Chapter 81. Even if I Bear the Darkness
---
My name is Itachi.
I'm still just a child.
Today, I stayed at home instead of going out.
The Chief Elder didn't come by today, and for some reason, Father, who usually leaves early, also stayed home.
So, I didn't feel like going out.
Resting his chin in his hands, Itachi blinked his bright, sparkling eyes as he quietly gazed out into the courtyard.
"Itachi's grown again, hasn't he? His clothes are starting to get a bit snug," Mikoto chuckled softly, shaking her head as she examined the clothes she'd sorted out that morning. "I'll need to make some adjustments later."
Kids really do grow fast!
And this weasel was growing strong and healthy!
However…
"…"
Have I gained weight?
Itachi blinked in surprise, his expression neutral as he pinched his cheeks.
After a moment—
[It does seem a bit chubby!]
At his young age, he was already starting to think about such slightly more complex matters.
For instance—
Why did the Chief Elder take him to dance? Why did people always pinch his cheeks the moment they saw him?
And why did Father always tell him to stay away from Uncle Yuto?
Honestly, Uncle Yuto was nice.
He just gave too much food, so much that Itachi couldn't finish it all.
He also gave Itachi lots of money, though… every time he barely touched it, Mom would take it. But Itachi didn't mind.
So, why did Father say such things?
The young, slightly chubby Itachi couldn't quite understand, his round face showing a puzzled expression that made him look especially adorable.
Sitting at the edge of the courtyard, he rested his chin on his hands, seemingly lost in thought.
At that moment—
"Itachi, come here."
It was Father's voice.
Itachi snapped out of his daze and turned toward his father, who was sitting cross-legged on the tatami mat with his arms crossed, wearing his usual serious expression.
He walked over and sat down across from his father, looking at him curiously.
Does he have something to tell me?
But—
"Come closer."
Today, Father seemed to have something really important to say. He actually asked Itachi to move closer.
Still puzzled, Itachi obeyed, kneeling in front of Fugaku like a tiny, chubby groundhog. His round little chubby hands rested on his knees as he tilted his head and blinked his sparkling eyes, as if to ask, "What is it, Father?"
Suddenly—
A hand reached out, pinched his cheek, and then quickly withdrew.
Father furrowed his brow, his expression turning especially stern.
As Itachi looked at him in confusion—
Fugaku crossed his arms again, his serious gaze locked on his son.
"You must remember what I'm about to say."
"???"
Itachi blinked again, still confused but obediently nodded.
"After I leave the village, you must remember this." Fugaku looked at his well-behaved son, a faint smile flashing across his lips before his face returned to its stern demeanor.
"First, never, under any circumstances, follow your Uncle Yuto!"
"???"
Itachi froze.
Why?
But after a moment, he nodded like a chubby little groundhog, his round head bobbing up and down.
"Second…" Fugaku's tone grew three times heavier as he continued, "Never, under any circumstances, follow your Uncle Yuto!"
"???"
Father, didn't you just say that?
The young Itachi was dumbfounded, like a startled chubby orange hamster whose sunflower seeds had just been taken away.
He stared blankly ahead, motionless.
He couldn't understand why Father was repeating himself.
However, Fugaku didn't seem to care. He maintained his serious gaze, falling silent for a moment before continuing.
"Third…" He paused briefly, his tone even more solemn. "Never, under any circumstances, follow your Uncle Yuto!"
After finishing, he looked at the dazed Itachi and furrowed his brow. "Did you remember everything I just said?"
Honestly, Fugaku had initially planned to take Itachi to the battlefield, to keep him away from Yuto.
But Yuto had made some valid points.
Itachi was still too young.
He shouldn't be exposed to such things.
Besides, the battlefield was dangerous. If something were to happen, it would be troublesome.
So, Fugaku decided to leave Itachi behind.
After speaking, Itachi blinked again, staring at his father blankly.
"Father, I…"
However...
Before the question in his heart could be voiced—
"Yuto-sama has returned! Yuto-sama has returned!"
Voices from the Uchiha clan echoed from outside the door.
Fugaku immediately crossed his arms again, his expression remaining stoic as he gazed outward.
As for the young Itachi... he could only suppress the doubts brewing in his heart for the moment. Pouting slightly, he rested his chubby little hands on his knees and sat quietly like an obedient little hamster.
But still...
Despite his young age, Itachi had already begun to think deeply about things.
Why did Father have to repeat himself three times?
At that moment—
"Ah, so both my brother and Itachi are here!" Uncle Yuto's cheerful voice rang out. "Come, come! Itachi, look at what Uncle brought for you—specialty dried salamander from the Land of Rain! It's delicious! Uncle went through great trouble to get it!"
"..."
Itachi stared at the paper bag placed before him, blinking his bright eyes.
Actually... Uncle Yuto was quite nice.
…
Meanwhile, in Konoha...
Inside a dimly lit cave—
Shimura Danzo, who had long decided to gain unparalleled strength and put those covetous fools beneath him, was...
Sharply gazing at his subordinates below.
Today—
He was preparing to depart for the Land of Rain to seize the legendary eyes. With them, he would overthrow Hiruzen, become the Hokage, dominate the ninja world, and ascend to the peak of his ninja life!
Though the current wartime situation called for caution, he could no longer wait.
He had noticed his old friend looking at him with increasingly peculiar expressions!
What once was sincerity, smiles, and trust had faded. Now, when Hiruzen looked at him, Danzo saw only... conflict, greed, and possessiveness!
Hiruzen wanted to possess him!
Their friendship had soured!
Hiruzen had changed!
Changed into someone who seemed to covet his body.
While Hiruzen could still suppress his possessive desires for now, what about in the future?
What if Danzo's bounty rose even higher?
Could Hiruzen still control his inner cravings?
Even if he could... what about others?
So—
He had to gain power!
The power to protect himself!
Danzo tapped lightly on the stone armrest of his seat, his voice calm as he addressed his subordinates. "Is everything ready?"
"Yes, everything is prepared!" The Root member bowed respectfully. "The Root ninjas assigned to guard Danzo-sama are also in place. If we encounter danger, we will prioritize your safety above all else."
"What about Hiruzen?"
"We have not informed the Hokage nor registered our departure from the village."
"Good. This mission is a classified operation to maintain the stability of the ninja world." Danzo nodded in satisfaction. "No one is to speak of this."
As for the so-called ninja demigod, Hanzo of the Salamander...
Extra caution would be necessary!
A while ago, Hanzo had been sending letters to invite him, but recently... there had been no word at all.
Something was off!
He had to be extremely vigilant!
Konoha...
Still needed him!
Danzo sighed, his gaze contemplative. He lightly tapped the stone armrest again, staring into the darkness ahead with a sense of duty. "Even if I must bear the darkness and guard Konoha with one hand, I, Shimura Danzo, will remain fearless!"
With a self-assured smile tugging at his lips, he waved his hand grandly.
"Let's move out!"