Itachi sat alone in his office, the Hokage's symbol gleaming faintly behind him in the dim evening light. His crimson Sharingan spun slowly, reflecting off the documents spread across his desk — reports from Kakashi's mission in the other world.
He leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled under his chin. "Kabuto," he murmured to himself. "He's a genius spy, one of the few who can adapt to any situation. And since Orochimaru never left the village, he's under my control."
A small, knowing smile formed on his lips. "Yes, Kabuto will be perfect. He can command the operation in that world — gather intelligence, analyze SHIELD's resources, and coordinate trade. He'll act as my General."
Itachi's thoughts turned toward the future — toward the threats that lingered beyond sight. His eyes dimmed slightly as he whispered, "The Ōtsutsuki… they'll come eventually. I have less than twenty years to prepare."
He tapped his finger on the table as the idea formed in his mind. If I could gather resources from another Naruto world — a parallel one — I could strengthen Konoha's power a hundredfold.
His Sharingan flickered to life once again as he opened the system interface within his mind. "System," he muttered softly, "open the dimensional store."
A bright, ethereal window appeared before him, filled with glowing names of countless worlds. His gaze locked onto one — Parallel World: Naruto, Era of the Seventh Hokage.
He smirked. "That's the best time period. Resources, technology, chakra knowledge — and the presence of the tailed beasts."
His tone became colder. "But most importantly, the Ōtsutsuki corpses. Their bodies are the perfect research material. The secrets hidden in their DNA could elevate us beyond even the gods."
He glanced toward a photo on the desk — his younger brother, Sasuke. "And perhaps," he whispered, eyes narrowing, "I'll even meet my foolish little brother again. Maybe steal his Rinnegan… though replacing my eyes with his would be meaningless. My own are far superior."
He chuckled lightly. "Besides, the system allows me to evolve my Sharingan to the Rinnegan with enough points. Why go through the trouble?"
Itachi stood and walked to the window, gazing out over the sprawling lights of Konoha — his village, his legacy. "The Marvel world will give us resources. The parallel Naruto world will give us power. And the Ōtsutsuki will give us purpose."
His cloak rustled faintly as he turned toward the door. "Kabuto will depart tomorrow. This… is where the real expansion begins."
The air around him shimmered faintly, as if the world itself bent to his will. The faint sound of a crow's cry echoed through the night, a promise of what was to come.