Danzo stepped forward, his voice cold and firm. "You have no choice, Itachi. Either you act… or the entire clan dies—including your brother."
Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, frowned deeply from the side. "Danzo, that's enough! This isn't the way—"
Danzo ignored the Third's protests, his only focus on the boy before him. "Well? Have you made up your mind?"
Itachi stood still, trembling slightly. He closed his eyes as if trying to escape the weight of the decision. His fingernails dug painfully into his palms, yet he remained composed.
After what felt like an eternity, Itachi opened his blood-red Sharingan eyes and spoke, his voice low and resolute. "I'll do it. I'll carry out the mission... on the condition that Sasuke is spared. He must not be harmed."
Danzo nodded curtly. "Only one Uchiha is needed—for the Root. Your brother will be left alone. That is my word."
Itachi gave a small bow to the Hokage. "Thank you, Lord Third."
Then he turned and walked out, his figure vanishing into the darkness.
After he left, Hiruzen turned to Danzo, his tone grim. "You manipulated that boy into destroying his own clan. Was that really necessary?"
Danzo didn't flinch. "The Uchiha were on the verge of rebellion. If we hadn't acted, the village would have plunged into civil war. Sacrifices must be made for peace."
The Third let out a weary sigh as Danzo exited. "You've hardened your heart too much, Danzo…"
In a wooded clearing behind the Uchiha compound, a young boy named Tatsumi Uchiha stood practicing his jutsu. With precision, he weaved hand signs and exhaled:
"Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu!" (Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu)
A massive sphere of flame burst from his lips, engulfing the air ahead of him. The Fireball Jutsu—signature of the Uchiha—required strong chakra control. It was the first true jutsu he'd mastered, taught to him by Itachi himself two years ago, though Sasuke had also helped him refine it.
Tatsumi panted, placing a hand on a nearby tree trunk for support. "That's enough for today…"
He sat down and called out internally, "System, check my points."
"All accumulated points: 2,739. Would you like to open the redemption menu?"
"Not now. I'll keep saving—might need it later."
In these two years, Tatsumi hadn't taken on any real missions but had gained system rewards through passive milestones. From lottery draws, he'd obtained:
Geppo (Moonwalk) from One Piece's Rokushiki, allowing him to leap off the air itself.
A summon contract with the "Poodle Clan," a bizarrely combative breed. His personal summon was "Rikudō-Ō," a towering, battle-hardened poodle with one blind eye and a necklace of fang-bones—no relation to the Sage of Six Paths despite the name. Tatsumi, amused by the name, nicknamed him "Erha."
Though whimsical in appearance, Rikudō-Ō was a fierce, relentless fighter whose leadership among his tribe had been solidified after he killed a rival beast, losing an eye in the process.
Later that evening, Tatsumi returned home. The compound was quiet. Their father, Fugaku, wasn't home—but Itachi was, a rare occasion.
Sasuke clung close to Itachi, as usual. When Tatsumi stepped inside, Itachi gave him a rare smile.
"You're back. Come here, Tatsumi."
"Huh?" Tatsumi blinked. "What's going on?"
"I just thought... it's been a while since we talked. We've never really sat down as brothers." He looked at Sasuke. "You two may argue, but you're twins—born on the same day. You're more alike than you think."
Sasuke and Tatsumi exchanged surprised glances. Itachi wasn't the type for emotional speeches.
Mikoto's voice interrupted. "Dinner's ready! What are you three whispering about?"
The brothers gathered at the table. After the meal, Tatsumi retreated to his room but couldn't shake the unease in his chest. Something about Itachi's words and expression felt... final.
Later that night, a soft knock echoed on Mikoto's door.
"Tatsumi?" she said, opening it and smiling. "What is it?"
"Mom… can I sleep here tonight?"
She blinked, surprised, then smiled warmly. "Of course, come in."
As she tucked him in, she asked gently, "You've never called me 'Mom' before. What's going on?"
Tatsumi avoided her gaze. "I just… missed you."
She brushed his hair softly. "You have school tomorrow. Get some sleep, okay?"
"Goodnight, Mom."
But Tatsumi didn't sleep.
He lay awake, eyes fixed on her silhouette in the moonlight.
In his heart, a storm of dread brewed.
Something was coming.
And he wasn't ready.