After weeks of experiments with clones, natural energy absorption, and chakra synchronization, Itachi decided to test his method under real conditions together with Fugaku and Shisui. They chose the dense jungle near the village, where they could train without interruptions and measure the effectiveness of Sage Mode in a complex natural environment.
The procedure was meticulous:
Breathing through the pores and absorbing natural energy, synchronized with the chakra core.Mental simplification to eliminate conscious interferences.Strategic clones as support to balance energy flows and maintain absorption without risk.
When all of them managed to enter the state, the transformation was immediate. The perception of Itachi, Fugaku, and Shisui expanded drastically:
They could feel the vital energy of all the surrounding flora and fauna.They could perceive the intentions and emotions of people, distinguishing between benevolent or malicious intent.Their senses extended beyond the physical, allowing them to see and perceive from afar, almost as if the jungle and the environment had become an extension of their own bodies.Patterns of energy, flows of chakra, and even small disturbances in the earth or air were clearly visible, as if every element of the environment contained coded information.
In the heart of the jungle, Itachi was fully immersed in Sage Mode, accompanied by Fugaku and Shisui. The difference was abysmal: the strength and the amount of chakra had multiplied, and each jutsu could be released with an intensity ten times greater than usual. A simple Rasengan could grow and manifest beyond the size of a fist, with a destructive and energetic power unimaginable for a four-year-old child.
Itachi focused on a new experiment: releasing a large electromagnetic pulse in the middle of the jungle to see if he could increase his capacity for metal detection by using natural energy as an amplifier. He drew the seals on the ground and, through the flow of chakra and ambient energy, activated a far-reaching pulse.
Immediately, metals present more than 200 meters underground reacted, revealing veins, stones, and metallic remains hidden beneath the earth. The shadow clones helped measure the fluctuations of the field, showing how natural energy amplified the electromagnetic response.
But he was not alone. A faint disturbance in the air and a vibration in the electrical flow alerted him: someone was approaching, and it was not an ordinary enemy. Itachi perceived a distinctive chakra, young yet refined, with an affinity for electricity.
"Someone is coming…" he murmured, adjusting his clones to cover the position. "Not just any enemy…"
From the thickness of the jungle appeared Kakashi, recently promoted to jonin at barely twelve years old, attracted by the disturbance of the electromagnetic pulse thanks to his innate affinity with electricity. His gaze evaluated Itachi and the clones, immediately perceiving the level of control and power the young Uchiha was displaying.
"Well, well…" said Kakashi, with a slight tone of amazement. "I did not expect to find someone conducting such an experiment in the middle of the jungle…"
"Kakashi, a pleasure to meet you," Fugaku intervened, his voice firm but calm. "I have heard some interesting things about you. This is Itachi, my son, and Shisui, a branch of the clan. I ask that you pay no attention to this little exercise."
Kakashi nodded carefully, understanding it was not the moment to interrupt. The patriarch of the Uchiha radiated an aura of authority and power that made it clear that he and his son were on another level.
Before he could leave, Itachi raised a hand and stopped him with a few measured words:
"I see you have an affinity for electricity," he said serenely. "If someday you want to explore jutsus with other applications of lightning, come see me at the clan."
Kakashi stared at him for a moment, feeling slightly offended by the audacity of the child before him, but he did not want to disrespect the father. He nodded respectfully and disappeared among the trees, leaving behind a faint electric buzz still resonating in the air.
Itachi turned his gaze to Fugaku and Shisui, thoughtful.
"Father," he said in a low voice, "I think we owe Kakashi an explanation about the rumors of his father. Perhaps we could invite him home, offer him some sweets, or something that sparks his curiosity and allows us to gain his trust."
Fugaku nodded, understanding the strategy: approaching someone like Kakashi could be more valuable than any jutsu or demonstration of power.
"You are right, Itachi," said Fugaku. "A friendly relationship with him could open many doors, and allow us to observe his abilities closely. We will prepare something discreet and appealing, and see if we can bring him to our side, without compromising his loyalty to the village."
Shisui smiled faintly, understanding that the work of the clan was not only strength and jutsus, but also strategy and persuasion, and that a three-year-old like Itachi was already beginning to grasp it.
The forest returned to calm, but the tension of curiosity and strategy lingered in the air. The interaction with Kakashi, though brief, had refreshed memories of the previous life where he had watched a popular anime called Naruto.
The next day, in the village, Kakashi discreetly received a letter, carefully folded and with no visible sender. The seal was simple, but it carried a formal and enigmatic air, enough to stir the curiosity of any young ninja.
The message read:
"If you wish to know the truth about the rumors circulating regarding your father, come to the training grounds south of the village at midday. There will be no distractions and you will obtain the information directly."
