throne, his movement is fluid and graceful. "The truth, little brother, is far more complicated than you imagine." He paused, his Sharingan meeting Sasuke's. "Are you certain you want to know? Some truths can be more painful than the lies we tell ourselves."
"Stop playing games!" Sasuke snapped, taking a step forward. "Everyone - Naruto, the Hokage, even Kakashi - they all know something I don't. Something about that night... about the clan..."
Karin adjusted her glasses nervously, sensing the massive fluctuations in both brothers' chakra. "Sasuke-kun..."
"Very well," Itachi's voice softened slightly. "But first, tell me - what do you know about our clan's history with Konoha?"
"What does that have to do with-" Sasuke started, but Shikamaru cut him off.
"Let him speak, Sasuke," the Nara strategist advised. "Everything's connected."
Itachi nodded approvingly at Shikamaru before turning back to his brother. "The story begins long before that night, Sasuke. It begins with our clan's pride... and their plans for rebellion."
Sasuke's eyes widened, his body tensing. "What?"
"After the Nine-Tails attack," Itachi continued, his voice steady but heavy with untold burden, "the village began to suspect the Uchiha. They believed only a Sharingan could control the Nine-Tails. The clan was moved to the outskirts, constantly monitored..."
"That's why we lived in that compound," Sasuke whispered, pieces falling into place.
"Our father, as the clan head, led the planning," Itachi's eyes met Sasuke's directly. "They intended to overthrow the Hokage and take control of Konoha. It would have led to a civil war, weakening the village enough for other nations to attack. Thousands would have died."
Shikamaru observed as understanding began to dawn on Sasuke's face. "And you were ordered to stop it," he stated quietly.
"I was ANBU, but also the heir to the Uchiha," Itachi confirmed. "I became a double agent, reporting to both sides. But in the end..." His voice trailed off momentarily. "In the end, I had to make a choice."
"The village or the clan," Guy said solemnly, his usual exuberance completely gone.
"No..." Sasuke's voice was barely a whisper, his hands shaking. "You're lying... you have to be..."
"I chose to save the village, and you, my foolish little brother," Itachi's mask finally cracked, showing a glimpse of deep pain. "Danzo and the elders ordered the massacre. But I negotiated for one thing - your life. In exchange for eliminating the coup threat, you would be spared."
The chamber fell into stunned silence as the truth finally emerged, heavy and devastating in its completeness.
"Everything..." Sasuke's voice was raw with emotion. "Everything I believed... my whole life's purpose..."
"Was built on a lie I created to protect you," Itachi finished softly. "I wanted you to become strong enough to protect yourself, to be seen as a hero who eliminated a traitor to Konoha. I never expected you to learn the truth."
Sasuke's chakra flared violently, the air crackling with electricity. "Protect me? PROTECT ME?" His voice rose to a shout. "You tortured me! Made me relive their deaths over and over!"
"I had to make you hate me," Itachi replied calmly, though pain flickered in his eyes. "To make you strong enough to survive what was coming."
Shikamaru stepped forward cautiously, his analytical mind already piecing together the gaps in the story. "Sasuke, there's more to this than meets the eye. The Mangekyō Sharingan... Itachi didn't awaken it that night, did he?" He turned to Itachi. "What happened to Shisui Uchiha? And why did you really join the Akatsuki?"
Sasuke's rage momentarily faltered, caught off guard by Shikamaru's questions.
"And your parents," Shikamaru continued, his voice steady. "What were their last words? Was your father truly committed to the coup, or was he being pressured by the clan elders?"
Itachi's expression shifted subtly, a flicker of surprise crossing his features at Shikamaru's insight. "You're quite perceptive, Shikamaru Nara."
"Answer him," Sasuke demanded, his Sharingan spinning wildly. "What aren't you telling me about our parents? About Shisui?"
Itachi closed his eyes for a moment as if gathering strength. "Shisui... was my best friend. He was working with me to prevent the coup peacefully. His Mangekyō Sharingan possessed a unique ability - Kotoamatsukami - that could alter a person's decisions without them realizing it. He planned to use it on Father to stop the coup."
Sasuke's eyes widened. "Then why..."
"Danzo," Itachi's voice hardened slightly. "He didn't trust the Uchiha. He attacked Shisui and stole one of his eyes. Shisui, knowing he would be targeted again, entrusted his remaining eye to me before taking his own life. That's how I awakened my Mangekyō."
"As for joining the Akatsuki," Itachi continued, "it was to protect Konoha from the inside. To feed information back to the village about their movements."
Sasuke's hands clenched into fists. "And our parents?"
A deep sadness crossed Itachi's face. "Father... in the end, he understood. He knew what I had to do. Mother too. Their last words weren't curses or hatred, Sasuke. They..." Itachi's voice wavered slightly. "They told me to take care of you. Father said he was proud of me, understanding my choice even if he disagreed. Mother... she just asked me to protect you."
"They accepted their fate," Guy murmured, his usual energetic demeanor subdued by the weight of these revelations.
"The clan elders indeed pressured Father," Itachi added. "The younger generation was more moderate, but the elders, bitter from years of perceived discrimination, pushed for aggressive action. Father tried to balance between them but in the end..."
Sasuke stumbled backward, his back hitting the wall as the truth crashed over him in waves. The hatred he'd nursed for so long began to crack, revealing the pain underneath.
