Hyuga Gakuya's plans were unfolding smoothly. Jiraiya was preparing to head toward the Federation to investigate its secrets, but he was traveling in his usual meandering fashion—there was no telling when he'd actually arrive. Meanwhile, Sasuke remained relentless in his search for Itachi.
Inside the Federation's main building, Hyuga Gakuya stared at the personnel file for the Squad. His eyes landed on a blond girl with twin ponytails.
Was this… a female version of Naruto?
Had he not seen her in so long that she went and got gender reassignment surgery? Was this his new strategy for bringing Sasuke back—seduction? Just imagining the scene was beyond bizarre.
And that name: Naruko Namikaze. Was she trying to inherit Minato's surname now? No one knew Naruto was the son of Namikaze Minato, so using this name ensured she'd stay hidden.
In the photo, Naruto's signature whisker marks were gone. The disguise was actually quite effective—assuming the enemy had never seen Naruto in the first place.
Gakuya continued flipping through the dossier. There was Kakashi and Sai from Konohagakure, Kurotsuchi from Iwagakure, Samui from Kumogakure—each one fairly well-known.
He also had scientific ninja tools delivered to the team as a form of support in the fight against the Akatsuki.
...
Life for Gakuya had returned to a calm, steady rhythm as he patiently awaited the next phase of his plan.
Several days passed. While he was still developing the abilities of his Rinnegan, a sudden disturbance came from the ground—White Zetsu emerged.
"Gakuya-sama, Sasuke and Itachi have agreed to a battle. Three days from now. At the old Uchiha hideout."
Gakuya smiled faintly. "I see. Where is Sasuke now?"
"He's staying at an inn near the border of the Land of Fire."
"Take me to him."
...
Inside the room, Sasuke sat silently, polishing his Kusanagi blade. His eyes were distant, lost in thought.
A familiar whirl of chakra appeared beside him—he knew immediately it was Hyuga Gakuya.
"Senpai," Sasuke said without looking up, still polishing his sword. "You here to watch Itachi die?"
He always referred to Gakuya as senpai, seeing a shared pain between their pasts, a kindred bond of vengeance.
Gakuya feigned curiosity.
"I came to see you. As a fellow avenger… have you really thought this through? Are you truly ready to kill Uchiha Itachi?"
It was a leading question, designed to set the stage for his future talk-no-jutsu once the deed was done.
Sasuke didn't understand the true intent, but he nodded, voice unwavering.
"Of course. I have to kill him. If I don't, everything I've done will have been for nothing."
"Even if it means carrying even more pain and hatred?" Gakuya pressed.
Sasuke paused, then raised his head to the window. A twisted smile crept across his lips, as though he could already see Itachi lying dead at his feet.
"That's the best part," he said with a surge of emotion. "Just thinking about killing him... it feels incredible."
"So, you've made your decision." Gakuya sighed. "But don't underestimate him. Uchiha Itachi isn't someone you can take down easily."
Sasuke gave a small nod to show he understood. He picked up his sword again, examining the blade closely.
"I'm ready," he said calmly. "This time, I'll end it myself."
Gakuya, ever the master manipulator, let out a sigh like a seasoned actor slipping into character.
"Ah… this is the Uchiha's fate."
Sasuke didn't catch the deeper meaning—he simply thought Gakuya was sympathizing with his journey of vengeance.
From the age of six, vengeance had defined his entire life. Every second, every choice, had been in service of that goal.
Gakuya, however, was laying the groundwork. When the truth was revealed, Sasuke would remember those words—and the impact would be devastating.
Sasuke continued, "Once I kill Uchiha Itachi, I'll finally have power equal to our ancestor, Madara. After that, I'll help you obtain the Ten Tails. In exchange… I want you to bring my parents back."
"I'll be waiting for that day," Gakuya said, a subtle, nearly imperceptible smile flashing in his eyes.
Sasuke stood up, Kusanagi in hand, his gaze firm and resolute. He could hardly wait for the final battle.
"I'm going to complete my final training," he said. "I've prepared something special for Itachi."
With that, he turned and left the room.
Gakuya watched him go, calculating inwardly.
Everything is proceeding exactly as planned. Once Sasuke kills Itachi, I'll tell him the truth. The pain and regret will break him—and he'll become my strongest weapon... the executor of my plan.
Perfect.
...
Three days later, dark clouds gathered in the sky. A torrential storm was brewing.
The air was thick with tension. Every breath felt heavy, as if the atmosphere itself knew what was about to unfold.
Inside the Uchiha hideout, Itachi was already seated on the central throne, waiting quietly for Sasuke's arrival.
His expression was resolute, but a hint of peace flickered in his eyes. He had carried a heavy burden ever since he massacred the Uchiha clan.
After this battle, Sasuke would return to the village as the man who killed the traitor Uchiha Itachi. With that, he'd awaken the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, gain the strength to protect the village, and eventually become Hokage.
The only regret... was not living to see Sasuke marry.
But this fight was inevitable. It wasn't just the clash between two brothers—it was Itachi's final duty, for the village and for Sasuke.
As he sat there, memories of his time with Sasuke flooded his mind. He had given Sasuke all his love, only to force him into hatred. A contradiction that tore at him even now.
Still, he hoped this battle would be what finally freed Sasuke from his past.
Thud, thud, thud.
Footsteps echoed through the hall, drawing Itachi out of his thoughts.
Sasuke had arrived.
Each step he took carried a suffocating intensity. The killing intent radiating from him was razor-sharp.
He stared straight ahead at the man seated on the throne, fists clenched so tightly his nails pierced skin—yet he felt no pain.
All his focus was locked on Itachi.
His eyes flickered with a storm of emotions: rage, hatred… and a faint trace of brotherly affection he couldn't entirely erase.
Itachi, however, remained utterly calm. He lifted his gaze to meet Sasuke's, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"Sasuke," he said, "I thought you might be too afraid of death to face me."
Sasuke's expression darkened further. His voice was cold as he bit out,
"How could I be? I've never once forgotten the lessons my brother taught me."
Itachi replied evenly, "Let's see how far your eyes can see now."
Sasuke's voice dropped to a growl. "Far enough to see your death."
Before the words had fully left his mouth, a sword flashed—piercing straight through Itachi from behind the throne.
Blood burst forth, splattering across the floor. A second figure stepped from the shadows behind the chair—another Sasuke.
It was a trap.
"Well played," Itachi said calmly, not even flinching. His expression barely changed, as if the wound wasn't real.
And then, his body began to dissipate, scattering into a flurry of black crows that flew up toward the ceiling.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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