Kakashi frowned, surprised. The letter gave no details of who sent it, but there was something in the style and precision that made him think it came from someone with resources and knowledge about him and his family.
"Hmm… this smells like a trap… or something interesting," he murmured to himself. "But if what it says is true… it could be important."
Inside him, a mix of curiosity and caution pushed him to attend. He knew the rumors about his father, Hatake Sakumo, had always been confusing and contradictory, and that any clue could clarify the truth.
Meanwhile, in the Uchiha residence, Itachi, Fugaku, and Shisui observed from afar, ensuring that the letter reached the right hands and that the young jonin responded to the provocation. Itachi smiled faintly:
"We will see how he reacts. His affinity for electricity and his natural curiosity will make this work…"
Fugaku nodded, recognizing that the tactic did not only seek information, but also to evaluate Kakashi's character and astuteness, while preparing the ground for a more direct and controlled encounter.
The strategy was in motion: a simple piece of paper, but with the precision of a meticulous plan, and the jungle of the village and the training field would become the next stage where the young geniuses would measure skills, intellect, and loyalty.
Midday arrived, and Kakashi, carefully vigilant, headed to the training grounds south of the village, following the indications of the mysterious letter. His steps were measured, his senses attentive to any sign of danger. He knew that such messages were rarely innocent, and his curiosity about the rumors of his father kept him alert.
Upon arrival, the field seemed empty and calm, with only a light breeze moving the leaves of the trees. But Itachi, Fugaku, and Shisui were already there, hidden behind trees and rocks, observing Kakashi's every move.
"There he is," Shisui whispered. "His chakra shows concentration, caution… and curiosity."
Itachi nodded, focusing on analyzing Kakashi's electrical affinity and how his body movements and chakra flows could reveal his level of control and reaction. His shadow clones remained strategically scattered to cover all angles and ensure that the information Kakashi perceived was exactly what they wanted him to see.
Kakashi began to walk slowly around the field, his eyes evaluating every corner, and his senses capturing the chakra flows of the environment, though still without clearly perceiving the Uchiha. The silence was part of the game; every tree and stone was a test of patience and attention.
Suddenly, a slight disturbance in the air caught Kakashi's attention: a minimal pulse, almost imperceptible, that made him stop.
"Hmm… it seems someone else is here," he murmured to himself, adjusting his chakra perception.
Itachi then decided to intervene subtly, allowing a small pulse of natural energy to be detected by Kakashi, without revealing his exact position. It was a first test: would Kakashi move with caution, search and analyze, or rush forward?
Kakashi took a deep breath and advanced with caution, evaluating the terrain and the possible source of chakra. Every step, every glance, every posture adjustment was carefully observed by the Uchiha, who recorded his thought patterns, reaction speed, and creativity.
Fugaku, from his position, murmured:
"This will give us valuable information. We can measure not only his strength, but also his capacity for observation, patience, and strategic judgment."
Itachi, with an almost imperceptible smile, added:
"And at the same time, we will see how much his natural curiosity drives him to discover the truth by himself… that will tell us much about his character."
The scene tensed, with Kakashi getting closer and closer to the center of the training field, unaware that every movement of his was being carefully recorded by the young and experienced Uchiha, while they prepared the ground for a more direct and controlled interaction that would test not only his skills but also his strategic mind.
"Hello, Kakashi," Itachi said with a firm yet calm voice. "There is no need to hide anymore. We want to talk to you."
We want to talk to you about the rumors of your father, and above all, about an enemy we have in common.
Kakashi frowned, intrigued and cautious.
"An enemy in common?" he repeated. "What do you mean?"
Fugaku stepped forward, with the calm that characterized him.
"We know that Danzō and his Root are involved in movements that have harmed many, including your family," he said gravely. "We are not here to attack you or to test you, but so that you understand that the rumors about your father have a basis, and that the information spread does not always reflect the whole truth."
Itachi continued, his gaze serious but firm:
"We want you to know that, although we are young, our clan is taking measures. We do not want you to trust blindly in rumors, but neither to ignore the facts. If we work together, we could gain an advantage over Danzō and his Root division."
Kakashi listened attentively, absorbing every word. The calm and confidence they transmitted not only made him understand the seriousness of the situation, but also that they shared a common enemy that required prudence and strategy.
"So then…" said Kakashi, with a hint of respect. "You are offering… a temporary alliance?"
"Yes, you could say that. We only want you to know the truth because we believe Danzō must pay. While we believe we have the strength and resources to overcome him, including you in our plans would not be a bad thing."
Kakashi nodded, understanding that this meeting was more valuable than any battle. The stage was set, and what seemed like a simple encounter of curiosity was turning into an alliance based on truth and the need to face a common enemy together.