---
Swish!
In the forest surrounding the Uchiha compound, Itachi darted through the trees, moving swiftly and gracefully as he leaped from branch to branch. Each jump was precise, a testament to his impeccable control over both his body and chakra. The training served two purposes: refining his reaction speed and coordination while also enhancing his chakra control.
Yet, he stayed near the edge of the forest, keeping an eye on Shisui's home. Missing Shisui's return while training would be a setback.
After two hours of rigorous movement, Itachi emerged from the forest, his breathing steady. He sat cross-legged beneath a large tree just outside Shisui's modest wooden house.
Bringing his hands together, Itachi began forming hand seals. His movements were fluid and swift, far surpassing most of his peers, though not quite at the six seals per second speed he would later master.
Itachi's early induction into the Anbu wasn't just due to talent. While other children played or studied basic ninjutsu, Itachi trained relentlessly, undertaking tasks that would exhaust even seasoned shinobi. He believed that while talent was important, true strength came from perseverance. For a shinobi, endurance was key.
To Itachi, being a ninja wasn't just a profession—it was a responsibility, a way of life. Shinobi endured, both physically and mentally, facing unimaginable pain to protect the ones they loved. This belief had shaped Itachi's short but intense life.
As he completed the seals, Itachi felt his chakra flow steadily. A faint blue aura emanated from his body as his chakra circulated through his system. Chakra, the hidden energy within every person, was the foundation of a shinobi's strength. Even those like Might Guy, who specialized in taijutsu, possessed an immense reservoir of chakra.
Being an Uchiha, Itachi's chakra was naturally potent—stronger than most. His illness had yet to weaken him, and for now, his body remained sharp. Closing his eyes, he calmed his mind, focusing on refining his chakra further.
---
When Itachi opened his eyes again, the sunlight had softened. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, and the air felt cooler. He stretched his arms and glanced at Shisui's humble home. It was rare for an Uchiha to live in such a simple dwelling.
Shisui's ancestor, Uchiha Kagami, had served directly under the Second Hokage alongside Hiruzen Sarutobi and his advisors. Despite his prestige, Kagami had chosen a life of seclusion, away from the more luxurious Uchiha estates. Most in the clan didn't understand his choice, but after spending time with Shisui, Itachi began to see why Kagami valued simplicity.
The Uchiha clan, known for its pride and power, often placed its interests above the village's. While this mindset had served them during the Warring States Period, it had since become a source of tension within Konoha. The rift between the Uchiha and the village deepened with time, leading to mistrust on both sides.
Communication was crucial, Itachi thought. The divide between the Uchiha and Konoha's leadership had become so severe that even his father, Fugaku, had hoped Itachi could help bridge the gap. But years of animosity had made that impossible.
In the end, Itachi had no choice but to sever the bond between the clan and the village, even if it meant making unimaginable sacrifices. He wouldn't allow history to repeat itself. To prevent future disaster, the rift had to be mended—but it wouldn't happen overnight.
Sasuke… Itachi sighed, his thoughts turning to his younger brother. I wonder how he's doing. He's probably causing trouble by now. A small smile tugged at his lips, but he quickly pushed the thought aside. He couldn't leave just yet—not until Shisui returned.
---
Meanwhile, at the Uchiha patriarch's home...
"Waah! Waah!" Baby Sasuke's cries echoed through the hallway. Mikoto cradled him in her arms, gently rocking him.
"You miss your big brother, don't you?" she cooed, rubbing her nose against Sasuke's cheek. "I'm a little jealous."
Sasuke had formed an instant bond with Itachi. Whenever Mikoto or Fugaku held him, Sasuke would wail uncontrollably. But the moment Itachi took him in his arms, Sasuke would settle down immediately. As a mother, Mikoto was overjoyed to see her sons so close.
"Your brother has important work to do now, Sasuke," Mikoto whispered, stroking his soft hair. "You'll just have to wait a little longer."
She sighed, worry flickering across her face. "Itachi, I hope you're looking after yourself out there..."
---
As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the village, Itachi returned to his training. He strapped on the weights he had brought that morning and began his intense regimen of push-ups, sit-ups, and squats, each movement precise and controlled.
Despite the added weight, Itachi pushed himself harder, knowing that every second counted. Physical endurance wasn't the only focus—his chakra control, speed, and reflexes were just as vital.
Hours passed, and the sky darkened. Itachi completed his exercises and resumed chakra refinement, continuing late into the night. When he finally finished, he climbed a sturdy tree near Shisui's house and leaned against its trunk.
Drenched in sweat, his body bore the scent of the day's efforts. But Itachi didn't mind. Shinobi often went for weeks without bathing during missions, and cleanliness was a luxury. His thoughts drifted to his next steps as he drifted into a light sleep.
---
The moonlight bathed his face, and for a brief moment, a peaceful smile crossed Itachi's lips. By the time the first rays of sunlight filtered through the leaves, he was already awake, stretching and shaking off the remnants of sleep.
