Dusk, the woods.
The man wearing an orange mask stood in front of Itachi, speaking with a laughter that saw through everything:
"See, this is the bond between us. No matter how things turn out, you'll still be on my side, Itachi."
Itachi looked up at the man who claimed to be 'Madara', though he had considered the possibility that this man was deceiving him and that his identity was someone else.
But the pressure from a superior, this feeling can't be wrong.
The other's strength was formidable.
Especially the power of the Sharingan, which seemed to be linked to space.
"Did you already foresee this situation?"
"After Uchiha lost me, it fell to this state, isn't it natural? Senju Tobirama always feared my power. Even after I left, his wariness of the Uchiha Clan wouldn't decrease. His disciples who inherited his will would naturally strive to eliminate the Uchiha Clan."
Madara spoke steadfastly.
Itachi heard hatred in Madara's tone.
Not only hatred towards the Second Hokage Senju Tobirama, but also anger and killing intent towards the Uchiha Clan that abandoned him and followed the will of the Senju Clan.
Itachi knew that his purpose coincided with that of the man before him.
His risky infiltration into Konoha was also to find an opportunity to strike against the Uchiha Clan.
"I understand. On the night of June 19th, I'll make my move. But I hope you'll agree to one condition."
Itachi's tone was indifferent, yet within that indifference lay a threat.
"A condition? Let's hear it."
"I can assist you in your revenge against the Uchiha Clan, but you must not harm Konoha or Sasuke."
"What if I refuse?"
"Then, no matter where you go, I will hunt you down. Even if I'm not your match, you must need me for something important, or you wouldn't recruit me."
Itachi declared firmly.
Madara laughed.
"You really are a kid not to be underestimated, Itachi. You're right, I do need your help against someone."
"Who?"
Itachi furrowed his brow.
"Uchiha Ruri."
"Why?"
Itachi asked, confused.
Uchiha Ruri, like Madara, is a traitor to the Uchiha Clan and a criminal of Konoha.
He had thought that Uchiha Ruri would meet with Madara after his defection, but surprisingly, Madara wanted him to deal with Uchiha Ruri.
Madara did not answer Itachi's question but continued, saying, "Actually, dealing with Uchiha Ruri is also good for Konoha. Letting such a dangerously strong renegade ninja roam outside is a thorn in Konoha's side, and you're the best choice to remove it."
"Is that so?"
Opting not to act himself but letting him do it, Itachi began to assume that perhaps Madara lacked the ability to handle Uchiha Ruri and needed his Sharingan's assistance.
The best way to counter the Sharingan is to use another Sharingan.
But Madara's words were also true; among all the wanted criminals in Konoha, Uchiha Ruri was an S-class important offender, on par with the dangerous existence of Orochimaru, one of the Sannin.
He must be somewhere now, secretly planning revenge against Konoha to overthrow its rule.
Thus, as a member of the Konoha Ninja, clearing out such a dangerous renegade ninja is necessary to ensure the village's stability.
"I understand. If you agree to my two conditions, I'll assist you in the operation."
Itachi nodded, agreeing to Madara's request.
Madara reached out his hand.
"Then, happy cooperation."
◎
June 19, seven in the morning.
At the entrance, Itachi was ready to go.
Today was the day he would carry out a special mission.
This mission would have a major impact on his future life.
However, at this moment, there was no turning back.
"Brother, after school today, will you teach me how to use a shuriken?"
As Itachi was about to stand up at the entrance and head outside, Sasuke's voice came from behind.
Itachi turned around to look at Sasuke's expectant face and smiled helplessly.
"Today's work is busy... let father accompany you instead."
"But..."
Sasuke stepped forward, about to refute Itachi.
He suddenly let out a sound of pain, as Itachi's finger pressed against Sasuke's forehead, making him swallow back his words.
"Sorry, forgive me. Next time, Sasuke."
"Really, brother, you always say that."
Sasuke looked at Itachi with some grievance.
"There's nothing I can do about it. But maybe starting today, you won't have any free time..."
"I don't believe your lies, brother. You always trick me. Last time too, you said you were going on a date with a woman, but it ended up angering dad for some reason."
Itachi fell silent for a moment, then smiled, stood up, and walked out the door.
◎
"The wind direction is indeed starting to change drastically today..."
Rika walked into the woods, sensing the atmosphere among the trees, smelling a hidden turbulence beneath the calm air.
Then a smile appeared on his face.
Today would be a significant day marking the fall of the Uchiha within Konoha.
As a member of the Uchiha Clan, Rika did not feel too much humiliation.
His nature was of the type that neither competed nor contended, perhaps from the start, he yearned for a peaceful and stable life, not fond of fighting and killing.
However, ever since following that old man, Uchiha Shikora, he was constantly working for him, dealing with information, and was endlessly manipulated by the old man to do shady things.