"I'll look into the clan's records about the Sharingan issue to see if there's a solution," Uchiha Fugaku said, frowning.
Compared to Yusuke, Fugaku seemed more concerned about Yusuke's inability to awaken his Sharingan.
To Fugaku, without the Sharingan, Yusuke's future potential would be limited.
Fugaku harbored no jealousy. With the clan in peril, his focus was on strengthening its members.
"Thank you. I'll start training Itachi in the next two days to build his foundation. Three days from now, I'll leave for a mission that might take a while," Yusuke said.
"The mission in three days? Are you going with Danzo to negotiate with the Rain Village?" Fugaku's frown deepened, his brows nearly forming a "川" shape.
Yusuke nodded. "Yes, that's the one. I'm representing the Third Hokage to oversee Danzo's negotiations."
Fugaku's expression grew grave. "Be careful. Danzo is ruthless and deeply prejudiced against our clan. He might try to eliminate you."
"Why would the Third send you? Is he also trying to suppress you and our clan?" Fugaku muttered, his mood, briefly lifted after their talk, sinking again.
Seeing Fugaku's exhaustive concern for the clan, Yusuke sighed inwardly. Not wanting to disturb him further, he stood. "I've taken up much of your time today, Clan Leader. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."
Fugaku snapped out of his thoughts and nodded. "Alright. Prepare well these next few days. Don't let Danzo outmaneuver you."
Yusuke agreed, gave a few words to his new disciple Itachi, and left Fugaku's residence.
The next morning, Yusuke brought Kabuto and Izumi to a training ground within the Uchiha compound.
Yusuke had requested this space from Fugaku, designating it for training his disciples. Kabuto and Izumi were included thanks to Itachi.
Though Izumi wasn't formally his disciple, Yusuke figured she was old enough to train. Teaching two or three was the same, so he brought her along.
"Itachi, you're here early?" Yusuke smiled, seeing Itachi already practicing basic exercises.
"I don't like keeping people waiting. I just arrived a bit early, not by much," Itachi said respectfully.
Yusuke patted the overly formal Itachi's head, chuckling. "You're too stiff, kid."
"Itachi-kun, it's you!" Izumi exclaimed joyfully. She wore a purple short outfit, her long hair tied in a ponytail with a red ribbon.
"You are?" Itachi asked, puzzled. The cute girl seemed familiar, but he couldn't place her.
Izumi's excited face fell. "I'm Uchiha Izumi, your classmate! Don't you remember me?"
Itachi apologized earnestly. "I'm sorry, that was rude of me."
Seeing his sincerity, Izumi flustered, waving her hands. "No need to apologize! We'll train together now, so we're friends!" Her cheeks reddened slightly.
Noticing the usually confident Izumi's shy behavior, Yusuke raised an eyebrow, concerned. Something's off. Does she like Itachi? That's not good.
Yusuke couldn't deny Itachi's appeal—handsome, talented, and the clan leader's son, a magnet for girls.
But he didn't want his sister involved with Itachi, knowing Itachi's heart belonged to his brother, not romance.
"I'll need to keep an eye out to ensure Izumi isn't swayed by Itachi's charm," Yusuke thought warily.
After Itachi and Kabuto introduced themselves, Yusuke began their training.
For beginner ninjas, flashy jutsu weren't the priority—fundamentals were.
Yusuke explained his refined methods for improving chakra control and taijutsu. The bright children quickly grasped the techniques and started practicing.
Over two days, Yusuke observed their progress, which matched his expectations.
Itachi's talent shone brightest, excelling in both chakra control and taijutsu.
Kabuto lagged behind in physical skills but matched Itachi in chakra control.
Izumi, compared to the two, was noticeably weaker but still above average.
On the second evening, Yusuke gathered the sweaty children.
"You've all done well. I've watched your training, and I'm very pleased," Yusuke said, smiling.
