Following my encounter with Itachi, I knew that to change the course of events, I must arm myself with thorough knowledge and skills. I first approached Nano to ask for advice on the best age at which to start training in taijutsu and ninjutsu.
"Nano," I asked, "when can I start learning taijutsu and ninjutsu?"
Nano responded quickly. 'Given your existing physical growth and augmentations, it is better to start learning taijutsu and ninjutsu at age four. Nevertheless, you may first practice kunai throwing and exercises on chakra control such as tree climbing and walking on water.'
This piece of information made my head spin. If I couldn't begin full-scale training right away, I could at least establish a good foundation. Resolute, I approached my father, who was in the kitchen cooking dinner.
"Father," I started, attempting to hide my enthusiasm, "could you give me books on taijutsu and ninjutsu?"
He turned towards me, his face creasing with a concerned look. "Practical training too early in life can shorten your development. You need to establish a firm foundation first."
I nodded sincerely. "I see. I assure you I will concentrate entirely on the theoretical part and shall start practical training only with your permission."
With a moment's thought, he let out a sigh and took down a set of twenty books, each of which explained different techniques of taijutsu and uses of ninjutsu. He gave them to me and said, "Learn these thoroughly. Knowledge is as important as skill."
"Thank you, Father," I said, my thanks sincere.
With the books, I planned a tactical approach:
1. Memorize and absorb the knowledge and techniques from the books, including medical ninjutsu.
2. Obeserve ninjas in training fields to learn about their hand signals, postures, strategies, and movements.
3. Shape Itachi's point of view step by step. He had already developed a worldview after witnessing war in his youth. Presenting different viewpoints, I believed, I could nudge him in different directions.
4. Form connections with key figures such as Minato, Kakashi, Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade. Altered storylines were not just a matter of power but of forming alliances as well.
"Nano," I commanded, "draw up a schedule to assist me in implementing this plan effectively."
"Schedule created," Nano assured me.
My dad's voice cut across my contemplation as I considered my strategy. "Akira, dinner is ready!"
Entering the kitchen the savory smell of stew that was simmering welcomed me, a reflection of my father's cooking prowess. But what took me aback were the voices I recognized coming from the dining room. Inquisitive, I went in and was greeted by an unfamiliar scene: Shikaku and Yoshino Nara sitting quite comfortably at our table.
I hadn't even had a chance to express my shock before Yoshino's face broke into a grin as she saw me. In a flash, she was at my side, hugging me warmly and, I have to admit, somewhat overwhelmingly.
"Oh, Akira!" she said, squeezing me tighter. "It's been too long. Look at you, growing into such a good young man!"
Flattened against her, I could only muster a muffled reply, "It's. nice to see you too, Aunt Yoshino."
Shikaku smiled in his chair. "Yoshino, let the boy catch his breath. You're suffocating him."
She freed me with a bashful grin, ruffling my head fondly. "Sorry, dear. I just couldn't help myself."
Sitting down, I eyed the spread out before us. "I wasn't planning on company tonight. Is there a celebration?"
My father, ladling the stew, replied, "Shikaku and I had some things to talk about, and we thought it would be nice to have dinner together. It's been a while since we've all sat down like this."
Shikaku leaned forward, his keen eyes regarding me. "Speaking of talking, Akira, I've heard a lot about you recently."
I cocked my head, interest raised. "Oh? Who?"
"Your Uncle Inoichi," Shikaku answered, a trace of pride in his tone. "He says that you're being exceptionally talented with sensory methods, a genius Yamanaka."
I grew hot with embarrassment and pride. "I'm just doing my best."
Shikaku's eyes grew more intent. "Modesty is a fine quality, but one must also receive credit for one's accomplishments. Aside from your Yamanaka skills, I think you could master the Nara clan's shadow arts as well."
Taken aback, I looked at my father. "You think so?"
He nodded. "From tomorrow, after supper, you and your father will train with me. The night provides the ideal surroundings to learn about and control shadows."
Yoshino interrupted with a mischievous grin, "Don't let him frighten you, Akira. Shikaku's methods of training are. unusual."
Shikaku gave her a quizzical expression before going on, "We will train with the practical application rather than using ninjutsu. Although this is an unusual method for a student your age, your faster learning makes you an exception."
I nodded, resolved to rise within. "I see. I'm prepared."
My father set a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "We will show you the way. It's much to absorb, but with perseverance, you will cope."
Dinner went on with lively chats, stories from previous missions, and laughter. Yoshino's stories, especially, made us all laugh.
