Chapter 16: Chapter 16 The Burden of Strong

**A Few Minutes Earlier**

"Has it started already?" Itachi muttered to himself as he hurried towards home, scanning his surroundings for any signs of danger.

In the darkness, a figure caught his eye. Swiftly, he drew his kunai. "Who are you?" Itachi demanded his voice firm and commanding.

"It's me, Itachi," a voice from the shadows replied. Itachi relaxed slightly as he recognized his father's voice.

"Father! Are you here to battle me?" Itachi asked, still on guard.

"No, not here," Fugaku replied calmly, opening his eyes to reveal the unique pattern of the Mangekyo Sharingan. "I've awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan, Itachi. It's been a long time."

Itachi's eyes widened at the declaration, the red-black design reflecting intensely in his eyes.

"Why did you keep this a secret, Father?" Itachi questioned, a mix of curiosity and concern in his voice.

Fugaku's eyes took on a distant look, focusing on a point beyond the present. "With my Mangekyo Sharingan, I can predict the future to a certain extent, Itachi. I can see potential outcomes based on the choices we make. Not only that, I have the ability to show these plausible futures to others, to guide them toward the path that aligns with our clan's destiny."

"Itachi, these abilities are not just tools for combat. They are a responsibility that our clan carries," Fugaku explained, his voice carrying a weight of solemnity and pride.

In a flash of movement, Fugaku disappeared, using the Flicker Jutsu to leave Itachi standing alone in the darkness, pondering the revelations he had just received.

**The Following Night**

Under the shroud of darkness, Itachi cautiously approached the patriarch's compound. The silence hung heavily in the air as he surveyed his surroundings, his senses on high alert. The ominous stillness was punctuated only by the distant cries of nocturnal creatures.

He approached cautiously, his heart racing with anticipation. As he entered the small courtyard of the house, he carefully checked for traps, not daring to be careless. Fugaku had become his biggest opponent.

"We're here," he muttered to himself, searching for Fugaku's figure from room to room.

Suddenly, Fugaku's voice echoed from a distant room. Startled, Itachi hurried towards the source.

"Come in, there are no traps," Fugaku's voice reassured him.

Itachi hesitated for a moment, then cautiously opened the door. Inside, Fugaku and Mikoto were kneeling with their backs to him.

"Father..." Itachi muttered, puzzled by the scene in front of him.

"I don't want to fight, my son," Fugaku said flatly. "It seems you've finally chosen to stand on Konoha's side."

"I..." Itachi began, unsure of what to say.

"Itachi," Fugaku continued, his voice heavy with sorrow and determination, "we didn't bring you here to fight. The Mangekyo Sharingan is both a gift and a curse. We wanted to share the truth with you, the burden that rests upon your shoulders."

Mikoto spoke with earnestness, "Your duty is immense, Itachi. The survival of the Uchiha clan rests on your shoulders, and with it comes the responsibility to protect your brother, Sasuke."

Itachi's eyes narrowed, torn between shadows of uncertainty and familial duty. Fugaku continued,

"This power is not to be used lightly. It's a tool to safeguard, not to destroy. The fate of the Uchiha lies in your hands, and your actions will shape not only our future but also your brother's."

Mikoto added softly, "Itachi, love Sasuke, guide him, and shield him from the darkness that may surround our clan. Your path will be arduous, but the strength of our lineage is within you."

The weight of his family's expectations pressed upon Itachi as he absorbed their words. The patriarch's compound, once a place of mystery, now echoed with the profound responsibility that awaited him.

In the quiet of the night, the Uchiha legacy unfolded before Itachi, demanding his allegiance to a destiny not entirely of his own making.

Itachi clenched and loosened the knife in his hand, his resolve wavering.

"I understand, Itachi," Mikoto's gentle voice broke the silence. "Don't hesitate anymore. Compared to you, our pain is only momentary."

Fugaku spoke softly, "Although our thoughts differ, I am proud of you."

"Sasuke... I leave him to you," he continued.

"I see," Itachi replied, holding back his tears as he slowly raised the sword in his hand.

Just as he made up his mind, a deafening roar suddenly sounded, followed by violent shaking.

"What happened?!" Itachi exclaimed, startled, retracting his knife and rushing outside. Fugaku and Mikoto followed immediately.

When the three of them reached outside, they were instantly shocked by the scene before them.

"This is..."

Itachi's pupils contracted as he looked at the enormous golden skeleton in the distance.

Fugaku's expression turned solemn.

"Susanoo."