Shin held his teacup and said softly, "Center yourself and calm your mind. When you came in, your thoughts were far too chaotic. You've repressed too much in your heart; if it cannot be released, it could easily cause lasting internal harm. It is rare for the younger generation of the Uchiha Clan to produce someone as talented as you. If you were to end up dying in gloom and depression, wouldn't that be a terrible pity?
"But this cup of tea can only temporarily ease the pressure in your heart. Whether you can ultimately untie this knot depends on you. All I can tell you is that if you continue living in pain, you won't live past twenty-two at most."
Uchiha Itachi lowered his head in silence. He was not yet thirteen, but he was extraordinarily mature. If someone who did not know him met him, they would never take him for a twelve- or thirteen-year-old boy.
"I'm sorry..." Itachi said quietly. "I'm afraid I can only appreciate Senior Shin's kindness from afar. Sometimes, the pain in one's heart is not something one can resolve alone. On the contrary, I feel that perhaps dying sooner would be a kind of release."
"What a negative way of thinking." Shin set down his teacup. "But never mind. It is understandable for young people not to know the value of life. Let's discuss business instead. What did you come to see me for?"
At Shin's question, Uchiha Itachi's expression immediately turned solemn. He suddenly rose and stepped back, then dropped to his knees and performed the respectful bow the Uchiha Clan offered their elders. He said earnestly, "Senior Shin, please save the Uchiha Clan."
"Oh?" Shin raised an eyebrow as he looked at Uchiha Itachi kneeling before him. This action truly lay