Shikamaru stepped forward again, his voice steady and clear. "It seems Itachi doesn't want to say everything in one breath, so let me tell you the whole truth, Sasuke. Your brother didn't act alone that night. He was with the true leader of the Akatsuki. But there's more..." He paused, making sure his next words would hit their mark.
"Your brother, who endured all this suffering, has been fighting a terminal illness. He's been taking powerful drugs just to stay alive long enough for you to kill him, to make you Konoha's hero. While the villagers wake up each morning, laughing and going about their lives, they never knew how your elder brother sacrificed everything for their peace."
Shikamaru's voice grew heavier. "He killed his classmates, his father, his mother, even the woman he loved... but he couldn't kill you, Sasuke. He could never bring himself to harm his little brother."
Itachi watched Shikamaru intently, understanding the strategic revelation of these truths. He knew Shikamaru was deliberately pushing Sasuke toward the emotional breaking point needed to awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan.
Guy's usually bright expression had turned somber, his fists clenched at his sides as the full weight of the tragedy sank in. Beside him, Karin stood frozen, her hand covering her mouth in horror as she processed the true depth of the Uchiha massacre and the sacrifice it entailed.
Sasuke's shoulders began to shake, his eyes wide with a mix of disbelief, anger, and crushing grief as each revelation struck him like a physical blow.
As the devastating truths continued to crash over Sasuke, his mind reeled, unable to process everything at once. The hatred he'd harbored for Itachi all these years began to crumble, only to be replaced by a new, burning rage - directed at both the Akatsuki and Konoha itself. The emotional turmoil reached a breaking point within him.
Suddenly, Sasuke let out an anguished cry as intense pain shot through his eyes. His regular Sharingan began to shift and morph, the tomoe swirling and transforming into a new pattern. The awakening of his Mangekyō Sharingan sent waves of chakra pulsing through the area.
Shikamaru watched with calculated satisfaction, his plan working exactly as intended. He had used the seal given to him precisely for this moment, knowing that Kakashi would be monitoring it. Right on cue, a swirl of leaves announced the arrival of Kakashi, accompanied by one of Naruto's shadow clones.
"So, it's done," Kakashi said quietly, taking in the scene before him - Sasuke with his newly awakened Mangekyō Sharingan, Itachi's solemn presence, and the others' shocked expressions.
The Naruto clone's usual boisterous energy was subdued as he observed his friend's transformation, understanding the weight of what had just transpired. "Sasuke..." he muttered, concern evident in his voice.
The tension in the air was palpable as Sasuke's new Mangekyō Sharingan blazed, its unique pattern reflecting the depth of his emotional trauma. His breathing was heavy, and his body trembled with the overwhelming surge of power and emotion.
"Why..." Sasuke's voice cracked, directing his gaze between Itachi and Kakashi. "Why did the village make you do this? Why didn't anyone stop this madness?"
Kakashi stepped forward cautiously, his own Sharingan exposed. "The truth is never simple, Sasuke. The village's decisions, right or wrong, were made in fear of civil war. But that doesn't justify-"
"SHUT UP!" Sasuke roared, his new eyes spinning wildly. "You all knew! You let my brother suffer alone! You let me live my life hating him while he protected everyone!"
The Naruto clone moved closer to his friend, concern etched on his face. "Sasuke, I know you're angry, but-"
"Stay back, Naruto," Itachi suddenly spoke, his voice firm but gentle. "Let him process this. The awakening of the Mangekyō Sharingan isn't just about power - it's about understanding pain and truth."
Shikamaru observed, his mind already calculating the possible outcomes of this volatile situation. The truth had been revealed, but now came the dangerous part - how Sasuke would choose to act upon it.
The atmosphere grew even more tense as Sasuke's chakra began to swirl around him, dark and heavy with emotion. His new Mangekyō Sharingan pulsed with power, causing the air itself to feel thick with pressure.
"Brother..." Sasuke's voice was barely a whisper, "All this time... you carried this burden alone. You suffered while I..." His fists clenched tightly, blood dripping from his palms.
Itachi took a step toward his younger brother, his own expression filled with years of hidden pain. "Sasuke, what I did was my choice. The burden I carried was mine alone to bear."
The Naruto clone watched anxiously, his blue eyes darting between the brothers. "Sasuke, you're not alone anymore. We can help you through this!"
Suddenly, Sasuke's chakra exploded outward, forcing everyone to brace themselves. "Help me?" he laughed bitterly. "The village that ordered the massacre of my clan wants to help me? The same village that made my brother live as a criminal?"
Kakashi moved forward, his stance ready but non-threatening. "Sasuke, don't let this darkness consume you. There's still a chance to"
"To what?" Sasuke interrupted, his new eyes blazing. "To pretend everything is fine? To forget what they did to the Uchiha?"
Shikamaru tensed, ready to use his shadow possession jutsu if needed. The situation was becoming increasingly volatile, and he could see that Sasuke was teetering on the edge of a dangerous decision.
Kakashi stepped forward, his visible eye reflecting years of buried pain. "I understand you, more than you think, Sasuke," he said quietly, drawing everyone's attention. "My father, the White Fang, was once on a mission, but the mission went wrong. He had to make an impossible choice between saving his companions or completing the mission. He chose to save his comrades."
Kakashi's voice grew heavier with each word. "But when he returned to the village, the people turned against him. The villagers blamed him for the mission's failure. But the worst part..." he paused, his fist clenching, "even the very people he saved threw the blame at him."
