1-5

Chapter 1: The Boy Who Surpassed Jiraiya!

Konohagakure.

April.

Hot Spring Inn!

Cherry blossoms gently fluttered down, merging with the rising mist.

Faint sounds of laughter, splashing water, and exclamations filled the air.

Through the hazy mist, graceful figures appeared and disappeared.

It was captivating.

Among the white mist, there were black, yellow, blue, green... a myriad of colors!

The Shinobi World was vibrant and full of life!

At the wooden door.

A small crack was visible, and if you looked closely, you would see two pairs of eyes, one above the other, staring intently inside.

Their eyes were filled with a sense of sacredness!

The owner of the upper pair of eyes smacked his lips and exclaimed, "Such strong killing intent!"

The person below sighed and said, "Indeed! The killing intent is too strong, sinful even. Look at the one on the right with the flaxen hair, aged thirty-three, her killing intent reaches the heavens."

"Nonsense! The one with the black short hair on the left, aged twenty-two, has the most intense killing intent."

"Hmph!"

"Hmph what? Are you questioning my expertise?"

"Jiraiya-sensei, there's nothing about you I don't question, and don't forget, these eyes of mine are the famous Sharingan, known throughout the Shinobi World. Are you doubting my thousand-year heritage? Hmm!?"

The pride in the voice was unmistakable.

"...The Uchiha clan having a weirdo like you must make many of your ancestors roll in their graves."

"If Mount Myōboku knew they had produced a successor like you, many toads would come back to life out of sheer rage."

Although they were bickering, their eyes never wavered.

Determined!

Resolute!

Unyielding until death!

Their eyes were wide open!

Suddenly!

A golden figure appeared in their line of sight.

That lethal weapon swayed as it moved, emitting a dazzling light, as if tearing through the void.

"Wow, that is..."

The upper pair of eyes widened, exclaiming in shock, the whole person becoming agitated.

The lower voice grew anxious, shouting, "Jiraiya-sensei, calm down, damn it..."

"Bang!"

The two, caught off guard, exerted too much force and crashed through the door.

They tumbled inside, rolling into a heap.

"Ouch, ouch..."

"Damn it, Jiraiya-sensei, are you crazy? It's just that we saw..."

Their argument was cut short as they swallowed their words, facing several pairs of crystal-clear eyes that appeared before them.

They stiffly raised their heads.

Before them were pairs of eyes nearly blazing with fury, staring at them, with killing intent so strong it became palpable.

Oh no!

Their lives were at stake!

At this moment, the two displayed astonishing adaptability.

The so-called White-Haired Boy Jiraiya acted first, pinning down the young boy trying to get up, intending to flee himself.

Someone had to stay behind to draw fire, so the other could escape.

Right?

Jiraiya's expression was resolute.

Sorry, my friend!

But the young boy shouted, "Tsunade-sensei, your towel fell, oh my god!!!"

His hysterical shout mixed with fervor and fear.

Jiraiya froze, instinctively turning his head. Whatever he imagined, blood began to trickle from his nose, and his eyes turned bloodshot.

"Now's the time!"

The boy's eyes flashed with determination. He broke free from the hold, leaping up and kicking Jiraiya: "Dynamic Entry!"

"Bang!"

With a shoe print on his face, Jiraiya muttered, "I @#￥%&*"

Then.

The boy successfully escaped, flying out of the room, while Jiraiya was sent flying over the glowing figures, landing in the hot spring.

Water splashed everywhere!

Immediately!

The inn was filled with angry roars, screams, and pleas for mercy.

"Hehe!"

Jiraiya-sensei, entering such a 'fairyland', you must be very happy!

Even while being beaten.

I know you too well.

Haha, no need to thank me!

After all, I'm half your disciple; this is what I should do.

The boy let out a sinister laugh and sped up, leaving only afterimages behind.

He had perfected the Body Flicker Technique.

Better run!

Having seen that person, it's better not to take chances!

The boy decided to take an assignment outside the village, staying away for half a month.

In the meantime, even if the Uchiha clan was annihilated, he wouldn't come back.

However.

Midway through his escape.

A jade-like hand suddenly grabbed him by the collar, lifting him into the air.

"Yo, Uchiha boy, long time no see. I've been waiting for you."

The blonde beauty greeted him, one hand on her hip.

However.

The expression on her face, the killing intent in her eyes, was enough to scare the Hokage!

Looking at the woman, the boy's eyes filled with tears, his lips trembling.

"Tsunade-sensei!!!"

"Wow!"

The boy burst into tears, hugging the blonde woman, rubbing his face against her chest.

"Get off me!"

Tsunade's body stiffened for a moment, then she flung the boy away, shaking her hand in disgust, and coldly sneered, "Kid, you've learned Jiraiya's tricks completely. Did you enjoy the view?"

"Hehe, Tsunade-sensei, you underestimate me!"

The boy raised a finger, shaking it twice.

"Hmm?"

"I've surpassed the master! Jiraiya-sensei is no longer a match for me."

The boy puffed out his chest, his expression full of pride.

"Hmph!"

Tsunade smiled slightly and waved her hand.

