After the truth about Itachi’s past is revealed, he is brought back to Konoha by Sasuke, Kakashi, and Team 7, closing a painful chapter for them all. Meanwhile, Mileena is sent on a long mission and remains away from the village for months. When she finally returns, Itachi notices her at the northern gates and, despite never having met her before, feels an unexpected love at first sight—something rare enough that even Sasuke recognizes the shift in him.