The forest clearing pulsed with a quiet intensity, the air heavy with the unspoken burdens of two shinobi bound by fate. Naruto Uzumaki stood firm, his sage-orange eyes locked on Uchiha Itachi, whose scarlet Mangekyō Sharingan gleamed with a mix of curiosity and caution. The rustle of leaves and distant bird calls faded into the background, leaving only the weight of their words to fill the silence.
Naruto's directness had caught Itachi off guard. "You came to me, didn't you?" Naruto pressed, his voice steady but laced with urgency. "So let's talk."
Itachi's brow furrowed, his calm facade rippling with surprise. He had been tracking Naruto, seeking the Jinchuriki to gauge his resolve toward Sasuke. But how had Naruto sensed him first? And how did he know Itachi's purpose? "What do you want to discuss, Uzumaki?" Itachi asked, his tone measured. "And how did you know I was looking for you?"
Naruto's gaze softened, a flicker of admiration in his eyes. He saw not the Akatsuki rogue, but the man who'd sacrificed everything for Konoha and his brother—a man who'd borne the weight of a massacre to protect the village. In his future life as Hokage, Naruto had learned the truth about Itachi's actions, the pain he'd carried in silence. Now, standing in this past, he had a chance to change that path.
"Itachi," Naruto began, his voice earnest, "I know what you did. The Uchiha massacre, why you joined the Akatsuki, why you're here now. You're checking on me, making sure I'll protect Sasuke. And I will—because he's my brother, not just in blood but in bond. I admire you, Itachi, for everything you've done to keep him safe."
Itachi's Mangekyō flared, his composure faltering for a heartbeat. Naruto's words struck too close, unraveling secrets buried under layers of deception. For a moment, a flicker of killing intent crossed Itachi's mind—eliminate the threat, silence the one who knew too much. But the impulse passed as quickly as it came, replaced by a bitter curiosity. "You know far more than you should," he said, his voice low. "How?"
Naruto's smile was small but unwavering. "Let's just say I've seen things—things that haven't happened yet. I know the truth about the Uchiha, about your sacrifice. And I know you're planning to face Sasuke, to let him kill you. I'm asking you to stop. Don't fight him. Live, Itachi. Tell Sasuke the truth. He deserves to know you're not the villain he thinks you are."
Itachi's eyes narrowed, the weight of Naruto's plea sinking in. "You ask me to abandon my path," he said, his voice soft but unyielding. "But you don't understand. I am a sinner. The moment I raised my blade against my clan, my fate was sealed. My death at Sasuke's hands will cleanse the Uchiha's name, make him a hero in Konoha's eyes. It will give him closure, and it will protect the village from those who'd exploit our clan's stain."
Naruto's fists clenched, his heart aching at Itachi's resolve. He saw himself in the older shinobi—the willingness to sacrifice everything for those he loved. But he also saw the flaw in Itachi's plan, the pain it would inflict on Sasuke. "You're wrong, Itachi," he said, his voice rising with passion. "Dying won't fix anything. Sasuke needs you alive, not as a martyr. He's your only family, and you're his. If you tell him the truth, he'll understand. I'll help you bring him back to Konoha, to make things right."
Itachi's gaze softened, a flicker of longing breaking through his stoic mask. "You speak with such conviction, Naruto. It's… unexpected." He paused, studying the younger shinobi. "You call Sasuke your brother. You swear to protect him, even if he turns against Konoha. Why should I trust your words?"
Naruto stepped forward, his sage-enhanced chakra radiating a quiet strength. "Because I've seen what happens if you go through with this. Sasuke's pain doesn't end with your death—it consumes him. He spirals into darkness, and Konoha suffers for it. I swear on my life, Itachi, I'll bring him back. I'll make sure he finds his way home."
Itachi's lips curved into a faint, bittersweet smile. Naruto's sincerity was undeniable, echoing the same stubborn hope Itachi had once held for his brother. "You've given me the answer I sought," he said. "As long as you hold that resolve, I can trust Sasuke to you." He paused, his expression hardening. "But I cannot accept your proposal. My duel with Sasuke must happen. It's the only way to ensure his path forward."
Naruto's eyes dimmed, frustration bubbling beneath his calm. "Why? Why does it have to end in death? You're not just saving Sasuke—you're saving yourself, too. Konoha needs you, Itachi. The world needs you."
Itachi shook his head, his voice barely above a whisper. "You see me too clearly, Naruto. Perhaps too much like myself." He turned, his cloak rustling as he prepared to vanish into the shadows. "My path is set. But know this: I believe in you, Naruto Uzumaki. Protect my brother."
Before Naruto could protest, Itachi's form flickered, a genjutsu cloaking his retreat. The forest fell silent, leaving Naruto alone with the weight of their conversation. His fists trembled, but his resolve hardened. I won't let you die, Itachi. Not you, not Sasuke, not anyone.
He turned, his Sage Mode senses flaring as he sought another chakra signature—Jiraiya's. His mentor was out there, gathering intelligence on the Akatsuki. If Naruto could reach him, warn him of Pain, train under him sooner, he could unlock the power to face the Otsutsuki before their threat emerged. But Itachi's words lingered, a reminder of the delicate balance he walked. Changing one fate could unravel others.
As he leapt through the trees, Naruto's mind raced. Sasuke was still out there, chasing Itachi, unaware of the truth. Neji was alive, but the Fourth Great Ninja War loomed on the horizon. And the Otsutsuki, a distant shadow in this time, were coming. Naruto's heart burned with purpose. I'll save them all, he vowed, his sage-enhanced speed carrying him toward his next encounter, toward a future he'd fight to rewrite.