Chapter 64: The Curtain Rises

A month can feel both long and short, depending on one's perspective. For Itachi Uchiha, this month was filled with both joy and torment. The joy came from finally having time to spend with his younger brother Sasuke, making up for the time lost due to his commitments in the Anbu. The torment stemmed from the internal strife within the Uchiha clan and the pressure exerted by the man claiming to be Madara Uchiha.

Itachi couldn't comprehend or agree with Shisui's views. From the Hokage's standpoint, this was a confrontation between the Uchiha clan and the Hokage, who represented the will of the entire village. Confronting the Hokage meant opposing the entire village. Initially, Itachi was indecisive, caught in contemplation. However, the appearance of the man claiming to be Madara, along with Danzo's words, solidified his resolve.

The terror associated with Madara was undeniable. Though Itachi suspected the man might be an impostor, the Sharingan behind the mask was real. The pressure Itachi felt from this man suggested hidden, sinister intentions for appearing in Konoha. Coupled with the clan's turmoil, Shisui's defection, and Madara's appearance, the overwhelming pressure led Itachi to make a critical decision. He resolved to rid Konoha of this scourge and use the opportunity to gather intelligence on "Madara."

Perhaps to alleviate his stress or give him time to prepare, Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo granted Itachi a month's leave. Now, that leave was ending, and Itachi knew it was nearly time to act.

"Brother, what are you thinking about?" Sasuke asked as they walked, noticing Itachi's distracted demeanor.

"Nothing much, just thinking about something important," Itachi replied with a gentle shake of his head and a smile. "By the way, you should head home alone later. I have some things to take care of."

"But you promised to spend the whole day with me!" Sasuke protested, his face falling in disappointment, though it was clear he was more sulking than genuinely upset.

"Sorry, something came up that I have to handle," Itachi explained patiently. "Besides, being in the Anbu means I often have duties I can't ignore."

Stopping in his tracks, Itachi looked at his pouting brother, then crouched down and playfully flicked Sasuke's forehead. "Next time, Sasuke. I promise I'll make it up to you."

"I'm not a kid anymore!" Sasuke grumbled, rubbing his forehead. Though slightly hurt, he understood his brother's responsibilities. He reluctantly headed home, calling back, "Remember, you promised next time!"

Watching Sasuke's retreating figure, Itachi maintained his smile until Sasuke was out of sight. Then, his expression turned serious as he sighed and headed to the cliff where he secretly met Shisui.

As the sun set and the silver moon rose, Itachi waited in the shadows. Suddenly, he sensed a strange chakra around him and opened his eyes. The person he was waiting for had arrived.

"It seems you've made up your mind," Obito, wearing an orange spiral mask, said in a low voice. "Itachi Uchiha."

"You claimed to be Madara Uchiha. I hope you can prove your strength," Itachi responded coldly, showing no intention of pleasantries.

"I need your help. There's another Mangekyo Sharingan in the Uchiha clan. It will be troublesome to act alone," Itachi continued.

"You mean Shisui Uchiha?" Obito's voice, though still raspy, now carried a mocking tone. "I heard you two were close friends. You've certainly resolved yourselves if you plan to target him. But handling the Uchiha requires more than just you and me, right? Even with our Mangekyo Sharingan, it's no easy task."

"That's not your concern," Itachi replied, his expression unchanging, though his fists clenched, and his eyes shifted to Mangekyo Sharingan. "I only need to know if you can help me handle him."

"Interesting. Very interesting," Obito's eyes gleamed with mockery, but he nodded. "As you wish. But a word of advice—strike when they're off guard. Shisui is a formidable Mangekyo Sharingan user, after all."

...

Under the silver moonlight, Shisui arrived at Yuan's home with a ninja sword in hand.

"The sword you requested is ready. It's quite special, with unique summoning seals that took considerable effort to remove," Shisui said, placing the sword on the table with a smile. "Are you prepared for tomorrow?"

"Of course. I haven't spent this month idly," Yuan replied, examining the sword. It was light, a standard ninja sword, and felt excellent in his hand. Though it was tailored for lightning chakra, making his Wind Release: Waterbird Dance slightly less effective, it was still superior to a regular sword.

"How about the lookouts?" Yuan asked, satisfied with the sword.

"They're ready. The elders appreciated your caution and thoroughness," Shisui confirmed seriously. "Good luck, Yuan."

"Thank you, Shisui," Yuan replied, matching Shisui's seriousness. Tomorrow, he would indeed give his all. Tomorrow, the curtain would rise.