He hopped down from the tree, his muscles still sore from the previous day's exertion, but he wouldn't slow down. With only one day left before Shisui's return, Itachi intended to make every second count.
---
The night deepened as Itachi's two weeks of intense training neared their end.
Sitting cross-legged outside Shisui's home, Itachi focused on condensing his chakra. Time passed slowly, his eyes closed in concentration. However, his brows soon furrowed as he sensed a subtle presence.
Opening his eyes, Itachi glanced at the wooden house across from him.
"Two weeks... Has Shisui been sent on an important mission?" he wondered.
The Third Great Ninja War had ended just over a year ago, making it unlikely that ANBU had any urgent missions. Yet, Shisui had been absent the entire time, and Itachi could no longer wait.
The entrance exams for the Academy began tomorrow, and new students faced at least three days of testing. Itachi had promised his father, Fugaku, that he would participate and test his skills against the Uchiha genin.
"If Shisui doesn't return tonight, I'll need another plan," Itachi muttered to himself. He wasn't sure how long Shisui's mission would last, and the Nine-Tails attack was only two months away.
"I didn't expect Shisui to be gone this long." Itachi stood, preparing to leave. "Mother and Sasuke must be wondering where I am by now."
As he turned to head home, a sudden movement caught his attention. A shadow darted from the inner area of the Uchiha compound, moving so swiftly that even Itachi wouldn't have noticed without his heightened senses.
The figure paused atop a large tree near Shisui's house. Itachi turned just in time to hear a soft exhale.
"A child? Out here at this hour?"
In the dim light, the figure's surprised expression became clear. Then, with a swift motion, the shadow leapt down from the tree, landing gracefully in front of Itachi.
"Itachi Uchiha?" the young man asked, surprise evident in his voice.
Itachi blinked as he recognized the voice, a sense of familiarity washing over him. The man wasn't wearing the standard ANBU uniform, though the sword strapped to his back was unmistakably ANBU-issued. Unlike most Uchiha, the man had slightly curly hair and a distinctive nose, setting him apart from the clan's typical appearance.
His sharp eyes focused on Itachi.
"Shisui..." Itachi murmured, a wave of emotion rushing through him. Despite his calm demeanor, seeing Shisui again stirred something deep inside.
But this time, Itachi didn't lose his composure as he had when he'd first seen his parents after his return. Instead, his gaze softened, and for a moment, he was at a loss for words.
"Itachi? What are you doing out here so late?" Shisui asked, recognizing him as the eldest son of the Uchiha patriarch.
Steadying himself, Itachi smiled slightly. "Shisui-senpai."
Shisui blinked in mild surprise. While he had seen Itachi before, the boy had been much younger then, and Shisui wasn't sure if Itachi would even remember him. Glancing around, he noticed signs of recent training—footprints, broken twigs, and the faint scent of sweat clinging to Itachi's clothes.
"You've been here for a while," Shisui deduced, piecing it together quickly.
Itachi nodded. "I was hoping you could help me with something."
Shisui raised an eyebrow, intrigued but cautious. "What do you need help with?"
Itachi hesitated, carefully choosing his words. "Before I tell you, you must promise to keep this between us. No one else can know."
Shisui paused, taken aback by the seriousness in Itachi's voice. Normally, a request from a five-year-old wouldn't be taken too seriously, but Shisui had heard that Fugaku's eldest son was far from ordinary.
"Alright," Shisui agreed, noting the determination in Itachi's eyes.
Relieved, Itachi wasted no time. "I need to meet the Fourth Hokage."
Shisui's eyes widened. "You want to meet the Hokage? Why not just ask your father to arrange it?"
"I can't," Itachi replied firmly, his expression darkening. "My father can't know about this. In fact, no one in the village can. Only the Hokage."
Shisui frowned, growing more concerned. "So, you're asking for my help but won't tell me why?"
"That's correct," Itachi confirmed.
Shisui remained silent, contemplating the request. Something about it didn't sit right, and though he wanted to trust Itachi, the secrecy made him uneasy.
Sensing Shisui's hesitation, Itachi spoke more urgently. "Please, Shisui, you have to believe me. This concerns the safety of the village—and the Fourth Hokage. If I don't meet him soon, lives will be at risk."
"What?" Shisui's eyes widened further, his pupils narrowing in disbelief. The notion that something could threaten Minato Namikaze, the Yellow Flash, seemed absurd.
Shisui shook his head. "I can't just take your word for this, Itachi."
"I understand," Itachi said calmly. "But I swear to you, it's the truth."
Without warning, Itachi lifted his head and locked eyes with Shisui. His onyx eyes shifted, swirling into the crimson pattern of the Sharingan.
"Please," Itachi repeated, his voice unwavering.
The sudden change in Itachi's eyes caused Shisui to gasp in shock.