"Bang!"

The wall beside them was covered in spiderweb-like cracks.

"I hope you can speak properly, with a normal tone, okay?"

Tsunade's voice was gentle, filled with warmth.

"Otherwise, I fear you might end up as a pile of minced meat."

Instantly.

The boy's eyes became clear, and he asked, "When did you return to the village, Sensei?"

"Just got back." Tsunade sneered, "I was planning to relax in the hot spring, but who knew I'd run into a couple of peeping scumbags."

Crack!

Tsunade clenched her fist.

These two scoundrels, she should have beaten them to death back then. Her momentary softness brought trouble to the Shinobi World.

They committed all kinds of misdeeds!

Moreover!

Because of their books, they started gaining fame throughout the Shinobi World, embarrassing Konoha.

Curious, Tsunade once looked at a bookstore, resulting in the store being smashed to pieces!

The content of the books, in a word: women's prime years!

Every sentence was about women!

Every page was about women!

"To think that Konoha has people like this, they must..."

The boy swallowed his words under Tsunade's dangerous gaze.

"Shut up!"

"Keep talking and see if I won't beat you to death!"

Tsunade took a deep breath, gritting her teeth, "Kid, I'll ask you one last time, do you want to come with me? Leave the village and go on a journey."

The boy looked shocked.

A journey?

With Tsunade?

Just the two of them?

He immediately screamed!

Holding his chest, he looked at Tsunade, trembling.

"I respect you as my teacher, and you lust after me?"

"No way, absolutely not!"

"Unless, you pay me!"

"Bang!"

A hard knock on the head.

The boy held his head, crouching down, rubbing it hard as tears came out.

Tsunade gritted her teeth, "I said, stop joking, you cheeky brat."

The boy, teary-eyed, replied pitifully, "I swear... I yield. Please, Sensei, have mercy."

Tsunade felt her temple throbbing.

She rubbed her forehead and said weakly, "How many times have I told you, be serious, kid. You're smart; you should understand what I mean... you Uchiha!"

The boy reluctantly nodded, his expression stubborn.

"Fine! Fine! Get lost!"

Tsunade waved her hand impatiently, "Do whatever you want. I can't be bothered with you. Do you think I really want to take you on a journey? Seeing you makes me furious!"

She turned and left.

In the distance.

A black-haired girl holding a pig was peeking at them.

The Uchiha boy waved at her, winking and pouting slightly.

The girl's face turned red, lowering her head, not daring to look.

"Let's go, Shizune, stop looking. You can't handle such a scoundrel."

Tsunade grabbed the girl's collar, dragging her away.

"Lady Tsunade..."

"He doesn't want to leave!" Tsunade said coldly, "So you don't need to beg me anymore. Besides, you've cared for him openly and secretly all these years. You've repaid that life-saving favor."

Shizune lowered her head, remaining silent.

Tsunade's expression turned colder, her voice devoid of emotion, "He knows very well."

"He knows his identity."

"He knows the tension between the village and the Uchiha."

"He knows what he will face next."

"Yet he still chooses this way, so..."

"So?"

"So, we'll stay far away." Tsunade said coldly, "We'll not only avoid the village's search but also cut off all communication with it, living in complete isolation."

Let them fight

!

The village and the Uchiha... No, it should be the Hokage faction and the Uchiha.

Let them kill each other!

Peace at last!

Anyway, none of them are any good!

As Tsunade's anger surged, her chest heaved, the world's champion in rage.

Shizune became anxious, "But..."

"It will all be over soon!" Tsunade interrupted Shizune, turning to look at the boy in the distance.

At fifteen or sixteen, he was still a boy, his figure somewhat thin.

But!

Only those who knew him would understand the power contained within that body.

As one of the Three Legendary Sannin, she didn't dare underestimate him.

The terrifying talent of the Uchiha clan was vividly displayed in him.

Few knew he was already a nightmare?

"He is not a patient, good-tempered person!"

Tsunade muttered to herself, "Teacher Sarutobi, he's different from any Uchiha you've encountered before."

"He is a completely immersed, evil lunatic!"

"Using the same methods as other Uchiha against him will only make you understand what true agony is!"

She seemed to think of something, her lips curling coldly, "Forget it, what does it matter to me? They all want me to leave quickly anyway!"

She took Shizune and left the village.

Without a hint of reluctance.

Behind her, the boy still stood, smiling.

But.

At this moment.

The smile had taken on a more sinister quality.

Leaving is good!

Tsunade, Konoha is no longer suitable for you!

Because...

You are a good person!

In every sense of the word!

(Chapter End)

Chapter 2: Brothers

Until the figures of Tsunade and Shizune disappeared from sight, the boy retracted his gaze, turned his head to the side, and smirked, "My dear brother, we truly are siblings; our interests are so alike."

"Interests? What exactly do you mean by interests?"

"Bang!"

White smoke rose.

A young ninja appeared before the boy, silently watching him.

He wore a dark high-collared short-sleeved shirt with triangular guards, matching pants, and shin guards. On his back was the Uchiha clan emblem and a small katana.

Uchiha Shisui!

