[Comprehensive] living to death

Itachi still listened to what Kakashi said about his younger brother having a fight with others outside.

"It's not a big deal, just to tell you."

In recent years, the white-haired ninja, whose eyes have become increasingly gloomy, leaned against the wall, his eyes never moved from the little yellow book in his hand, and he told the matter with this casual attitude.

"You are so young." Kakashi sighed, "Itachi, Sasuke is more lively and cute than you were back then."

"I don't think Sasuke will like this comment, Kakashi-senpai." Itachi replied politely, "Why did you fight, senior, do you know?"

Although it couldn't be seen on the surface, Itachi was actually a little surprised.After his younger brother graduated from the ninja school last year, he was assigned to Kakashi's seventh class together with Naruto Namikaze and a girl with a wild cherry blossom.Sasuke grew up very quickly, and his personality is a bit proud, and he has always been dismissive of children's disputes (this is very similar to Itachi back then).

"Did you argue with Naruto?" Itachi asked.

"No, it's another ninja." Kakashi said, "As expected of Ming... Itachi's younger brother, he beat up his senior until he graduated shortly after graduation."

According to the regulations, all Jnin except Konoha Anbe must personally lead a team of Jnin.Kakashi quit Anbu for several years, but the previous students failed to pass the entrance test, so Sasuke became Kakashi's student.

Almost saying the wrong thing, Kakashi had to close the book, and cautiously looked at this junior with his right eye.It's a pity that although Itachi is much younger than him, Kakashi has been unable to see the child's emotions since a long time ago.

He only saw Itachi nodded, and there was no wave in his dark eyes.

"Sasuke is Sasuke." He only said lightly.

A sister is just a sister.Whether strong or weak, everyone is unique.

It was just that she was in a trance for a moment, as if she heard her sister's voice again.

——"I heard that the second generation was the bell snatching test from the beginning, and I have been using this for so many years. I really have no idea to the point that it makes people feel distressed~"

Yes...she had said that.Itachi smiled unconsciously.

"Ah, that kid is quite stubborn, and he refused to say the specific reason." Kakashi's distressed eyes finally looked a little like a teacher, "I think you, brother Itachi, should be able to ask something."

"I'll talk to Sasuke."

******

Having said that, Itachi is busy at work.He's only 18, but he's already the captain of the Dark Forces—the position his sister used to be.Not long ago, the Fourth Daime took over the "root" organization in name, marking that Anbu was finally completely ruled by Hokage, and Danzo's power was further compressed.

After all, Danzo is old and lacks heirs, and the third generation is unwilling to interfere too much with the work of the fourth generation after resignation, so Danzo can only compromise.

As the leader of the dark army, Itachi needs to suppress the ninjas who belonged to the "root".These people are powerful, claiming to be the real Konoha guardians, and are very resistant to Hokage.

It's a pity that they met Itachi Uchiha.

This boy who possessed the Eternal Kaleidoscope Sharingan when he was young, is said to be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with Sannin in strength.Itachi doesn't care much about this statement, thinking that there is still a gap between him and his sister's teacher; however, it is not a problem to deter the "root".

But when he was free, Sasuke's seventh squad left the village again.It was already a month later that the two brothers could really get together.

And during this period, Sasuke had a conflict with that person again.

"Hmph, if you can't beat me, you'll just engage in a sneak attack, what kind of ninja... Hiss!"

The proud young boy couldn't help frowning when the wound touched the potion.Itachi took back the cotton swab in his hand, and couldn't help laughing at his younger brother Shang's immature face and wrinkled expression.

"Brother, what are you laughing at?" Sasuke misunderstood his brother's expression, and said unconvinced, "If that guy hadn't brought his companions to sneak attack, I would definitely beat him down again! And even so, that group still lost in the end !"

"I don't doubt Sasuke's strength." Itachi screwed on the cap of the potion bottle, patted his younger brother's head, with a gentle expression on his face, "It's just that Sasuke is really a child."

Sasuke frowned even tighter, turned his head away unhappy, "Don't always treat me like a child, brother. I have grown up."

"is it?"

Itachi patted the boy on the head again, and then straightened up.

Because of Jonin's work, Itachi moved into the ninja apartment at the age of 14, and went upstairs and downstairs with Shisui.Now the brothers are in Itachi's apartment, because Sasuke doesn't want his mother to see him in a mess, afraid that she will worry.Since my sister was away, my mother was very nervous about the two brothers.