Shisui had awakened his Sharingan at a young age, so seeing the same eyes in Itachi, who had yet to graduate from the Academy, left him stunned.
The Sharingan... already?
The black tomoe in Itachi's blood-red eyes slowly rotated, marking the unmistakable presence of the Uchiha clan's famed dōjutsu. Shisui's gaze hardened, disbelief clouding his thoughts.
"Sharingan?" Shisui muttered under his breath. "But… you haven't even graduated from the Academy yet."
The activation of the Sharingan was rare, even among the Uchiha, requiring not just innate talent but a significant emotional trigger.
Itachi, his eyes narrowing slightly, glanced at Shisui. "There are... reasons I can't explain right now, Shisui-senpai. But words alone wouldn't be enough."
He gestured towards his eyes. "These—these can't be faked."
Shisui stared at him, fully aware of the truth behind Itachi's words. Only those who had unlocked the Sharingan could truly understand what it meant—the reflection of the soul, as many called it. The Sharingan wasn't just a tool; it was born from deep emotional impact.
"So," Shisui spoke softly, his voice serious, "what you want to tell the Hokage… is it tied to how you awakened your Sharingan?"
Itachi nodded solemnly. "Yes. And that's why I need to see Lord Fourth Hokage immediately. Please, Shisui-senpai, trust me."
Shisui's doubts lingered, but the sight of the Sharingan in Itachi's young eyes gave him pause. Such a feat was extraordinary for a child his age, and Itachi's calm demeanor and the precision in his words forced Shisui to reconsider.
"I believe you, Itachi," Shisui said after a long moment. "But how do you plan to convince the Hokage? You can't just show him your eyes like you did with me. Even if I deliver your message, he might not believe me."
Itachi reached into his robe and withdrew a sealed envelope. "Please give this to Lord Hokage," he said, handing it over. "It's a letter I wrote specifically for him."
Shisui raised an eyebrow, glancing between the letter and Itachi. "A letter?"
Itachi nodded. "Once he reads it, I'm confident he'll agree to meet with me."
"You're that sure?" Shisui asked, his curiosity piqued.
Itachi merely smiled, a knowing look in his eyes, but offered no further explanation.
With a small shrug, Shisui tucked the letter into his pouch. "I have to admit, I'm more curious than suspicious now," he said with a faint smile. "I'll make sure it reaches him."
"Thank you, Shisui-senpai," Itachi replied, bowing his head respectfully. His Sharingan faded, and his eyes returned to their normal onyx black.
Shisui grinned. "If this is as serious as you say, and you manage to prevent something terrible from happening, I'll be the one thanking you."
Itachi nodded again, a deeper sense of gratitude behind the gesture. Shisui, without realizing it, had always been one of his guiding lights.
"I have some matters to attend to tomorrow," Itachi said quietly. "I'll take my leave now, Shisui-senpai."
With that, Itachi's form flickered into the shadows, disappearing into the night.
Shisui stood still for a moment, watching his friend vanish. He reminds me of myself, he thought. Despite Itachi's youth, there was a maturity about him that Shisui couldn't ignore.
---
On the way home, Itachi carried the weighted training gear he had been wearing for the past two weeks. The burden, once heavy, had become something his body had adapted to.
The Uchiha district was quiet at this hour, most of the clan already asleep. Itachi moved silently, his steps quick and light. Soon, his home came into view, the faint glow of lanterns outlining the courtyard.
The lights were still on. As he approached the door, the soft sound of footsteps reached his ears.
Entering the courtyard, Itachi saw the door to the main hall was open. His father, Fugaku, sat at the table, arms crossed, waiting.
"You're back," Fugaku said, his voice steady.
Itachi stepped inside, noticing the food left on the table. His mother had prepared it.
"Eat," Fugaku said, his tone firm but not unkind. "Your mother made it for you. It seems your training has been intense."
Itachi stood there for a moment, taken aback.
"After you eat," Fugaku continued, "wash up and change into clean clothes. You've worked hard—get some rest. Tomorrow's test is important."
Itachi nodded slowly, still processing his father's words when the sound of soft footsteps reached him again.
"Itachi, welcome home." His mother, Mikoto, appeared with a gentle smile. "I knew you'd be back around this time. Seems I was right."
She walked over, brushing the dust from his hair. "You've been pushing yourself hard," she said warmly. "You've gotten thinner." She gave his head a gentle pat before heading toward the bath. "I'll prepare your bath. You must be exhausted."
Fugaku watched her leave, then turned back to Itachi, a rare smile softening his usually stern expression. "Your mother knows you well," he said, "even the timing of your return."
Itachi suppressed the warm feeling swelling in his chest. "Yes, she does."
Fugaku gestured to the table. "Now, eat."
"Okay," Itachi responded, his heart lighter as he sat down.
In that moment, Itachi realized something that would never change—no matter what path he chose or how the future unfolded, his parents would always be the ones who knew him best.
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