Chapter 196
The flow of time in reality didn't slow down just because Zixu time-traveled. The fierce battle between Sasuke and Itachi hadn't stopped either.
But calling it a "decisive battle" wasn't really accurate. If Itachi had gone all out, it would've been a straight-up massacre. But based on the strength he showed, he was going back and forth with Sasuke—which was just ridiculous.
Zetsu, hiding in the distance among the trees, couldn't help but find it all amusing. He obviously knew Itachi's real plan: sacrifice himself to pave the way for Sasuke. Even though the Akatsuki would probably go after Konoha after his death, Itachi still chose Sasuke over the village.
Poor Sasuke was completely in the dark, thinking his hard work with ninjutsu was paying off. His three-tomoe Sharingan spun wildly, and lightning condensed into armored plating—ninjutsu he developed by studying Aburame Hatsuizumi's Zerg armor technique.
Itachi was honestly pleased. Sasuke was already showing early signs of the full-body Susanoo. If he mastered this lightning armor, then unlocking Susanoo later would be easier.
"Lightning armor? Not bad. But you idiot... The true power of the Uchiha clan lies in our eyes. You've made a stupid decision. I'll take those eyes, and the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan will be mine," Itachi taunted, trying to act insane while "accidentally" revealing hints of the truth.
"I don't need those eyes to beat you!" Sasuke snapped. He formed a lightning spear in one hand, dashed forward, and lunged at Itachi—but missed.
Itachi's body scattered into a murder of crows. Although Sasuke tried not to look, he still accidentally made eye contact.
That brief glance was enough.
Itachi's Mangekyō Sharingan spun like stained glass, dragging Sasuke into a world of illusion.
Crows poured into Sasuke mouth one after another, nearly bursting his chest. In this eerie illusion space, Itachi appeared, omnipresent.