When they heard Izumi's words, both Itachi and Shisui were visibly surprised. Even at four years old, neither of them had learned the Great Fireball Technique—not because they couldn't, but because they hadn't been exposed to it at that age. Still, this only underscored just how exceptional Izumi's talent really was.
"You actually mastered it?" Shisui asked, still a little skeptical. After all, he'd only taught Izumi the technique three days ago. Learning a C-rank jutsu in such a short time—especially at this age—was monstrously rare. And if Shisui knew that Izumi had actually learned it in a single day, who knew what he'd think?
"Of course I did."
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"
As he spoke, Izumi formed the seals and unleashed a Great Fireball right in front of Itachi and Shisui.
Shisui and Itachi exchanged glances, each seeing the same shock mirrored in the other's eyes. The fireball wasn't perfect, but it was undeniably a successful execution. Shisui, a man who valued talent, felt nothing but genuine delight at Izumi's achievement.
"Izumi, have you ever thought about entering the Ninja Academy early?" Shisui asked. He had already acknowledged Izumi's potential and didn't want to see it wasted.
"No. I'd rather keep training with you and Itachi-nii. I remember Itachi-nii's little brother is my age—I want to start school with him. When the time comes, I'll protect him."
No way was he going to enroll early. That would be like putting himself directly under the watchful eyes of Danzō and the Third Hokage. The Third might be tolerable, but if Danzō took an interest in him, there'd be no good outcome. Even someone as strong as Shisui hadn't fared well under Danzō's machinations.
Shisui nodded. Since this wasn't wartime, even early admission wouldn't mean early graduation. Besides, he knew the Academy's curriculum couldn't keep up with a "monster" like Izumi. With the Great Fireball already mastered, there was probably no student there who could match him.
"All right then. Train with us. I saw you practicing shuriken earlier—today, give me everything you've got. I want to see your true strength."
Izumi's eyes lit up. To spar with the famous "Body Flicker Shisui" was an honor in itself. But his excitement was cut short by the cold, mechanical voice of the system.
Ding!
Side Mission — Challenge Uchiha Shisui. Endure for fifteen minutes against him and successfully land a hit.
Failure Penalty: Lose three main mission rewards.
Success Reward: +30 Uchiha Itachi Affection (Current: 20/100).
"System, are you kidding me? That's Shisui we're talking about! Even if he's not at his peak, there's no way I can beat him. Fifteen minutes I can maybe manage, but land a hit? Itachi's already awakened his Sharingan, and Shisui's at least at the two-tomoe stage by now!"
"Correction," the system said blandly, "Uchiha Shisui currently has a three-tomoe Sharingan. And one more thing—if you insult me again, I'll increase the mission difficulty. Perhaps to defeat Uchiha Shisui… or kill Uchiha Shisui."
Faced with that threat, Izumi could only shut his mouth. Land a hit on Shisui? Forget it. Kill him? What, with a glare? Well… maybe that could work.