Several months later, Uchiha Clan Grounds, training field.
Morning light filtered through the branches and leaves of ancient trees, casting mottled shadows across the grass.
Uchiha Itachi stood in the center of the field, his short black hair stirring lightly in the morning breeze, his youthful face filled with concentration.
He held two kunai in his hands. His scarlet Sharingan was already active, its two tomoe slowly turning as they locked firmly onto the white-clad figure opposite him.
After several months of recovery and surgery personally performed by Tianyi, Itachi's heart had fully healed.
The cough that had once plagued him was gone for good. His strength and endurance had improved dramatically, and the intensity of his training had risen considerably as well.
"Master, I'm coming." Itachi's voice was soft, but his tone was resolute.
Tianyi stood ten paces ahead of him, his hands hanging naturally at his sides and the corners of his mouth slightly raised. "Come."
Itachi moved. His body became a streak of black lightning, and the kunai left his hands, flanking Tianyi from both sides and sealing off every possible route of escape.
Itachi himself followed close behind, drawing another kunai from his waist with his right hand and stabbing straight at Tianyi's abdomen.
Tianyi shifted slightly, and the first kunai brushed past his lapel.
With a flick of his hand, he lightly sent the second kunai flying away with his fingertips.
Itachi's kunai struck forward, but Tianyi's palm blocked it before his abdomen. The tip pressed against his palm and could not advance another inch.
"Not bad. Your speed is a little faster than last week." Tianyi's assessment was brief and precise.
Itachi withdrew his kunai and stepped back. He said nothing. Tianyi was about to continue instructing him when the goggles over his left