As the dinner dishes were cleared, Nolan led Itachi into the living room where the rest of the boys were sitting. Sasuke's eyes immediately locked onto his older brother, and for a moment, there was only silence. Itachi stood still, observing Sasuke, his eyes softening just slightly in recognition. It was a surreal moment, one that would have seemed impossible just days ago. But there they were—Itachi and Sasuke, brothers once more, albeit under different circumstances.
Nolan sat down across from Sasuke, looking directly at him. "Sasuke," he said gently, "there's something you need to know about this Itachi."
Sasuke furrowed his brow, unsure of what Nolan was about to say. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice quiet but curious.
Nolan leaned forward, his tone serious. "This Itachi," he said, "is the same brother you remember—the one who killed the Uchiha clan. But there's something you may not have known. Itachi was manipulated by the Third Hokage. His actions weren't entirely his own choice. He was used in a game that he didn't want to play."
Sasuke stared at Itachi, disbelief written all over his face. "You're telling me that this Itachi—the one who slaughtered our clan—wasn't the same as the one I remember?"
Nolan nodded slowly. "Exactly. This Itachi is the brother you knew—the caring, strong older brother from your memories. He was a victim of the village's politics and manipulation. The Itachi you knew is still in there."
Sasuke was quiet for a long time, his eyes searching Itachi's face as if looking for some sign, some trace of the man he had once called family. Finally, he spoke, his voice softer. "I thought... I thought it was just someone who looked like him. I never thought he'd really be here."
Itachi gave Sasuke a small, acknowledging nod. "I am the brother you remember. I've made my mistakes, but I'm here now. And I will protect you, Sasuke."
Sasuke stood up, his expression still conflicted but softer now. "I... I understand. But it's still hard to believe."
Nolan smiled, placing a hand on Sasuke's shoulder. "It's okay. Take your time. He's not going anywhere."
The mood shifted as the evening wore on. Mark, Naruto, Sasuke, and Itachi went downstairs to the recreation room, where a ping-pong table was set up. The boys immediately jumped into a game, Naruto's energy infectious as always. Itachi, despite his stoic nature, joined in quietly, displaying a surprising amount of finesse with the paddle. Sasuke played with a bit more seriousness, but even he couldn't hide the small smile that tugged at his lips when Naruto made a particularly wild shot.
Mark leaned against the wall, watching the scene unfold. He was used to it being just him and Nolan, but now there was a feeling of camaraderie in the air. Despite everything that had happened, it felt good to be surrounded by his brothers. They weren't just some strange addition to the family—they were real. And they were his.
After a while, Nolan called them all over to the table. "Alright, enough games for tonight," he said, his voice carrying authority, but with a warmth that made the boys pause. "Tomorrow, we need to start training and working. I'm not sure how long I can keep my head down with the Viltrumites, but I'll make sure you all are ready for anything that comes our way."
Mark nodded, his expression serious. "I understand, Dad."
Naruto jumped up, excited. "Training! Yes! I'm ready to become the strongest ninja!"
Sasuke, though more reserved, said, "I'll do my best."
Itachi simply nodded, his usual quiet demeanor returning. "I'll do what I can."
Nolan smiled, satisfied with their responses. "Good. Now, go get some rest. We'll start early tomorrow. I'll be in the shower and then to bed."
As the boys left to head upstairs, Nolan made his way to the bathroom, letting the hot water wash away the tension of the day. It had been a long journey—filled with confusion, pain, and difficult choices—but for the first time in a while, Nolan felt like he was moving toward something solid. Something meaningful.
Later, as Nolan lay in bed, the soft sound of the wind outside was the only noise in the room. He closed his eyes, his mind still processing everything that had happened. Then, he heard a soft knock at the door.
"Come in," Nolan called, not surprised when Debbie entered the room.
She sat down on the edge of the bed, her expression tired but thoughtful. "Nolan," she said quietly, "is everything going to be alright?"
Nolan reached out, taking her hand in his. "I told Cecil everything about the Viltrumites, so he knows what to expect. I think Earth is safe for now. But... if they ever come back, I'll be ready. We'll be ready."
Debbie sighed, her head resting on his shoulder. "I just... I want things to be normal. I want us to be a family, and I don't want to keep living in fear."
Nolan kissed her forehead, reassuring her as best as he could. "We'll make it through. I've made my choice, and we'll build something better. I'll keep you and the boys safe, no matter what."
She smiled softly, comforted by his words. "I believe you."
As Nolan closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, a part of him felt lighter. It wasn't all figured out yet, but for the first time in years, he had a sense of purpose again. A family, a future, and the promise that, whatever came their way, they would face it together.