That evening, Fugaku and Itachi sat at the dinner table in heavy silence. Even Kanon, who was usually the bridge that held the family together, found herself overwhelmed and exhausted.
The atmosphere was suffocating. The meal eventually ended after Kanon made several desperate attempts to find a topic of conversation, met only by the occasional, half-hearted response from the others.
Only her mother, Mikoto, seemed relatively normal. Everyone else appeared burdened by hidden weights; even Sasuke, who usually chatted incessantly with Itachi at dinner, remained silent tonight.
Another half-month passed. The thin sliver of the crescent moon gradually swelled until it hung in the sky like a full, silver plate.
Under Konin's tutelage, Kanon had finally achieved proficiency in most C-rank techniques across the five nature transformations. Her innate genius was becoming undeniable; by combining Fire Release and Earth Release, she had even begun to research the mechanics of Lava Release.
She had even developed a new A-rank technique, her own custom jutsu: Lava Release: Stone-Fire Wall. (Though technically a combination jutsu rather than a true Kekkei Genkai).
First, she used the principles of Mud Wall to create a solid rock foundation for defense. Then, utilizing the techniques of Majestic Destroyer Flame, she coated the stone wall in searing flames, creating a barrier of molten rock that was both heat-resistant and structurally formidable.
This wall didn't just block physical attacks; it could burn or even melt metallic weapons and ninja tools that attempted to pierce through it. It was the first jutsu Kanon had developed on her own, and even Konin offered high praise for it.
"Mm, today's training was good. Time to head home for dinner!"
"Hey, Konin, do you think I can try to force open the Fifth Gate tomorrow?" Kanon asked within her mental world.
[Not yet. If you open the Gate of Limit now, your body won't be able to handle the strain.]
"Fine..."
[Tomorrow, focus on consolidating your ninjutsu. Stick to Taijutsu as the primary focus,] Konin's voice echoed in her mind.
"Konin, why are you helping me get stronger?" Kanon asked the girl who looked exactly like her as she walked home.
[There is no 'why.' Because you are Kanon Uchiha. I simply want to help you find that vibrant flower field in your heart. That is all...]
"Alright then. Let's work hard together!" Kanon said with a soft smile.
…
Inside the Hokage's Office.
Itachi knelt on one knee. Before him sat four elders: Danzo Shimura, the leader of Root; Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado; and the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"The Uchiha clan has resolved to launch a coup d'état against Konoha," Itachi reported. He looked at the four elders he respected and said nothing more.
Danzo, seated on the far left, was the first to speak. "The situation is urgent. We must strike first before they can act!"
Hiruzen, however, held a different view. "The Uchiha were once our comrades-in-arms. We should not resort to force, but rather seek a peaceful settlement. I will devise a plan."
After the meeting adjourned, Danzo summoned Itachi privately. He looked into Itachi's eyes and let out a soft sigh.
"Though the Third says such things, when the critical moment arrives, we must act to protect Konoha. I want you to make a choice."
"Will you side with the Uchiha, join the coup, and perish along with your entire clan? Or will you side with Konoha, and help us annihilate the Uchiha before the coup begins, on the condition that your brother is spared?"
Itachi was struck with sudden horror. "Annihilate the Uchiha?!"
"Exactly." Danzo stepped to Itachi's side. "To protect the village, this conflict must be quelled at all costs before chaos erupts. The only shinobi capable of this task, Itachi, is you, the double agent of the Uchiha and Konoha."
"Will you accept this mission?"
At that moment, thunder rumbled across the sky. Itachi looked at the palm and back of his hand, then turned to Danzo.
"And my sister, Kanon?"
Danzo shook his head firmly. "Between your brother and your sister, you can only choose one to survive."
With those words, Danzo departed, leaving Itachi standing alone in a daze.
…
The following day, after watching Kanon and Sasuke leave the house, Itachi stood atop a utility pole. He watched as they headed in opposite directions. Ultimately, he chose to follow Sasuke.
Kanon's training was monotonous; he had seen it once or twice before, just endless Taijutsu drills. He spent the entire day perched outside the Academy, watching Sasuke train with all his might, his mind a whirlpool of agony.
By evening, he went to the cliff where Shisui had leapt to his death. No one came here. Itachi sat alone, his heart heavy with a thousand conflicting emotions.
"Should I let my sister Kanon live, or my brother Sasuke?" The question echoed in his mind like a never-ending dirge.
Kanon... the girl who always called out "Itachi-nii" in that gentle voice. Her smile was pure and innocent; she was a girl of profound empathy and understanding. Her eyes were full of wonder for the world; she deserved a bright future.
Sasuke... the brother who had grown up by his side, pestering him every day to train together. His mind was still immature, but he was the brother Itachi loved dearly.
Itachi closed his eyes, his heart trembling. Every beat reminded him that this choice would alter the fate of everyone he loved. He knew that choosing one meant sacrificing the other, it meant his soul would be devoured by eternal regret and pain.
But he had to choose.
Through the torment, his resolve slowly clarified. He knew he could no longer be swayed by emotion; he had to consider the bigger picture, the peace of Konoha, and the legacy of the Uchiha.
Finally, Itachi made his decision.
He chose Sasuke. He chose the brother who possessed greater potential for strength, the one he understood more deeply. He believed that if Sasuke lived, he could walk the path toward the Uchiha's restoration and bring true peace to the future of the village.
When Itachi opened his eyes, the hesitation was gone, replaced by a cold, sharpened resolve. He would protect Sasuke with his life, even if it meant walking through the darkness alone, burdened by all the sin, pain, and hatred.
"I'm sorry, Kanon..." Itachi whispered, his voice thick with love and sacrifice. He buried the decision deep within his soul.
He turned and stepped into the wind-swept, rainy night, leaving behind the memories of Kanon for the future of Sasuke.
But the choice caused images of Kanon to flash before his eyes, from the day she was born, when he first held her as an infant, to the sound of her voice calling "Itachi-nii" as she grew. That soft, sweet voice flowed through his heart. As he made his way home, tears finally fell from his crimson Mangekyo Sharingan.
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