Chapter 220 : Illusions!

In the depths of the cave, Itachi gazed at the screen with a heavy heart. In that moment, it felt as though Sasuke stood right before him, tangible and vivid.

Beside him, the figure of Kisame suddenly gestured, his finger pointing as he spoke, "Mr. Itachi, judging from the footage we've witnessed, it appears you've lost this confrontation..."

"Indeed, your younger brother emerged victorious, attaining the eternal Mangekyō Sharingan."

As a confidant, Kisame understood the clandestine nature of the eternal Mangekyō Sharingan.

Those bereft of sight had spoken of it firsthand.

Leaving Sasuke alive was a means to nurture each other's ocular prowess.

Itachi's countenance, now composed, bore no trace of emotion as he retorted, "Victory goes to the victor. There's naught else to discuss."

Kisame offered a wry smile, opting for silence, yet his gaze conveyed a cryptic message.

How indeed had a mere adolescent triumphed over Itachi, a foe endowed with the Mangekyō, capable of decimating an entire clan?

At this juncture, spectators from myriad realms found it increasingly difficult to witness the unfolding scene.

For fratricide is a fate too cruel to behold.

Yet, for many, the prospect of Sasuke avenging his kin stirred a fervent desire.

In their eyes, Itachi, stripped of his humanity, forfeited any right to exist.

He was a renegade, severed from his blood and soul alike.

["Does it appear as though I've met my demise?" Itachi murmured, his gaze drifting upward to the shadowed ceiling, the fleeting emotion within his eyes vanishing as swiftly as it came.]

["If that's the case, then show it to me!" With those words echoing, in the blink of an eye, he appeared behind Sasuke!]

"How fast!?"

In the Shinigami world, Aizen's brows furrowed.

This speed rivaled that of Shinigami's Shunpo!

Yet, based on the prior recordings of this realm, such swiftness shouldn't be attainable without techniques like the Body Flicker or the implausible Flying Thunder God.

But this ninja named Itachi clearly hadn't utilized ninjutsu?

Something wasn't adding up!

*Ping!!*

[The clash of metal reverberated! The shuriken hurled by Itachi met its match as Sasuke deflected it with his Kusanagi sword!]

Simultaneously, both resumed their onslaught!!

Fists and feet intertwined, shifting and twisting!

[Attacks, dodges, feints, counterattacks!]

[For a moment, the dimly lit chamber danced with their silhouettes!]

Watching the screen, Rock Lee's eyes gleamed with excitement!

This raw display of physical prowess was a delight to behold!

In the Shinigami realm, even many low-ranking Shinigami watched intently!

Unlike the exaggerated power displays from earlier recordings, this physical confrontation resonated more with them!

Moreover, the diverse array of maneuvers—strikes, combinations, and deceptions—appeared far more tactical than the Academy's basic drills!

Undoubtedly, the driving force behind this spectacle was Unohana Retsu, captain of the Fourth Division!

Or perhaps, it's more fitting to refer to her as First Zenpachi!

This formidable figure, once unprecedented in Soul Society's annals, had single-handedly preserved the art of swordsmanship!

Save for a select few, none could grasp true kenjutsu!

*BOOM!*

[With another clash, the shuriken shattered upon impact, while Sasuke's Kusanagi sword found itself embedded in the ceiling!]

[Both combatants recoiled!]

Regaining his footing, Sasuke swiftly weaved hand signs, filling the chamber with a brilliant blue light accompanied by a symphony of avian cries!

[Chidori!!]

[Sasuke thrust the lightning bolt in his hand toward the ground, unleashing a terrifying surge of electricity that erupted and spread rapidly!]

[Deep in thought, Itachi rose to his feet and leaped into action!]

[But in the next moment, his pupils dilated involuntarily!]

[Reflected in the crimson hues of his Three Tomoe Sharingan was Sasuke!]

[The adversary, as if enacting a long-foreseen maneuver, had been crouching on the rooftop all along, brandishing a Kusanagi sword, and gazing down with a wicked grin!]

[However, if Sasuke is right here, then who's employing Chidori on the ground?]

[Puff!]

Amid the perplexed stares of countless spectators, Sasuke smirked and impaled Itachi's chest with the Kusanagi sword, pinning him to the ground underfoot.