Notably, he had the rare Uchiha trait of a button nose.

Just from this, his identity was clear.

"Peeping? I have no interest in such things," Shisui said.

"Brother Shisui, you should have more confidence in yourself," the boy sighed. "You are a talented ninja. If you wish, I can recommend you to Jiraiya-sensei. I believe with your Body Flicker Technique, you can certainly elevate his 'Icha Icha' series and my 'Kawaii' series to new heights..."

"Stop, stop, stop!" Shisui hurriedly interrupted, helplessly saying, "I have no need for any talent in that area, and I certainly don't need a mentor for it."

Besides, did he think Jiraiya could be apprenticed just like that? It wasn't just about strength; his identity was highly sensitive. At least, for an Uchiha to become his student was a dream!

Thinking of this, Shisui gave the boy a peculiar look. This younger brother was openly recognized as a disciple by Jiraiya. Even if what Jiraiya taught was somewhat off track... he was still a disciple.

The boy wore a regretful expression.

"Sigh!" Shisui suddenly sighed, "Speaking of talent, my brother, you are a genius of the Uchiha clan, stronger than both Itachi and me. I hope you can help me."

"Help you?" The boy rolled up his sleeves, and with a fierce expression, he said, "Who bullied you? Leave it to me. If I don't beat him until he craps his pants, I'll count it as his lucky day!"

"...Do I look like I'm joking?" Shisui's expression turned serious, and his eyes became sharp, making the surrounding atmosphere tense.

"No more nonsense, I have serious business with you," he said gravely. "Itsuki..."

"Iku!" the boy immediately interrupted. "Call me Iku! Uchiha Iku!"

Shisui: "..."

As a native of Konohagakure, Shisui didn't understand the meaning of "Iku," but he felt the boy was thinking of something inappropriate.

"Don't you think it's a great name? It naturally carries the word 'cool' in it!" The boy's expression became odd, and his smile strange.

Was he thinking about something delicious?

Hmm, it must be that; it's lunchtime now!

Shisui thought.

"Itsuki! I'm serious!" Shisui furrowed his brows deeply, speaking sternly, "The relationship between the village and our clan is becoming increasingly tense. This can't go on; it will end badly... we need to change our clan. I hope you can join us."

"You, Uchiha Itsuki, are a clan elite, a new-generation genius, and acknowledged as a disciple by one of the Legendary Sannin. If you stand with us, we'll have a greater chance. You will become a bridge between the village and our clan."

At the end of his speech, Shisui's expression became excited, almost fanatical, and he tightly grasped Itsuki's shoulders.

Itsuki's face showed a shy expression, and he said bashfully, "Brother Shisui, you're hurting me."

"..." An inexplicable chill ran down Shisui's spine.

He quickly withdrew his hands as if electrocuted, wearing an expression of pain. "Itsuki, can you be serious?"

No wonder so many Uchiha... no, no wonder so many people in the village avoided Itsuki like the plague, as if he were a scorpion.

Even that person in the shadows of the ninja world had veins popping on his forehead and bloodshot eyes just hearing about him!

Could such an Itsuki really be of help?

Looking at the bewildered Itsuki, Shisui felt equally lost.

Already exhausted physically and mentally due to the strained relationship between the village and the clan, at this moment, he was even more speechless and choked up.

What karma am I paying for from a past life?! Is this really my blood brother?! A debt collector!

Even Shisui, with his normally calm nature, wanted to curse: "Bastard!"

The complex situation was making him weary, and Itsuki was directly torturing his soul.

The two faced each other, one with a tender, seemingly electrified gaze, the other with a hollow look, as if struck by eighteen strong men.

In the end, Shisui could only leave with a parting remark, "Itsuki, you are a smart person; you understand what I mean. Think about it."

He turned and left somewhat embarrassedly.

Watching Shisui's lonely, desolate figure, Itsuki sighed. "Brother Shisui, you're so hardworking... I almost want to hit you with a Fire Release."

Consider it?

If it weren't for having the same parents, making it difficult to take action, Uchiha Shisui, I'd be pointing at your unique nose in Konoha and cursing your entire lineage right now.

You have grand ambitions, willing to sacrifice everything for the village. And in the end, what did you get?

Your eyes gouged out, dying tragically!

By the time you died, you were probably already bloated from soaking in the water!

Your little friend, the greatest filial son in the ninja world, Itachi!

With the same broad-mindedness and fiery will, all through his being.

And the final result?

Even worse!

Parents, wife, and the entire clan, all killed by his own hands, dying with a cursed name.

For what?

And to top it off, he died with a smile.

Damn it!

Itsuki clutched his face in agony.

He's truly been brainwashed to the bone!

Itachi, your parents must have accumulated fortunes over several lifetimes to have a filial son like you!

And yet, you want me to follow in your footsteps.

Uchiha Shisui, you really are my true brother!

Our relationship is truly brotherly in the ninja world!

Ridiculous!

Itsuki sighed again and turned to leave. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a young boy of about eight or nine years old, with a timid expression, head lowered, quietly walking past.

He had short blond hair and blue eyes.