As the evening wore on, Yoshino opted to stay for the night, insisting that I should not be left alone. Though I assured her that I was okay, her mother instincts wouldn't listen. Sleeping in my room alongside her that evening, I had a warm feeling of family and belonging.
The next day, I followed my routine: bath, brushing, and then getting myself immersed in learning taijutsu, ninjutsu, and medical skills. Although my neural connections were not yet fully formed to learn everything at once, Nano's support speeded up my learning.
During the afternoon, I went to the training area. There, a chunin was training in his taijutsu. His movements started deliberately slow, with each movement precise. As he went on, his speed picked up, shifting effortlessly into ninjutsu techniques such as Wind Release: Great Breakthrough, Earth Release: Hiding Like a Mole, and Water Release: Waterfall Basin Technique. He finished by practicing a series of kunai and shuriken throws at a training dummy.
"Nano, record his actions and analyze how to enhance my kunai throwing."
"Recording and analysis underway," Nano replied.
Watching, I couldn't help but remark to myself, 'If I had a ryo for each time a person undervalued the use of basics, I'd be richer than the Daimyo.'
I told Nano to study his movements carefully and merge the information to improve my skills. As there was limited physical training at my age, emphasis on kunai throwing and chakra control drills such as water walking and climbing trees would provide a good foundation.
As the golden light of the setting sun seeped through the leaves of the trees, creating long shadows on the outskirts of the village, I was standing by the riverbank, fanning myself after my day of observation and self-reflection. The wind was gentle, with the smell of pine and river moss wafting in its wake. I was preparing to call it a day when I noticed a small figure running towards me from the forest trail.
Itachi.
I blinked. Surprised, to be honest. The Itachi Uchiha—the same boy who, in another timeline, would eventually make a decision that drowned an entire clan in silence—was sprinting towards me.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, wiping my hands on my pants.
He paced himself, his breathing steady even with how far he must have traveled. "I was searching for a spot to practice my shuriken throw. Saw you… so I figured I'd drop by and say hi."
For a moment, I gazed at him. It was. strangely wholesome. Nice, even. A far cry from the cold, emotionless figure I'd imagined him to be from the anime. And it struck me there and then: this boy wasn't born a killer. He was just a kid. Quiet. Serious. But still just a kid.
And he was cute, too—small frame, large dark eyes, polite posture. The kind of kid you'd pat on the head and hand candy to. Not the kind of person you'd expect to be a future ANBU Captain with blood on his hands.
"Wanna train together?" I asked on impulse, the words coming out before I could overthink them.
Itachi nodded, visibly pleased. "Yes."
"But," I said, holding up a finger, "if you train with me, no ninjutsu or chakra. Physical training and simple chakra control skills like tree climbing or walking on water. We'll get the foundation down first. Doing too much too early screws up your body's development—and believe me, rest is training too."
I had been expecting a surprise. Or disbelief. Perhaps even rebellion. But Itachi merely nodded once more, serene and thoughtful. Of course. Fugaku must have conditioned him in this sort of reasoning since he was able to walk.
We strolled into the woods, and eventually a clearing along the river—a serene place where the trees leaned just so that the sunlight danced upon the water. The air was cool, and the rippling river mirrored the orange, red, and purple hues of the setting sun. Cicadas hummed softly in the distance, and the world was. serene.
We began with shuriken practice. Or, rock tossing. Because we were not quite at the age when we could handle real weapons, and also. safety first. I emulated the Chūnin I'd seen before, using what Nano had assisted in breaking down. My tosses landed on the tree trunk most of the time.
Itachi, though. was another story altogether.
By his tenth, he'd already changed grip and spin. By his twentieth, he was consistently hitting the imaginary targets we placed on tree bark. Precision. Control. Focus.
A genuine prodigy.
'If he hadn't got sick,' I thought darkly, 'he would've been fucking Op'
After some rounds of tossing and easy exercises—push-ups, squats, a quick sprint—we sat at the riverbank, the sun caressing the horizon and darkness creeping over the ground. The water rippled softly, casting a golden glow like molten metal.
We were in easy silence, the sort that didn't need to be shattered. but I have something I must say.
To alter Itachi's destiny, I had to be able to make him trust me. And to do that, I had to be open.
"So," I said, gazing at the flow of the current, "what is most valuable to you? And what do you aim to achieve?"
He looked at me, introspective. "My parents," he whispered. "They matter the most. And my aim. I don't know yet. But. something like Hokage, maybe. Someone who can protect all the people."