"You're growing stronger, Sasuke." Itachi's lips were stained with blood, his eyes reflecting defeat as if he were slipping into the throes of death.

Too swift, too feeble!

In this moment, this realization left countless onlookers dumbfounded!

Yet, in the next heartbeat, Itachi on the screen extended his arm shakily, index and middle fingers outstretched towards Sasuke in a trembling gesture.

This gesture had been seen before on screen, symbolizing Itachi's affection for Sasuke!

Was this a gesture of remorse?

But just as the two fingers were about to touch, they abruptly halted, transforming into a directional signal!

[Sasuke turned to look.]

(A figure clad in red-clouded attire, seated serenely upon a stone throne, regarded him.)

[It was Uchiha Itachi!]

In that moment, the body impaled by the Kusanagi sword dissolved into a flock of crows and dispersed into the air!

"An illusion!?"

In the ninja world, many understood.

A shiver ran down their spines!

Truly befitting of the S-class renegade, Uchiha Itachi!

To think he could unleash such an illusion without a sound!

Meanwhile, in the desert, Deidara's countenance grew even grimmer.

He recalled the moment he had nearly detonated himself!

Reluctant though he was to admit it, Itachi's genjutsu was unparalleled, far surpassing that of other illusionists!

"But that's in the past; I'm on the verge of developing a bionic eye!

Once it's installed, you'll be completely free from illusions!

At that moment, I'll surely find my way back!

Letting the adversary know that only explosions are art!

[The screen continues!]

[Sasuke's face grows even colder, as if contemplating something:

["Is this the illusion farce you excel in?"] 

Itachi remarked calmly:

["Anger will only hinder combat effectiveness."

["Forget it... What do you wish to know? Though it's not the end, I'll entertain it."

["This is my final act of kindness..."

[sigh!!)

[The sound of flesh and blood piercing through echoes once more!"

[Itachi's pupils dilate, and he coughs up blood!)

"Behind him, Sasuke, unseen until now, thrusts the Kusanagi Sword through the stone seat and Itachi's chest!"

[Meanwhile, another Sasuke, at the front, morphs into a phantom white snake and vanishes!"

[Illusion!]

[Once again, an illusion, its caster unknown, strikes, and this time, Sasuke himself!]

[He manages to pierce Uchiha Itachi's heart!!]

"Is this the might of the Sharingan!?"

"Illusions wield terrifying power through these eyes!"

In this moment, numerous ninjas recall the dread of facing the Uchiha of the Three Tomoe on the battlefield!

And in Konoha, Kurenai Yūhi, a master of illusions, beads of sweat form on her brow!

Though unwilling, she's forced to concede that she failed to perceive it was an illusion at all!

In the underground base, Orochimaru wears a grim expression!

Obito lets out a small sigh: "I didn't anticipate Sasuke's illusions to be this potent. Uchiha Fugaku truly sired exceptional sons!"

Beside him, Uchiha Madara shakes his head and chuckles:

"It's merely a tedious spectacle."

Obito and Orochimaru exchange puzzled glances at Madara's words, but the scene unfolds, and they continue to watch in silence.

[Sasuke declares at this juncture: "I've avoided the vital point, but the moment you make a move, I'll pierce your heart!)

["Now answer my inquiry: you mentioned another individual attaining the Mangekyō. Who is this person?"]

[A hint of sorrow flickers in Sasuke's eyes, then he remains still 🙂]

["Why ask that person?"

Sasuke's voice was icy:

"You claimed you didn't kill Uchiha alone back then, implying that person was an accomplice!"

"Because even you can't single-handedly take on all the police forces!"

"So, after I've dealt with you, I'll make sure to finish him off too!"

In the world of Hokage!

This revelation sent shockwaves through countless individuals!

In the underground base, Madara gazed at Obito:

"Did you do it?"

Obito initially nodded, then shook his head:

"I did assist him,

"However, I've never manifested the Mangekyō, so Itachi must be referring to someone else!"

Obito then declared:

"I didn't anticipate Uchiha awakening the Mangekyō, but unfortunately, he should be deceased!"

"But death is inconsequential; once the Mangekyō awakens, there's only suffering in this world!"

This time, Uchiha Madara remained silent.

For Obito was correct; the Mangekyō symbolizes nothing but pain!

...

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