There were distinct six whisker-like marks on his face.

Uzumaki Naruto!

At the ninja academy stage, Uzumaki Naruto!

Jinchuriki of the Nine Tails.

Itsuki sighed deeply in his heart, showing a worried expression for the first time.

He was a transmigrant!

He had been in this Naruto world for fifteen years.

He was also fifteen years old this year.

Although he didn't fully understand that famous anime, he knew some plotlines.

So, when he found out he was an Uchiha, he wasn't in a hurry.

As long as he avoided those key events, he could survive.

Maybe even gain some benefits.

But who knew!

Damn it.

The timeline here is completely different from the original story.

Probably because of his involvement and participation in the Third Shinobi World War, some changes were made to the ninja world through his memories.

It's now Konoha Year 51!

The night of the Nine Tails has passed; the next big event is the Uchiha massacre night.

Uchiha Itachi is also twelve years old.

If nothing goes wrong, it should be this year!

However!

Naruto, Sasuke, and the other twelve rookies are three or four years older than in the original story.

Itsuki was in disarray.

Will the massacre night still happen as scheduled?

Won't my accumulated knowledge be useless?

"Sigh!"

The timeline was the most mysterious thing in the Naruto world.

Looking at history, who could untangle it?

In Itsuki's world, many online experts dared to challenge it, only to be defeated!

Now it's even more mysterious!

No way to survive!

"Whatever!"

Itsuki made a decision.

Start implementing Plan A!

Once my power increases, taking down the one-eyed dragon and the monkey combined is just a single slash.

He looked again in the direction Shisui left, muttering, "Dear brother, don't blame me. I'm also fulfilling your wish. Don't worry, I'll definitely make Konoha and the Uchiha coexist."

As he spoke, his eyes showed three tomoe, then...

They slowly connected, forming a strange pattern.

Mangekyo Sharingan!

"Brother Shisui, I already have the Mangekyo. Do you? You must!"

"Because we are brothers!"

"Blood brothers of the Uchiha!"

Itsuki's lips curled into a sinister smile.

(Chapter End)

Chapter 3: The Plan!

Swish!

In the next instant, Itsuki disappeared from there.

When the Nine-Tails appear, bystanders retreat.

This is the awareness of being a Uchiha! If an Uchiha appears within a hundred meters of the Nine-Tails, that guy with an 'x' on his face will probably shout again: "Evil Uchiha, how dare you..." and then he'll rush to the Hokage's office and argue his case!

In the end, it always ends with: "Hi... you'll regret this!"

Look at how agitated he gets, as if the Uchiha really committed some heinous crime.

On the other hand, the self-proclaimed strongest Hokage, while secretly wishing all Uchiha were dead, still speaks up for them, suppressing his comrade: "Dan... I am the Hokage!"

Sigh! Itsuki sighed.

It's not us who are wrong, it's the world.

He-tui!

...

At this moment.

In a dark, windowless room in Konoha, a piece of information was delivered.

A ninja wearing a bizarre mask knelt on one knee, whispered a few words, and then left.

An old man leaning on a cane, his face twisted in anger, stood up and walked out with large strides.

His cane could hardly keep up with his pace!

Just three minutes later, he appeared in the Hokage's office.

"Hiruzen!"

Danzo glared at the so-called strongest Hokage sitting behind the desk, slammed the information on the table, and with a ferocious expression, said: "This Uchiha brat is very problematic."

Hiruzen Sarutobi picked up the information, looked at it, and appeared puzzled.

"Uchiha Itsuki?"

"I remember he is Shisui's brother, Kagami's descendant. Although he is a bit... mischievous."

His expression showed a hint of being at a loss for words.

"But overall, he is a relatively peaceful Uchiha, completely different from those radical Uchiha members."

"Nonsense!"

Danzo shouted angrily: "Hiruzen, believe me, this Uchiha Itsuki is absolutely a very dangerous and evil brat."

Hiruzen Sarutobi hesitated: "Danzo, I know, Itsuki is very active and loves pranks. Last time, he made you... ahem."

Danzo's gaze was fierce, his expression ferocious, looking as if he was about to devour someone.

Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but shrink his neck.

Better not talk about that!

Danzo would definitely fight to the death.

"This Itsuki, his behavior today was very normal!" Hiruzen Sarutobi called in the ANBU, reported Itsuki's activities for the day, and then said: "First, he met with Jiraiya... sigh, then he went to eat ramen. What's the problem?"

As he spoke, his gaze paused at a certain part of the report.

... Tsunade confirmed to have left the village, whereabouts unknown.

She's gone, huh?

He sighed inwardly.

"There's a huge problem!" Danzo said excitedly: "He ran away as soon as he saw the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, do you understand?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi pondered: "What does that signify?"

"Guilt!"

Danzo's words were firm and resolute!

Hiruzen Sarutobi: "..."

Danzo shouted agitatedly: "If Uchiha Itsuki had nothing to hide, why did he run away immediately after seeing the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki? Hiruzen, believe me, he must have done something shady. Maybe he has his eyes on the Nine-Tails..."