My chest squeezed a little tighter. Those two words again.
The Will of Fire.
I smiled artificially, suppressing the tempest that temporarily flared to life in me.
"For me," I explained slowly, "the people that matter most are my father, my uncle, my aunt, and those who raised me. And I have two goals."
He regarded me with silent curiosity.
"One," I went on, "to be strong enough to keep those I care for safe. Two. revenge."
Itachi's eyebrows furrowed. "Revenge for what?"
I looked him in the eye. "To avenge my mother. She died defending me."
And so I explained. Everything. The ambush. The fight. Her last words. Her sacrifice.
He said nothing when I was done. "I'm sorry," he finally whispered, his voice barely audible.
It's okay," I said, breathing out. "But that experience taught me something. Nothing is greater than the people who care about you. If I could, I would have given my life to save hers. I know the village is there to safeguard us, and we must safeguard it as well—but if the village ever attempts to hurt the people I care about, for the sake of some 'greater good'."
I stared him straight in the face. "I will defend them. Always. Because only our family loves us without condition. If you ever find yourself between two roads… call out your parents' names. That'll point you in the right direction."
We sat there for what felt like hours, the last of the sun's light behind the trees, the night gradually enfolding us.
At last, Itachi rose and extended his hand.
"You're wiser than anyone I've ever known," he whispered. "And you're. a good person. Do you want to be friends?"
I smiled and grasped his hand.
"Certainly."
And like that. my scheme had started.
The days that followed were ones of quiet work—morning studies, watching at the training grounds, and clandestine meetings with Itachi. The world outside was turning towards war and anarchy, but we were establishing something here.
A bond. A future.
The following day, after completing a chapter on the fundamentals of taijutsu, I felt the urge to look for more. I went to my father once again, knowing he was in the study, probably going through mission reports.
Knocking on his door softly, I entered to find him surrounded by scrolls, the light highlighting a warm glow over his stern look. "Father," I said quietly, "do you have time?" He regarded me, his eyes relaxing as they met mine.
"Of course, Akira. What are you thinking?" I went over and sat down across from him. "I was hoping you could assist me in locating more books on advanced taijutsu and ninjutsu methods. I want to get the most out of my training."
He sat back, looking at my face with a calculated look. "I admire your enthusiasm, Akira. But I would like to speak to you about something serious before that. It's not entirely about building up strength." Seriousness flooded through me as I leaned back into my chair. "What are you talking about?"
" Strengthening is important, particularly in our world, but it's not the sole aspiration you should have," he started, his voice serious but kind. "Strength must never be an end in itself. You are aware of the reason why you wish to become stronger—to safeguard those that you care for, to make sure that what happened to your mother never recurs. That's a good cause."
I nodded gravely, my mind still fresh with the memory of my mother's sacrifice. "But," he went on, leaning forward a little, "you must never forget that power corrupts, Akira. It can take you down dark roads if you forget your purpose. You can get so caught up in being strong that you lose the reason you originally sought strength."
"Are you saying I could lose my way?" I asked, a thread of concern creeping into my voice. He nodded gravely. "It's easy to get caught up in that way of thinking. You could find yourself thinking that to save others, you have to go it alone, to bear every weight yourself. But working alone can cloud your thinking and result in decisions that undermine your values."
His words resonated within me. "So, what should I do? " "Always be with people who love you. Create connections with those who care for you. Bond with your allies, your friends—such as Itachi. They can help guide you, and keep you centered. When you feel your attention wavering, reconnect with your purpose. Ask yourself: Am I still fighting for the right reasons?"
Am I becoming the person I want to be?
I breathed deeply, allowing his words to sink in. "I understand, Father. I promise to keep my goals in perspective." His expression relaxed, and he put a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "I have faith in you, Akira. You possess a spirit that shines brightly but do not forget to be true to yourself. Strength is a valuable tool, but it must serve your values, not determine them." "Thank you, Father," I replied truthfully, with a feeling of clarity washing over me. "I'll never forget that." "Good," he said, a small smile on his lips.
"Now, regarding those books… I'll assist you in finding some advanced material, but remember what we talked about." "Of course," I vowed, eagerness renewed at the prospect of more learning, but now with a greater comprehension of what that endeavor meant.
As we stepped out to retrieve the books, I was more ready—not only to strengthen my body but to feed my mind and soul, so that my strength would forever be a blessing rather than a curse.
Three years went by like a page-turning. And this was merely the start.
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Chapter length-2735 words
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