In the desert oasis.
Kakashi Hatake led Team 7 and Granny Chiyo to continue tracking the Akatsuki Organization, leaving the enemy, Uchiha Itachi, to the Root Ninja.
Although the Root Ninja bravely took on the task of confronting Uchiha Itachi, Granny Chiyo was still somewhat dissatisfied with the Root Ninja's shadowing.
"What kind of scheme is Akihara Kagura up to now?"
Granny Chiyo had no good impression of Akihara Kagura and spoke with a heavy voice: "That guy sent a Root following us, it's impossible he's simply here to help..."
"Maybe he really is here to help..."
Kakashi Hatake felt that keeping secrets was truly exhausting.
As a Jonin, Kakashi Hatake should have been used to keeping secrets, but keeping the identity of that Root Ninja secret was indeed tiring.
Because…
Naruto Uzumaki, with his thick nerves, seemed a bit sharp, yet Haruno Sakura, who was usually perceptive, didn't notice anything amiss.
Perhaps…
Because it's too impossible?
A companion who became a traitorous ninja by breaking ties for the sake of power and friendship was actually a Root Ninja executing a mission all along?
In the forest.
The Root Ninja gazed at Uchiha Itachi in front of him, slowly reaching out to grip the ninja sword in his hand, his eyes filled with killing intent towards Uchiha Itachi.
"No need to wear that mask anymore."
Uchiha Itachi looked at the Root Ninja standing before him, slowly closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, they were showing a pair of blood-red pupils.
"Sasuke."
Uchiha Itachi's words pierced through the other's identity.
If there was anyone else in the world with such surging and intense killing intent towards him, it had to be his own brother, Uchiha Sasuke.
"Hmph, you guessed it, huh?"
Uchiha Sasuke extended his hand, removed the cat-face mask from his face, revealing an angry face: "I was just wondering! If even you couldn't recognize me, I'd think you underestimated me too much..."
"..."
Uchiha Itachi gently shook his head, continuing on his own: "I didn't expect you, like me back then, to join the Root as well…"
If Uchiha Itachi felt puzzled upon hearing the news of Uchiha Sasuke's defection, all those doubts were now resolved.
After all…
According to Akihara Kagura's wicked taste, it was impossible for him to let Uchiha Sasuke defect; Uchiha Sasuke was unlikely to ignore Akihara Kagura, who defeated him, and instead turn to Orochimaru, his subordinate losing general.
So…
Everything from the past made sense now.
Uchiha Itachi recalled the recent news of Uchiha Sasuke killing Orochimaru, revealing the truth of the past on his own: "It seems using the opportunity of defection to infiltrate Orochimaru's side and assassinate him was your mission…"
"That's right."
Uchiha Sasuke raised his hand, very proud of his achievement: "Infiltrating Orochimaru's side, seizing the chance to assassinate Orochimaru was my first mission after joining the Root. I heard your first Root mission failed when you joined..."
"..."
Uchiha Itachi thought of his first mission.
At that time…
The leader of the Root was Shimura Danzo.
Shimura Danzo gave him the mission to assassinate Kabuto Yakushi and Yakushi Nonou. Not only did he fail to execute the mission, but he also harbored enmity with Akihara Kagura ever since.
"Uchiha Itachi…"
Uchiha Sasuke's lips curled into a cold smile, suddenly drawing his ninja sword and pointing it at his brother, who killed their father and mother: "I've already surpassed you now!"
"Back then, you got power from the Root and killed Dad and Mom. Now I've gained power from the Root, and it's time for my revenge on you!"
"This time…"
"Leave your life here!"
Right here, right now, at this moment!
Uchiha Sasuke felt like fate was on his side. Here he would use his power to kill Uchiha Itachi, fulfill his revenge, then reunite with his companions from Team 7, reveal all the truths, and embrace his new life!
"..."
Uchiha Itachi remained silent.
At this moment, it was also an opportunity for him.
Because this body was just a Form Transformation Puppet with only thirty percent of his power, perhaps he could take this chance to test Sasuke's growth, preparing for their ultimate battle.
"Then let me see…"
Uchiha Itachi slipped his fingers into his sleeve, his expression becoming serious: "To what extent have you grown now!"
The next moment!
Uchiha Itachi raised his hand and flung a shuriken!
Uchiha Sasuke's hand also pressed onto a shuriken, and that shuriken suddenly grew large, which he then hurled out!
"Shuriken Giant Body Jutsu…"
Uchiha Itachi glanced in surprise and then quickly clasped his hands: "Shuriken Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
Dozens of shurikens flew towards Uchiha Sasuke!
"Shuriken Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
Uchiha Sasuke's lips curved into a disdainful smile, and more than ten giant shurikens flew in Uchiha Itachi's direction!
The shurikens from both sides collided immediately!
The combination of Shuriken Giant Body Jutsu and Shuriken Shadow Clone Jutsu was clearly superior. After Uchiha Itachi's shurikens were all knocked down, several giant shurikens continued unabated, directly piercing Uchiha Itachi's body!