Uchiha Itachi's Shock

"I see..."

After Uchiha Itachi's reminder, Yun Xi finally understood why there was such a massive gap between the power of the Fire Style: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique he released and the original version.

In essence, all ninjutsu are actually the same.

The magnitude of their power is determined entirely by the chakra within the user's body.

Even a top-tier powerhouse in the ninja world like Uchiha Madara could unleash astonishing combat power by releasing nothing more than a C-rank Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique.

However, if the user lacks sufficient chakra within their body, even if they have mastered top-tier ninjutsu, they will be unable to release them due to the limitations of their chakra reserves!

Even though Yun Xi had fully mastered the technique for releasing the Fire Style: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique, his current chakra levels remained his fatal weakness.

It seems I really need to strengthen my chakra cultivation...

In Yun Xi's memory, the person who used the Fire Style: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique the most in the original story was Uchiha Sasuke.

From the very beginning of the plot, Uchiha Sasuke was capable of using this ninjutsu.

But in the early stages, due to a lack of chakra, Uchiha Sasuke was essentially unable to continue fighting after using this technique once.

From this, Yun Xi could see that this ninjutsu actually consumed a significant amount of chakra!

"Learning ninjutsu requires a gradual approach; you are too impatient."

After finishing the demonstration for Yun Xi, Uchiha Itachi slowly walked to his side, a wry smile appearing on his face.

Although he hadn't known Yun Xi for long, Uchiha Itachi could still sense the goodwill Yun Xi held.

This was the fundamental reason why Uchiha Itachi was willing to teach Yun Xi ninjutsu!

"Understood."

Yun Xi nodded, then returned to the open area, preparing to try releasing the Fire Style: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique once more!

This time, Yun Xi did not pursue quantity.

Instead, he intended to try again by following Uchiha Itachi's previous instructions.

Forming the hand seals.

Channeling the chakra within his body...

Releasing the ninjutsu!

After running through the entire process in his mind, a hint of confidence appeared on Yun Xi's face!

"Rat-Tiger-Dog-Ox-Rabbit-Tiger!"

"Fire Style!"

"Fire Style: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique!"

The moment the hand seals were completed, a flame about the size of a basketball was instantly released from Yun Xi's mouth.

The target was a large tree a dozen meters ahead!

"Boom!"

As the fireball collided with the tree, an explosion erupted amidst a flash of fire!

"Nice!"

Although the tree before him wasn't destroyed outright, seeing a fireball that possessed actual combat capability made excitement wash over Yun Xi's face.

Compared to the Fire Style: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique from the original work, the one Yun Xi released this time consisted of only a single fireball, and because he wasn't proficient yet, he couldn't control it with his chakra.

But this was already a very clear improvement!

At the same time!

A flash of surprise crossed the face of Uchiha Itachi, who was standing behind Yun Xi.

Recently, Uchiha Itachi had no missions, so taking advantage of the rare break, he had brought his younger brother, Uchiha Sasuke, to the back mountain.

He had intended to teach him how to use shuriken.

He hadn't expected to run into Yun Xi here.

Seeing that Yun Xi was also training, Uchiha Itachi had come out to greet him.

And incidentally, he had offered some guidance...

But...

Uchiha Itachi truly hadn't expected that this guy, Yun Xi, would actually be able to use such a clever method to release the Fire Style: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique!

And the power was not to be underestimated!

"This guy..."

For a moment, Uchiha Itachi's opinion of Yun Xi shifted.

When he had first encountered Yun Xi, Uchiha Itachi had merely regarded him as an ordinary Konoha civilian.

But looking at things now.

Yun Xi's talent for ninjutsu did not seem low at all!

At the very least, when it came to Fire Style ninjutsu, he was definitely no worse than the average person.

"Yun Xi."

Suddenly thinking of something, Uchiha Itachi called out to him.

"Hmm?" Yun Xi asked, puzzled.

"Is this truly your first time practicing this technique?"

As one of the top geniuses in Konoha, Uchiha Itachi could naturally judge Yun Xi's talent.

Furthermore, Uchiha Itachi had previously investigated Yun Xi's background.

The student who had been held back the longest at the Ninja Academy...

Under normal circumstances, being able to manifest the prototype of the Fire Style: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique within a month would already be considered quite outstanding.

But...

After only two attempts.

This guy, Yun Xi, had actually succeeded!

Such a result naturally stirred a trace of doubt in Uchiha Itachi's heart...

"Well, counting this time, it's my second."

Facing Uchiha Itachi's inquiry, Yun Xi did not hide anything.

Sitting down on the ground casually, Yun Xi began to recover the chakra he had just expended while casting a curious gaze at the little boy beside Uchiha Itachi.

"This..."

Seeing that Yun Xi did not seem to be lying, Uchiha Itachi was even more astonished!

On one hand, it was because of Yun Xi's talent.

On the other hand, it was because...

Yun Xi seemed different from what he had imagined...

"Is this your younger brother?"

Seeing Uchiha Itachi's shocked expression, Yun Xi did not continue to press him, instead shifting the topic to the little boy in front of him.

In truth, the moment Yun Xi had laid eyes on this fellow.

He had basically been able to confirm it.

The little boy following behind Uchiha Itachi was none other than the protagonist of the original Naruto series.

Uchiha Sasuke!

With his long hair and a cold, stoic face, he seemed somewhat cautious at the sight of a stranger like Yun Xi.

His two delicate hands were tightly gripping Uchiha Itachi's clothes.

He was eyeing Yun Xi with suspicion while hiding behind Uchiha Itachi...

I never expected Sasuke to be so shy when he was little.

Looking at this Uchiha Sasuke, who was quite different from his memories, a smile appeared on Yun Xi's face.

"Yes, my younger brother."

Uchiha Itachi nodded, then pulled Uchiha Sasuke out and said in a gentle tone, "Sasuke, call him Brother Yun Xi. He can be considered a good friend of mine."

"A good friend?"

Hearing Uchiha Itachi's words, Yun Xi was somewhat surprised.

He had never expected that he would actually count as a friend in Uchiha Itachi's heart.

Yun Xi seemed to recall that in the original Naruto series, aside from Uchiha Shisui, Uchiha Itachi didn't have any friends at all...

As for Kisame Hoshigaki...

He could only be considered a comrade-in-arms...

This is truly an unexpected gain.

While thinking this to himself, Yun Xi slowly stood up, walked over to Uchiha Sasuke, and smiled. "Sasuke, right? Just call me Yun Xi."

At this moment.

Uchiha Sasuke also spoke in a soft, childish voice: "Hello, Brother Yun Xi..."