It was early summer, and bright sunlight entered the apartment. Outside the window, the Photinia glabra was blooming with lively small white flowers, which swayed comfortably in the wind, which also caused the light and shadow on the floor to sway.

What an uncommonly relaxing weekend.

It is said that happy people are always alike, but in fact all good days are alike.Every quiet and warm moment in time is easy to remind people of the past.Sasuke looked at the window view with swaying heather flowers, his expression gradually became a little dazed.

"Sasuke."

But as soon as his brother made a sound, Sasuke immediately withdrew his daze, like a young animal vigilantly hiding its soft belly, just looking over it as if nothing had happened.

Itachi tidied up the items on the table and asked casually, "Is there any conflict with that person?"

Fine dust floats in the sunlight.The air was so peaceful that it was almost still; Sasuke heard the soft rattle of documents in his brother's hand.He pursed his lips, stared at his brother's back, and lowered his eyes when his brother looked over.

The shadow of the heather still swayed by his side.

"Nothing," he said.

Sasuke didn't want to say it.

Itachi also saw it.

As the younger brother grows older, the lively and clingy Bai Tuanzi in my impression also has his own personality.And men are inherently competitive, even brothers with deep feelings are no exception.As a ninja, Itachi has abyss-like talents, but it must have caused pressure on his younger brother.

Anyway, Sasuke doesn't tell him everything anymore like he did when he was a kid.Although it is a bit regretful, itachi still feels sincere joy and relief seeing his younger brother who is working hard to grow and become stronger.

I just understand a little bit how my sister felt back then... I think it would be great if this child could express himself more.But his brother is better than him.Unlike him, under Sasuke's proud appearance, there is a gentle heart that is willing to consider his companions.

Some are like sisters.

"Brother, if it's okay, I want to go first." Sasuke said, "I made an appointment with Naruto and the others to practice together."

"Then let's go together." Itachi said, "It just so happens that I'm going to Hokage too."

******

Konoha is not too big, and people are familiar with each other, so Anbu must have a concealed identity to the outside world.Especially for a ninja like Itachi, who has attracted much attention and expectations, it would be too unreasonable if he didn't have a bright job.Zhishui laughed that he worked two jobs and got one salary.Itachi smiled helplessly at first, and then realized that Shishui's words were a bit like a sister's.

The Hokage Building is as busy and efficient as ever. There are people coming and going quietly in the open, and there are Anbu guards in the dark near the Hokage office.

Itachi knocked on the office door.

"Please come in."

Hokage, who was busy at the desk, raised his head and smiled gently: "Itachi is here."

Some time ago, the fourth generation visited Sand Ninja Village in the Land of the Wind, and he came back only the day before yesterday. There was a lot of documents on the table waiting for him to read, and a mountain of snow-white paper beside him was almost at the same level as his head.

"Yes."

The middle-aged Fourth Hokage's blond hair is still brilliant, and his eyes are calmer and deeper than when he was young.At this moment, he put down the pen in his hand, rubbed his wrist, and sighed: "Even if it is only delayed for a few days, the workload will increase greatly."

"I brought Itachi who was on vacation here today because I have something to discuss with Itachi."

Itachi waited silently for his boss' next words.

"What do you think, how about retiring from Anbu next year?"

Itachi was startled.

Seeing his rarely surprised eyes, Minato was a little amused. "No, it's not that I'm dissatisfied with the job of the Anbu captain." The fourth generation shook his head and said, "It's just that Itachi has been in Anbu for seven years, right?"

"Yes, next year will be eight years."

Time really flies.

"Letting you stay in Anbe all the time will make me feel like a waste of talent." Minato smiled, "Just kidding. In fact, there will be a more suitable position to ask Itachi at that time, that is, the seat of the advisory board."

The Advisory Group, as the name suggests, is an organization specialized in advising Hokage, and also has a formal administrative establishment.This organization is expected to be established next year, and it is essentially created by Hokage to further weaken the power of the opinion group.Itachi has no objection to this, because the "opinion group" is a relic from the second generation period. The members themselves have no specific positions, but they have a considerable part of the right to speak.Fuzzy borders can easily breed fights; the reality of the past few years has also verified this.

But is he in charge?

