Naruto: Uchiha's Intelligence Dealer

*Bang!*

A burst of sharp noise echoed through the training ground as the clash of taijutsu broke out. Dust swirled up slightly, driven by the force of two bodies colliding and rebounding. Despite facing a newly promoted Chūnin, the young boy in the center of the field remained composed and unflustered. Each of his movements was efficient, precise, and eerily calm.

From the sidelines, Yun watched with narrowed eyes.

"Is that a bad habit he picked up from you?" he asked lightly.

Shisui stood beside him, arms crossed and eyebrows raised. "What do you mean by that? I just have a relaxed attitude. He's the one trying to act cool."

Yun smirked. "You call that relaxed? He's clearly mimicking your posture—arms behind his back, chin tilted, taking shallow steps as if walking on stage. Honestly, it's almost theatrical."

"But," Shisui said, pointing at the sword in Itachi's hand, "you did teach him that sword technique, right? It hits a different level when paired with the two-tomoe Sharingan. That Chūnin's having a rough day."

Yun followed the motion and nodded slightly. "Yeah. He learned it too fast. And ironically, I know the Chūnin he's up against. He's the older brother of this year's graduate, Tenma. A few months ago, I scared the hell out of him in front of the school gate. He was still a Genin back then."

Shisui chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "Well, anyone who graduates early from the academy in just one year already proves their strength. This test isn't exactly easy. If Itachi wins, it's no surprise. But if he loses... the clan loses face."

"High stakes for a kid, huh?" Yun murmured, his expression unreadable. "Still, I heard that Chūnin's younger brother is graduating this term too. Imagine if he and Itachi ended up on the same team. That'd be a riot."

Shisui blinked. "It can't be that much of a coincidence, can it?"

…

As expected, the actual test didn't take long. The moment the practical segment ended, it was already obvious who the victor was. Itachi's display of control, efficiency, and intelligence—especially in handling someone older and more experienced—left no room for doubt.

As for the theory portion? That was child's play for a prodigy like him. Before the sun had even dipped past the horizon, Itachi had officially passed the special graduation test.

He was now a graduate of this year's class.

That night, in a familiar barbecue restaurant in the village, three people sat around a table, the air filled with the sizzling aroma of grilled meat and tangy sauces. The mood was lighter, even if faintly subdued.

Shisui picked up his cup, holding it toward the center. "You two are underage, and I'm a shinobi of the Three Ninja Prohibitions, so today, we celebrate with juice."

*Clink*

The cups touched, and all three took a sip.

Shisui reached into his pouch and handed Itachi a tightly sealed scroll. "This will save your life one day. Come find me tomorrow, and I'll give you some crows too."

Itachi accepted the scroll with a solemn nod. Then he turned to Yun, eyes full of silent inquiry.

Yun, chewing a large mouthful of barbecue, blinked and then casually pointed toward the door.

"I heard your little brother Sasuke is still wetting the bed. I bought you a box of diapers. You're welcome."

…

The air went cold.

Even the smoke rising from the barbecue seemed to pause.

Itachi frowned. "If you hadn't startled him with that ridiculous prank last time, he wouldn't be traumatized."

Shisui laughed nervously and waved both hands. "Yun, maybe don't joke like that. Sasuke's just a kid. You know how siblings are."

Yun clicked his tongue and put down his chopsticks. "Fine, fine. I'll behave."

He turned serious. "Since you ignored my advice and chose to graduate early, then at least let me give you something useful. Ask me anything—it's better you hear it now than learn it the hard way later."

Shisui immediately interjected. "Yuno... he's only seven."

But Yun lifted a hand. "He's already a ninja. And you know as well as I do—Itachi's talent isn't beneath yours. Who knows? Maybe another pair of Mangekyō eyes will bloom in this generation."

That silenced Shisui. He glanced toward Itachi, who stood still, unreadable. But there was something in his gaze—a glint of deeper understanding, perhaps even wariness.

