Uchiha Fugaku stared at Itachi in shock.
Itachi's strange behavior over the years had led Fugaku to believe that his son stood on the side of Konoha's upper leadership. He had never imagined that Itachi was planning to lead members of the Uchiha clan away from the village.
After studying Itachi for a long moment, Fugaku suddenly burst out laughing.
"Itachi… it seems I've underestimated you all this time. You truly are my son. However, I've already explained the difficulties of leaving Konoha. How do you intend to do it?"
"When the coup begins, Konoha's top-tier combat forces will definitely move to suppress the Uchiha clan. At that time, I will lead those clan members who long for peace and leave Konoha."
"Using those clan members as bait—and at the same time filtering the personnel," Fugaku said. "After all, if the radical faction were to leave Konoha, they would undoubtedly seek revenge. I have to say, Itachi—you've grown into a qualified shinobi."
Fugaku's face was filled with pride, but his expression soon turned grave.
"But can you truly accomplish this? Most Uchiha shinobi are radicals. Those who desire peace are mostly weak—some aren't even shinobi at all. Leaving Konoha, leaving the Land of Fire… can you really do it on your own?!"
"I can. And I must."
Itachi activated his Mangekyō Sharingan and looked directly into Fugaku's eyes.
"You've become strong, Itachi…"
Fugaku stared in astonishment at Itachi's Mangekyō Sharingan. His heart was filled with a father's pride in his son.
Then Fugaku's expression turned solemn.
"Since you've already made your decision… Uchiha Itachi!"
"I now issue you a mission—as the head of the Uchiha clan!"
"When the coup begins, lead those Uchiha who are unwilling to fight away from Konoha, away from the Land of Fire, and search the shinobi world for a place where the Uchiha clan can recover and live in peace!"
"Yes!"
Fugaku looked at Itachi with shame. "Itachi, you're stronger than I am. You've endured in silence, contributing your strength to the Uchiha all this time. After you leave Konoha… take good care of your mother and Sasuke."
Itachi lowered his head in guilt.
He had not included his father, Uchiha Fugaku, in his plan. In other words, Fugaku himself was also one of the 'baits' in Itachi's strategy.
As if sensing Itachi's thoughts, Fugaku spoke gently to comfort him.
"There's no need for guilt. As the head of the Uchiha clan, how could I abandon my people and flee alone? And as a father, I bear the responsibility of securing a path forward for my wife and my sons."
"Itachi—lift your head and look at me!"
Itachi raised his head and met Fugaku's gaze.
The three-tomoe Sharingan in Fugaku's eyes spun rapidly—and transformed into the Mangekyō Sharingan.
"In truth, we both know that the Uchiha coup has almost no chance of success. I couldn't stop them, but in order to avoid using force, I concealed the fact that I possess the Mangekyō Sharingan.
"If the clan were to learn that I had awakened the Mangekyō, the coup would begin immediately."
"Our entire clan is sick now—terminally so. Everyone has become arrogant and self-centered, intoxicated by the title of 'the strongest clan' from the past. That includes me."
"But you're different, Itachi. You're the only one who's awake. You're the one who can allow the Uchiha clan to be reborn from the flames."
"I will lead the Uchiha and do everything I can to hold off Konoha's shinobi, creating an opportunity for you to escape. Itachi—don't be afraid. Don't lose your way. No matter what choice you make, I will always be proud of you."
"Father…"
Tears shimmered at the corners of Itachi's eyes, his voice unsteady.
Itachi left Fugaku's room, his heart overwhelmed with conflicting emotions.
Gaining his father's understanding brought him a sense of relief.
Yet at the same time, having to abandon his father left his chest so heavy he could barely breathe.
With Shisui's death, the Uchiha clan's morale had plummeted, and the imminent coup was postponed.
Itachi went to the Hokage Tower and reported to Hiruzen Sarutobi that he had come under suspicion from Uchiha Yashiro and the others. He also requested that the Third Hokage assign ANBU to assist in investigating Shisui's death.
The Third agreed. Shisui's sudden death had also been unexpected for Hiruzen, and he wanted the truth as well.
"The ANBU will investigate the cause of Shisui's death. Itachi, you should take some time to rest."
Beside him, Danzō spoke with feigned concern. "After all, Shisui was Kagami's descendant. I'll also dispatch Root to assist in the investigation."
Itachi revealed no emotion and replied calmly, "Thank you, Hokage-sama. Thank you, Danzō-sama."
As Itachi left the Hokage Tower, he happened to run into Uchiha Izumi.
"Itachi!"
The moment she saw him, Izumi excitedly waved both hands.
Seeing his childhood friend, Itachi rarely smiled. "Izumi. Did you just return from a mission?"
"Yes! Itachi, we haven't seen each other in so long. Every time I went to your house to look for you, you weren't there," Izumi complained softly.
"Sorry…"
Izumi hurriedly shook her head. "No need to apologize! You're in the ANBU—of course you're busy. Are you heading out on another mission now?"
"No. I won't be going on any missions for a while."
Izumi's eyes lit up. "Then let's go eat at the new dango shop at the end of the street! You love three-color dango, right? Their dango is really delicious!"
Without giving Itachi any chance to refuse, Izumi grabbed his hand and ran toward the end of the street.
Looking at the empty plate in front of Itachi, now filled with bamboo skewers, Izumi said proudly, "Well? It's good, right?!"
"Yes. It's good." Even Itachi—who loved three-color dango—had to admit that this shop's dango was truly special.
Izumi rested her chin in her hands and gazed at Itachi, murmuring softly, "When was the last time we spent time together like this? It feels like it's been a very long time…"
Not hearing her clearly, Itachi asked in confusion, "Izumi? Did you say something just now?"
Izumi smiled and shook her head. "It's nothing. Want a few more skewers, Itachi?"
"…Yes."
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