Chapter 62: Two Enlightened Souls

Dark clouds gathered, shrouding the light.

Sasuke opened his eyes.

His vision was dim, as if he were in a dream.

"Sasuke!" Sakura called out.

Karin's eyes flickered with hope. "Did it work?"

Suigetsu and Jūgo looked on nervously.

Everyone's gaze was fixed on him.

Itachi's face darkened. He had finally reached this point. Now, Sasuke was under the influence of Kotoamatsukami and couldn't believe the so-called truth. All that remained was to follow the script he had meticulously planned...

A cool breeze swept through, lifting Sasuke's sleeves.

Sasuke looked directly at Itachi. "Itachi, I'm going to kill you!"

Itachi smiled.

Everyone was shocked, feeling sorry that Sasuke's will had been tampered with by Kotoamatsukami.

Sakura and Karin grabbed Sasuke. "You're lying, Sasuke! I don't believe you would lose to Kotoamatsukami!"

Itachi said indifferently, "It's useless. It's too late for you to say anything now. Compared to these..."

He turned to Sasuke, "Our battle is not over yet. I haven't taken your eyes yet..."

"Shut up, Itachi! I've heard enough of your lies!"

Itachi was shocked. What? Sasuke's expression was a little strange. Could it be that he broke free from Kotoamatsukami?

No, that possibility is less than one in ten thousand!

Sasuke said coldly, "Itachi, I've told you before, my current strength is beyond your reach!"

Itachi looked solemn.

Everyone's expressions changed.

Sakura and Karin clenched their fists, staring at Sasuke with hope.

Sasuke glanced at Sakura and the others, nodding affirmatively. "Thank you. If I hadn't heard your voices, I might not have been able to break free from Kotoamatsukami..."

Sakura and the others were overjoyed. Sasuke truly wouldn't let them down. He hadn't succumbed to Kotoamatsukami!

Itachi was shocked. "How is this possible?"

Kakashi took a deep breath. Sasuke, just how strong have you become?

Mei Terumi was astonished. Even a powerful Mizukage could be controlled by the Sharingan's illusion, yet Sasuke broke free from the strongest illusion—Kotoamatsukami.

Clearly, Sasuke's power had reached an unpredictable level!

White Zetsu curled his lips. "What do you mean by the strongest illusion? Now it seems it's just so-so."

Black Zetsu countered, "No, Kotoamatsukami deserves the title of the strongest illusion. It's just that Itachi chose the wrong opponent!"

White Zetsu asked, "What do you mean?"

Black Zetsu explained, "Sasuke's talent has reached a level that ordinary people cannot comprehend. In other words, his ocular power has already reached the pinnacle. Even the Sage of Six Paths might not underestimate him!"

Sasuke stepped forward. "Itachi, I will kill you!"

Everyone was puzzled. Since Sasuke already knew the truth, why did he still want to kill Itachi?

Itachi seemed to understand and whispered, "Sasuke, I'm sorry..."

He had always felt guilty for killing his entire family with his own hands. He lived in pain every moment and wanted to end his life to atone.

But Itachi couldn't. He wasn't qualified!

He was one of the Ten Evils, an unforgivable criminal who must be punished most cruelly.

Yes, this punishment was to be hated by his beloved brother and die at his hands!

This was the end that he, Uchiha Itachi, deserved!

Now, Itachi was ready to atone for his sins!

Sakura felt a pain in her heart, seeing Sasuke so sad. Yes, he felt sorrow for Itachi and grieved for the miserable life his brother had to bear!

Karin's eyes were sore. She could understand Sasuke's feelings best. It was because she liked him that she wanted to end his pain!

Itachi looked at Sasuke with a firm gaze. It seemed Sasuke was ready.

Itachi only realized now that Sasuke had grown up and was no longer the little brother following behind him.

He was an outstanding ninja with a strong will, loved by everyone!

Sasuke's face was as cold as frost. "Itachi, be prepared. Your future is only death!"

Itachi said in a low voice, "Sasuke, one last question. What are your plans after killing me?"

Sasuke was silent for a while, then finally spoke slowly. "There's no need to answer your question... But if you want to know, I'll tell you as a gift for your journey to the underworld..."

Everyone listened intently.

Sasuke declared, "First, kill Danzo..."

Itachi was shocked. Is that really the case?

Tsunade said angrily, "Uchiha Sasuke, Konoha will not let you do whatever you want!"

Sasuke raised his chin defiantly. "That's fine. I'm going to kill the Konoha officials who forced the Uchiha coup."

Tsunade and others were furious. "Uchiha Sasuke, don't be so arrogant!"

Itachi frowned. "Sasuke, stop your dangerous thoughts. You might cause a war and destroy the hard-won peace!"

Sasuke retorted, "Peace? Who cares about that!"

As he spoke, he clenched his fists in front of his chest and shouted hoarsely, "Itachi, tell me, if I don't do this, how can I vent my anger?"

Itachi was silent.

Sasuke said with hatred, "The Uchiha clan has paid the price for the coup, but Danzo and the Konoha officials who forced you into such a miserable life haven't paid any price until now..."

"I can't accept it. Such a cruel reality is unacceptable no matter what!"

Everyone was speechless.

Sakura burst into tears. "Sasuke..."

Karin wept.

Suigetsu and Jūgo were full of grief and indignation. They empathized with Sasuke's thoughts.

Itachi said in a deep voice, "Sasuke, I won't let you go down this road of no return..."

Sasuke immediately interrupted, "Itachi, you once said that everyone lives in their own perception, so you're no exception..."

"The path you think is right is completely worthless to me!"

Itachi's eyes moved slightly, as if he had some realization.

Sasuke declared, "Itachi, I'll say this one last time. My life... is determined by me!"

Itachi closed his eyes and remained silent for a while.

For a moment, the Hokage Rock was silent.

Boom!

Thunder suddenly roared.

The dark clouds were so dense they seemed within reach.

Itachi slowly unbuttoned his clothes and discarded the black robe of the Akatsuki organization. "Sasuke, you have truly grown up. Next, I will go all out. Don't be careless!"

Sasuke's face was blank. "I wish for it. I swear, no matter what happens, I will kill you with my own hands!"

Instantly, Sasuke and Itachi unleashed their ocular power, clashing fiercely.

Boom!

A strong wind erupted from the two of them.

The wind was so intense that everyone felt unsteady.

Crack, crack!

The ground cracked.

Gravel floated up with the aura of the two.

Everyone took a breath of cold air. What a terrifying aura, like ancient beasts clashing...

White Zetsu exclaimed, "Oh, it's finally serious!"

Black Zetsu's face was solemn. "Itachi's aura is close to Uchiha Madara in his prime. Even if it's not as strong, it's not far behind."

"Sasuke is more terrifying. His domineering aura is visible to the naked eye. He has completely surpassed Madara!"

Just then, two voices echoed from the Hokage Rock: "Susanoo, activate!"

The earth-shattering battle was about to begin...