"As Hokage, you would actually make such a decision..." Sasuke's voice carried a mixture of awe and disbelief as he processed the full implications of what Minato had just revealed.
Even as a member of the Uchiha clan—someone who would presumably benefit from such a plan—Sasuke found himself questioning the wisdom of deliberately attempting to create another pair of Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan. The risks involved were staggering, not just for Konohagakure but for the entire stability of the ninja world.
The current peace that existed among the various nations was built upon a foundation of carefully maintained balance, with Konoha serving as the strongest stabilizing force that prevented smaller conflicts from escalating into global warfare. The village's strength served as both deterrent and guarantee, ensuring that other powers understood the consequences of aggressive action while providing protection for weaker nations.
But the Fourth Hokage's plan threatened to fundamentally disrupt this delicate equilibrium. Whether or not he and Itachi could successfully evolve their Mangekyō Sharingan into its eternal form, the very attempt would dramatically enhance the Uchiha clan's power within the village. Such a shift could trigger chain reactions that would force every other major power to reevaluate their strategic positions and defensive preparations.
This realization only deepened Sasuke's growing confusion about the entire situation. He could understand why his father would support such an approach—from the clan's perspective, any enhancement of their capabilities and status within Konoha represented unquestionable benefit. The restoration of Uchiha prestige and influence had been a goal that had driven clan politics for years.
But what troubled him was that this decision was coming from Minato Namikaze, a leader whose reputation had been built on careful analysis, strategic patience, and methodical decision-making. Throughout his tenure as Hokage, he had demonstrated the kind of measured leadership that prioritized long-term stability over short-term gains.
For someone with such a track record to willingly embrace a plan that carried such enormous risks suggested that the circumstances driving this decision must be truly extraordinary.
Sasuke's mind returned to the moment when Minato had mentioned Uchiha Madara, remembering the subtle changes in expression that had accompanied that reference. The Fourth Hokage's demeanor had shifted in ways that spoke to knowledge of threats that went far beyond normal political or military considerations.
"The fusion to create Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan... could this entire situation be connected to Uchiha Madara?" Sasuke asked, his face growing tense as the logical connections began to form in his mind.
"Have you already deduced that much?" Minato replied with obvious admiration for the young man's analytical capabilities.
"Indeed, both attacks on our village, as well as various events that occurred during the Third Shinobi War years ago, all trace back to Madara's influence in one way or another."
"How is that possible?" Sasuke's eyes widened with shock as he struggled to process this information. "Didn't Madara die at the Valley of the End decades ago?"
The Battle of the Valley of the End had been one of the most significant conflicts in ninja history, marking not just the end of Uchiha Madara's rebellion but the establishment of the current system of hidden villages. The idea that someone who had supposedly died in that legendary confrontation could still be influencing current events was almost too incredible to accept.
"Things may not be as straightforward as historical records suggest," Minato replied with the grim expression of someone who had been forced to question fundamental assumptions about the nature of reality itself.
"I did successfully eliminate the masked individual who led the attack on our village, but according to intelligence provided by Nagato, that person's death may not have been as permanent as it appeared."
The implications of this statement were staggering. If someone with apparent connections to Uchiha Madara possessed abilities that transcended normal mortality, then the threats facing the ninja world operated on levels that conventional military planning could never address.
"So what is their ultimate objective?" Sasuke pressed, his voice carrying the urgency of someone who understood that his own future was intimately connected to the answer.
"Unfortunately, despite years of investigation and analysis, we have not been able to determine their true intentions with any certainty," Minato admitted with obvious frustration.
"That's precisely why we need eyes powerful enough to see through whatever deceptions and illusions they may be employing. We need the bond and strength that exists between you brothers to create capabilities that can match whatever forces we're facing."
He looked first at Itachi, then at Sasuke, his expression carrying both hope and the weight of enormous responsibility.
Hearing these words, Sasuke turned to meet Itachi's gaze directly for the first time since the terrible revelations of the evening had begun. The eye contact carried weight that went far beyond simple visual connection—it was a moment of recognition between two people whose relationship had been fundamentally altered by the knowledge they now shared.
"Forgive me, Sasuke," Itachi said, using the same gentle tone and familiar phrase that had characterized countless interactions between them throughout their childhood.
The words carried echoes of simpler times when such apologies had been offered for minor disappointments or broken promises rather than elaborate deceptions that had caused genuine trauma.