"Enough!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi, feeling a headache, sighed: "Danzo, a month ago, Itsuki was eating ramen when Naruto walked in."

"At that time, Itsuki was about to finish and leave."

"The two were in Ichiraku Ramen together for just a few dozen breaths before going their separate ways."

"And you told me Uchiha Itsuki was trying to approach Naruto and almost made a move on him. If I hadn't intervened decisively, who knows how it would have turned out."

"And now, he leaves as soon as he sees Naruto, and you say he's feeling guilty."

The rest of his words went unspoken, but his expression was clear: What are you up to?

Danzo roared: "Are you saying I'm wrong?"

"Otherwise?" Hiruzen Sarutobi said helplessly: "Danzo, you're being too sensitive."

"Hmph, all Uchiha are evil, that's what our teacher said!" Danzo said sinisterly: "This Uchiha Itsuki, in particular, is inherently evil. There's a deep, dark power in his eyes, Hiruzen, you'd better remember my words!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression grew serious, and he said in a firm voice: "Danzo, I know you hate Itsuki because of that incident, but I hope you consider the bigger picture. Itsuki is Kagami's descendant, Shisui's brother, an important figure among the moderate Uchiha. He is very important to us."

"No, Hiruzen, you're fundamentally wrong!" Danzo said coldly: "For the Uchiha, we must use lightning-fast methods to completely eradicate them."

"And then?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi said angrily: "Leaving behind a deeply scarred Konoha? Do you think the other villages will just stand by and watch? The war just ended a few days ago. Can Konoha withstand another war? And how will you explain it to the Daimyo?"

"Furthermore, the Uchiha haven't done anything wrong. On what grounds will we act against them? Do you want to destroy Konoha, Danzo?"

The Uchiha are a famous and powerful clan in Konoha.

The strongest ninja clan in Konoha!

Even if many ninja clans don't like them, they can't deny that the Uchiha are one of the representative clans of the ninja world.

If they act against the Uchiha without cause, what will the other clans think?

Because of Tobirama's policy of clan integration into civilian life, the ninja clans of Konoha already harbor a degree of distrust towards the higher-ups.

If you act recklessly now, the other clans will react accordingly!

This is the principle of shared fate!

In the original story, why did Itachi kill his entire clan?

Because he was an Uchiha!

An Uchiha killing Uchiha is internal strife!

What Konoha did was to eliminate traitors, avenging the Uchiha.

Even though everyone knew that one Uchiha Itachi couldn't have wiped out the entire clan on his own, there must have been intervention from the ANBU or the Root. At least on the surface, it was enough.

Moreover, the Uchiha's intent to spark a conflict was not only known by the Hokage faction, but other ninja clans also had some awareness.

No one could tolerate them anymore, which led to the downfall of the Uchiha.

But Danzo coldly said: "It's just short-term pain. Compared to the threat of the Uchiha, this is nothing."

"Enough, you need to rest!" Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze turned cold: "Danzo, I am the Hokage!"

"Hmph! Hiruzen, you will regret this."

Thud, thud, thud!

The sound of a cane striking the ground gradually faded away.

The office fell silent again.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's brows remained furrowed: "It seems something is wrong..."

He carefully recalled his conversation with Danzo.

He couldn't pinpoint the problem.

"Forget it!"

He picked up another file.

Uchiha Itsuki!

It detailed everything about Itsuki.

Expertise in ninjutsu...

Weaknesses...

Personality flaws...

Growth experiences...

Interpersonal relationships...

Including some activities of his that only the Uchiha higher-ups knew.

Hiruzen Sarutobi stared at the file.

During the Third Shinobi War, countless excellent ninjas emerged, among them Yellow Flash Namikaze Minato and Shisui of the Body Flicker stood out the most.

Among them, although Shisui was excellent, he was promoted as a Uchiha ninja by Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others.

The Uchiha clan's performance on the battlefield was too outstanding to suppress.

So, they decided to elevate Shisui, who was close to the Hokage faction, as a hero!

This was also an explanation to the Uchiha clan.

During this process, someone was deliberately or unintentionally overlooked.

Uchiha Itsuki!

Shisui's younger brother!

This was someone who gave Hiruzen Sarutobi a headache in every sense.

His personality was strange, making him hard to read, yet his talent faintly surpassed Shisui's.

During the Third Shinobi War, if he hadn't been deliberately suppressed, he would have already become famous in the ninja world.

At that time, he was only ten years old!

Danzo had said one thing that Hiruzen Sarutobi agreed with.

Uchiha Itsuki was a very dangerous individual.

"Uchiha Shisui... Uchiha Itsuki..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi murmured, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.

"Shisui, are you the jade I'm looking for?"

"If you are... then prove it to me!"

Chapter 4: Shisui's Urgency

"Swoosh!"

"Ding!"

In the training ground of the Uchiha clan in Konoha, two figures crossed paths at lightning speed. As they landed, they simultaneously flung their kunai, which collided with a crisp sound before rebounding towards each other. The figures dashed forward, grabbing the kunai and crossing paths once more.

"Hey! Watch out!"

