In recent days, Uchiha Akira had been training relentlessly, using every minute and second to push his limits. His goal was to increase his strength as much as possible before the time came to open the Eight Gates, ensuring that his power would be at its peak.
Of course, now that he had reached the level of an elite Jonin, Uchiha Akira's focus in his life simulations shifted towards mastering the Eight Gates. This was his only chance to turn the tide.
"Hmm? A visit to the Ninja Academy?" Akira was momentarily stunned when Uchiha Itachi invited him to accompany him to the academy.
To be honest, aside from eating, sleeping, and other basic needs, Akira felt that every second of his time was incredibly precious. However, since Itachi had personally invited him, perhaps it wouldn't hurt to take a break from training. After all, overtraining could be counterproductive.
"Alright, let's go," Akira nodded after a brief moment of consideration, deciding to pause his training.
...
Walking through the streets of Konoha, Akira and Itachi moved together, attracting the attention of many villagers. After all, these two were considered the most promising talents in the Uchiha clan.
Sigh... Akira let out a soft sigh as he listened to the murmurs of the people around them.
Noticing this, Itachi glanced at Akira. He understood why Akira was sighing. It was likely because he missed the days when the Uchiha Three Musketeers would walk the streets and attract similar attention. But now that Shisui was gone, the sight of people talking about them only reminded Akira of his absence.
"Akira, did you know about Shisui's fate beforehand?" Itachi asked casually as they walked.
"Knew about it beforehand? What do you mean by 'beforehand'?" Akira responded, looking up at Itachi.
"I mean, even before Shisui was ambushed," Itachi clarified directly, not beating around the bush.
Akira fell silent at this. He didn't need to say anything; his silence alone gave Itachi the answer.
"A few days ago, the Third Hokage asked me to investigate your supposed ability to predict the future," Itachi continued, breaking the silence.
"The Third Hokage?" Akira's heart sank slightly upon hearing this.
If the Third Hokage was aware of his ability to foresee events and had even assigned Itachi to investigate, it meant that he was now on the Hokage's radar—something far from good news.
"And you're telling me this in advance?" Akira asked, surprised. Itachi's warning could be seen as a subtle hint for him to be cautious.
This was the same Itachi who would, for the sake of peace, potentially raise a blade against his own clan. Yet here he was, giving Akira a heads-up?
Itachi continued walking towards the Ninja Academy, his silence an answer in itself. Even he found it strange that he had chosen to inform Akira of the Hokage's assignment. But if Shisui had trusted Akira, then Itachi felt he should too.
"Have you foreseen anything regarding the future of the Uchiha and Konoha?" Itachi asked after a moment of contemplation.
"Foreseen anything?" Akira looked at Itachi, paused for a moment, and then replied, "What if I told you that you would raise a blade and wipe out the entire Uchiha clan? Would you believe me?"
Itachi fell silent at Akira's words. He neither confirmed nor denied it, but inwardly he began contemplating the possibility. If the Uchiha clan were truly determined to carry out their coup, Itachi might indeed raise his blade against them for the sake of Konoha's peace.
"Could it be that you've seen the future but can't change anything about it?" Itachi asked, troubled by the thought of such a grim future.
As they conversed, the two of them arrived at the Ninja Academy but remained outside, not intending to go in.
"I'm not sure," Akira admitted, shaking his head. He had yet to master the eighth gate of the Eight Gates technique, and he wasn't confident he could prevent the tragic fate of the Uchiha clan.
Itachi opened his mouth, wanting to say more, but at that moment, the school bell rang. Soon, students began to pour out of the academy.
"Akira! Brother!" Sasuke called out with a smile, waving at them as he emerged with his school bag.
Note: If you are interested, you can read up to chapter 102 at patreon.com/Emik01.