Sasuke's eyes widened slightly, his rage momentarily giving way to surprise as he listened to his former sensei's story.
"The shame and rejection drove my father to..." Kakashi stopped, the pain still fresh after all these years. "I watched him fall apart, piece by piece until he couldn't take it anymore. I know what it's like to have the village turn its back on someone you love, to see justice twisted into something unrecognizable."
Itachi remained silent, watching the exchange with knowing eyes, while Naruto's clone looked at his sensei with understanding.
"But Sasuke," Kakashi continued, "what I learned from that pain and loss is that revenge doesn't heal the wounds – it only creates new ones. The cycle of hatred has to end somewhere."
Naruto's clone opened his mouth to speak, but Sasuke cut him off with a sharp, bitter laugh.
"You better shut it," Sasuke snarled, his Sharingan blazing with renewed anger. "You don't even have the right to talk when you're just a clone. Where's the real you, Naruto? Too busy with something more important? Or maybe too scared to face me yourself?"
The clone's face hardened, but before he could respond, Sasuke continued, his voice dripping with contempt. "You always talk about understanding pain and loneliness, about being my friend. But you can't even show up in person for this conversation. Instead, you send a copy – a shadow of yourself. How fitting."
Itachi watched the exchange silently, noting how his brother's pain manifested as sharp words designed to push others away. Kakashi tensed, recognizing the dangerous edge in Sasuke's voice.
"If you want to talk about understanding pain," Sasuke spat, "at least dare to do it face to face. Or is that too much to ask from someone who claims to be my best friend?"
The clone's blue eyes reflected hurt, but also determination. The real Naruto's feelings are transmitted clearly through his chakra, even in this copied form. But Sasuke's words had struck a nerve, highlighting the physical absence of his former teammate at this crucial moment.
Kakashi stepped forward, his voice steady and clear. "Naruto didn't come here because he's on an even more important mission, Sasuke. He's trying to bring Itachi back to the village – as a hero."
The revelation sent shockwaves through the group. Sasuke's eyes widened in disbelief, while Itachi himself couldn't hide his surprise, his usually composed face showing genuine shock. Guy's jaw dropped, and Karin adjusted her glasses, trying to process this unexpected information.
Only Shikamaru maintained his calculating expression, a knowing look in his eyes as if pieces of a puzzle were falling into place.
"What... what are you talking about?" Sasuke demanded, his voice wavering between anger and confusion.
Kakashi met his former student's gaze steadily. "Right now, Naruto is at the Five Kage Summit, revealing the truth about Itachi's past. He's fighting to clear your brother's name, to make sure everyone knows the real story – about the sacrifice he made, about the true hero he is."
"He's presenting evidence to the Kages," Kakashi continued, "showing them how Itachi protected the village from the shadows, how he chose peace over civil war, how he carried the burden of being labeled a traitor to keep Konoha safe... and to keep you alive, Sasuke."
Itachi's usually stoic face showed a mix of emotions – surprise, concern, and perhaps a hint of gratitude for Naruto's actions. Sasuke stood frozen, his mind racing to process this new information, his carefully constructed world of revenge beginning to crack at its foundations.
Shikamaru stepped forward, his hands in his pockets but his expression serious. "Think about it, Sasuke. Why do you think we made sure to eliminate Danzo first? The Uchiha massacre wasn't his only crime."
Sasuke's attention shifted to Shikamaru, while Itachi's eyes narrowed at the mention of Danzo.
"You might think Danzo only targeted the Uchiha, but his corruption ran deeper," Shikamaru continued, his voice carrying a rare edge of anger. "Did you know that no one was supposed to know about Naruto being the Fourth Hokage's son or the Nine-Tails' host? It was meant to be an S-class secret to protect him."
Karin gasped, while Guy's usually energetic demeanor turned grim. Kakashi nodded solemnly, confirming Shikamaru's words.
"But Danzo?" Shikamaru's voice grew colder. "He pressured the Third Hokage to hand Naruto over to Root. When that failed, he deliberately leaked Naruto's status as the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki to the village, ensuring that Naruto would grow up isolated and hated. He wanted to break him, to turn him into another one of his weapons."
Sasuke's fists clenched, memories of his own childhood friend's loneliness taking on a new meaning. Itachi's expression darkened, having witnessed firsthand the depths of Danzo's manipulation.
"The man didn't just destroy your clan, Sasuke," Shikamaru concluded. "He tried to destroy everything that made Konoha what it was supposed to be. That's why Naruto's fighting so hard now – not just for Itachi, but to make sure nothing like this ever happens again."
Sasuke's eyes flickered with a mix of emotions, processing this new information. "So all this time... Naruto..."
Kakashi nodded, "Yes, while you were consumed by revenge, Naruto was working to uncover the truth. He's been gathering evidence, testimonies, and documents that prove both Itachi's innocence and Danzo's crimes."
Itachi, who had remained silent, finally spoke, "Naruto... he truly understands the meaning of being a shinobi. While others sought power or revenge, he sought justice and truth."
Guy stepped forward, his usual energetic demeanor replaced by seriousness, "The Will of Fire burns strongest in that boy. He never gave up on either of you, Sasuke."
Karin adjusted her glasses, looking at Sasuke with concern, "That's why he kept chasing after you. He wasn't just trying to bring you back – he was trying to protect you from making a mistake that couldn't be undone."