Sasuke's response came with a small chuckle that carried more maturity than bitterness. "Brother, you've been using that same phrase to placate me since we were children, but I'm no longer a child who can be satisfied with such simple explanations."
"I don't want to hear 'Forgive me, next time' anymore."
The rejection was delivered without malice, but with the kind of firm resolve that spoke to someone whose perspective had evolved beyond the need for protective gestures and carefully managed truths.
Itachi paused for a moment, clearly processing the implications of his younger brother's response. When he spoke again, his voice carried a note of recognition and perhaps relief.
"You're right. I've been protecting you out of habit for so long that I failed to recognize how much you've grown," he admitted with a smile that seemed to lift years of burden from his shoulders.
"But now I can see that you no longer need that kind of protection from me."
The relief in his expression was genuine and profound. Just moments earlier, Sasuke had been fully committed to killing him, channeling power through his newly awakened Mangekyō Sharingan with lethal intent. If Itachi hadn't possessed his own advanced dōjutsu abilities, the confrontation could have ended very differently.
But more important than the physical danger was the recognition that Sasuke had reached a level of emotional and intellectual maturity that made their old dynamic obsolete. The younger brother who had once needed guidance and protection had evolved into someone capable of making his own decisions about complex moral and strategic questions.
"I've subjected you to many difficult and sometimes cruel experiences over the years," Minato said, turning his attention back to Sasuke with an expression of genuine remorse. "What happened today was particularly harsh, and if you still harbor resentment toward me, I would understand such feelings completely."
"No," Sasuke replied with thoughtful consideration. "I don't believe those mission experiences were harmful, except for what transpired today."
"Today's events were indeed cruel, but it was precisely because of that cruelty that I was able to become stronger."
As he spoke, the complex emotions that had been swirling in his eyes began to settle and clarify. The confusion and hurt that had characterized his earlier responses were gradually being replaced by something approaching acceptance and understanding.
During their conversation, Minato had quietly removed the chakra suppression seal that had been placed on Sasuke's chest. The restoration of his energy flow was both relief and reminder of the power that now lay dormant within his enhanced eyes.
Swish!
Sasuke's pitch-black eyes suddenly shifted to blood red as the Sharingan activated once again. The three tomoe spun with fluid precision before linking together to form the distinctive hexagram pattern that marked his newly awakened Mangekyō Sharingan.
"What happened today also provides me with the means to verify whether your promises about the future can be trusted," he continued, his voice carrying the quiet confidence of someone who now possessed the power to influence events rather than simply responding to them.
"But there is one final question I need to have answered."
He stared directly into Minato's eyes with the kind of intense focus that made it clear this question would determine his ultimate decision about cooperation.
"Fourth Hokage, are you truly not afraid that the Uchiha clan will once again become powerful enough to operate beyond your control?"
The question cut to the heart of every concern that had driven village policy toward the Uchiha for decades. It addressed the fundamental fear that had motivated suppression, surveillance, and political marginalization—the possibility that enhanced Uchiha power would inevitably lead to another Madara-style rebellion.
The two locked eyes across the sacred space of Naka Shrine, the moment carrying weight that would determine not just their personal relationship but the future direction of Konohagakure's internal politics.
"There will always be some level of concern," Minato replied with the kind of honest admission that spoke to someone who had carefully considered all implications of his decisions. "But having chosen this path, I am committed to extending maximum trust."
"Just as I have done consistently with Yoruki, Itachi, your father, Shisui, and many other members of the Uchiha clan over the years."
"I believe that eventually we will all be able to achieve genuine understanding and work together to protect the peace that has been so difficult to establish and maintain."
"In that case, I will choose to trust you as well," Sasuke responded with the kind of formal commitment that carried implications far beyond personal loyalty.
"Not only because of the trust you have placed in me, but more importantly because my father, mother, brother, and everyone I care about have chosen to believe in you."
"I will work to master this new power as quickly as possible."
"When one of us succeeds in achieving the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, what will be the next phase of your plan?"
In response to this question, Minato's gaze shifted toward the deeper recesses of the shrine, where shadows gathered around an ancient monument that had stood in this place since the Uchiha clan's earliest days in Konohagakure.
At the center of the sacred space stood a stone tablet whose surface was covered with inscriptions that had grown faded and weathered over the decades since its installation. The monument represented one of the clan's most closely guarded secrets, accessible only to those who possessed the special abilities necessary to interpret its contents.
