The next day.
Uchiha Fugaku brought Uchiha Itama to the training field.
The entire field held only the two of them.
Fugaku had cleared everyone else out.
"Learning taijutsu will not be difficult for you, Itama. Still, mastering a few styles that suit you is enough. What truly decides a ninja's strength rests on two crucial points: the amount of chakra and physical conditioning."
"These two improve only through steady, hard training."
"So in the days ahead, you should focus on them."
"I will also list the taijutsu most suitable for you."
Itama nodded.
"All right."
A month passed quickly.
Fugaku already knew Itama was a genius, yet his rate of progress still exceeded expectations by far.
In just one month, Itama's chakra reserves and physique had reached genin level.
As for his use of ninjutsu and taijutsu, that went without saying.
There were hardly any in the world who could compare to Uchiha Itama.
A clap of his hands and the jutsu appeared. Who could compete with that?
In other words, Itama was already stronger than most genin.
"Father, can you tell me now how to awaken the Sharingan?"
After realizing he was a genius, Itama picked up the hope of changing the clan's fate again. He had worked very hard this month.
But he knew the truth.
What truly determined an Uchiha's power was not taijutsu, but the Sharingan.
Once he awakened the Mangekyo, he would step into another realm entirely.
"Given your level, Itama, it is time to awaken your Sharingan."
"However, there is no fixed method to awaken it."
Fugaku said, "Our daily training is in fact part of the process. When your strength reaches a certain point, awakening follows naturally."
"But if you want a shortcut, it is not impossible."
"It lies in intense mental stimulus."
Itama thought for a moment.
"Something like me really being your illegitimate son?"
Fugaku's eyelid twitched.
"That would count."
"But Itama, let me confirm yet again. You are my child with Mikoto. The same as Itachi and Sasuke. Your hair is merely a small accident."
"It is nothing to worry about."
"Just as you can use ninjutsu without seals."
"That is what makes you special."
Itama gave a small nod.
"All right, I understand."
"I have taught you all I can, so I will not be coming to the training field with you for a while. Train on your own. I believe you will handle it well."
"If you have any questions, you can come to me at any time."
Fugaku glanced at the time.
"It is getting late. That is it for today."
"Itachi will be back this evening. It has been a long time since our family ate dinner together. Do not be late tonight."
He stressed the point.
Itama had often been late to meals before.
When he had given up on everything, his motto had boiled down to four words: enjoy the moment.
He followed his own sense of time.
Whatever felt comfortable, he did.
He did not care much for rules and propriety.
Neither Fugaku nor Mikoto could do anything about it.
"All right."
Now Itama saw a chance to change the clan's fate.
He also wanted to take a proper look at Uchiha Itachi as he was now.
How strong he had become.
And what his attitude toward the village and the clan might be.
Fugaku smiled.
"When Itachi hears about you, he will be very happy."
"Father, I do not want Itachi to know about this."
"Oh? Why not?"
"I just do not want him to."
Fugaku frowned.
"Itama, Itachi is your older brother. You, Itachi, and Sasuke are three brothers. Aside from your parents, no one will ever be closer to you than your brothers. Why do you seem to dislike Itachi?"
"Can you tell me why?"
Itama spoke calmly. "Because compared to family, he seems to prefer outsiders."
"Prefer outsiders?"
Fugaku was taken aback.
"That is impossible. He treats you and Sasuke very well."
"No. I remember it very clearly. When outsiders slandered me that time, the first thing he did was not to believe me. He believed their lie and scolded me."
"But I was telling the truth."
"Because he is my brother, I did not want to lie to him."
"Yet he did not really believe his own younger brother."
"So, Father, am I truly not your or Mother's child from outside?"
"Otherwise, why would he not believe me?"
Fugaku fell silent.