Shikamaru added, "And now, at the Five Kage Summit, he's presenting everything. The truth about the Uchiha massacre, Danzo's manipulation, the Third Hokage's compromised position, all of it. He's fighting to change the entire shinobi system that allowed such darkness to exist."
Sasuke stood there, his worldview shifting dramatically as the full weight of the truth settled in. His brother was beside him, alive and vindicated, and his best friend fighting for both their futures at the summit.
Kakashi stepped forward, his visible eye softening as he looked at his former student. "Now that you've calmed down, let's talk, shall we?" He gestured to a nearby stairs. "There's a lot we need to discuss, and this time, I hope you'll listen with an open mind."
Sasuke hesitated for a moment, looking between his brother and his former sensei before giving a slight nod. The tension in his shoulders had eased somewhat, though wariness still lingered in his eyes.
"The truth about the Uchiha, about Danzo, about Naruto... it's all connected," Kakashi continued, taking a seat. "And there's more you need to know – things that even Itachi isn't aware of."
Itachi moved to stand near his brother, his presence seemingly giving Sasuke the reassurance he needed. The others maintained a respectful distance, with Shikamaru keeping watch while Guy and Karin stood ready to intervene if needed.
Kakashi formed a series of hand signs, and a translucent barrier materialized around them, isolating himself, Sasuke, and Itachi from the others. "Now we have safe measures in place," he said, his voice carrying a weight of importance. "How about we start by telling you how we obtained this information and go from there?"
Sasuke's eyes narrowed slightly, his curiosity piqued despite his lingering suspicion.
"Do you remember your fight with Naruto at the Final Valley when you left the village to go to Orochimaru?" Kakashi asked, his visible eye fixed intently on Sasuke. "While Naruto lay there, something extraordinary happened. Let's say he had a vision of the future."
Sasuke's expression shifted from skepticism to surprise. "A vision?"
"Yes," Kakashi continued, glancing briefly at Itachi, who remained silent but attentive. "That day, Naruto saw glimpses of what would happen - the path you would take, the truth about Itachi, the Fourth Great Ninja War, everything. But more importantly, he saw what could be changed."
"That's impossible," Sasuke muttered, though his tone lacked conviction.
"Is it?" Kakashi leaned forward slightly. "Haven't you noticed how differently things have played out? How Naruto seemed to always be one step ahead, working behind the scenes? There's a reason he's been so persistent, Sasuke. He's not just trying to save his friend - he's trying to prevent a future that would fill with death."
Kakashi shifted his position, his expression becoming more serious. "Now that you know about Naruto's vision, let's start where everything truly began, ages ago when the Mother of Six Paths came from space."
Both Uchiha brothers' attention sharpened at this unexpected beginning.
"Her name was Kaguya Ōtsutsuki," Kakashi continued, his voice taking on the tone of an ancient storyteller. "She came from a distant world, arriving on Earth like a goddess descending from the heavens. But her arrival wasn't a blessing - it was the beginning of a complex chain of events that would eventually lead to our current situation."
Sasuke's eyes narrowed. "What does this have to do with the Uchiha massacre?"
"Everything," Kakashi replied firmly. "The Sharingan, the power you and Itachi possess, the very essence of chakra itself - it all traces back to her. She ate the fruit of the Divine Tree, becoming the first wielder of chakra in our world. But with that power came a terrible price, one that her sons would later have to confront."
Itachi, who had been silent until now, spoke up. "So, The Sage of Six Paths had a brother."
"Yes," Kakashi nodded. "And their conflict with their mother would set a pattern that would repeat throughout history - a cycle of power, betrayal, and sacrifice that the Uchiha clan became deeply entangled in..."
Kakashi leaned back slightly, his voice taking on a measured tone. "Let's go back a little. When Kaguya first arrived, she used her powers to become close to one of the emperors of that age. As time passed, she became pregnant. However, conflict began brewing between the empire she was staying in and another nation."
Sasuke and Itachi listened intently as Kakashi continued, "In an attempt to stop the war, the emperor made a decree: anyone who killed a representative of the larger nation would be exiled and executed. As fate would have it, Kaguya was attacked by some of these representatives, and in defending herself, she killed them."
"So she became a fugitive," Itachi observed quietly.
"Yes," Kakashi nodded. "She and her attendant were forced to flee. During the chase, her attendant appeared to die, leaving Kaguya alone and desperate. It was then, in hopes of stopping the war and protecting herself, that she made a fateful decision - she ate the chakra fruit from the Divine Tree, becoming the first and only person in the world to possess chakra."
Sasuke's eyes widened slightly. "So the power of chakra wasn't meant to be shared originally?"
"No," Kakashi replied grimly. "And that's where things became even more complicated. With this power, Kaguya became something more than human - she became what people would later call the Rabbit Goddess..."
Kakashi's visible eye darkened as he continued, "And then she cast what was called the Infinite Tsukuyomi - a powerful genjutsu that trapped the entire world in an endless dream state. There was no escape from it."
He paused, noting both brothers' intense focus. "As time passed, Kaguya began to change. The chakra fruit she consumed wasn't meant for her, and she grew increasingly paranoid that her clan, the Ōtsutsuki, would come to reclaim it. This fear drove her to create an army."
"The White Zetsu," Sasuke muttered, remembering his early encounters with the strange creatures.
