Naruto: Rebirth Of The Child Of Prophecy

Naruto stood calmly in the forest clearing, facing Uchiha Itachi. His expression was steady, his gaze unwavering.

"Itachi, I want to talk to you."

The words were direct, leaving no room for ambiguity.

Itachi's crimson Sharingan eyes studied Naruto intently. Though his face betrayed no emotion, his mind churned with curiosity and unease.

"You want to talk to me?" he repeated, his voice measured.

Naruto nodded, his tone firm. "If you didn't want to talk, you wouldn't have sought me out."

Itachi's brows furrowed slightly. He had been searching for Naruto's chakra moments earlier, intending to confront him, but now Naruto stood before him as if he had anticipated this meeting all along.

"How did you know I was looking for you?" Itachi asked, his voice tinged with suspicion.

Naruto didn't immediately answer. Instead, he took a moment to study the man before him—this complex figure who had borne the unbearable weight of betrayal, hatred, and sacrifice.

"Itachi," Naruto began, his voice quieter now, "I know everything. I know what you did for Konoha, for Sasuke… and the pain you carry because of it."

Itachi's eyes narrowed slightly, but he remained silent.

Naruto continued, his tone filled with both admiration and determination. "I admire you. Everything you've endured, everything you've done to protect the village and your brother… it's incredible. But it doesn't have to end like this."

Itachi's calm façade finally cracked, if only slightly. "What are you talking about, Naruto?"

"I'm talking about your plan to fight Sasuke," Naruto said bluntly. "You don't have to die to protect him or Konoha. There's another way."

Itachi's Sharingan flared, shifting into the intricate pattern of the Mangekyō. His surprise was evident now, though his voice remained steady. "How do you know about that?"

Naruto didn't flinch under Itachi's piercing gaze. He knew this reaction was inevitable. "I know because I've seen what happens when you go through with it. I know the truth about the Uchiha massacre, about Danzo, and about the weight you've carried all these years."

For a moment, Itachi's body tensed, and a flicker of killing intent radiated from him. His instincts screamed at him to eliminate this boy who knew far too much. But just as quickly as it appeared, the intent vanished. Itachi's control was absolute, his emotions hidden once more.

Naruto smiled faintly, acknowledging Itachi's internal struggle. "It's okay, Itachi. I understand why you'd want to silence me. But I'm not your enemy. I'm here to help."

Itachi studied Naruto carefully, his mind racing. "You've changed," he said finally. "You're not the same boy I've heard about."

Naruto nodded. "That's because I've seen what's at stake. I'm not here to fight you. I'm here to ask you to reconsider."

"Reconsider?" Itachi asked, his tone tinged with incredulity.

"Yes," Naruto said. "Don't fight Sasuke. Don't throw your life away. You've already given up so much for him and the village. Let me help you find another path. I swear, I'll make things right."

Itachi's gaze softened, though his expression remained unreadable. "And what makes you so confident you can fix this, Naruto?"

"Because Sasuke is my brother too," Naruto said without hesitation. "I've already promised myself that no matter what happens, I'll bring him back to Konoha. Even if he attacks the village, even if he loses himself to hatred, I'll never give up on him."

Itachi's eyes searched Naruto's face, looking for any trace of doubt or insincerity. He found none.

"And if Sasuke refuses to return?" Itachi pressed.

Naruto's voice grew stronger, filled with unshakable resolve. "Then I'll never stop trying. I'll protect him, even from himself. I'll save him, no matter what it takes."

For a moment, Itachi said nothing. Then, he let out a quiet, bitter chuckle. "You're truly something else, Naruto Uzumaki. Your resolve… it's almost foolish, but it's also inspiring."

Naruto stepped closer, his expression earnest. "So what do you say, Itachi? Will you give Sasuke a chance to learn the truth from you? Will you trust me to protect him and the village?"

Itachi's smile faded, replaced by a somber expression. "I appreciate your words, Naruto. But my fate is already sealed. From the moment I chose to slaughter my clan, I became a sinner. I can't undo that."

"That's not true!" Naruto protested. "You don't have to keep punishing yourself. Sasuke needs you. You're all he has left."

Itachi shook his head slowly. "If I live, the stain of the Uchiha massacre will remain. It will be used to sow discord among the clans, destabilizing Konoha. My death will ensure that Sasuke becomes a hero, and that the village remains united."

Naruto's hands clenched into fists, his heart heavy with frustration. "So you've decided to die at Sasuke's hands… to make him stronger, to give him closure, and to bring yourself some kind of redemption?"

Itachi's gaze softened, and for the first time, Naruto saw a flicker of vulnerability in his eyes. "You understand me well, Naruto. Perhaps too well."

Naruto's voice trembled with emotion. "I understand, but that doesn't mean I agree. You don't have to bear this burden alone, Itachi. Let me help you. Let me change things."

Itachi looked at Naruto for a long moment, as though he were peering into his very soul. Finally, he spoke, his voice low and tinged with sadness. "You're remarkable, Naruto. But some paths cannot be changed. I've made my decision, and I will see it through."

Naruto's shoulders slumped slightly, but he didn't give up. "Then I'll make you a promise, Itachi. I'll protect Sasuke, no matter what. And someday, I'll make him understand the truth about you."

Itachi's lips curved into a faint smile. "That's all I could hope for."

The two stood in silence for a moment, the weight of their conversation hanging heavy in the air. Finally, Itachi turned to leave.

"Thank you, Naruto," he said softly. "For everything."

And with that, Uchiha Itachi disappeared into the shadows, leaving Naruto standing alone in the clearing, his resolve stronger than ever.