Shiro knew the system rewarded changes he made to the world or characters. If he could find a way to increase his points, perhaps he could acquire the Cancel Lie Detection ability. An idea began to form in his mind as he walked towards the kitchen.
The scent of freshly prepared food wafted from the hallway, and Shiro's stomach growled involuntarily. When he entered the kitchen, he saw a large table with five chairs, neatly arranged around it. His eyes briefly met those of Itachi, who sat next to him. Itachi, a boy of around 11-12 years old, was already displaying a demeanor far beyond his years. His features were sharp for someone so young—his dark eyes that resembled the depth of a storm cloud, his black hair slicked back in an elegant, yet slightly untamed manner.
Itachi had the kind of presence that made it clear he would one day be a force to be reckoned with, something that Shiro instinctively recognized. Shiro had also heard of Itachi's genius, of course, but seeing it firsthand added a new layer of respect to the rumors.
Across from them sat Mikoto and Fugaku, the patriarch of the Uchiha clan, and a small Sasuke who had a seat next to his parents, his eyes wide with curiosity.
The food on the table was nothing short of spectacular—rice, fish, and various vegetables, all prepared with meticulous care. A large bowl of miso soup steamed at the center, and a delicate, fragrant dish of grilled fish rested beside it, its skin crisped to perfection. Mikoto's cooking was well known, and Shiro couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness because it tasted like his mom's cooking.
"Thank you for inviting me to dinner," Shiro said, giving Mikoto a polite smile.
"Of course," she replied with a warm expression, her eyes kind and understanding. "We always enjoy having guests. Eat as much as you'd like."
After a quiet, pleasant dinner, Shiro complimented Mikoto's cooking. "This is truly delicious," he said. Mikoto smiled, her eyes twinkling as she shook her head modestly.
"It's nothing," she said, though it was clear she appreciated the compliment.
Shiro's gaze then shifted to Fugaku. "If you allow me, I could teach Itachi the Fire Ninjutsu as a token of thanks for the dinner. I learned it during my time away from the village, and I believe a talent like his could master it in a matter of minutes."
Fugaku raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "You think so?"
"Absolutely," Shiro continued. "Even someone like me has heard of the genius of the Uchiha clan. So, what do you say, Clan Patriarch?"
Fugaku took a moment to consider. He slowly nodded. "I trust your judgment. Go ahead."
---
Shiro followed Itachi outside into the courtyard, where the night air was cool and the sound of the crickets chirped in the distance. The courtyard was spacious, with a large stone lantern and a small pond at the center, surrounded by neatly trimmed bushes.
"You can activate your Sharingan," Shiro said, turning to face the young Uchiha. "It'll make things a lot easier."
Itachi nodded and activated his 3-tomoe Sharingan, the pupils spinning in a way that conveyed the focus of someone well beyond his years.
Shiro smiled faintly. "Watch closely."
With practiced ease, Shiro began to form hand seals, his fingers moving faster than most could track. "Fire Release: Great Fire Annihilation!" he declared, releasing the technique over the lake.
The technique was magnificent. Flames roared to life in a torrent of fiery destruction, sweeping across the surface of the water. The fire burned bright, casting a golden-orange hue across the landscape. The flames seemed to defy gravity, burning so intensely that the surface of the lake began to bubble and evaporate, steam rising into the night air. The force was so powerful that even the water, which should have extinguished the fire, couldn't compete with the sheer magnitude of the technique. It was as if the water itself feared the flames.
---
---
"That's the technique used by the infamous Madara Uchiha himself," Shiro said, his voice taking on a serious tone. "Legends say it took 20 to 30 ninjas working together to use water ninjutsu to stop it. It's only B-rank, but with enough chakra and mastery, you can make it S-rank."
Shiro looked at Itachi, his expression more intense now. "No technique is useless. The only thing useless is the wielder who doesn't know how to use it. Remember that in the future."
Shiro turned to Itachi, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Now, let's see you try the Fire Release: Great Fire Annihilation yourself. I can tell you used fire ninjutsu before, so it's gonna be interesting.
Itachi nodded silently, determination flashing in his eyes. He closed his eyes briefly to focus and began the necessary hand seals. Flames began to gather in the pit of his stomach, building like a growing storm ready to unleash itself. He took a deep breath and exhaled sharply, directing the flames toward the sky.
