Special Training, the Purpose of the 'Class'

Miyuki did not speak, but instead pressed down on Sanhe's head, forcing him to bow to Ryosuke as well.

The corner of Ryosuke's mouth twitched.

"You don't need to do this. We are all teammates in Team One and members of the same clan. I wouldn't stand by and watch you die, but this is war, and I cannot guarantee my own safety. Therefore, I can only say that I will do my best."

"That is enough. Thank you, Ryosuke-kun." Miyuki narrowed her eyes, revealing a knowing smile.

This was the first time Ryosuke had seen her genuine smile, rather than the fake one she usually wore.

Ryosuke simply nodded and said nothing more.

With this assurance, the three of them began coordination training before Shisui arrived.

All three of them disclosed some of the ninjutsu they excelled at.

Sanhe knew many high-level ninjutsu, but he was also quite reckless.

Miyuki was a sensory and genjutsu-type ninja, specializing in the Uchiha's most classic fire-style ninjutsu, though with greater power.

As for Ryosuke, he only mentioned the ninjutsu he had already demonstrated, including the Shadow Possession Jutsu and some taijutsu he had learned from Guy.

However, this was enough to surprise Miyuki and Sanhe.

After all, they had never seen a clansman's Sharingan capable of copying forbidden techniques.

Even the way Sanhe looked at Ryosuke held a hint of awe.

It was no wonder the clan members mentioned Ryosuke in the same breath as Itachi and Shisui as geniuses.

Itachi was most famous for graduating from the Ninja Academy at seven and joining the Anbu at nine.

Shisui was most famous for his Body Flicker Technique and his unique four-tomoe Sharingan.

Now, Ryosuke's Sharingan, capable of copying secret techniques, had also become a trademark of the Uchiha.

Ryosuke demonstrated to the two of them some classic taijutsu he had learned from Guy.

With the help of the Sharingan, Sanhe and Miyuki were able to copy them as well.

However, how much power they could unleash would depend on their individual physical fitness and their grasp of combat timing.

Just like that, after they had practiced for the whole morning, Shisui finally arrived late.

"Teacher Shisui, when are we departing?" Sanhe asked first.

"Departing? To where?" Shisui was confused by the question.

"Aren't we going to execute a special mission?" Miyuki also asked.

"Ah, that. Right now our team is on standby. We have to wait for the Anbu to receive intelligence regarding the Cloud Ninja before we make our move."

Shisui scratched his head and said with a smile.

"So that's how it is. You scared me; I thought we were going to war with the Cloud Ninja Anbu today." Sanhe plopped down onto the ground.

Miyuki also looked relieved.

Ryosuke, on the other hand, remained expressionless.

"Although we are on standby, in order to increase your chances of survival when you encounter enemies in the future, we will begin special training."

After saying this, Shisui created two shadow clones, walking simultaneously to face Sanhe, Miyuki, and Ryosuke.

"This special training will be one-on-one. I will conduct targeted training based on your strengths and weaknesses. I will not hold back this time; you must treat me as your enemy."

Shisui said seriously.

The three of them nodded in unison.

"Then let's begin."

As soon as Shisui finished speaking, his main body and his clones simultaneously used different ninjutsu.

It was clearly a specific attack tailored to each of the three.

Sanhe and Miyuki were forced back by the shockwaves, and the three of them were separated.

In the forest on the outskirts of Konoha.

Itachi had just dealt with three Cloud Ninja Anbu who had attempted to infiltrate Konoha.

"Come out."

Itachi stood where he was and said calmly.

'Madara' emerged from a tree.

"Your observation skills are still as sharp as ever, Itachi."

'Madara' did not skimp on his praise for Itachi.

"What is it this time?"

Itachi turned around and activated his Three-Tomoe Sharingan.

Even though 'Madara' was, in a sense, Itachi's mentor.

However, he knew that Madara had ulterior motives, so he had always remained vigilant.

"Haven't you realized it yet? The Uchiha are preparing to rebel. What do you intend to do? Will you stand on Konoha's side and fight against your own kin, or will you join them in opposing the village?"

Madara said indifferently.

Itachi fell silent.

In truth, he had already sensed it long ago.

Moreover, he had been constantly trying to find ways to mend the relationship between the Uchiha and the village.

To that end, he had even joined the Anbu, specifically to demonstrate his stance to the Third Hokage.

But this sudden outbreak of war had disrupted his plans.

And now, the Uchiha were stirring once again.

Recently, both Fugaku and the Third Hokage had approached him.

They both wanted him to gather intelligence on the other side.

This put Itachi in an even more difficult position.

"Itachi, you have a younger brother, don't you?"

Madara continued.

A chilling killing intent suddenly erupted from Itachi's body.

"What are you trying to do?"

Madara spread his hands.

"If you don't want your brother to be dragged into the war, the best way is for you to stop this conflict yourself. I can help you."

Itachi turned to look in the direction of the village.

End the war? How could he end it? He had no leads at the moment.

Furthermore, this person, Madara, was untrustworthy. What was his true objective?

"What do you want to gain?"

Itachi asked suddenly.

"Revenge, and spare Sharingan."

"They betrayed me back then, which led to my current fate. Now, I only want to make them regret their decision. That is my revenge."

Madara said coldly.

"How do you know I will help you fight against my own clan?"

Itachi countered.

"Heh, because of your brother. The Uchiha were born for war. As long as they continue to exist, the war will never cease, and your brother will sooner or later be dragged into it. How about it?"

Madara continued to cajole him.

"I need time to consider."

Itachi frowned deeply.

"I can wait, but the Uchiha cannot. The moment this war ends will be the day the Uchiha and Konoha break ties completely."

After Madara finished speaking, his body transformed into a vortex and vanished.

Space-time ninjutsu? I don't have the confidence to defeat him yet.

Itachi stared at the spot where Madara had disappeared and muttered to himself.

Just then, a whistle sounded from afar; it was the signal for an Anbu assembly.

Itachi glanced at the Cloud Ninja corpses on the ground, then left the area.

These were his battle merits, but he did not intend to report them.

Itachi soon received his orders and arrived at the Hokage's office.

"Itachi, thank you for your hard work. This is intelligence on the Cloud Ninja Anbu. Go and deliver it to Shisui."

The Third Hokage said while puffing on his pipe.

"Yes."

Itachi took the scroll and was about to leave when he heard the Third Hokage continue: "Itachi, I leave the matters regarding the Uchiha to you. I do not wish to see any unrest at a time like this."

"Yes."

Itachi took a deep breath and vanished from the spot.

The Third Hokage set down his pipe and walked to the window.

"Fourth Raikage, I hope you keep your end of the bargain and stop once you have obtained what you want."