"Kaito… don't tell me Itachi—he really betrayed us?"
Tekka's voice cracked as he spoke, heavy with disbelief. The courtyard was still, tense with the weight of the question.
Kaito didn't hesitate. "Yeah. He made a deal with the elders. He's working with them."
A beat of silence.
Tekka's expression twisted in anger. "That bastard... I can't believe it. I trusted him!"
Around them, other clan members murmured in shock. Some cursed under their breath. The idea of betrayal from one of their own—someone they'd looked up to—hit harder than any kunai.
But none of them doubted Kaito. They'd watched him grow up. He wasn't just any Uchiha—after Shisui's death, Kaito had become their anchor.
They trusted him.
Everyone knew the pecking order. Itachi was the clan's most talented. Fugaku, their quiet powerhouse. But Kaito? He was the one who carried them in the trenches. The one they rallied around.
Tekka, six years older and practically a brother to Kaito, stepped forward.
"So what now?" he asked, voice low. "You're the strongest left, Kaito. What do we do?"
The others nodded, waiting.
Kaito didn't blink. "If Itachi's made his move, they won't wait. The attack's coming tonight."
Shock rippled through the group.
"We've only got a few hours. Start pulling in anyone you trust—cousins, friends, anyone loyal. We stick together, or they'll pick us off one by one."
Tekka gave a sharp nod. "I'm on it. We'll round them up."
The others scattered, already calling out names and directions.
Before Tekka turned, he hesitated. "And what about Itachi? You really think you can stop him?"
Kaito met his gaze. "I don't think. I know."
He took a step forward, his eyes flashing as his Mangekyo Sharingan spun to life—dark, swirling, and dangerous.
Tekka stared, stunned. "You... you awakened it?"
Kaito's voice was cold. "With these eyes, I'll make them pay. All of them."
Elsewhere...
The sun bled into the horizon, turning the sky into molten gold and shadow.
At the edge of a quiet training ground, Itachi Uchiha stood still.
He didn't look back. He didn't need to. He already sensed him.
A figure emerged from the trees, deliberate and slow. A twisted orange mask hid his face, save for one glinting eye. The air around him felt wrong, like the world bent too sharply around him.
"I need your help," Itachi said simply.
His voice cut through the night, firm but weary.
The masked man tilted his head, amused. "So. You've made your choice."
Itachi nodded once. "The clan's lost sight of everything. Their pride... it'll destroy the village."
A low chuckle. "Harsh. But fair."
Obito stepped closer, shadows curling at his feet. "I'll lend you my strength. But there's a price."
"I know," Itachi said. "After this... I join you."
Obito's smirk faded into something colder. "Good. Then we understand each other."
Itachi turned, his cloak catching the wind as he headed toward the Uchiha compound.
Behind him, space twisted and tore—and Obito vanished like smoke.