In the plan, the new organization has five members, who are the highest officials of different departments of Konoha.But the most important point is that the future Hokage will be decided by these five members in the election.In other words, if this reform/reform is successful, the focus of future generations' evaluation of this move should be that it has changed the way Hokage was produced and inherited the spirit of the election of the first generation of Hokage.

To put it more bluntly, the fourth generation plans to hand over one of the seats to Itachi, which shows that he is optimistic about the next Hokage.Although the fourth generation is still in the prime of life, but...

Itachi will only be 19 next year.

Even if his rationality is as stable as Itachi's, there will be moments of ups and downs in his heart.But then he regained his composure—even calmer than usual.

"Thank you for your trust." He said succinctly, and then asked, "But with all due respect, the establishment of the advisory group may not go smoothly."

No matter how beautiful the ideal is, it must admit the barrenness of reality.The matter of the advisory group is a complete draw for the opinion group. Regardless of the fact that Danzang has died down recently, Itachi is sure that the three elders still have cards to play.Long life is also capital.

"Leave this matter to me." Fourth Generation said softly but firmly, "But itachi will have to put more thought into what will happen afterwards."

"Yes." Itachi bowed his head and replied, "I will not disappoint your expectations."

Four generations nodded.

There was a sudden silence in the room.The bright sunlight was blocked behind the blinds, and the indoor light had a dim warmth.Itachi suddenly had a feeling that Hokage also remembered someone.

"Teacher Jiraiya went to Aminin Village a few days ago." Said the fourth.

Sure enough, Itachi thought, he remembered the same person.

Back then, after my sister..., Konoha sent ninjas to Urenin Village to check the situation, and happened to meet Jiraiya.The battle of my sister caused the river bank to collapse, but because it was far away from the residential area, no casualties were caused.After they investigated, they found a rock polymer formed by ninjutsu at the bottom of the river, which should be a powerful sealing technique.Under the effect of ninjutsu, the rock cannot be moved, and the specific situation in it is difficult to detect.

How strong is the existence that makes the elder sister unable to kill the other party, and can only seal the other party with her life?Itachi intuited that there was some secret in it, but there were almost no clues, and he had no way to start.

After that, Konoha negotiated with the daimyo of the rain country, and established a new ninja organization in the rain ninja village.The location of the seal is guarded to prevent accidents from happening.

The "Xiao" who lost its leader was nothing but a mess, and soon, those traitors were scattered all over the world, and they could no longer make trouble.

But is it really that simple?

It seems that because the leader of "Xiao" is also his student, the white-haired fairy has always been hard to let go of the matter of Yuren Village and his sister.He is still traveling outside, trying to solve some mysteries, and I heard that he also visits Yuren Village from time to time.

"Did Jiraiya-senpai find anything?" Itachi asked sharply.

"That's right." Minato's expression sank, "The seal was released not long ago."

Itachi's pupils narrowed slightly, "What's inside?"

Minato shook his head.Itachi's heart sank again.

No, it's not fear, Uchiha Itachi has never been afraid of any situation or any enemy.Only if the enemy is still alive...

unbearable.

For a moment, in Itachi's dark eyes, there was a fierce emotion that jumped a few times like a flame.

"I'll fix this."

I said this on impulse, but Itachi didn't regret it after returning to his sanity—never.

"Then let Itachi be in charge of investigating this matter." Minato didn't say anything unnecessary, just made a decision like this, "Mr. Jiraiya will return to the village to report on his duties in a few days, and then we will discuss this matter in detail."

"Yes."

"Speak up, Itachi."

Minato remembered something, clasped his hands in front of his body, a thoughtful expression appeared on his face.He made a gesture, indicating that the next words were confidential, and let Anbu in the shadows retreat.

"How's your eye?" he asked.

Mingyue opened the eyes of reincarnation back then, only Minato and herself knew about it.After Mingyue died, she left her eyes to her younger brother—in the form of a kaleidoscope Sharingan.According to intelligence, Nagato's eyes have always maintained the state of reincarnation eyes.Minato thought it was because Mingyue's chakra was not enough, but after Itachi fused her sister's eyes, it stabilized in the form of an eternal kaleidoscope, and there was no danger of blindness, but it never showed the eyes of reincarnation.

"No, it's still Sharingan." Itachi shook his head slightly, then said after a pause, "It might be useful if you accept the cells from the first Hokage."

After accepting his sister's eyes, Itachi also heard more things from the fourth generation, and also understood the responsibility of his sister back then.He is not pursuing the powerful power of the eye of reincarnation, but he hopes to be closer to his sister's state.