"Correct," Kakashi confirmed. "And yes, Itachi, the Zetsu in Akatsuki is connected to this, though not in the way you might think. Kaguya transformed humans into these White Zetsu creatures, building her army. But something in her - perhaps a remaining shred of humanity - made her hesitate to convert everyone. She chose to free some humans from the Infinite Tsukuyomi..."
Itachi's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "So the White Zetsu we know today are remnants of her original army?"
"In a way," Kakashi replied, "but there's more to this story that directly connects to what happened to the Uchiha clan..."
Kakashi nodded, "During this time, Kaguya gave birth to twin sons - one who would become known as the Sage of Six Paths, Hagoromo, and his brother, Hamura. Despite her paranoia and growing madness, something of a mother's love remained in her. She shared her chakra with her sons, making them the first humans born with natural chakra abilities."
Sasuke shifted slightly, his interest clearly piqued. "The Sage of Six Paths... the one said to be the founder of ninjutsu."
"Yes," Kakashi confirmed. "But Kaguya, consumed by fear, kept her children isolated from the outside world. She created a sheltered existence where she maintained absolute control, hiding the truth of her reign from them."
He leaned forward slightly, his voice growing more serious. "Everything changed when the Great Toad Sage encountered Hagoromo and Hamura. The sage revealed to them whispers of a secret ritual taking place in their mother's domain. At first, Hagoromo dismissed these warnings, unable to believe his mother capable of such things."
Sasuke's eyes narrowed as Kakashi continued, "But when a woman Hagoromo had grown to care for was selected for what Kaguya called the 'holy ritual,' everything changed. The brothers could no longer ignore the signs. They decided to investigate, sneaking into the forbidden areas of their mother's domain..."
Itachi interjected quietly, "And what they discovered changed everything, didn't it?"
"Indeed," Kakashi nodded grimly. "What they found would lead to one of the most significant conflicts in shinobi history..."
Kakashi nodded solemnly, continuing his explanation to the two Uchiha brothers. "When Hagoromo discovered the woman he cared for had been sacrificed, his grief and rage awakened the Sharingan - the first time such power had manifested. This loss drove him to seek greater strength. He began training in the art of Senjutsu, learning to harness natural energy, which eventually led to him awakening an even more powerful dōjutsu - the Rinnegan."
"The brothers realized they had to confront their mother," Kakashi continued, his visible eye growing distant. "The battle that followed was unlike anything the world had ever seen. Kaguya, the Rabbit Goddess, fought her sons with all her terrifying power. The clash between mother and sons reshaped entire landscapes, causing unprecedented destruction."
Sasuke's eyes narrowed as he absorbed this information, while Itachi remained silent but attentive.
"Together, Hagoromo and Hamura managed to seal away their mother," Kakashi went on. "However," his tone grew darker, "in her final moments before being completely sealed, Kaguya created Black Zetsu - her will incarnate. Its sole purpose was to one day free her from her prison. A final act that would echo through generations..."
Itachi's eyes met Sasuke's briefly before turning back to Kakashi. "And this Black Zetsu has been manipulating events ever since..."
Kakashi continued his explanation to the Uchiha brothers, "After the great battle, Hamura, the younger brother, made a solemn decision. He chose to guard their mother's seal, establishing his clan on the moon to maintain eternal vigilance. Meanwhile, Hagoromo took on a different responsibility."
"The Six Paths Sage knew the Ten-Tails' power was too dangerous to leave intact," Itachi interjected, his Sharingan gleaming with interest.
"Yes," Kakashi nodded. "Hagoromo split the Ten-Tails into nine separate beings - the Tailed Beasts we know today. He viewed them not as weapons, but as guardians, hoping they would help protect and guide the world. Each had its own unique personality and abilities."
Sasuke's eyes narrowed. "And then?"
"The Sage began a journey across the lands," Kakashi explained. "He traveled to areas devastated by their battle with Kaguya, using his powers to heal and restore what had been destroyed. During these travels, he began what would become known as Ninshū - the Ninja Creed. It was meant to be a way of bringing peace and understanding between people through the sharing of chakra..."
Kakashi continued, his voice growing more serious, "The Sage had two sons - Indra, the elder, and Asura, the younger. Indra was considered a prodigy, mastering everything he attempted with remarkable ease. He was the one who developed what we now know as ninjutsu, showing incredible innovation and power."
"However," Kakashi's eye darkened, "Black Zetsu had begun manipulating Indra from a young age, slowly corrupting his perspective and pulling him away from his father's ideals."
Sasuke tensed slightly at this revelation, while Itachi remained stoic.
"Asura, on the other hand, struggled with natural talent," Kakashi continued. "But what he lacked in innate ability, he made up for with determination and his ability to connect with others. He understood that true strength came from cooperation and bonds with others."
"When the time came for Hagoromo to choose his successor, he selected Asura, seeing in him the true understanding of Ninshū's principles. Indra, who had inherited his father's powerful eyes - the Sharingan - couldn't accept this decision. This rejection, fueled by Black Zetsu's manipulation, led to a bitter rivalry that would echo through generations..."
"The same conflict that continues between the Uchiha and Senju," Itachi added quietly.
Kakashi nodded solemnly, "Yes, this ancient conflict shaped the shinobi world as we know it. Indra became the ancestor of the Uchiha clan, passing down not just the Sharingan, but also his philosophy of power and individual strength. Asura, on the other hand, became the ancestor of both the Senju and Uzumaki clans."
"Interesting," Sasuke muttered, his eyes narrowing at the mention of the Uzumaki.
