"So you mean it's easier over there?"
"Yeah, better than patrolling and standing guard in Konoha. You'll have plenty of time to train there."
Fugaku and Itachi exchanged a glance.
"Can I go?"
"Why the hell would a clan head go? Itachi has far more room to grow than you!"
Fugaku folded his arms and fell silent.
Mikoto, who had been quiet for a long time, finally spoke up.
"Will Itachi get leave to come home and visit?"
"In principle, undercover agents aren't allowed to.
But this assignment is a little special. He can come home once every six months, or you can go visit him in Amegakure."
Mikoto glanced at her eldest son and gently took his hand.
"What about Sasuke? What should we tell him?"
Sasuke and Itachi were especially close. If Konoha listed Itachi as missing, what would Sasuke think?
"You can tell him openly that Itachi has gone on a classified mission.
But Sasuke already has a mind of his own. He definitely won't believe you, and then he'll find his own way to get stronger and search for answers."
All three scratched their heads at that.
"Wouldn't that be lying to him?"
"What are you lying about? Itachi really is going on a classified mission. Just don't tell him what the mission is."
Fugaku nodded thoughtfully, even beginning to look forward to seeing how Sasuke would respond.
"This could also teach Sasuke to trust his comrades more."
"Then it's settled."
Fugaku decided on the spot to send his eldest son abroad to study and work!
Mikoto hugged Itachi and began whispering to him.
"Then let's go take care of business first!"
Xuanhui and Fugaku stood up, ready to gather their subordinates.
"Here. This is your meal for today."
The Hyuga Clan's chief elder