This seems to leave a little more imprint of her past existence.

But Minato still shook his head. "Only Orochimaru can extract the cells of the first generation of adults." He said, "This experiment is too dangerous. After Orochimaru defected, this project was banned. Even if it is possible, Itachi, I don't think your sister will want you this way."

Itachi didn't answer.

Because of what happened back then, Hokage always felt sorry, and Itachi knew this.So is Jiraiya senior.And Zhishui...and himself.He began to discover that powerful ninjas are all similar in this regard, always wanting to bear and protect others with all their strength.The same goes for my sister.

- Do you want to be in control of everything?

My sister once asked me that.Isn't this strong desire to bear everything by oneself also a kind of control?Sure enough, another form of arrogance.However, my sister did the same.

Or it's not that complicated.

I just want to protect some things and some people.

******

The atmosphere of the comfort monument is naturally quiet and solemn.The brilliance of the setting sun smeared on the cold gray tombstone, blending warmth and coldness, just like the boundary between life and death, neither cruel nor joyful.

There are already people in front of my sister's grave.

"Mr. Weasel."

The young man who was still somewhat frail turned his head, revealing his delicate eyebrows and eyes.The sharpness that was once hidden in the eyes has become peaceful.

"True two." Itachi nodded.

He is not familiar with this fellow. He only knows that shortly after his sister left, Shinji entered the archives room to work.Shinji lived reclusively in the family and didn't communicate with others very much. Only once, Itachi heard from him that he planned to collect information, sort out the history of Uchiha and Konoha, and make a chronicle.

"I'm going back." Shinji stood up, "Leave the rest of the time to Itachi-kun."

But the young man didn't mean to leave immediately after speaking, but turned his head to look at the small obelisk.The petals of the golden chrysanthemums were sprinkled on it one by one, and some were blown up by the wind and fell on the green grass.

"It's a pity that there are no photos." Shinji said softly, "Itachi-kun, have you ever thought that without her, our life might be different now."

"All 'reality' has traces to follow. If you take everything that exists for granted, it would be too insignificant to ignore the sacrifices of the predecessors." The young man smiled quietly, "I am not a ninja, there are many things that cannot be touched, But itachi-kun, you must be able to feel it, right?"

"Reality?"

Itachi went to his sister's grave and put the flowers he had brought in a stone vase.As a matter of course, he took out Shinji's flowers, put them on the stele, and put his own hyacinths in it.

Shinji smiled helplessly.

The pink and purple hyacinths were in full bloom, swaying happily in the sunset light and the breeze.

"Everyone sees 'reality' differently. In the final analysis, people rely on their own cognition to understand reality." Itachi said calmly, "but 'cognition' is very ambiguous. Perhaps no one can fully understand the 'reality'. People can only live in their own obsessions, can't they?"

"...Itachi-kun really doesn't look like her at all." Shinji looked at the mountain in the distance, and the setting sun slanted on his face, casting a layer of sentimentality on him, "What exactly are you trying to say?"

"I know what my sister's wish is." Itachi gently stroked the thin name on the tombstone, "Her obsession, my obsession; what overlaps is the reality that I want to go on."

Of course he had.The past files were deciphered one by one in front of him, including what Obito had done, and he also knew something about it.His father had told him certain things; he knew what visions had been recorded in his sister's eyes.

It is said that the white-haired fairy had received prophecy twice, and the last time, it was said that the thread of fate split into two.

Itachi felt that he might be able to guess what another fate that never happened would look like.

No matter which way, disputes are inevitable after all, and some people are always forced to experience life and death.However, Itachi understands that the "reality" he is in is probably infinitely better.

——"We all have to live strong."

Keep going towards your goals, no matter what happens.

Shinji sighed lightly.

"Perhaps," he said. "Farewell, Itachi-kun."

The youth's figure disappeared at the end of the road.

Itachi just quietly looked at his sister's tombstone without saying a word.Perhaps he was just talking silently to the dead man, though no one would actually answer.

The wind in the mountains blows through the refreshing green in early summer, "sanding" a tranquility.

"Come out." Itachi said.

Only birds are jumping around on the grass not far away.

"Sasuke, come out." Itachi shook his head slightly, "I know you're behind the tree."

The bushes at the edge of the forest on the left moved slightly, and a black-haired boy in a blue shirt came out from behind the tree.

