Hearing Izumi's words, both Itachi and Shisui were taken aback. Even at their age of four, neither of them had mastered the Great Fireball Technique. True, they hadn't been introduced to it back then, but it still spoke volumes about Izumi's extraordinary talent.
"Izumi, you really mastered it already?" Shisui asked, doubtful. After all, he had only taught Izumi the technique three days ago. To master a C-rank jutsu in just three days—and at such a young age—was monstrously impressive. If only Shisui knew the truth: Izumi had learned it in a single day.
"Of course," Izumi said confidently.
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!"
Before their very eyes, Izumi unleashed the technique. The blazing fireball roared forth—not perfect, but undeniably successful.
Shisui and Itachi exchanged looks, surprise clear in both their expressions. Though incomplete, it was still a genuine release of the jutsu. Shisui, a man who admired talent deeply, had taught Izumi this technique out of curiosity. Now, seeing the boy succeed filled him not just with shock, but with genuine pride.
"Izumi, have you considered enrolling early at the Academy?" Shisui asked. He already acknowledged Izumi's genius, and he didn't want that gift to be wasted.
"No," Izumi shook his head firmly. "I'd rather keep learning from you and Itachi-nii. Besides, I remember that Itachi's little brother is the same age as me. I want to start school with him—and when we do, I'll make sure to protect him."
That was no joke. Enrolling early would only paint a target on his back—exposing him to both Danzo and the Third Hokage. Hiruzen might be tolerable, but if Danzo's gaze ever fixed on him, his fate would be miserable. Even Shisui himself, famed as Body Flicker Shisui, hadn't escaped unscathed from Danzo's machinations.
Shisui nodded thoughtfully. The village wasn't at war; even if Izumi enrolled early, he wouldn't be forced to graduate ahead of schedule. And truthfully, the Academy's curriculum couldn't possibly keep up with a prodigy like him. After all, if Izumi already knew the Great Fireball Jutsu, no ordinary Academy student could hope to match him.
"Very well," Shisui said at last. "Then you'll train with us. Earlier, I noticed you practicing your shurikenjutsu. For today, I want you to attack me with everything you've got. Let me see your real strength."
Izumi's eyes lit up with excitement. To spar against Body Flicker Shisui was an honor in itself. But just as adrenaline surged through him, the cold, mechanical voice of the system rang in his mind.
Ding! Side Quest issued: Challenge Uchiha Shisui. Conditions: withstand fifteen minutes against Uchiha Shisui and successfully land one hit on him. Failure penalty: loss of three main quest rewards. Success reward: +30 Affection with Uchiha Itachi. Current Affection: 20/100.
"You've got to be kidding me! That's Shisui, the Body Flicker! Even if he's not at his peak yet, there's no way I can beat him. Fifteen minutes might be barely possible—but how the hell am I supposed to land a hit? Itachi's already awakened his Sharingan, and Shisui must have at least two tomoe by now…"
Correction: Uchiha Shisui currently wields the three-tomoe Sharingan. And a reminder—if you continue insulting this system, I will escalate the quest difficulty. For example: defeat Uchiha Shisui. Or perhaps… kill Uchiha Shisui.
The shameless system delivered its threat with cold precision.
Izumi froze, cursing inwardly. Injuring Shisui was impossible. Kill him? What was he supposed to do—stare him to death? If only looks could kill… then maybe.