"Kabuto, your chakra control is exceptional. I'll focus on ninjutsu development for you. But don't neglect taijutsu—no elite ninja is weak in it."
Yusuke secretly hoped to mold Kabuto into a ninja scientist surpassing Orochimaru.
"Itachi, your all-around talent is outstanding. I'll hold you to higher standards in every area."
Yusuke knew Itachi, a near-perfect ninja, had one flaw: low chakra reserves. As his teacher, he'd need to address it.
"What about me?" Izumi asked eagerly, seeing Yusuke skip her.
"For you, I'll focus on defensive, healing, and escape jutsu so I don't worry," Yusuke said, patting her head with a smile.
Izumi pouted. "What? Am I that weak?"
"Don't worry, Sensei. I'll protect Izumi," Kabuto said seriously, adjusting his glasses.
"I'll do my best to protect her too," Itachi added solemnly.
After two days of training, the three had bonded closely, forming a tight-knit group.
Kabuto, two years older, acted like a big brother, always considerate.
Itachi, though younger, was mentally mature, subtly looking out for both.
Izumi, less mature, was kind and cheerful, making her easy to get along with.
"Training a new Sannin team could be quite rewarding," Yusuke mused, watching the trio under the sunset.
Though Izumi's talent paled compared to Itachi and Kabuto, it was decent. With their protection, she could coast a bit.
After training, Itachi returned home, where Fugaku and Mikoto awaited him for dinner.
"Itachi, you must be tired from training. Come eat," Mikoto said, smiling, her belly growing larger as her due date neared.
"How's training going? Yusuke became a Jonin so young not just from talent but from effective methods. Learn diligently," Fugaku said, pouring himself sake.
"You're right, Father. Sensei's methods are very efficient. In just two days, I've improved significantly," Itachi said seriously, sitting cross-legged.
"I'm curious about Itachi's teacher. Only fourteen or fifteen—what's he like?" Mikoto asked.
"He's awkward," Fugaku said.
"He's two-faced," Itachi said simultaneously.
Mikoto laughed, covering her mouth. "What do you mean? I don't get it."
Fugaku poured another cup, downing it. "The kid clearly cares about the clan but acts aloof and arrogant. Isn't that awkward?"
Fugaku, in a good mood and slightly tipsy, was less stern than usual.
Seeing his mother's curious gaze, Itachi said calmly, "Sensei seems cold, but I can tell he's warm-hearted."
He'd meant to say "cool on the outside, warm inside" but, in a rare playful mood, chose a cheeky phrase.
Meanwhile, Yusuke, labeled "awkward" and "two-faced," was rummaging through his home.
After much searching, he pulled a dusty, heavy scroll from a cabinet and handed it to Kabuto.
Kabuto took it reverently, reading the title softly: "Ninjutsu Mastery in 21 Days?"
"Exactly. It's my carefully crafted beginner's guide. While I'm gone, practice chakra control and taijutsu, and study this. I'll test you when I return," Yusuke said.
Kabuto nodded earnestly. "I won't let you down, Sensei!"
As Kabuto left with the scroll, Yusuke gazed at the moonlit night, a restless feeling stirring within.
He had a premonition that this mission to the Rain Village would bring significant events.
The next morning, Yusuke arrived punctually at the village gate to join Danzo's delegation to the Rain Village. Except for Danzo, the team was already assembled.
Yusuke didn't wait long before Danzo appeared with two trusted aides.
Danzo wore a black-and-white kimono, his right eye and chest wrapped in bandages, an "X" scar on his chin.
His cold gaze swept over the ninjas, most of whom lowered their heads, avoiding eye contact.
When Danzo's eyes met Yusuke's, Yusuke sensed a faint killing intent and looked back, their gazes clashing.
Seeing Yusuke's calm expression, Danzo looked away, turned toward the Rain Village, and commanded, "Move out!"
(End of Chapter)
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Do You Know:
Chakra control is vital for ninjutsu, enhancing precision and efficiency.