Itachi was extremely shocked. He couldn't figure out how Sasuke had grown up so much overnight. Sasuke was talking to his father with an unyielding attitude, determined not to give up.
"The 24 - hour surveillance on the Uchiha clan and the estrangement from the villagers. They're pushing the Uchiha clan to rebellion!"
"Sasuke! Stop right there. Pretend this conversation never happened!"
Fugaku immediately interrupted him. He never expected such treasonous words to come out of his well - behaved son's mouth.
Sasuke looked at his father and brother.
"Father, denying things doesn't make them go away. Brother, your ideal is great, but you can't achieve it alone. It took me years to realize how insignificant a person's strength can be. That's why we have families. Only when we all work together can we reach the goal you have in mind."
They can change their fate before it's too late.
"That's it for today's talk. Remember my words, Sasuke. Don't associate with that boy."
Fugaku Uchiha's authoritative voice rang out. He had to end this conversation quickly, or it would spell big trouble for the family.
But deep down, he might already be wavering. Maybe he really should have a talk with the Third Hokage.
"Husband..."
Mikoto understood his position, so although she opened her mouth, she didn't say anything more in the end.
......................
The bright moonlight shone on the earth. Sasuke just couldn't catch some Z's tonight.
He had traveled back to the past, but the more he learned, the more he realized how difficult it was to change his fate and his life trajectory, even though it sounded easy.
Looking at the glowing full moon, he somehow thought of Naruto.
Right, he shouldn't be so depressed. Think about that guy. Even though he was treated unfairly, he still earned everyone's recognition through his own efforts.
Sometimes he couldn't help but admire Naruto's perseverance. Naruto had chased after him for so many years. Even when he himself was about to give up on himself, Naruto still didn't!
Now it was his turn. He would prove with actions that he could definitely solve the family's crisis.
"Sasuke, aren't you going to sleep so late?"
Itachi, with his hair loose, sat beside him and accompanied him to enjoy the night moon.
"Brother."
"Still thinking about the conversation with Father?"
"Yeah."
"Actually, I think Father is right. Naruto has a special identity. You'd better not associate with him for now."
"No!"
Sasuke firmly refused his request again, without the slightest hesitation in his words.
"Why? What charm does that boy have that makes you willing to disobey Father?"
Why indeed?
Because Naruto was the light in his life. No matter how decadent he became, Naruto never gave up on him.
Because he was the great hero respected by everyone, his friend, and his brother.
"But Sasuke, if you keep hanging out with him, the Uchiha clan might..."
Itachi didn't finish his sentence, but the meaning was clear.
"I think I have the right to choose who to be with. Besides, even if I don't hang out with Naruto, will the clan stop being ostracized by the higher - ups?"
Yes, even without Naruto, the higher - ups in Konoha saw the Uchiha clan as a thorn in their side. But he didn't want to tell young Sasuke these things.
"I believe the Third Hokage and father will handle this issue well."
Itachi gently reached out his hand to touch Sasuke's forehead, but Sasuke dodged. His hand awkwardly hung in the air.
"Brother, Peace can never be achieved by just two people alone. It's the common hope and aspiration of all people that will bring about a brighter future. Similarly, the peace in your heart should never be achieved by sacrificing some people to ensure the peace of others."
Itachi was a man with great love in his heart. But precisely for this reason, he should love himself and his family more.
Hearing Sasuke's words that seemed to have a hidden meaning, Itachi was now in a state of confusion.
On the one hand, he had experienced the Third Great Ninja World War in his childhood, and he yearned for peace from the bottom of his heart. For this, he was willing to do anything and pay any price, even sacrifice himself, sacrifice...
But today, Sasuke's words seemed to open another door for him. He carefully replayed their conversation in his mind and smiled helplessly. Sometimes, his own thoughts were not as good as those of a child under 6 years old.
"Well, Sasuke, you're absolutely right. Not only should father and the Third Hokage work hard, but I also need to make efforts to restore the relationship between the Uchiha clan and the village to its former state."
"Yeah."
Seeing Itachi's suddenly enlightened expression, Sasuke felt a lot more at ease.
"By the way, brother? You're almost 11 years old. Haven't you had a girlfriend yet?"
Itachi's eyebrows twitched involuntarily. He tightened his facial muscles to prevent his expression from collapsing. Was this topic change a bit too sudden?
One second they were discussing the future of the Uchiha and the village, and the next second, Sasuke started to care about his love life.
"Sasuke, why do you suddenly ask this?"
Sasuke thought about it. It wasn't really sudden. In his past life, he had a lovely daughter, trustworthy friends, a beautiful wife, and a happy family. But his brother was alone until he died. He hoped that in this life, Itachi wouldn't be so lonely anymore. He hoped that Itachi could have a happy and harmonious family, and he could have a lively and lovely nephew.
"No, I just suddenly thought that you're getting old, and you haven't even had a girlfriend. Shouldn't you work hard in this area?"
Itachi looked at that innocent face and those big round eyes, but the words coming out of his mouth were so harsh.
"Getting old? I'm not that old yet, am I? Sasuke, you're so eager for your brother to find a girlfriend. Do you have any dating experience?"
"Yeah, of course!"
He not only had dating experience but also experience of getting married and raising a family. His experiences were incredibly rich.
∑(°Д°)
Itachi was so shocked that he was instantly petrified on the spot.
"Brother, don't spend all your time on Ninjutsu training. You should go find a girlfriend! Otherwise, you might end up single for the rest of your life in a few years!"
Itachi felt the amazing change in Sasuke in the past two days. He had transformed from a child who always clung to him — hoping to accompany him in Ninja special training — into an elder who cared about his marital life.
His feelings were complicated. What should he do? He still liked his little brother who used to cling to him and ask him to accompany him in training.
He really couldn't stand being nagged about getting married by this so - called 'elder'!
.......................