Mt. Myoboku was like a world of its own, completely out of sync with the outside environment, its surroundings filled with dense natural chakra.
In the place where the chakra was most concentrated stood a grand and towering palace.
"Great Toad Sage… young Jiraiya is here," a voice called out.
At the top sat a massive, ancient toad, its eyes closed as it drifted in a dream.
"Great Toad Sage…" Fukasaku called again.
The old sage slowly opened his eyes, his gaze confused as it landed on the two tiny figures below him.
"Oh… Fukasaku and little Jiraiya. What brings you to me?"
Fukasaku was unfazed by the greeting, bowing respectfully. "You mentioned something in your dream, so I brought Jiraiya as you requested."
"Did I? Hmm…" The sage's cloudy eyes filled with contemplation as he tried to recall.
After a long moment, he looked at Jiraiya.
"Oh… I seem to have forgotten what I needed to tell you. My dream changed—the visions shifted, and the original scenes disappeared. Everything is changing… whether for good or ill, I don't know. Jiraiya, you must find the Child of Prophecy quickly…"
Before he could finish, his eyes slowly closed again, and soon, soft snoring filled the air.
Jiraiya smiled faintly. "I've already found the Child of Prophecy. I believe he will lead this world to peace."
A warm and confident face flashed in Jiraiya's mind.
...
Night fell, and the illuminated streets of Konohagakure made the village seem especially peaceful and prosperous.
Not far from the Hokage's office stood a newly fenced-off compound—the original Uchiha settlement from when the village was founded.
After the Second Hokage took power, the clan had been forced to vacate this land under the guise of building a ninja academy and hospital.
But the real reason was Uchiha Madara's involvement in the First Hokage's death—punishment for the Uchiha clan.
This policy against the Uchiha had been endorsed by the other ninja clans in Konoha. Even the Hokage couldn't force a clan to give up its land without reason.
Now, the settlement was too small to house the entire Uchiha clan, but it remained a symbol of their status. It represented the clan's former glory alongside the Senju during Konoha's founding—memories as vivid as yesterday.
Though the Senju had faded away, the Uchiha were determined to reclaim their honor. Even the Uchiha shrine had been moved back to the compound.
The clan leader, elders, and key members had relocated as well. The small settlement had once again become the core of Uchiha life.
Living near the ancestral grounds was a source of pride for many Uchiha.
At the center of the compound stood the Uchiha shrine.
Uchiha Fugaku sat at the head of the shrine hall, flanked by the First and Second Elders. His position was slightly ahead of the elders, signifying his authority.
Seated below him were Shisui and Itachi.
Recently, Konoha's ninja movements had been unusual. As one of the top clans, the Uchiha had noticed the growing tension, prompting this meeting.
But Itachi and Shisui had little to report, leaving the elders visibly displeased.
"Shisui, the Uchiha raised you. While you serve by the Hokage's side, you must consider the clan's interests. Try to gather more information for us," the First Elder said sternly.
"Yes," Shisui replied respectfully.
"Also… you're now a captain in the Anbu. I expect you to select clan members for Anbu positions," the elder added.
"I'll recommend it to Lord Hokage," Shisui answered, his face as unreadable as ever.
Though respectful, his answer was unsatisfying.
"Itachi is a jonin now. If things don't progress in the Root, he should transfer to the Anbu," the Second Elder said. In their view, being close to the Hokage was best for the Uchiha's future.
Fugaku, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke. "Itachi is highly valued in the Root. He may have the chance to take it over someday."
He then fell silent again, but his words left the elders glancing at the young Itachi.
They had thought Shisui, as an Anbu captain, was already exceptional. But Itachi seemed to be hiding even greater potential.
The Root had gradually surfaced in Konoha's affairs, but its internal workings remained a mystery. Even the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, had only vague suspicions about its true size and scope.
After the meeting, Shisui and Itachi walked down the dark, narrow paths of the compound, glancing at each other.
Shisui exhaled slowly.
Looking at Itachi, who was shorter but eerily composed, Shisui let out a wry smile.
"I'd rather face Kage-level opponents than sit through meetings like that…"
"Those blinded by their own ambition bring endless trouble when given power," Itachi replied, his calm eyes betraying wisdom far beyond his years.
"Still, Itachi, with us here, the clan and village will find peace in time," Shisui said, glancing back at the shrine with a hopeful smile.
Itachi's mind replayed Danzo's words about the clan, the village, and the ninja world. His eyes reflected a tangle of emotions.
"I hope so," he murmured.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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