With a sharp sound, the wooden sliding door opened, and six-year-old Uchiha Itachi respectfully entered the living room, exuding a sense of maturity despite his young age.
Upon seeing his son entering the room, Uchiha Fugaku's smile gained a touch of authority. He glanced at Itachi and then pointed at Uchiha Yoru, speaking solemnly, "Itachi, from today onwards, you will be under Yoru's tutelage."
Itachi's expression showed a hint of surprise, but Uchiha Yoru smiled upon seeing this. He secretly thought to himself that this would make it impossible for Itachi to resist.
"Yoru-sensei." Indeed, young Itachi was still an obedient child, dutifully bowing to Yoru as he respectfully addressed him, following his father's instructions.
Observing this scene, Uchiha Fugaku smiled and said, "Heh, Itachi, if you think about it, Yoru is your father's cousin, your uncle. So, it's not a bad deal for you to have Yoru as your teacher."
Uchiha Yoru inwardly chuckled, realizing that those involved in politics were truly cunning. Now that he was related to Itachi, he could view the situation from a comfortable position.
"You're too kind, clan leader. I will do my best to teach Itachi. By the way, I will find the right moment to discuss this with Orochimaru-sensei. Perhaps Itachi would be suitable for the summoning beasts of Ryūchi Cave."
As Yoru spoke these words, Uchiha Fugaku's face lit up with a broad smile. Young Itachi was amazed to witness his usually strict father behaving in such a manner.
Itachi was indeed mature for his age, but he was still ignorant when it came to politics. Otherwise, how could he have become a pawn in the original story?
Uchiha Fugaku's joyful smile indicated that his successor was secure. If his son could form a contract with the summoning beasts of Ryūchi Cave, he would become a shinobi of the highest caliber. Currently in his prime, Uchiha Fugaku envisioned a future where his son would take over as clan leader, while Yoru would become an elder in the clan.
Being the disciple of Orochimaru was not enough, but being the brother-in-arms of the Fifth Hokage might be sufficient.
Uchiha Fugaku was well aware of the recent suppression of Orochimaru in the village, but he couldn't care less. Sarutobi Shinzo? Even if he received credit for his frontline accomplishments, it wouldn't be enough to surpass the prestige of the Sannin. Not to mention their difference in power.
Seeing the clan leader's smiling face, Uchiha Yoru smiled as well and nodded, saying, "Clan leader, if you have no further business, I will take Itachi downstairs to get acquainted."
Uchiha Fugaku witnessed this and smiled, nodding. "Yoru-kun, we are family. When there are no outsiders present, you can call me 'big brother'."
Although the words sounded casual, Uchiha Yoru understood the underlying implications. He smiled gratefully and nodded, "Clan leader, I will certainly teach Itachi well. However, recently Orochimaru-sensei has been busy with his research, and I'm afraid I won't be able to provide proper guidance to Itachi. My suggestion is to let Shisui come and teach him. After all, Itachi's talent shouldn't go to waste."
Uchiha Fugaku, upon hearing this, was even more pleased and nodded. "Good, Itachi will be in your hands, Yoru."
Shisui Uchiha was the most outstanding talent in the clan for many years. His talent even rivaled that of the prodigy ninja Hatake Kakashi, not to mention that he had already awakened the Three Tomoe Sharingan. In Uchiha Fugaku's eyes, Kakashi was already surpassed by Shisui.
This was the difference between a bloodline shinobi and an ordinary shinobi.
Kakashi was truly a genius in this era. Graduating at the age of five, becoming a Chunin at six, and a Jōnin at twelve, his life seemed like a cheat code. However, the limitations of his ordinary bloodline prevented him from going further, not to mention the burden of his single Sharingan eye.
In the spacious courtyard, there was a sizable artificial lake. Uchiha Yoru, Uchiha Shisui, and six-year-old Itachi sat together.
"Shisui, I leave the task of teaching Itachi to you from now on."
Uchiha Yoru feigned an apologetic expression, and upon witnessing this scene, Shisui smiled casually and said, "Don't worry, Yoru-niisan. I will teach Itachi well."
Teaching Itachi was not the most important thing for Shisui. At the moment, the most crucial matter for the Uchiha was to establish a close relationship with Orochimaru.
Although Itachi was precocious at the age of six, he still didn't fully understand the conversation between the two. However, he was intelligent enough to store everything in his mind and analyze it later when he returned home.
"By the way, Itachi, what have you been learning at school recently?"
Itachi had become somewhat familiar with Shisui and Yoru, so he replied casually. But when he noticed their more serious expressions, he respectfully began talking about his school curriculum.
"...Apart from learning about traps, disguises, and the Shadow Clone Technique, my teacher often talks about the Will of Fire. He especially emphasizes that the Third Hokage is the strongest Hokage in the history of the village."
Upon hearing Itachi's serious report, particularly his statement about the Third Hokage being the strongest in history, an abnormal expression crossed Shisui's face.
Uchiha Yoru, on the other hand, nodded and said with a smile, "It's not entirely wrong to say that. After all, the Third Hokage was the longest-serving Hokage in Konoha's history, so he could be considered the strongest Hokage."
Itachi, who had recently experienced certain events during his visit to the front lines, appeared puzzled. "Yoru-sensei, Shisui-niisan, can you explain what the Will of Fire is?"
Upon hearing this, Shisui froze for a moment. The Will of Fire? But seeing Itachi's perplexed expression, just as he was about to say something, Yoru burst into laughter.
Seeing their confusion, Uchiha Yoru smiled and said, "Itachi, remember to question the source before asking about the meaning."
Both Shisui and Itachi were taken aback. Who had mentioned the Will of Fire?
Uchiha Yoru smirked inwardly. It seemed the Ninja Academy couldn't wait to start brainwashing its students, making them forget the heroes on the battlefield and glorifying the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.
If he hadn't known about the future, comparing the current situation with what he knew, he would have deduced the situation with near certainty. He couldn't help but marvel at the world of politics. It had already begun its plotting and scheming early on.
From the start, Orochimaru was destined to fail. Becoming the Hokage was the first condition, but without the strength to overpower the village, it was better to integrate and let these positions push you to the top.
Undoubtedly, Orochimaru had excellent political strategies, but he took a wrong path. However, it was understandable. With Orochimaru's pride, how could he allow others to control his will?
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