Uchiha Itachi couldn't quite put his finger on it, but Sasuke had been acting differently lately. During meals, he used to be eager, even cheerful when picking food for him. But recently, that enthusiasm had faded.
Still, Itachi didn't dwell on it too much. After all, Sasuke had become noticeably more diligent in his training.
Looking at Sasuke's still slightly baby-faced features, a warmth spread through Itachi's chest. No matter what happened, he would always protect his little brother.
"Sasuke, you haven't had much of an appetite lately, have you?" Uchiha Mikoto asked with a gentle smile.
Her long black hair flowed down her back, with two neat bangs framing her kind face. Sasuke had clearly inherited much of her appearance. She wore a simple grey top, covered by a homemaker's apron. Seated beside her was a man of few words — Uchiha Fugaku. With his Jonin vest and ever-stern expression, he rarely showed emotion.
"I'm fine, Mom. I just don't want to eat too much," Sasuke replied, avoiding eye contact.
He couldn't exactly tell them the truth — that he'd already eaten at Naruto's house.
He had initially planned to restrain himself, but the food Naruto made was simply too delicious. Sasuke had eaten more than he meant to, and by the time he got home, he could barely touch another bite.
Mikoto lovingly ruffled Sasuke's hair, her eyes soft and full of affection. It was clear how much she cherished this child who looked so much like her.
"Sasuke," Fugaku finally spoke, his tone steady and commanding, "as a son of the Uchiha Clan, how have your recent performances been at the Academy?"
Sasuke straightened slightly. "Becoming this year's top student shouldn't be a problem."
He said "shouldn't" because he factored in one person—Naruto. Sasuke suspected Naruto would keep his true strength hidden, which meant Sasuke's rise to the top would be unchallenged.
Every year, the Academy held final exams to determine the top student of each grade. And realistically, Sasuke didn't see anyone besides himself or Naruto vying for the spot. But he knew Naruto — he wouldn't show his full hand just yet.
"Hmph. Very good. Keep it up."
For a brief moment, a rare flicker of approval crossed Fugaku's face. Though his expression remained stern, there was no hiding the glint of satisfaction in his eyes. He was a strict father, never expecting Sasuke to reach the heights of Itachi, but that didn't mean he wasn't proud. Part of it was Sasuke's resemblance to Mikoto—but it was also more than that.
"You. Come with me. I'll teach you a jutsu today."
Fugaku set down his chopsticks and rose. Without another word, he walked outside. Mikoto quietly began clearing the table.
Sasuke's heart leapt. He followed his father with eagerness practically radiating off him. If I can learn a proper jutsu… maybe I can finally surpass Naruto!
In the shinobi world, Ninjutsu meant power.
"The technique I'm about to teach you," Fugaku began, "is called the Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu. It's a signature jutsu of the Uchiha Clan."
Without further explanation, Fugaku rapidly weaved hand signs. Then, he brought his fingers to his lips and exhaled — a massive fireball burst forth from his mouth, roaring across the training field.
Sasuke was stunned. That kind of power… surely, this would let him overtake Naruto!
Fugaku turned back toward him. "Your brother mastered this jutsu in a single attempt. Now, it's your turn."
Fortunately for Sasuke, he'd been secretly practicing hand seals with Naruto for some time now. Their Taijutsu sparring sessions often doubled as unintentional chakra control training. As a result, Sasuke had made solid progress in both areas.
In the original timeline, the Great Fireball Technique Sasuke performed was barely larger than a basketball — a modest effort at best.
But now? As Sasuke finished forming the seals and inhaled deeply, he unleashed a fireball roughly the size of a large water barrel — far larger than before, and far more impressive for someone his age.
After unleashing the jutsu, Sasuke looked up at Fugaku with anticipation in his eyes.
Unlike in the original story, Fugaku didn't maintain a cold expression. He gave a slight nod and said, "Hmph. For your first attempt, this is already quite good. But don't grow complacent. When your brother first learned this technique, his fireball spanned several meters."
Sasuke's face showed a flicker of disappointment. Still, upon hearing of his brother's achievement, he couldn't help but murmur with admiration, "Big Brother is incredible…"
"Keep training."
With that, Fugaku turned and left.
His aloofness wasn't personal — it was born from the growing tension between the Uchiha Clan and the village leadership. As his son, Sasuke was expected to carry the clan's honor and responsibility. That was why, in the original timeline, Fugaku had been so dissatisfied with Sasuke's lack of progress.
Back outside, Sasuke resumed his Great Fireball practice.
Meanwhile, Fugaku made his way back to the house and stopped at the entrance. He looked toward the quiet figure observing from a distance.
"Itachi. Come to my room."
Inside, both father and son knelt across from each other. The room was quiet.
Itachi reached forward, picked up the teapot from the low table, and carefully poured a cup of tea, setting it before his father.
Fugaku remained silent until Itachi finished the task. Then, lifting the cup to his lips, he took a sip, his gaze distant.
"The tension between the clan and the village has grown worse," Fugaku finally said.
"You're the second Uchiha ever to be inducted into the Anbu. I hear the previous Anbu squad captain has stepped down."
He didn't continue. Instead, he fixed his eyes on Itachi, his meaning clear.
Itachi's heart skipped a beat. It was a warning — subtle, but unmistakable. Somehow, Fugaku had learned of his new position in the Anbu, likely even his promotion to squad captain — a decision Itachi hadn't disclosed to the clan.
"Father," Itachi said slowly, seriously, "the conflict between our Uchiha Clan and the village is reaching a boiling point. If we come to blows, Konoha will be left weakened. And if that happens, it could ignite another Great Ninja War across the continent. Please… give me more time. I will find a way to ensure peace between the Uchiha and Konoha."
Fugaku remained silent for a moment, then replied in a low, steely voice, "Itachi… the Elders are putting me under immense pressure. We no longer have the luxury of time. If it comes down to it—if the village forces our hand—I may have no choice but to act."
Itachi's breath caught.
"Father… I will find a way," he said firmly, lowering himself into a deep bow. "Please, believe in me."
Fugaku looked at his son for a long moment, then exhaled and waved a hand.
"Go. I need time to think."
As Itachi left, Fugaku sat quietly, eyes closed. He was not blind to his son's heart. Itachi had stopped attending clan meetings. His loyalty was shifting — or perhaps, he was caught between two duties.
Did I make a mistake pushing Itachi into the Anbu? Fugaku wondered. He's not even twelve… and yet…
Despite his age, Itachi had already awakened the fully matured Three-Tomoe Sharingan. Among the Uchiha, he stood at the pinnacle — a Jonin-level prodigy who surpassed even the older elite.
And he wasn't alone. Shisui, another Uchiha genius, had also been drawing closer to the village leadership. Fugaku had noticed it — the subtle signs of their shifting allegiance.
Meanwhile, the hawkish faction within the clan was preparing for war — ready to seize power through force. They believed that only rebellion could restore the clan's lost prestige.
But Fugaku knew better.
A war with Konoha would not be a simple internal struggle. Even if the Uchiha emerged victorious, could they withstand the retaliation of the other great ninja nations?
No… Fugaku thought bitterly. The Third Hokage has all but rendered me powerless. The elders treat me as a figurehead. And yet… I still hoped to use Itachi and Shisui's influence within the Anbu to mend the rift between us and the village.
What he didn't realize was that this strategy would backfire.
He would lose both the battle — and the war.
...
TN:
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