"elder brother……"

"Come here." Itachi beckoned.

When Sasuke walked over, the sparrows on the ground flew up.

He had flowers in his hands, also hyacinths, but white.

"I saw a lot of these in front of the flower shop." Sasuke said without thinking.

Itachi let out a "hmm".

The boy squatted down silently.He glanced at the vase already occupied by his elder brother's hyacinth, hesitated for less than a second, and obediently put his flowers on the tombstone.

"It doesn't matter if you take mine out." Itachi smiled.

Sasuke looked at his brother with weird eyes and a little contempt: Do you think I will believe you?

Itachi looked away nonchalantly.

"I heard that guy Liangshan is in the hospital." Sasuke said suddenly.

"Oh, Liangshan?" Itachi said, "Who is that?"

Sasuke glared at his brother, "It's the Genin that I beat up twice. You know that, brother?"

"No, I don't know. Didn't you tell me nothing?"

"As expected, you still know." Sasuke muttered, "Brother, I can't bear illusions normally."

Itachi sighed softly, but the corners of his lips were still upturned, "The current juniors are really fragile."

This is tantamount to admitting.Sasuke pouted.

"I can't stand him saying that," he said.

—Hey, Sasuke, do you remember your sister?I heard that she is a big beauty!Oh, but you were too young to remember when she died!So what kind of ninja are women...

A month ago, Sasuke beat him up for not letting him talk.

This is how things started.

"Disgusting guy." Sasuke snorted coldly.

He deserved to be admitted to the hospital by an illusion.

"But... if brother makes a move, will it affect you?" The boy asked hesitantly.

An elite jōnin, who is still the owner of the strongest blood succession limit, can't justify bullying a jōnin.

Itachi patted his brother's head. "Don't worry." He said calmly, "It's just as a senior, to teach him what is polite."

My brother doesn't like unnecessary disputes very much, and hates bullying the weak with the strong, but when he is hit by a minefield, he will turn into the current calm appearance with terrifying eyes.Sasuke swallowed, and didn't dare to shake off his brother's hand, so he concentrated on staring at his sister's grave, pretending that he didn't feel anything.

"My sister will like hyacinth..."

"She likes everything that looks good," Itachi said.

Sasuke was silent for a moment.

"Brother... I actually regret it."

Itachi looked at his younger brother and remained silent.

"My sister always scares me... before she left that time, I was angry with her. She said let me hug her, but I didn't... ignored her..."

The young man stared blankly at the tombstone, his eyes slowly turning red.

"I thought she would come back..." he repeated, "I really thought... my sister would come back..."

If he could do it all over again, he would never have any trouble with his sister again.My sister always likes to scare him.When he heard that his sister was gone, his first reaction was that his sister was joking with him again.Because she used her brother to scare him before...

This matter has been pressing in his heart, and gradually it has become a brood.

"Sorry……"

That was the first time he knew the cruelty of the ninja profession when he was young.He finally knew that not every parting would mean goodbye.

Hyacinths shake their petals unconsciously.Itachi reached out and touched it, as if touching that person's fingertips again.

"Sister won't blame you." He said softly.

Itachi thought of the little bow and arrow Sasuke played with in his childhood.The bow and arrow given by his sister has been carefully preserved by Sasuke.

"Tonight," Itachi said suddenly, "I will lend you that toad doll."

"...a doll?" Sasuke blinked his reddish eyes in confusion, "Is that the sister?"

"Well, but it's only for today." Itachi smiled slightly, "It's a doll that can summon dragons, so it has magical powers. As long as you sleep with it, your wish will come true."

"...What, brother, are you kidding me?" Sasuke paused, "Why don't you just give it to me."

"No." Itachi rebuffed his beloved brother.

"Hey, stingy."

"go home."

Hyacinth watched the backs of the two brothers.

"Brother, next week is my sister's birthday."

"Bring a gift to see my sister then."

"Ah."

The setting sun sank behind the green hills little by little.The sky is blue and gentle, and a string of soft moonlight is quietly lit up, shining on the lit village.

Fate has passed through countless forks.He could vaguely see how cruel those unknowable forked roads would be, but all he could do was to continue walking on the one in front of him.

family.Konoha.world.

And himself.

- Do you want to be in control of everything?

If wanting to protect everything is also a kind of "control", then sorry, sister, he will still work hard.

after all……

This is the best answer he, Uchiha Itachi, can give.