The fire erupted from his mouth, a massive blast of burning orange and yellow. But compared to Shiro's display earlier, this firestorm was controlled, only moderately large, with less ferocity. The flames roared for a few moments before slowly dissipating into the air.
Itachi exhaled, wiping his brow as he looked at Shiro for approval.
"That's impressive for a first try," Shiro said, nodding in approval. "But you still have room to grow. It's not as large or as dangerous as my version, but it's a solid attempt. Itachi, you've got potential."
Itachi's eyes shone with a mixture of respect and curiosity. He wasn't satisfied with the size of the flames, nor the strength, but he was determined to improve. "Thank you, Shiro-san. I'll get better."
Shiro gave him a slight nod, turning his gaze elsewhere. "How about I teach you some Kenjutsu?"
Itachi tilted his head, intrigued. "Kenjutsu? Would You really do that?"
"In my village," Shiro said, his voice becoming more serious, "we call it Zanjutsu. It's the art of the sword, much like Kenjutsu, but our focus is far more intense when it comes to mastering the blade."
Itachi's eyes lit up. He had always been skilled in hand-to-hand combat and ninjutsu, but this would be a new challenge, something he hadn't learned before.
"If you want to learn, grab your sword," Shiro instructed. "I'll teach you the basics. Zanjutsu isn't just about swinging a blade—it's about precision, timing, and intent."
Itachi didn't hesitate. He turned quickly and ran back to his home, returning with his tanto, a small but finely crafted blade. He rejoined Shiro, his eyes brimming with curiosity.
Shiro watched him, noting the seriousness in Itachi's posture. He smiled faintly. "Good. Now let's begin."
The training began with the fundamentals. Shiro instructed Itachi on how to properly hold the sword, emphasizing the correct posture to generate the most power. They practiced stances first—holding the blade with the right grip and positioning the body to anticipate the opponent's moves.
"Zanjutsu is about control," Shiro said, moving through his stance fluidly, demonstrating the importance of balance. "Each movement must be deliberate. It's not about the strength of your swing but the speed and precision."
Itachi mirrored his movements, following the instructions closely. With every swing, his form improved. Shiro's guidance was precise and patient, ensuring that Itachi understood the importance of every movement.
"The key to Zanjutsu is the blade's connection to your spirit," Shiro explained. "It's not merely an object—it's an extension of your will. You can't fight with it; you must become one with it."
Itachi absorbed every word, each one sharpening his focus as he practiced the techniques over and over. His movements became more fluid, more instinctual, the blade dancing through the air with increased confidence.
Shiro didn't rush Itachi's progress. They spent 1 hour on—footwork, blade alignment, and counterattacks. Only after those became second nature did Shiro introduce more advanced concepts: the ability to sense an opponent's movements before they struck, reading their intent through subtle shifts in body language.
"You're doing well," Shiro said, watching Itachi perform a series of rapid strikes, his body moving as if guided by a natural rhythm. "Zanjutsu isn't about raw power; it's about understanding your blade and your opponent. Remember that."
Progress: 25.31%
Template: Madara Uchiha
[System Status]
Strength: 50
Endurance: 52
Speed: 48
Reiatsu Control: 51
Intelligence: 49
Battle Instinct: 53
[Abilities]
Sharingan (3nd Tomoe):
Enhanced tracking of fast movements, with greater accuracy.
Can cast basic genjutsu, manipulating the opponent's perception.
Can copy techniques such as Zanjutsu, Hakuda, and Kidō with near-perfect accuracy, adapting them for personal use.
Hollow Detection: Sense the presence of
Hollows.
[Techniques Unlocked]
Water Style: Water Prison Jutsu
Shunpo
Byakurai
Shō
Reiatsu Strengthening
Moeru Danmaku
Water Style: Water Shark Bullet
Kaidō
Shadow Clone Jutsu
Bakudō: Sai
Bakudō: Hainawa
Wind Style: Gale Palm
Earth Style: Mud Wall
Fire Release: Ash Pile Burning
Summoning Jutsu to Kitsune's
Lightning Style: Chidori
Fire Release: Great Fire Annihilation
[Asauchi Imprinting Progress]
Current Bond Level: 95%