The new Konoha was quiet in the early hours of the dimension, sunlight spilling across the pristine rooftops and training grounds. The Elite ANBU Unit had gone out to scout and gather intelligence on Earth, leaving the village in near silence. Itachi sat on the balcony of the Hokage office, crimson eyes gazing at the horizon.
Sasuke stood nearby, arms crossed, the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan in his eyes betraying the storm of emotion and conflict beneath his calm exterior. This was the version of Sasuke who had just discovered the truth about his older brother, and though he was powerful and capable, there was still a distance between them.
Itachi patted the empty space beside him.
"Sit," he said quietly. His tone was soft, yet carried the weight of authority and care.
Sasuke hesitated for a moment before stepping closer, sitting down with a faint rustle of his cloak.
"You… you didn't come here to fight me," Sasuke said, his voice low, almost wary.
Itachi shook his head. "No. Not here. Not now. We've been through enough. You needed time to process, and I needed… time to guide you properly." His crimson eyes softened imperceptibly — a rare crack in the steel of his persona. "You're my little brother. That hasn't changed, regardless of past mistakes or misunderstandings."
Sasuke looked down, a conflicted expression passing over his face. "I… I still don't know how to feel. You… killed me once. You could've let things play out differently."
Itachi's lips twitched, a faint smile. "I know. But that was necessary then. Now… we have a chance to rebuild. I'm not here to dominate you — I'm here to protect you, to train you, and to make sure you can survive in this world. You're my responsibility."
For the first time, Sasuke felt a flicker of ease in his chest. He leaned slightly against his brother, the tension of years of distrust slowly dissolving.
Itachi reached out, adjusting the collar of Sasuke's cloak with a precision that was both careful and intimate, the movement speaking volumes of the care he held for the boy. "You have potential beyond measure. But even the strongest ninja needs guidance. I will not let anyone — not in this dimension, not in any world — harm you while I am here."
Sasuke's lips quirked faintly, the first genuine smile he'd shown in years. "You really are… strange. Calm, confident, and always… watching."
Itachi leaned back, crimson eyes reflecting the sunlight. "I am your older brother. Part of that means watching. Part of it means making sure you understand what power is, and what responsibility comes with it. You are not alone, Sasuke. Never again."
For a long moment, silence settled over the rooftop. The wind rustled through the village, carrying the faint scent of pine and fresh grass. Itachi finally spoke, voice quiet but steady:
"Rest for now. Train later. But remember this — I will always be here, and I will always care for you. No matter what."
Sasuke's eyes softened, and he allowed himself to sit quietly beside his brother, absorbing the rare warmth and safety that Itachi exuded. This was not just mentorship — this was family, carefully rebuilt in a world of chaos.
Crimson eyes scanned the horizon again, calculating, strategizing — but for once, in that quiet moment, the greatest ninja in the world simply sat with his little brother, hands folded and mind at peace, if only for a moment.
We'll grow stronger together, Itachi thought. And no one will ever take that from us.