Chapter 231 – Eros
"Itachi, there are some things you shouldn't take too lightly," said Hatake Yusuke slowly, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon.
"Because, in truth, you've never truly understood them. Both Nagato and Jiraiya share the same dream—they long for peace."
Itachi fell silent. He knew that Nagato was the one behind the identity of Pain, the leader of Akatsuki.
"Within your organization, Akatsuki, most of its members actually share that same goal. Even Kisame Hoshigaki joined for the sake of that ideal. Whether Nagato's path is right or wrong isn't something we can decide now. History will judge him. After all, history is always written by the victors, isn't it?" Yusuke said with a faint smile.
"I understand," Itachi replied softly. "There's no member of Akatsuki who's truly evil in the purest sense. If anything… it's me—who slaughtered my own clan and stained my hands with the blood of my parents—that fits the description of a demon."
"Yes, you are, you stubborn fool," Yusuke said sharply. "Of all your traits, that's the one I despise most—you're too loyal and too stubborn. Just like Shisui. That kind of foolish loyalty always demands death as payment."
Yusuke's voice turned cold, trembling faintly with suppressed anger. The moment Shisui's name was mentioned, a shadow of grief flickered across Itachi's eyes.
Yet, he didn't feel anger. He understood that Yusuke's words weren't driven by hatred—but by regret. The tone of a man disappointed that someone he believed in had fallen short of his expectations.
Yusuke had cared deeply for the two of them—Itachi and Shisui. He once placed immense hope upon them, even giving Shisui a subtle warning long ago. But Shisui chose his own path, leaving behind nothing but sorrow and regret.
"Itachi," Yusuke said again, his tone firm and resonant. "Remember my words. Don't you ever repeat Shisui's mistake. If you dare try it, even if you hide in the Pure Land, I'll come there myself and beat you unconscious."
"I understand, Yusuke-nii." Itachi gave a faint, awkward smile.
After losing his entire family, being hated by his younger brother, and being condemned as a monster by the world, hearing that someone still cared for him… filled his chest with quiet warmth.
"Shisui didn't make that decision lightly," Itachi murmured. "He just… didn't have enough time."
"Time?" Yusuke snorted. "Don't make excuses for him. A wielder of the Mangekyō Sharingan is a Kage-class shinobi. With his real power, even Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't have defeated him in single combat. With that strength, he could've easily forced Konoha's elders to back down. And with you and your father on his side, tell me—who would have dared start a war?"
Itachi said nothing. He couldn't refute it. Perhaps back then, he and Shisui had seen everything too narrowly—from the perspective of the village, not the broader truth.
"Idiots," Yusuke said coldly. "Konoha was built upon the friendship between the Senju and the Uchiha. Even if, in the end, the Uchiha had destroyed the village, they still wouldn't owe Konoha a thing. Ironic, isn't it? The two greatest clans in the village's history—and now only Tsunade and you two remain. Both branded as traitors."
Itachi lowered his gaze. "But Lady Tsunade is Hokage now, isn't she? And your younger brother is next in line."
Yusuke gave a crooked smile. "True, but those rotten old elders are still alive. When Kakashi becomes Hokage, that'll be the day they're buried along with the past."
"Yusuke-nii will take part in village affairs?" Itachi asked cautiously.
"No. I have no interest in such things," Yusuke replied casually. "But those elders are like maggots—disgusting to let live. Tsunade's still too sentimental about Hiruzen, but Kakashi… he isn't. He knows when to take out the trash."
"Then…" Itachi hesitated, "does that mean… I can still return to Konoha?"
"Of course," Yusuke said with a soft smile. "Konoha will always be your home. You can come back anytime. As long as I'm here, no one will dare lay a hand on you."
Itachi's eyes trembled. Warmth spread in his chest—but beneath it, there was a deep, aching sadness. Some burdens… could only be carried alone. All that darkness… perhaps it could only be taken with him to the afterlife.
Yusuke watched him for a long moment before letting out a crooked grin. He could already guess what Itachi was thinking.
"You fool," Yusuke said quietly. "Do you really think your plan will work with me around? Shisui thought the same thing. You both believed death could solve everything? How naïve."
"Yusuke-nii…" Itachi murmured, reaching into his sleeve. He pulled out a small folded paper box. "This… is something for you."
Yusuke frowned. "Why are you giving me this? What's the point of a toy like this?" His tone carried mild irritation.
Itachi could only give an awkward smile. It was indeed strange to hand something like that to a man as powerful as Yusuke.
"In that case, I'll just throw it away," Itachi said, about to toss it, but then stopped. "Oh, right. It was from Konan. She said there might be information… or a message inside."
"Konan?" Yusuke raised an eyebrow. "Alright, let's see."
He took the folded paper and examined it carefully. Even with the Six Eyes, capable of seeing through chakra and illusion alike, he found nothing—no energy, no markings. It was just… paper.
"Anything unusual?" Itachi asked.
"Nothing. Absolutely nothing," Yusuke replied with a puzzled look. "Why would she send me a blank sheet? Is this supposed to be a gift? If so, her taste is terrible."
Itachi sighed softly. (No wonder you're both still single.)
"Could it just be… normal origami?" Itachi muttered.
"Impossible," Yusuke said, turning the paper between his fingers. "Konan wouldn't bother giving you trash like this. But strangely enough, even my eyes can't pierce through it. Something must be hidden inside."
Itachi nodded. "When she gave it to me, she looked very serious. I also felt it wasn't ordinary paper. But if even your eyes can't see anything… what should we do?"
"Let's try something simple," Yusuke said with a faint grin.
He raised his hand. A small white sphere of energy formed in his palm, hovering gently toward the folded paper.
Moments later, the paper began to tremble—then it fluttered, spreading delicate wings like a living creature. In an instant, the origami transformed into a tiny white bird, alive and breathing.
"Now then," Yusuke said flatly, his piercing gaze locked on the little creature. "Tell me—what exactly is hidden inside this paper?"
Itachi's eyes widened in astonishment. The paper bird was moving—truly alive! As expected of Yusuke-nii.
The bird turned its head toward Yusuke and spoke in a soft yet emotionless tone. "It is merely an ordinary sheet of paper. There are no secrets within. It is nothing more than a simple gift from her to you."
"Oh, I see. So it's just a gift?" Yusuke said with a faint, knowing smile. "That's what I thought. If even my Six Eyes couldn't detect anything, then there truly isn't. Konan doesn't possess the kind of power that could deceive my vision."
"Indeed, Master," the bird replied gently.
"Good," Yusuke said, the corners of his lips curling upward. "Then from now on, I'll call you Eros."
"Yes, Master," the white bird replied softly. It fluttered its tiny wings, then perched on Yusuke's shoulder, affectionately rubbing its small head against his cheek.
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