On the way home.

“Itachi, do you know the Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu?” Sasuke knew well that this technique was one of the most powerful hacks in the world of Naruto. In the past, his chakra was too limited to make effective use of it. Even if he had learned it, his chakra reserves as a genin would have been drained within minutes. After all, not everyone was like Naruto, with an endless supply of chakra thanks to the Nine-Tails. But now, Sasuke's chakra level had reached that of a chunin, allowing him to train with clones for two to three hours. Moreover, his chakra had transformed into a more potent liquid state, promising a future of abundant energy, free from the worries of depletion.

“I do. Are you interested in learning it?”

Itachi turned his head slightly to speak to Sasuke, who was clinging to his back.

“Yes, can you teach me?”

Sasuke’s face was full of eager anticipation as he gazed at Itachi’s profile.

“But, the Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu is an A-rank technique. It might be a bit too advanced for you right now.”

Itachi turned his head back, focusing on the path ahead, no longer paying attention to Sasuke.

“That’s okay, I can overcome difficulties with time!”

Sasuke wasn’t one to give up on such a powerful skill. If he had traveled to the world of Naruto and didn’t learn this jutsu to enhance his strength, he would truly be a fool.

“I’ll teach you, but only if you first master those two Genjutsu techniques.”

Seeing Sasuke’s determination, Itachi relented, though he worried that Sasuke might become too absorbed in learning the Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu and neglect his Genjutsu training. Hence, he set this condition.

“Alright! I’ll make sure to learn the Genjutsu first, and then I’ll tackle the Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu.”

Hearing Itachi’s agreement, Sasuke didn’t argue over the details. Whether he learned the Genjutsu first or the Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu was up to him.

“When we get home, I’ll teach you the Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu and also my unique kunai throwing technique.”

Itachi said softly.

“That’s great!”

Sasuke couldn’t hide his excitement at the thought of learning Itachi’s impressive kunai technique as well.

“Don’t get too excited yet. I’ll check your progress in a month. If you haven’t mastered the Genjutsu, the kunai technique, and the Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu, you’ll face a severe punishment.”

Itachi’s face was playful, but his tone carried a warning.

“Heh, why wait a whole month?”

Sasuke wasn’t worried about his ability to learn; he was simply curious.

“I have a mission with the Anbu starting tomorrow. I won’t be back for a month.”

A shadow of sadness crossed Itachi’s face, though it was unclear if it was due to the mission or something else.

“In a month, I’ll surprise you.”

Sasuke said confidently.

After returning home, Itachi taught Sasuke the Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu and his special kunai technique. After dinner, Sasuke didn’t rush into training; his mental energy had been drained too much for that today.

“Itachi, let’s go out for a walk.”

Sasuke suggested to Itachi, who was also at a loss for what to do.

“Alright.”

Itachi thought for a moment; he had already prepared everything needed for the mission. Today wasn’t a good day for training, and he needed to conserve energy for tomorrow. With nothing else to do, Itachi agreed.

“How beautiful!”

The sky had not yet fully darkened, and the last rays of the setting sun painted the village in a warm, glowing red. Sasuke couldn’t help but admire the scene.

Sasuke and Itachi strolled slowly along the street, mingling with the crowd.

“Ichiraku Ramen! Itachi, let’s go get some Ichiraku Ramen.”

Through a gap in the crowd, Sasuke spotted a lively shop up ahead with a sign that read "Ichiraku Ramen." Being so close, he couldn’t resist the chance to try the most famous dish in Naruto’s world. Without waiting for Itachi’s reply, he dragged him towards the entrance.

“Sasuke, wait…” Itachi’s voice was drowned out by the noisy crowd, and he had no choice but to follow Sasuke.

“So many people!”

Sasuke remarked upon reaching the entrance and seeing the packed restaurant.

“Of course, Ichiraku Ramen is the most famous eatery in Konoha, and the food is fantastic. It’s no surprise it’s busy.”

Itachi said matter-of-factly, clearly familiar with the place.

“Two bowls of shrimp and fishcake ramen, please.”

Sasuke and Itachi finally found a seat in a corner and placed their order.

“Hey, old man, one large miso pork ramen, and hurry up!”

A young, childlike voice called out from the entrance.

“Oh, Naruto, just a moment, it’s coming right up.”

“Naruto?”

Upon hearing the name, Sasuke couldn't help but glance towards the entrance, where a small child, around three years old, was seated. Dressed in bright yellow clothes, with spiky blond hair and three whisker-like marks on each cheek, it was unmistakably Naruto Uzumaki, the protagonist of this world.

“Sasuke, do you know that child?”

Itachi followed Sasuke’s gaze towards the entrance, asking casually.

“No, I don’t.”

Sasuke withdrew his gaze.

“Oh.”

Itachi didn’t press further and continued eating his ramen.

“Who would’ve thought I’d run into Naruto here? What a coincidence.”

Sasuke lowered his head and resumed eating. He had no intention of drawing Naruto’s attention or forging a bond with him. Sasuke knew he wouldn’t stay in Konoha, and Orochimaru would never allow it. Since their paths were destined to diverge, it was better to keep his distance. As for convincing Naruto to defect with him, that was impossible. Everyone knew how deep Naruto’s love for Konoha ran.

Knowing they would never walk the same path, why forge a connection? What would be the point of repeating the original story, with Naruto endlessly chasing him after his defection, neither able to kill nor shake the other off? It was simply tiresome.

“What’s on your mind, Sasuke? Hurry up and eat; the ramen won’t taste good if it gets cold.”

Itachi looked up after finishing his meal and noticed Sasuke was lost in thought.

“Oh!”

Startled, Sasuke snapped out of his reverie and resumed eating his ramen.

“Finished.”

“Then let’s go.”

Itachi turned and headed towards the door.

As they reached the entrance, Sasuke noticed Naruto was still engrossed in his ramen. Looking at his small, fragile figure, who could have imagined he would one day become so powerful?

In his previous life, Sasuke had thought of Naruto as “either too foolish, too naive, or too kind.”

Naruto’s selflessness was admirable, but his personality left much to be desired.