Graduation Ahead of Schedule: The Darkness

"Bang!"

A tentative close-quarters skirmish broke out in the training grounds. Although his opponent was a Chunin who had been promoted not long ago, Itachi appeared unhurried and composed in every move.

"Is this a bad habit he picked up from you?"

Yun glanced at Shisui beside him. "What do you mean 'picked up from me'? That's just having a good mindset; he's just acting cool."

"But did you teach him this swordsmanship? It's quite impressive when paired with the Two Tomoe Sharingan. This Chunin is just unlucky to have been assigned this task."

Come to think of it, Yun actually knew the Chunin in the arena; he was the older brother of this year's graduate, Tenma. A few months ago, when he was still a Genin, he had been intimidated by Yun at the school gate.

Shisui scratched his head. "He only spent a year at the Ninja Academy before graduating early, so his strength must be above a certain level. Honestly, this mission isn't a good gig. Winning is expected, but losing would be a huge embarrassment."

Yun replied with interest, "I heard this Chunin's younger brother is also a graduate this year. Tell me, if he ends up on the same team as Itachi, that would be amusing."

Shisui hesitated, wanting to say something but stopping himself. "It couldn't be that coincidental, could it?"

The practical test proceeded quickly, and for a top student like Itachi, the theoretical knowledge was even simpler.

By the end of the afternoon, Itachi had passed the special examination and would now participate in the graduation arrangements as a member of this year's graduating class.

At the Yakiniku Restaurant, Shisui raised his glass and said, "You two are minors, and as a ninja, I have to follow the Three Ninja Prohibitions, so we'll have to celebrate Itachi's early graduation with soft drinks."

"Clink."

After the glasses collided and they took a sip, Shisui brought out his gift: a scroll.

"It's for self-preservation. Come find me tomorrow; I'll give you some crows."

Itachi took the scroll and immediately turned to look at Yun, the meaning in his eyes couldn't have been clearer.

Yun swallowed the meat in his mouth and pointed casually at a small box by the door. "I heard your little Sasuke is still wetting his pants, so I bought you a box of diapers. You should find them useful."

Uh...

The atmosphere turned awkward for a moment, and Itachi frowned as he replied, "If it weren't for your prank last time that scared Sasuke, he wouldn't have..."

Shisui waved his hands with a forced smile. "Yun, let's not make jokes like that next time. Itachi's brother is still young..."

Yun scratched his head, thought for a moment, then put down his chopsticks and said to Itachi, "How about this: even though you didn't take my advice and graduated early, to prevent some rats from making moves, you can ask me a few questions."

As his words fell, Shisui quickly interjected, "Yun, Itachi is only just over seven years old."

Yun raised a hand to stop Shisui. "Once he's assigned to a squad, he'll be a ninja. Besides, Shisui, Itachi's talent is no less than yours. Who knows... perhaps a second pair of those eyes will appear?"

This remark made Shisui pause, and he looked at the pensive Itachi.

A second pair of Mangekyō? Was such talent already visible?

Itachi, sitting to the side, looked up slightly and asked Yun cautiously, "What exactly is the plan you and Shisui have been working on?"

A predictable question.

Yun glanced at Shisui, and then a simple barrier was placed around their private room in the Yakiniku Restaurant.

Only then did Yun speak: "It might be too complex for you to understand, so I'll keep it simple. Suppress the faction within the clan that wants to rebel, and unite with the faction that wants to coexist with the village. Then, stand on the side of the Fourth to integrate the power of every family in the village, and finally, clear out the Root Division that has already rotted beneath the great tree of Konoha."

It was a simple statement, yet it made the room fall instantly silent.

Itachi pondered the truth of these words, while Yun and Shisui watched him, trying to discern his true thoughts from his eyes.

Shisui, who had obtained the power of the Mangekyō, understood the strength of those eyes well, and Yun had explicitly stated that Itachi possessed such potential.

If that power were to stand in opposition, all subsequent actions would be obstructed.

The Uchiha had finally gained the recognition and acceptance of the Fourth; Shisui would not allow any variables to disrupt the plan.

"I need some time."

The party celebrating Itachi's early graduation ended on a somber note. Itachi left, and after exchanging a look, Yun and Shisui headed to the Back Mountain.

"Does Itachi also have the potential for the Mangekyō Sharingan?" The Three Tomoe in Shisui's eyes spun slowly as he sensed that pupil power.

Yun nodded slightly. "Experiencing love and then losing it—Itachi, who has been contemplating life since he was small, actually has a high risk of mental instability."

This made Shisui feel a mix of amusement and frustration. "Be serious. Why do you always say Itachi has a risk of mental illness?"

Yun looked at Shisui. "You, who have awakened the Mangekyō, should know the price of obtaining this power. Experiencing and understanding love isn't difficult; what's difficult is not having a breakdown the moment you lose that love... a breakdown so severe you want to destroy the entire world."

"A Kekkei Genkai can be understood as a hereditary disease, and the way the Uchiha's Sharingan is awakened is far too unique. Drastic personality changes, turning to darkness, destroying the world—these are all hidden dangers left behind by this kind of bloodline."

Hearing this, Shisui recalled the scene from back then: loss, regret, helplessness...

A special power had suddenly surged forth, and at that moment... he truly felt he could do it, that he could turn the world upside down.

Yun sighed. "Ever since Itachi applied for early graduation, his behavior has made me notice something. The darkness of Konoha must have already made contact with him."

"Awakening the Two Tomoe Sharingan at five and a half years old makes him a genius unparalleled in the entire history of the Uchiha. And that person who witnessed the Two Heroes of the Warring States has always coveted the power of the Uchiha and the Senju."

Shisui was stunned. "They've already made contact? The Fourth has been quite busy lately, and regarding Kumogakure..."

Shisui didn't finish the classified information, and Yun didn't ask, continuing instead: "I'm just guessing, but now it depends on his choice. If... Shisui, things have reached this point, I hope you won't be soft-hearted..."

Shisui nodded slightly, the cross-shaped pattern in his pupils spinning slowly. "Although I have always treated Itachi like my own younger brother, no one is allowed to destroy all of this!"

"The ability of my left eye has already been restored."

As the final sentence fell, Yun understood what Shisui meant: "Wait a little longer, it won't be much longer now. A betrayal by the Hawk Faction coupled with a pair of Mangekyou is still not quite enough for the clan meeting. It won't be long..."

Shisui nodded: "Although I have always known that you have your own secrets, it seems you have yet to awaken your eyes. What is that overwhelming power of yours?"

Yun did not answer this question, instead smiling as he said: "Who knows, maybe I'll awaken the Mangekyou tomorrow? Who can say for sure?"

Beneath the cover of night, in the Root Division located below the Konoha Hokage Building.

"Itachi, what did you two discuss inside the barrier today?"