One of them chuckled softly, his figure fading away. The other, sensing something, swung his kunai behind him.

"Ding!"

Another crisp sound rang out. The vanished figure reappeared, holding a kunai that blocked the opponent's thrust. The sharp kunai was less than twenty centimeters from his body, gleaming coldly.

The two stood still, silently competing in strength.

"You've improved a lot. You can already predict my attack paths," sighed Shisui.

"Hehe, Shisui, your Body Flicker Technique is still so impressive!"

They both withdrew their kunai. Shisui silently observed the young ninja before him, a boy of about twelve or thirteen with black hair and black eyes, and delicate features. Even among the handsome and beautiful Uchiha, he stood out.

This boy was Uchiha Itachi!

Shisui suddenly remembered Itsuki's evaluation: "There are three Uchiha who you wouldn't mistake even if you've never met them. Shisui for his nose, Itachi for his tear troughs, and the one who can scare children with his gaze..."

"Cough, cough!"

Shisui cleared his throat. How could he think that way? It was rude. Had he been influenced too? Get serious!

But that strange, inexplicable sense of recognition was undeniable.

Shisui felt a mix of amusement and helplessness.

"Shisui, what are you thinking about?" Itachi asked curiously, "Something happy?"

Shisui: "…Are you sure?"

Happy? Not likely! Just thinking about Itsuki made his scalp tingle and his body shudder. Linking him to Itachi’s father wasn’t pleasant either. Happy? It was more like a nightmare.

"Huh?"

"Forget it!" Shisui sighed, "I was just thinking about Itsuki."

"Itsuki?" Itachi's eyes lit up, "So, did you persuade him to join us?"

Uchiha Itsuki, a rising star in the Uchiha clan. Itachi had heard his father, the clan head, say that Itsuki was a natural ninja with unparalleled talent who would undoubtedly become a pillar of the Uchiha clan. Such high praise was rare and neither Itachi nor Shisui had received it, despite being highly talented and early awakeners of the three-tomoe Sharingan. Shisui was even renowned throughout the ninja world.

However, within the Uchiha clan, Itsuki was rated higher than Shisui. He was a prodigy who had awakened the three-tomoe Sharingan at just over ten years old. To Itachi, anyone deemed a pillar of the Uchiha clan must also be a pillar of the village with some guidance. Itsuki’s usual demeanor and status gave him confidence in this belief.

Shisui sighed again, "I'm about to go see him. Not long ago, I invited him to join us, and he said he'd consider it."

"It should be fine!" Itachi smiled, "Itsuki is a kind person with great talent and has even been taken as a disciple by the Three Sannin. It's incredible! Being a disciple of those three is unique in Konoha. The Sannin are also the Hokage's disciples, so Itsuki must understand and join us!"

Itachi's words were full of admiration and envy. If he could become a disciple of the Sannin, it would surely bring the village and the clan closer and earn the villagers' acceptance of the Uchiha.

Shisui was stunned. Being a disciple of the Three Sannin was indeed unique, but kind? Itachi, are you serious? You must be joking, right?!

At this moment, Shisui didn’t know how to react. "I'll try my best to persuade him!"

There was a moment of silence. Shisui felt disheartened, and even his hair drooped. Itachi sensed something was off, especially Shisui's exaggerated expression. Was Itsuki a demon king?

"Itachi!" Shisui suddenly said, "What kind of person is Itsuki in your eyes?"

"Itsuki?" Itachi thought for a moment, then shook his head, "I can't see through Itsuki. His ocular power is so profound that I always feel weak and small in front of him. It feels similar to the Hokage, as if he were a towering tree."

"But!"

Itachi continued, "Itsuki often opposes 'those people' in the clan and has fought them several times. I think he is an inheritor of the Will of Fire, naturally on our side, and our ally."

Those people were, of course, the radicals within the Uchiha, the hawks. Shisui understood but was still taken aback. How could it be? The latter part of Itachi’s words was left unaddressed, but the first part raised significant concerns.

Itachi was now a Jonin of the Uchiha with three-tomoe Sharingan, stronger than ordinary Jonin of Konoha, comparable to Shisui. How could he feel weak and small in front of Itsuki?

Shisui suddenly considered a possibility, and his expression grew more serious. The biggest difference between them could only be...

Shisui instinctively covered his eyes. The windmill-shaped pattern in his eyes flashed briefly like four-bladed shuriken.

Mangekyou!

If Itsuki also had the Mangekyou, the situation would be much more complicated. Only those who possessed the Mangekyou understood its terrifying power and unique abilities. For instance, Shisui's Kotoamatsukami, capable of directly hitting the soul, was formidable.

Shisui’s breathing quickened. "Itachi, I need to see Itsuki immediately."

"Shisui..."

Itachi was taken aback. Shisui decisively revealed his Mangekyou, as Itachi already knew about it. He said softly, "From what you just said, I suspect Itsuki also has the Mangekyou."

Itachi’s expression changed, and he said seriously, "That makes sense. That feeling is similar to when you show your Mangekyou, except Itsuki's is more aggressive."

"I need to go now!" Shisui used the Body Flicker Technique and hurried away.