"While the Senju and Uchiha continued their ancestors' conflict through generations of warfare," Kakashi explained, "the Uzumaki clan chose a different path. They settled in what would become the Land of Whirlpools, focusing on developing their unique sealing techniques and maintaining a peaceful existence. They didn't participate in the age-old feud between their brother clan and cousin clan."
Itachi added, "The Uzumaki were known for their powerful life force, incredible chakra reserves, and mastery of sealing jutsu. They remained close allies with the Senju but never engaged in direct conflict with the Uchiha. It's why their symbol, the spiral, is still worn on all Konoha shinobi vests as a mark of friendship and alliance."
"Until their destruction," Sasuke pointed out grimly, referring to the fall of Uzushiogakure.
Kakashi's expression grew even more serious, "What both clans didn't realize was that this conflict ran deeper than mere family feuds. The chakra of both Indra and Asura didn't disappear with their deaths. Instead, it continued to reincarnate through the generations, choosing vessels among their descendants."
"Black Zetsu," Kakashi continued, his voice carrying a note of concern, "used this cycle of reincarnation to his advantage, manipulating each new incarnation of Indra, fueling the hatred and conflict between the brothers' descendants. This kept the cycle of hatred alive, generation after generation."
Itachi's eyes narrowed slightly, "The reincarnations would inherit not just their predecessor's chakra, but also their ideals and internal struggles. Each time, Black Zetsu would work from the shadows, ensuring the conflict would continue."
"And who were these reincarnations?" Sasuke asked though something in his expression suggested he might already suspect the answer.
Kakashi looked between the Uchiha brothers, "Throughout history, there have been several. The most notable being Madara Uchiha as Indra's reincarnation, and Hashirama Senju as Asura's. And in our time..." he paused meaningfully, letting the implication hang in the air.
Kakashi looked directly at Sasuke, "In our time, you, Sasuke, are Indra's reincarnation, while Naruto is Asura's. This is why your bond has always been so strong, yet so complicated. You're not just rivals or friends - you're carrying the chakra and will of two brothers who shaped the entire shinobi world."
Sasuke's eyes widened slightly as the pieces fell into place. "So that's why Naruto..."
"Yes," Itachi interjected. "That's why Naruto has always been able to understand you in a way others couldn't. The connection between you two goes back centuries, to the very beginning of shinobi history."
"Black Zetsu," Kakashi continued, "has been manipulating this cycle for generations, using the Uchiha's capacity for deep love and equally deep hatred to further his own goals. He knew that when a Uchiha experiences loss, their love turns to hatred, making them susceptible to darkness. This was his way of ensuring the continuation of conflict between the reincarnations."
"The curse of hatred," Sasuke muttered, remembering his own descent into darkness.
"But unlike your predecessors," Kakashi added with a hint of hope in his voice, "you and Naruto have the potential to break this cycle. You can choose a different path."
Kakashi cleared his throat, "We've gone off track a bit. Let's return to the historical timeline. As you know, the conflict between the Uchiha and Senju continued until the era of Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha. Hashirama managed to convince Madara to pursue their shared childhood dream - creating a village where children wouldn't have to face the horrors of war."
"However," he continued, his visible eye narrowing, "their partnership didn't last. Their final battle at the Valley of the End became legendary. Everyone believed Madara died there, but what we didn't know was that he had used one of the Uchiha clan's forbidden techniques - Izanagi."
Itachi nodded, adding, "Madara then took advantage of that situation. By merging his chakra with Hashirama's cells, he essentially combined Indra and Asura's chakra once again. This union should led to him awakening the Rinnegan, just as the Sage of Six Paths had possessed."
"And that's when," Kakashi's voice grew darker, "Black Zetsu revealed himself to Madara, presenting himself as the manifestation of Madara's will. But in reality, he was manipulating Madara, just as he had manipulated countless others before him."
Sasuke's eyes narrowed, "So Black Zetsu used Madara's awakening of the Rinnegan as an opportunity to further his true agenda."
"Exactly," Kakashi confirmed. "This was all part of a much larger plan, one that had been in motion since the time of Kaguya herself."
Kakashi continued, "But Madara had grown old, too old to carry out his plans directly. He needed to create someone who would continue his work - someone who would follow the teachings inscribed on the Uchiha Stone Monument, which we now know was altered by Black Zetsu. That person..." Kakashi's eye narrowed, "was a masked man who called himself Madara Uchiha, the same person who helped you, Itachi, during the Uchiha massacre."
Itachi remained silent, his expression unreadable.
"This masked man," Kakashi continued, "needed spare Sharingan. The Mangekyo Sharingan's power comes at a terrible price - the gradual loss of light, eventually leading to complete blindness. That's why he assisted in the clan's elimination. Each pair of eyes was valuable to his plans."
Sasuke's fists clenched at this information, the reality of how his clan had been used as mere tools in a larger scheme becoming clearer.
"The massacre wasn't just about preventing a coup," Itachi added quietly. "It was also part of that man's - and by extension, Madara's - larger plan. They needed those Sharingan for their ultimate goal."
Kakashi nodded solemnly, "Yes, and there were others who took advantage of the situation. Danzo, in particular, saw the Uchiha as a threat to the village. But the masked man's involvement goes even deeper than the massacre. He was also the one who attacked the village years before, during the Nine-Tails incident."
