-----------
This high quality machine translation is powered by: https:// geriatrictranslations.com/
Special Permission was given to upload the novel on WebNovel.
Geriatric Translations can be supported on patreon (https://www. patreon.com/geriatricvibes) where additional chapters can be enjoyed.
You can also join the Geriatric Translations Community on Discord to connect with other readers: https:// discord.gg/NSWvfN7vua
-----------
With a swish, the wooden sliding door opened, and Uchiha Itachi, only six years old, respectfully stepped into the living room. Despite his tender age, he already exuded a sense of composure.
The moment Itachi entered the room, Uchiha Fugaku's smile grew more authoritative. He first glanced at his son, then pointed at Uchiha Yoru and said solemnly, "Itachi, from today, you will be apprenticed to Lord Yoru."
At that moment, Itachi showed a hint of surprise. However, Yoru's face broke into a smile, and he inwardly rejoiced, thinking that this would finally give him the upper hand.
"Teacher Yoru." Indeed, Itachi was still a well-behaved child, and he obediently bowed deeply to Yoru, following his father's instructions.
Seeing this, Fugaku smiled, "Hehe, Itachi, in a way, Lord Yoru is also your uncle, as he is a cousin to your father. So, you won't be at a disadvantage by apprenticing under him."
Yoru inwardly smiled at Fugaku's words. Indeed, those who played politics had to be ruthless. Now, he was even considered a relative, which made his position even more comfortable.
"Clan Head, you are too kind. I will do my utmost to teach Itachi. By the way, I will find the right time to discuss this with Teacher Orochimaru. Perhaps Itachi would be a good fit for the Ryūchi Cave summoning beasts."
As Yoru said this, Fugaku's face broke into a hearty smile. Young Itachi was even more astonished by his father's unusual demeanor, which was so different from his usual sternness.
Itachi was indeed mature for his age, but he was still a political novice, which was why he ended up being a double agent in the original story.
Fugaku's delighted smile indicated that he was confident his successor was secure. If his son could sign a contract with the Ryūchi Cave summoning beasts, he would be part of the Hokage's lineage. Fugaku was in his prime, and once his son grew up, he would be ready to take over as Clan Head, while Yoru could become an elder in the clan.
Being a disciple of Orochimaru was not enough, but being a disciple of the Fifth Hokage was a different story. Fugaku's smile was all about this. Orochimaru was destined to become the Fifth Hokage, and giving Yoru a position as an elder was a political investment.
Regarding the village's recent pressure on Orochimaru, Yoru was well aware but found it somewhat laughable. So what if Orochimaru was given the credit for front-line victories? The Sannin's reputation and power were not so easily diminished.
Seeing the Clan Head's smile, Yoru also smiled and nodded, "If there's nothing else, Clan Head, I will go and familiarize myself with Itachi."
Fugaku smiled and nodded, "Yoru, we are family. In private, you can call me Big Brother."
Though the words were casual, Yoru understood the underlying meaning. He nodded with a feigned grateful smile, "Clan Head, I will teach Itachi well, but recently, Teacher Orochimaru's research has been intense. I fear I might not be able to give Itachi the attention he needs. What do you think about having Shisui help teach him? After all, we shouldn't waste his talent."
Fugaku nodded approvingly, "Good, I'll leave Itachi in your hands, Lord Yoru."
Uchiha Shisui was one of the most talented in the clan, rivaling even the prodigy Kakashi Hatake. Now that Shisui had awakened his Mangekyou Sharingan, he had surpassed Kakashi in Fugaku's eyes.
This was the difference between a bloodline ninja and an ordinary ninja.
Kakashi Hatake was the epitome of a genius in this era, graduating at five, becoming a chunin at six, and a jounin at twelve. However, his ordinary lineage and the burden of a single Sharingan eye had limited his growth.
In the spacious courtyard, there was a small artificial lake. Yoru, Shisui, and six-year-old Itachi were seated by its side.
"Shisui, the task of teaching Itachi is now in your hands."
Yoru feigned a look of apology, and Shisui smiled freely, "Big Brother Yoru, don't worry. I will teach Itachi well."
In Shisui's mind, teaching Itachi was not the priority. The most important thing for the Uchiha clan was to strengthen their ties with Orochimaru.
Though Itachi was mature for his age, he was still somewhat confused by the conversation. However, his intelligence had already taught him to remember everything and ponder it later.
"By the way, Itachi, what have you been learning at school recently?"
Having become familiar with Itachi, Shisui smiled casually, as if asking a child. Itachi, being more serious, respectfully began to recount his school lessons.
"... Besides traps, disguise techniques, and the three basic jutsu, the teacher often talks about the Will of Fire, especially praising the Third Hokage as the strongest Hokage in history."
Seeing Itachi report earnestly, especially when he mentioned the Third Hokage as the strongest Hokage, Shisui's face showed a strange expression.
Yoru, however, smiled and nodded, "It's not entirely wrong. After all, the Third Hokage has been the longest-serving Hokage in Konoha's history, which could be considered a sign of his strength."
Itachi, who had clearly experienced something during his recent mission, looked at them with confusion, "Teacher Yoru, Big Brother Shisui, can you explain what the Will of Fire is?"
Shisui was taken aback by the question. The Will of Fire? But seeing Itachi's puzzled eyes, he was about to speak when Yoru suddenly laughed.
Under their suspicious gazes, Yoru smiled and shook his head, "Itachi, remember to ask who said something before you ask about it."
Shisui was also confused. Who had introduced the Will of Fire?
Yoru inwardly sneered. It seemed the Ninja Academy was already eager to brainwash the students, making them forget the heroes of the battlefield and idealize Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage.
If not for his knowledge of the future, he would have been able to deduce this situation from the present and the future. He couldn't help but admire the political players who had already started their long-term plans.
From the beginning, Orochimaru was destined to fail. The first condition to become Hokage was not to challenge authority without overwhelming power but to integrate and let authority push you to the top.
Clearly, Orochimaru's political skills were good, but he had taken a wrong turn. It was understandable, given Orochimaru's pride, which wouldn't allow anyone else's will to control him.
Thank you to 'Reader Kaigel' for the 100 starting coins support, and thank you to all the readers for their support.
(End of Chapter)