A trace of worry crossed Itachi's brow. Mangekyou! If Itsuki also had the Mangekyou, it would be best to win him over. But if he refused, what would they do? As Itachi said, he couldn’t see through Itsuki or predict his choices.

...

"Tra-la-la-la-la, I'm a little expert at selling newspapers..."

At Itsuki’s home in the Uchiha clan area, cheerful singing constantly rang out, accompanied by the sound of clattering. It sounded like a battle!

If anyone asked, Itsuki would seriously tell them it was rock music—sacred, majestic, and soul-stirring!

The surrounding neighbors either kept their doors tightly shut or looked at Itsuki's house with helpless expressions. Itsuki and Shisui were the grandsons of Uchiha Kagami. Despite Kagami’s non-contentious nature, their house was in the core area of the Uchiha, surrounded by Uchiha Jonin or high-ranking members. However, they had no choice but to endure Itsuki's noisy attacks.

Oppose? Protest? Hehe! Want to know what kind of tormenting little demon Itsuki is? Just look at the ANBU. The famous ANBU almost collapsed because of him. Now, whenever Danzo mentioned Itsuki, his first reaction was to eat him alive. Several times, they almost had a full-blown confrontation.

Amid this noise, Shisui returned.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 5: I'm a Four Tomoe

Hearing the "Oh yeah, oh yeah" singing, Shisui's face twitched slightly. This house, despite having only one person, was always so lively.

"Yo yo check it out, Little Shisui, you're back. Dinner will be ready soon, go wash up and get ready to eat."

Hearing the door open, Itsuki turned his head.

He was clearly in a high mood.

He couldn't stop.

Watching Itsuki, who was twirling a big spoon and constantly spinning and jumping, Shisui's eyelid twitched.

He thought of some rap master, but in front of Itsuki, that master would just be a kid.

Also, what does eating have to do with washing that thing?

Deep breath!

Calm down.

A delicious aroma wafted over.

Shisui's expression changed slightly.

He had to admit, Itsuki's personality was troublesome, but he was an excellent cook.

He was arguably the best chef in Konoha!

The dishes he made were visually stunning, almost like art.

Moreover!

He not only made great dishes but also created visually beautiful and uniquely flavored pastries, which were loved by Konoha's children and women.

His brewed sake, although Shisui hadn't tasted it, had been sought out several times by the Hokage himself, which proved its excellent flavor.

There was even a rumor that Tsunade publicly acknowledged Itsuki as her disciple partly because of the sake.

A perfect and reasonable freeloading from teacher to student!

Actually!

Strictly speaking, Itsuki was the disciple of one of the Sannin, Orochimaru!

Tsunade and Jiraiya only later claimed Itsuki as their student, with the legitimacy of their teaching yet to be confirmed.

During the Third Shinobi War, Orochimaru noticed Itsuki.

Itsuki speculated that it was largely because his presence filled the void left by Nawaki, Tsunade's brother, who bore a few similarities to him.

Except.

Itsuki was an Uchiha, a sensitive identity. At that time, Orochimaru, as a disciple of the Hokage and a hot candidate for the Fourth Hokage, did not dare to accept a student lightly.

Even though Itsuki was a descendant of Uchiha Kagami.

It wasn't until later that Orochimaru publicly accepted Itsuki as his disciple and carefully taught him ninjutsu in a very high-profile manner.

That day, Minato Namikaze was appointed as the Fourth Hokage!

...

"Itsuki, put that down for a moment, I have something to tell you."

Shisui's expression was serious.

"What is it?"

Itsuki, slightly taken aback, put down what he was holding, sat on a chair, and also adopted a serious expression: "Judging by your look, could it be that you..."

"Stop!"

Shisui quickly interrupted, eagerly saying, "Itsuki, don't say anything, just listen to me."

"Sigh!" Itsuki sighed and murmured, "Fine, I know, I know everything. Just say it. Are you constipated and want me to make some laxative food, or is your hemorrhoid acting up, and you want me to..."

"I said, don't say anything, just listen to me!"

Shisui couldn't help but shout.

Constipated?

Hemorrhoid?

Even if I had these problems, how would you know?

It's terrifying to think about!

"You yelled at me?" Itsuki's eyes welled up, looking at Shisui, trembling as he spoke, "We're brothers, real brothers, and you yelled at me over such a small thing? You've changed, Shisui. You've become someone I don't recognize. Go, just go, I don't want to see you."

That last sentence was full of grievance and resentment.

It began!

It's happening again!

The neighbors around heard and shook their heads.

Shisui, Shisui, why did you mess with Itsuki Uchiha?

Shisui felt utterly powerless, collapsing into a chair, his lips moving: "Brother, I was wrong."

This guy started acting up again.

Even though it looked so fake, but...

Precisely because it was fake, it made it even more frustrating.

Do you want the other person to keep pretending?

Do you want it to never end?

If not, just admit your mistake honestly.

Otherwise, he has plenty of tricks to make you bow down!

Itsuki's attitude became somewhat condescending: "Where did you go wrong?"

Shisui choked up: "I am never right. As long as I'm in front of you, I am always wrong."