Kakashi's visible eye darkened with the painful memory. "He extracted the Nine-Tails from Kushina Uzumaki, Lord Fourth's wife, during her weakest moment - during childbirth. Using the Sharingan's power, he controlled the Nine-Tails and unleashed it upon the village."
Sasuke's eyes widened slightly at this revelation, his mind processing how deeply the manipulation of his clan ran.
"That attack," Kakashi continued, "only served to deepen the village's distrust of the Uchiha clan. Many suspected the Uchiha was behind the Nine-Tails' attack, given their unique ability to control the beast with their Sharingan. This suspicion eventually led to the clan's isolation within the village, which in turn fueled their discontent and plans for a coup."
"The masked man," Itachi added quietly, "knew exactly how to manipulate these tensions to serve his greater purpose."
Kakashi paused, letting the weight of these revelations sink in. "So you see, Sasuke, the tragedy of the Uchiha clan wasn't just about village politics or power struggles. It was part of a centuries-old manipulation, orchestrated by Black Zetsu to eventually revive Kaguya."
"And Naruto..." Sasuke's voice was quiet but intense, "he saw all of this in his vision?"
"Yes," Kakashi confirmed. "That's why he's been working so hard to change things. By exposing Danzo, by saving you from Orochimaru, by bringing the truth about Itachi to light - he's trying to break the cycle that Black Zetsu created."
Itachi, who had been mostly silent, finally spoke. "This explains much about the Akatsuki's true purpose. We were all being used as pawns in a much larger game."
"Exactly," Kakashi nodded. "And that's why Naruto is at the Five Kage Summit right now. He's not just trying to clear Itachi's name - he's trying to unite the shinobi world against the real threat. Because if we don't stop this cycle now..."
"Kaguya will return," Sasuke finished, his new Mangekyō Sharingan spinning slowly as he processed everything.
Itachi's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "No," he said, studying Kakashi's expression carefully. "Your tone doesn't suggest Kaguya is your primary concern. There's something else..."
Kakashi nodded solemnly. "You're perceptive as always, Itachi. While Kaguya is indeed powerful, with our current knowledge and preparation, she isn't the greatest threat. The real problem is what she represents."
"What do you mean?" Sasuke demanded, his new Mangekyō Sharingan still active.
"Kaguya," Kakashi explained, his voice growing more serious, "was considered a low-ranking member of the Ōtsutsuki clan. If someone like her could possess such overwhelming power, imagine what the higher-ranking members of her clan might be capable of."
Both Uchiha brothers tensed at this revelation.
"The truth is," Kakashi continued, "we don't know the full extent of the Ōtsutsuki clan's power, nor do we know their numbers. How many are out there? How strong are they? These are questions that keep me awake at night."
"So Kaguya was just the beginning," Itachi mused, his expression grave.
"Exactly," Kakashi confirmed. "In Naruto's vision, he saw glimpses of other Ōtsutsuki members. Each one seemed more powerful than the last. And worse, we have no way of knowing when or where they might appear."
Sasuke's eyes narrowed. "And that's why Naruto is trying to unite the shinobi world now. Not just to prevent Kaguya's return..."
"But to prepare for an even greater threat," Kakashi finished. "The Ōtsutsuki clan represents a danger beyond anything our world has ever faced. And we need to be ready."
Sasuke leaned back, processing this new information. "So all this time... the real threat wasn't even from our world."
"The Ōtsutsuki clan," Itachi added thoughtfully, "they must have a reason for targeting Earth. It can't just be about reclaiming Kaguya's chakra."
Kakashi nodded grimly. "According to what Naruto saw, they travel from world to world, planting Divine Trees and harvesting their fruits. Each fruit contains the life force and chakra of an entire planet."
"They're parasites," Sasuke's voice carried a note of disgust.
"Powerful ones," Kakashi confirmed. "And based on what Naruto glimpsed, they have a strict hierarchy. Kaguya was considered a disgrace for mixing with humans and sharing chakra with her children. The higher-ranking members..." He paused, his visible eye darkening. "They view us as nothing more than cattle."
Itachi's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "What's your real plan, Kakashi? You've known about this for nearly three years, yet you allowed the Akatsuki to continue..." His voice grew sharper. "You want Kaguya out of her seal, don't you? That's why all the jinchūriki seemed formidable but were ultimately easy to capture. But I doubt Naruto would accept such a plan."
Kakashi sighed heavily, his visible eye showing weariness. "As perceptive as ever, Itachi. That's exactly why we didn't tell anyone until now. If you, being as intelligent as you are, had shown any behavior change, the masked man claiming to be Madara would have noticed immediately."
"You're correct," Kakashi continued, "Naruto would never accept sacrificing the jinchūriki. That's why he created a special seal - one that allows the Gedo Statue to absorb only a portion of the Tailed Beasts' chakra, not all of it. The jinchūriki and their Tailed Beasts are left chakra-exhausted but alive, able to recover with time."
Sasuke's eyes widened slightly. "So where are they now?"
"Hidden," Kakashi replied. "Waiting for the right moment. Each 'captured' jinchūriki was secretly relocated, their chakra signatures masked. We needed the Akatsuki to believe their plan was succeeding while we prepared for the real threat."
"The Ōtsutsuki," Itachi concluded, understanding dawning in his eyes. "You're using the Akatsuki's plan against them, gathering power to face the greater enemy."
Kakashi nodded solemnly. "We have two main reasons for wanting Kaguya unsealed. First, we need to test our defenses against her power. If we can't handle Kaguya, we won't stand a chance against higher-ranking Ōtsutsuki members."
