72 Unease

Sato stretched his body. He stood amidst the ruins of Konoha's shopping district but wore a happy smile on his face.

Why wouldn't he be happy? He had just won the fight against the Hokage and had just asked for a jutsu from Konoha's book of seals.

This was a big thing to ask, so the Hokage was still standing before him, thinking about it.

"One jutsu... if it's just one jutsu, we can do it. I hope this is enough to show our heart. Konoha did not want to attack you," the third Hokage said softly. Now that Sato had technically won their fight, Hokage had to compromise.

Danzo had put him in a lot of trouble this time around. They had to lose one of their most important jutsu because of his actions.

"This is no place to talk. Come with me; the book of seals is in the Hokage's office. You can choose one after we go there, Sato-kun."

The Third Hokage smiled a grandfatherly smile. Even after so much had happened, he maintained his grandfatherly appearance. This was how the Third Hokage had worked all his life; acting like a kind elder was instinctual for him.

"Sato Sama!"

Suddenly, a young voice called out to Sato. The owner of this voice was a young boy with the Uchiha symbol on his clothes.

"Itachi, why are you here? I thought you were hurt, but it looks like your wounds have healed."

Sato was surprised. When he said Itachi was hurt, he meant that Itachi had swapped eyes with Fugaku just a few days ago. He thought it would take a long time for Itachi to open his eyes again, similar to Sasuke's experience.

But Itachi seemed totally fine. His eyes were clear, and even his stress marks had faded away. His Mangekyo Sharingan had clearly evolved into the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan. How wonderful!

"Yes, Sato Sama, I healed my 'wounds' much quicker than I expected. It's all thanks to Tsunade-sama."

Sato nodded. That made sense. Sasuke's eye transplant was done by Obito, whereas Itachi and Fugaku's transplant was done by Tsunade. It was clear who the better doctor was.

"Nice to hear. I was about to go and select a jutsu from the book of seals. Would you like to tag along?"

Sato smiled and asked the now-healthy Itachi to come along. But before Itachi could respond, the Third Hokage shook his head.

"This isn't possible. When choosing a jutsu from the book of seals, only the person choosing the jutsu can be present in the office. This is Konoha's rule. Itachi can't go with us."

The Hokage directly denied Itachi's involvement. Sato felt it was odd, and Itachi was frowning lightly, as if contemplating something.

"Whatever."

Sato shrugged. It wasn't really a problem if he chose the jutsu alone. Only Hiruzen would be with him, and Hiruzen wasn't foolish enough to attack Sato again. This was Sato's thought process. Yet, it seemed Itachi had something else in mind.

"Sato Sama, it's dangerous for you to go alone. You were just attacked. If I were you, I wouldn't trust anyone."

Itachi said this clearly. He didn't even bother hiding his thoughts from the Hokage. His loyalty towards Sato was unnaturally high, so much so that he didn't care what the Hokage thought.

The Hokage himself was shocked. Itachi had never spoken to him like this. How did Itachi become so loyal to Sato all of a sudden?

'Or... was he always loyal to Sato? Did he pretend to listen to me all this time? Was all of this fake? Was he a Hidden Cloud spy all along?'

The Hokage shuddered. He didn't know about Shisui's mind-bending jutsu, so he reached the wrong conclusion and thought Itachi was always loyal to Sato.

Sato, meanwhile, didn't know about this misunderstanding. He frowned and pondered. Even if he wanted to forcibly bring someone with him, that person had to be someone not bound by Konoha's rules.

'The Uchiha aren't even part of Konoha, so they are out of the question. The Hyuga are in a very awkward position; they obviously can't ignore Konoha's rules.'

Sato was deep in thought. Just when the Hokage was about to dismiss Itachi and bring Sato alone, a woman walked in.

"I'll come with him. I don't think that's a problem, old man?"

This was Tsunade, who had returned after taking Naruto and the mother to a safe place.

She had heard Itachi's concern when she returned and decided to help Sato. He had kept his word, and now it was time she helped him.

"Tsunade... haha, yes, you can come along. You already know everything about the book of seals; your grandfather made it, after all."

The Hokage cursed internally.

He never intended to harm Sato. However, if Tsunade accompanied Sato for protection, it implied that nobody, not even his own student, trusted him.

"Great, let's go then, Hokage-sama. I can't wait," Sato said, acting as if he hadn't noticed the Hokage's irritated expression. All three prepared to move.

However, Itachi still wore a frown. After a few moments, he exhaled deeply and shook his head with a smile.

"Sato Sama, Yugito Nii-sama trusted me to keep you safe."

Approaching Sato, Itachi smiled and lightly tapped him on the forehead.

"Take care of yourself. Call me if there's any danger."

Sato rubbed his forehead, a look of surprise on his face. Itachi had always liked tapping Sasuke on the forehead, and now it was his turn? Itachi certainly had unique ways of showing his care.

"I'll let you know as soon as I need anything. Thanks, Itachi. Let's go."

With that, all three vanished in a flash, heading to the Hokage's office. Itachi stood alone amidst the ruins of the shopping district, his expression serious. He cast one last glance at the devastated street before flickering away towards his home.

While Itachi trusted Sato and Tsunade, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. He hoped he was simply overthinking things.

Advanced chapters ahead on patréon

www.patréon.com/ImagineMaker