"My existence is a mistake."

"Your second name is Uchiha Itsuki, my second name is Uchiha Mistake!"

Shisui was curious about how colorful his expression must be right now.

"Sigh!" Itsuki sighed, "Since you realize that, fine, fine, I forgive you."

"Can I...can I speak now?"

Shisui's eyes also welled up.

Itsuki's crying was obviously fake, but...

He really felt like crying.

"You may speak!"

Itsuki adjusted his posture, and his expression also became indifferent.

Hmph, there was no one he couldn't deal with.

Shisui of the Body Flicker?

Already under his control.

No matter how the timeline of the ninja world changed, certain key figures would not change.

And the formidable abilities of these individuals wouldn't change.

Shisui was undoubtedly one of them!

As a younger brother, he had a natural advantage, so how could he not make a move?

Shisui's Mangekyou Sharingan ability: Kotoamatsukami!

Itsuki bet that if Madara knew, he would definitely say: "I, Uchiha Madara, acknowledge you as the strongest..."

Shisui wanted to speak but couldn't help pausing.

Damn it!

The atmosphere was ruined again.

He had been so serious just now!

"I want to ask, is your Sharingan still a three-tomoe?"

Let's get straight to the point.

After all, this is his own younger brother.

Besides.

Shisui really didn't have the patience to go step by step.

Beating around the bush?

Get lost!

Facing Itsuki, being able to say a complete sentence was already quite an achievement.

For playing tricks, Itsuki was definitely at the Hokage level.

Itsuki answered bluntly: "No!"

"Really?"

Although he had already guessed, Shisui was still almost jumping up in surprise.

Was he right?

Itsuki also had a Mangekyou!

Shisui's breathing became rapid.

The Uchiha clan had two Mangekyou holders?

This was definitely enough to shake the entire Konoha, even the ninja world.

The structure within Konoha would also change as a result.

If not handled in time, the flames of war would quickly spread throughout Konoha.

Thinking about the madness of the Uchiha radicals when they learned this news, Shisui's palms were sweaty, and his heart was pounding.

Itsuki replied seriously: "Really, I now have... a four-tomoe!"

"..."

Shisui wore a pained expression: "Itsuki, be serious, please, just this once, just be serious this once."

What the hell is a four-tomoe?

Are you trying to go to heaven?

There has never been a record in Uchiha history of a four-tomoe!

Did your eyes bloom?

"Saying that your question is weird." Itsuki looked bored, pouting: "'Itsuki, is your Sharingan still a three-tomoe?' Come on, if I didn't say it's a four-tomoe, then what should it be? Regressed to a two-tomoe? Or, what do you hope my tomoe count is?"

"Shing!"

Shisui didn't want to waste words, he stared at Itsuki, his eyes bursting with power, and the three tomoe quickly changed, forming a pinwheel shuriken pattern in his eyes.

Mangekyou!

Itsuki was stunned: "Shisui, my dear elder brother, did your eyes bloom?"

"...This is the upgrade of the three-tomoe, Mangekyou!"

Shisui said solemnly: "Mangekyou Sharingan, the ultimate eye of the Uchiha!"

"The upgrade of the Sharingan?"

Itsuki's expression turned complex.

Ultimate?

Get lost!

Illiterate!

Above you, there's the Eternal Mangekyou, and above that, the Rinnegan!

Your ultimate is the Mangekyou?

Did you eat the rest of the plot?

Oh, you died before reaching that point, then never mind.

The world developed, but you died early.

But.

Thinking about the terror of Kotoamatsukami, Itsuki couldn't help but feel weak.

Even knowing he wouldn't use it on him.

Shisui said seriously: "Itsuki, now, do you still think I'm joking?"

Itsuki thought for a moment and nodded: "Yes."

"Why?"

Shisui couldn't help but say: "Seeing is believing, haven't you seen my eyes?"

Itsuki sighed helplessly, and his eyes showed three tomoe, then slowly started changing.

Finally...

Four tomoe appeared!

True Four Tomoe!

Shisui: "..."

Itsuki said faintly: "Don't look like your jaw dropped. I already said, I'm a four-tomoe. You always think I'm lying. Sigh!"

"Where is the trust between people?"

"Is it clogged in your intestines because of constipation?"

"People's hearts are not what they used to be!"

Shisui: "..."

He stared straight at Itsuki.

He broke down!

He was ruined!

This...is really a four-tomoe?

Shisui wanted to pull his hair

 out.

Between the three-tomoe and Mangekyou, there was such a thing?

Where did it come from?

No, wait!

Shisui suddenly realized.

He was led astray by Itsuki.

What four-tomoe?

This is just Mangekyou!

Ordinary three-tomoe meant three tomoe in the eye.

Itsuki's, upon closer inspection, looked like an ouroboros, linking four tomoe together.

It looked simple at a glance, but upon closer inspection, it had a certain eerie depth.

This should be a form of the Mangekyou!

"Mangekyou!"

"This is the Mangekyou!"

"Itsuki, this is your Mangekyou!"

Shisui couldn't help but shout.

(End of this chapter)