"And the second reason?" Sasuke pressed, his Mangekyō Sharingan was still active.
"We want to try and convince her to join our side," Kakashi revealed, causing both Uchiha brothers to look at him in surprise. "Think about it - she was considered a low-ranking member of her clan, cast aside and potentially hunted. With her knowledge of the Ōtsutsuki and their weaknesses, she could be a valuable ally."
Itachi's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "And if she refuses?"
"Then we at least need to obtain Ōtsutsuki cell samples from her," Kakashi explained. "By studying their biology, we might find weaknesses we can exploit. It's a dangerous gamble, but facing the higher-ranking Ōtsutsuki without any understanding of their vulnerabilities would be even more dangerous."
Itachi's eyes met Kakashi's steadily. "Why are you telling us all this now? What role do you expect us to play in this war?"
Kakashi sighed heavily, running a hand through his silver hair. "Why can't you be more like your brother?" He paused, his expression growing serious. "We need both Sasuke and Naruto to awaken the Rinnegan."
Both Uchiha brothers tensed at this revelation.
"As we know from Madara's case," Kakashi continued, "the Rinnegan awakens when Indra's chakra merges with Asura's chakra. That's what we plan to do with both of them."
"Both?" Sasuke questioned, his eyes narrowing.
"Yes," Kakashi confirmed. "We want both you and Naruto to awaken the Rinnegan. However," he turned to look directly at Itachi, "Naruto will need a pair of Sharingan for this to work."
Itachi's expression remained neutral, but his eyes showed understanding. "You want my eyes."
"After I die from my illness," Itachi stated matter-of-factly, causing Sasuke to flinch slightly. "You want my eyes to go to Naruto."
Kakashi shook his head firmly. "No, you're not going to die, Itachi. We've already prepared a cure for your illness."
Itachi's eyes widened slightly in surprise, while Sasuke visibly relaxed at this news.
"What we need," Kakashi continued, "is Sasuke's eyes to go to Naruto - that should be enough to help trigger his Rinnegan awakening when combined with the chakra mixing."
"And what about Sasuke?" Itachi asked, though his tone suggested he already knew where this was heading.
"Sasuke will receive your eyes, Itachi," Kakashi explained. "As for you, we've already prepared a replacement - your father's eyes. Fugaku was also a Mangekyō Sharingan user, so his eyes will serve you well."
Sasuke's hand unconsciously moved to his eyes. "Father's eyes..."
"This way," Kakashi concluded, "all three of you will maintain your vision and power while giving us the best chance at awakening both Rinnegan. We'll need every advantage we can get in the coming war."
Itachi remained silent for a moment, processing the information. "The transplant procedures would need to be done simultaneously to minimize risk."
"Correct," Kakashi nodded. "Tsunade herself will oversee the operations, along with a team of our most skilled medical ninjas."
Sasuke turned to his brother. "Are you sure about this, Itachi? Using Father's eyes..."
"The dead do not need power, Sasuke," Itachi replied softly. "If Father's eyes can help protect the village and the world, he would have wanted this."
Kakashi stood up, dispelling the barrier with a hand sign. "Well, I should head back to the village. The paperwork won't do itself, unfortunately." He turned to the Naruto clone who had been waiting patiently outside the barrier. "Ready to take me back?"
"You got it, Kakashi-sensei!" The clone grinned.
Before leaving, Kakashi turned back to the Uchiha brothers. "Think about everything we've discussed. When you're ready, we'll proceed with the plan." His visible eye crinkled in what might have been a smile beneath his mask. "And Sasuke... try not to be too hard on Naruto when you see him. He's been carrying this burden for a long time."
The Naruto clone placed a hand on Kakashi's shoulder, ready to teleport them back to Konoha. "See you soon, teme!" he called out cheerfully to Sasuke. "Don't forget what we talked about!"
In a flash, Kakashi and the clone disappeared, leaving the brothers with their thoughts and the others who had been waiting outside the barrier. The weight of everything they had learned hung heavy in the air, but there was also a sense of hope - hope for a future different from the one Naruto had seen in his vision.
After Kakashi and the Naruto clone disappeared, Shikamaru, Guy, and Karin approached the Uchiha brothers cautiously. Karin immediately moved closer to Sasuke, her concern evident.
"Sasuke-kun, are you alright?" she asked softly, adjusting her glasses. "Your chakra feels... turbulent."
"YOSH!" Guy exclaimed, though his voice was more subdued than usual. "The truth about the Uchiha clan's fate is indeed a heavy burden. But remember, the power of youth can overcome even the darkest of pasts!"
Shikamaru hung back slightly, his hands in his pockets as he observed the situation. Unlike Guy and Karin, who had only learned about the Uchiha massacre's true nature, he knew about Naruto's vision and the larger implications of everything that had been discussed. 'What a drag,' he thought to himself. 'This is just the beginning of an even more troublesome situation.'
"I'm fine," Sasuke replied curtly to Karin's concern, though his voice lacked its usual edge.
Itachi watched the interaction silently, noting how his brother had changed. The people around him now weren't just tools or stepping stones - they were comrades who genuinely cared about his well-being.
"We should head back to the village soon," Shikamaru suggested, his sharp eyes noting the lengthening shadows. "The Five Kage Summit will be ending soon, and we'll need to be ready for whatever comes next."