'A second Mangekyō... is he really that close to touching it already?'

Then, as if responding to the unspoken pressure, Itachi raised his head. "What exactly are you and Shisui planning?"

There it was.

Yun exchanged a glance with Shisui. Then, without a word, he formed a quick seal and deployed a simple but effective barrier jutsu. The noise outside the room faded instantly.

"If I gave you the full explanation, you might not grasp all of it yet," Yun began.

"So here's the short version: We're going to suppress the faction in the Uchiha clan that wants to rebel. Then, align ourselves with those who wish to live in peace with the village. Support the Fourth Hokage, unite the clans, and clean out the rot festering under Konoha's foundation."

It was blunt. It was loaded.

And it silenced the room.

Itachi stood quietly, processing the weight of that sentence. On either side, Shisui and Yun studied him intently, trying to catch even the smallest hint of doubt or resistance.

Shisui knew all too well the price of awakening Mangekyō. And Yun—who claimed to see everything from the shadows—wasn't one to misjudge potential lightly.

If Itachi rejected this path, the consequences would ripple outward fast.

"I'll need some time to think about it."

...

The barbecue party fizzled out after that. Itachi left alone. His thoughts were unknown.

Yun and Shisui, however, exchanged a look, then quietly made their way to the training fields behind the mountain.

"Do you really think he'll awaken the Mangekyō?" Shisui asked. The three-tomoe in his eyes spun slowly as he stared at the moonlit trees.

Yun nodded. "He understands love. And more importantly... he understands loss. He's been contemplating life and death since before he knew how to wield a kunai. But that kind of mindset is a double-edged sword."

"You keep saying he has a mental instability," Shisui said, raising an eyebrow. "You really think it's that serious?"

Yun's voice dropped. "You've opened your Mangekyō, Shisui. You of all people should know what the price is. Feeling love isn't the problem. The real danger is what happens when that love is taken away."

"When your entire worldview shatters in an instant—that's when you either go mad or destroy the world."

"The Sharingan is a double-edged gift. It's practically a genetic curse. Personality shifts, growing darkness, obsession—all symptoms of a flawed power born from blood."

Shisui said nothing, but his thoughts drifted backward—back to the moment he awakened his Mangekyō. The surge of emotion. The helplessness. The rage. The belief that he could change everything... only to realize how powerless he truly was.

Yun continued. "Ever since he applied for early graduation, I've seen changes in his behavior. Something's touched him. The darkness in this village—it's already reached him."

"He awakened two-tomoe at five and a half. That alone makes him the youngest in Uchiha history. And the man who witnessed the Warring States era... he's always been obsessed with Uchiha and Senju bloodlines."

Shisui's eyes sharpened. "You think someone's already reached out to him?"

"The Fourth Hokage has been overwhelmed lately. Kumogakure is making moves too..."

Shisui stopped himself. Yun didn't press.

"I'm just speculating." Yun said. "It all depends on Itachi's choice. But Shisui... if it comes to that moment, I hope you won't hesitate."

Shisui stared into the distance. The cross-shaped Mangekyō in his left eye spun slowly.

"I've always thought of Itachi as a younger brother. But no one—not even him—can be allowed to bring ruin to this village."

"The power in my left eye... has returned."

Yun gave a faint smile. "Then we're almost there. One more rebellion. One more push. A pair of Mangekyō eyes will be more than enough to sway the clan council. It won't take long..."

Shisui exhaled softly, then said, "You've always had secrets, Yun. You've never shown your own eyes. What are you hiding? What kind of overwhelming power is it?"

Yun chuckled. "Maybe tomorrow I'll awaken my Mangekyō too. Who knows? Life's unpredictable."

...

Far below the Hokage Building, cloaked in shadows beneath Konoha's surface—within the Root headquarters—

A deep voice echoed off the stone walls.

"Itachi, what exactly did you talk about inside that barrier today?"

*****

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