"The enemy's ultimate purpose should be connected to whatever information is recorded on that stone tablet," Minato explained, his voice taking on the reverent tone appropriate for discussing such ancient and powerful knowledge.
"What does the tablet say?" Sasuke asked, realizing that despite growing up within the clan, he had never been told about the significance of this particular monument.
"You should examine it yourself," Uchiha Yoruki interjected with the authority of someone whose position within the clan hierarchy gave him access to such secrets. "Only individuals who possess the Sharingan can interpret the tablet's contents through their enhanced vision."
Sasuke nodded his understanding and approached the ancient stone with careful steps that reflected his awareness of its sacred nature. He activated his eye power, focusing the enhanced perception of his Mangekyō Sharingan on the inscriptions that covered the tablet's surface.
The process of interpretation required intense concentration as his dōjutsu translated symbols and meanings that had been hidden from ordinary vision for generations. But as he progressed through the text, he encountered sections that remained stubbornly incomprehensible despite his enhanced abilities.
"The contents of this tablet cannot be fully understood even with the power of the Mangekyō Sharingan," Itachi explained as he moved to stand beside his brother.
"Complete interpretation requires the abilities granted by the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan."
"As far as we know, only Madara among all Uchiha clan members has ever seen the tablet's complete contents. Whatever information is recorded in those hidden sections should be directly related to his true motivations and long-term objectives."
"The power of the Mangekyō can control tailed beasts," Sasuke murmured, reading aloud from the portions of the text that his current abilities allowed him to access.
The revelation was significant even in its partial form, providing crucial context for understanding both historical events and current threats.
Minato nodded with obvious appreciation for Sasuke's quick comprehension of the implications.
"The enemy's plan is indeed connected to the tailed beasts," he confirmed. "They have already begun systematic hunting operations to capture these creatures."
Sasuke's shock was immediate and profound as he realized the scope of what they were facing.
"Since we need your strength to address this threat, I will share everything we know about the situation," Minato continued.
What followed was a comprehensive briefing that covered years of intelligence gathering, strategic analysis, and growing awareness of threats that operated on scales far beyond conventional military planning. The information was both enlightening and terrifying, painting a picture of enemies whose capabilities and objectives transcended normal understanding.
A day later, intelligence reports began arriving at Konohagakure that confirmed the village's worst fears about the scope and speed of the enemy's operations.
"Is it already too late?" Minato asked, his voice heavy with concern as he reviewed the latest scroll in his office.
The reports painted a grim picture of coordinated attacks that had achieved devastating success across multiple nations simultaneously. The speed and efficiency of the operations suggested planning and capabilities that went far beyond what any conventional organization should have been able to achieve.
"Two-Tails, Four-Tails, Five-Tails, Eight-Tails, plus the Three-Tails," he enumerated grimly. "The enemy has successfully captured five tailed beasts in an impossibly short timeframe."
Third Hokage Hiruzen, who had been reviewing the same intelligence reports, looked up with an expression of genuine shock.
"Then who will be their next target?" he asked, though his tone suggested he already suspected the answer.
Minato spent several moments in contemplation, analyzing patterns and strategic implications before a realization struck him that made his expression shift dramatically.
The tailed beasts that had been captured by the Akatsuki organization all belonged to ninja villages that had either refused to establish cooperative relationships with Konohagakure or were creatures without official protectors. The pattern was too clear to be coincidental.
When Minato had shared information about potential Akatsuki threats with the entire ninja world years earlier, most villages had responded according to their existing political alignments. Those already allied with Konoha had increased their security measures and improved intelligence sharing. Those hostile to Konoha had dismissed the warnings as propaganda designed to increase dependence on the strongest village.
Takigakure, home to the Seven-Tails, had been among the communities that had chosen to seek protection through formal alliance with Konoha rather than attempting to face the threat independently.
"The next target should be us," Minato concluded with grim certainty.
The realization carried implications that went far beyond simple strategic planning. If the enemy was indeed following a pattern of targeting unprotected or hostile tailed beasts first, then Konohagakure—with its Nine-Tails jinchūriki and alliance with the Seven-Tails—represented the logical next phase of their campaign.
The time for preparation and gradual power development had effectively ended. Whatever capabilities Sasuke and Itachi could develop would need to be ready for deployment far sooner than anyone had originally planned.
The greatest test of trust between the Uchiha clan and village leadership was about to begin, and its outcome would determine not just the fate of Konohagakure, but the entire future of the ninja world.
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