Naruto: Reborn in His Younger Self

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"Uchiha Itachi, I want to talk to you."

Naruto spoke directly, cutting to the point.

Uchiha Itachi was a little surprised. Why did Naruto approach him on his own initiative? He looked at the blond shinobi and asked, "You want to talk to me?"

Naruto nodded. "If you didn't want to talk to me, why would you come looking for me?"

Itachi frowned.

Yes, he had come searching for Naruto. Just moments ago, he was tracking traces of Naruto's chakra, yet Naruto had appeared before him first.

Moreover, how did Naruto know he was searching for him?

With a slightly confused expression, Itachi asked, "What do you want to talk about? And how did you know I was looking for you?"

Naruto stared at the man before him—the same man who, in order to protect Konoha and his younger brother Sasuke, had slaughtered his own clan with his own hands. He carried a reputation of infamy, living in the shadows as a member of the Akatsuki.

It wasn't easy.

After becoming Hokage in his previous life, Naruto had learned the truth: Itachi was a victim of the village's political struggles. He had sacrificed everything for the sake of peace.

Even now, before his inevitable battle with Sasuke, Itachi had come to check on him, ensuring both Sasuke's safety and Konoha's stability.

Naruto wanted to change that.

Looking directly at Itachi, Naruto said, "I admire you, Itachi. I really do. I won't beat around the bush—I want to convince you to give up your fight with Sasuke and live. I will change things in the future, and I want you to be there for it."

Itachi's usually unreadable expression flickered slightly. He hadn't expected such words from Naruto.

Seeing Itachi's reaction, Naruto continued, "I already know the truth about the Uchiha massacre. And I know you came here to see how I treat Sasuke."

Naruto spoke calmly, but to Itachi, his words were nothing short of shocking.

His Sharingan spun slightly before shifting into the Mangekyō.

He couldn't believe it.

For a brief moment, an impulse to silence Naruto rose within him. If Naruto knew the truth, he could be a liability. Itachi couldn't afford to take risks.

But the killing intent disappeared just as quickly as it came.

Naruto only smiled, unfazed. Itachi's reaction was understandable. Anyone else in his position would have either panicked or lashed out.

But Itachi had mastered his emotions in a matter of seconds.

As expected of Konoha's prodigy.

After a brief silence, Itachi let out a quiet sigh. His lips curled into a faint, bitter smile. "Naruto, you continue to surprise me. But since you already know why I came here, I'd like to hear your answer."

Naruto's gaze didn't waver. "Sasuke is my brother. No matter what happens, even if he turns against Konoha, I will protect him. I am confident that I can bring him back from the wrong path."

Itachi studied him for a long moment. Then he asked, "And what if Sasuke refuses? What if he becomes determined to destroy Konoha?"

Naruto didn't hesitate. "I swear on my life—I will bring Sasuke back."

Itachi closed his eyes briefly before exhaling through his nose.

He already had his answer.

As long as Naruto had this determination toward Sasuke, that was all that mattered.

Besides, Itachi had his own trump card—Kotoamatsukami.

Seeing the small, almost imperceptible smile on Itachi's face, Naruto knew he had succeeded in gaining his trust. But there was still one thing left to address.

"What about my proposal?" Naruto asked. "Will you abandon your fight with Sasuke?"

Itachi's expression turned solemn again. After a few seconds, he shook his head. "I'm sorry, Naruto. I cannot promise that. I still have to fight Sasuke."

Naruto clenched his fists. "Why do you have to die? Why won't you just tell Sasuke the truth? He's your only family!"

Itachi's eyes darkened. "I am a sinner, Naruto.

From the moment I slaughtered my clan, I was destined to die.

If I live, the stain of the Uchiha massacre will never fade. There are those who would use my survival as a tool to sow discord in Konoha. If I die by Sasuke's hand, the village will see him as a hero."

Naruto's heart ached. He already knew this was how Itachi thought, but hearing him say it aloud still felt suffocating.

He let out a slow breath. "So, you decided to die by your brother's hand.

That way, Sasuke becomes a hero, and you—" Naruto's voice lowered "—you get some kind of redemption?"

Itachi regarded him silently, as if seeing a reflection of himself.

How does he know me so well?

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