Uchiha Itachi, Your Family Is

Chapter 38: Uchiha Itachi, Your Family is Very

Akihara Kagura's objective was achieved.

Danzō Shimura certainly didn't suspect Akihara Kagura of betraying him, but his sudden condescending attitude was rather displeasing.

The honeymoon period of friendly coexistence felt like a lie.

Akihara Kagura felt there was an issue with Danzō Shimura's attitude as a superior. Once he realized he held leverage over someone, he'd adopt a stance of "I can crush you anytime." Could such a person inspire loyalty?

Danzō Shimura didn't think there was anything wrong with his attitude.

The old man had controlled his subordinates using these methods for many years without any problems, so he didn't see anything amiss.

Ninjas…

Weren't they just tools to be used?

As long as the tool could be used, did the method of use matter?

Akihara Kagura glanced back at Danzō Shimura, feeling as though the two of them could never go back to how things were. Ultimately, he had become a tool for this superior.

"What are you still looking at?"

Danzō Shimura shot a cold glance at Akihara Kagura and said sternly, "Don't call yourself Kano anymore. From today onwards, you're not allowed to use the Root codename."

"Yes, Lord Danzō."

Akihara Kagura slowly lowered his head and exited the office.

Although Akihara Kagura had disliked the codename Kano from the start, there was a difference between not wanting to use it and having it taken away…

If Lord Danzō's future life was too peaceful, then he, as a subordinate, would be failing his duties.

For the next few days, Danzō Shimura ignored Akihara Kagura and even canceled his private ninjutsu training ground, completely disregarding Akihara Kagura's feelings. He had seemingly returned to the right path, thoroughly treating Akihara Kagura as an ordinary tool.

The third stage of the Chunin Exam arrived as scheduled.

As the most convenient stage to showcase genin duels, the exam was held in a circular training ground. Spectators could watch the final stage of the exam from the stands above the training ground, a rare grand event for the villagers.

The families of the genin participating in the third stage mostly came to watch their loved ones perform. The genin were chatting with family and friends before entering the arena.

Two individuals drew the most attention.

One of them was Uchiha Itachi.

Uchiha Itachi's father was Fugaku Uchiha, the captain of the Konoha Military Police Force, and held the highest status and strength among all the family members of the participants.

His father, Fugaku Uchiha, his mother, Mikoto Uchiha, his younger brother, Uchiha Sasuke, his close friend Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Izumi, along with some Uchiha clan members who came to join the excitement, all arrived at the venue for the third stage of the exam to cheer for the genius youth of their clan.

"Big Brother!"

Uchiha Sasuke hugged his brother's arm and pouted, saying, "Hurry up and pass the exam, then come practice shuriken with me!"

"Okay~"

Uchiha Itachi patted his younger brother's head, smiling very gently.

"Sasuke, don't disturb your brother."

Fugaku Uchiha glanced at his younger son, surveyed the surrounding genin, and his gaze fell on a solitary figure. "Is that little guy the Wood Release ninja you mentioned at home, Akihara Kagura?"

"Yes, Dad."

Uchiha Itachi recalled his encounter in the Forest of Death, his expression turning serious. "Akihara Kagura's Wood Release is very strong. I've never seen such an astonishing jutsu…"

"That Wood Dragon, which seems alive?"

Fugaku Uchiha pondered for a moment and lowered his voice, "The Uchiha Clan isn't without counter-jutsu. It's a shame your Sharingan level isn't high enough…"

"That child…"

Mikoto Uchiha glanced at Akihara Kagura in the distance, her brow furrowing slightly. "Doesn't he have any family or friends?"

"He's Danzō's subordinate."

Fugaku Uchiha had already learned some information about Akihara Kagura from his son and said coldly, "Danzō's subordinates are all tools skilled only in killing and carrying out missions. Being so young, they must have been trained from childhood, so naturally, they wouldn't have any family."

Due to his status, Fugaku Uchiha had to show outward respect to Danzō, but in his heart, he knew that Danzō Shimura harbored deep animosity towards the Uchiha Clan.

Having such a powerful Wood Release ninja among Danzō Shimura's subordinates was not good news for their clan. Clearly, this was meant to be used against them.

Everyone knew…

Wood Release had once defeated the Uchiha.

"Itachi, defeat him."

Fugaku Uchiha placed his hand on his son's shoulder.

"…"

Uchiha Itachi nodded with a composure unbefitting his age.

The third stage of the Chunin Exam gave them a few days of rest. Uchiha Itachi already knew that Akihara Kagura was a powerful Wood Release ninja, so he naturally wouldn't waste this time. He specifically requested his close friend Uchiha Shisui to assist him in training.

"Big Brother will definitely win!"

Uchiha Sasuke hugged his brother's arm, refusing to let go, and exclaimed proudly, "No matter who it is, they can't possibly be Big Brother's opponent!"

Uchiha Sasuke's voice was a bit loud, inevitably drawing the attention of other participants, and many gazes swept over in this direction.

"All examinees, enter!"

The chief proctor for the third exam had arrived.

The chief proctor for the third exam was named Genma Shiranui, a proctor who liked to hold a senbon in his mouth as if it were a toothpick, giving him a devil-may-care appearance.

A group of examinees bid farewell to their family and friends and strode into the examination area. However, upon seeing Uchiha Itachi and Akihara Kagura, they slowed their steps slightly, falling behind.

"That Wood Release brat is too strong..."

"Even if I advance, I won't be his opponent."

"It's fine, our teacher told us not to worry about winning or losing. The proctors won't calculate our scores based on victory or defeat, but rather on our performance during the battles to determine if we're qualified to be promoted to Chunin. We just need to perform to the best of our abilities..."

"It seems we still have a chance..."

At the front of the line.

Akihara Kagura and Uchiha Itachi walked side-by-side.

Uchiha Itachi glanced lightly at Akihara Kagura beside him and suddenly said, "I'm sorry, but I must win this time. I have a reason why I cannot lose."

"It's fine."

Akihara Kagura seemed rather casual, as if not caring about the outcome of this exam. Instead, they brought up someone outside the arena, "Is it because your brother believes you can win?"

"Yes."

Uchiha Itachi nodded and said solemnly, "I don't want to disappoint Dad, and I definitely can't disappoint Sasuke. What he said, I must help him achieve."

"Your relationship with your family seems very good..."

Akihara Kagura praised slowly, sighing, "Looking at you now, you seem like a happy family..."

"Thank you."

Uchiha Itachi's attitude immediately softened.

Second update!