Fugaku's plans fell through, and one lesson from Jin left him unable to sit still

"Uh, I'm fine."

"Sorry, Mom, Dad. I didn't notice you just now."

"Teacher taught me a few things today, and I've been going over them in my head."

Itachi hurried to explain. Seeing the worry all over his mother's face, he curved his lips into a warm smile.

Mikoto laughed, resting a hand against her forehead. "Honestly, you gave your mother quite a scare. As long as you're all right!"

"Yes, I really am," Itachi replied. "Sorry, Mom. It won't happen again."

Mother and son chatted about everyday things for a while, Itachi remaining gentle and warm throughout.

As his mother, Mikoto cared little about anything else, so naturally, she asked no further questions.

As long as her son was safe and sound, she was content.

Fugaku was different.

Only after their conversation wound down did he stand, his face stern.

"Itachi, come to the study."

"Yes, Father."

Itachi's tone immediately grew more formal at his father's command.

Father and son entered the study one after the other. Mikoto knew they had serious matters to discuss, so she made them a pot of tea and promptly withdrew.

The study was so quiet they could have heard a pin drop.

Fugaku wasted no time beating around the bush and went straight to the point.

"There's something I simply have to ask."

"That boy Jin is one of the clan's best, and he's awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan."

"But in barely half a day, what could he possibly have taught you?"

"Whatever it was, it had you so absorbed you didn't even notice people standing beside you. Honestly, I'm dying to know."

"Itachi, would you mind telling me?"

Fugaku's face plainly said he could not make sense of it.

He truly could not understand. Itachi was his own son, and he had received