In Uchiha Fugaku's memory, there was no one like this.
He could not do it.
Uchiha Mikoto could not do it.
Sarutobi Hiruzen and Senju Tobirama could not do it.
Even a prodigy like Uchiha Itachi could not do it.
"It seems only the legendary God of Shinobi, the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama, was like this."
Fugaku's heartbeat quickened again.
"Could my son truly be someone who can rival the God of Shinobi?"
He looked at Uchiha Itama, eyes shining.
"Itama, how did you do it?"
"How did I do it?"
Uchiha Itama glanced at him. "I practiced a bit after I got home yesterday, and it just came out naturally."
"Aren't all ninja like this?"
Fugaku fell silent.
He felt a blow to his pride.
How could all ninja be like this?
The vast majority needed hand seals to use jutsu.
Unless the jutsu itself did not require seals.
"No."
Fugaku shook his head.
"Even I cannot use ninjutsu without seals."
"This is a talent unique to you, Itama."
"However."
Fugaku's expression turned stern. "In front of outsiders, do not reveal this ability. Do you understand?"
Itama's brows lifted slightly.
Fugaku's attitude surprised him.
He knew the world of Hokage.
But only in terms of the main plot.
Which was why he had no warmth for Uchiha Itachi.
He did not truly understand the specifics of ninja training.
Was chakra extraction difficult?
Could one learn jutsu quickly?
After mastering a jutsu, did one still need seals?
He knew none of it.
Before, he had tried to hint and circle around with Fugaku, hoping to influence him and change the fate of the Uchiha clan.
Unfortunately, Fugaku would not listen.
Itama had practically spelled it out, yet Fugaku still did not care.
Gradually, Itama gave up.
So he did whatever made him happy.
He spoke and acted without much restraint.
That was why everyone thought his personality was strange.
He also did not believe he alone could change the clan's fate.
After all, Itachi was a genius.
Sasuke was the reincarnation of Indra.
He, the extra one in the middle, was just an ordinary Uchiha.
At best he might reach three tomoe Sharingan.
What could he do?
Nothing at all.
If he could not fight fate, he would lie flat.
But now, seeing Fugaku's attitude and hearing him say even I cannot do it, a thought rose in Itama's heart.
Could I be a genius?
His mind began to turn.
Why had he given up before?
Because he believed he could never surpass Itachi, and Fugaku would not heed him, so he took a self-sabotaging approach.
If he too was a genius, that would be different.
There would be many things he could do.
Changing the Uchiha clan's fate by his own power might not be impossible.
"Father, are you saying I am a genius?"
"Of course."
Fugaku nodded, a proud smile on his face. "Itachi is a genius, and you are a genius as well. This is a blessing for our Uchiha. Our clan will stand at the summit of this world."
"But the existence of a genius brings admiration and also breeds jealousy and even hatred."
"Do you understand this, Itama?"
"I understand."
Itama nodded. "You mean the Hokage and the others, right? They fear the Uchiha will become too strong and threaten their position, so they will move against us. Is that it?"
Fugaku's expression changed.
"Quiet. You must never say such things to anyone else. Keep it to yourself."
"All right."
Hearing Itama's firm answer, Fugaku finally breathed out.
Before, because of Itama's behavior, Fugaku would never have said such things to him. He only expected Itama to be an ordinary ninja.
Now he had no choice. Using ninjutsu without seals was too shocking.
Once Itama entered the Academy, it might easily be exposed.
Fugaku had to warn him.
He was not sure Itama would listen.
As a father, he had little authority in front of this son.
Fortunately, Itama agreed.
Fugaku also felt that at this moment Itama did not seem quite so eccentric.
Itama paused. "Then, Father, I have one more question."
"What is it?"
"You said both Itachi and I are geniuses. Between the two of us, whose talent is greater?"