Resuming Training

Unlike Koki's relaxed demeanor, she slowly drew the curtains, imprisoning herself in darkness.

In this dimly lit room, the oppressive atmosphere seemed to materialize, making it hard to breathe; his gaze was unfathomable, empty as if his soul had been ripped away.

After Koki's figure disappeared through the doorway, his world seemed to collapse, leaving only endless darkness and loneliness.

In the tranquil room, time seemed to stand still, with only the chirping of cicadas in the courtyard occasionally piercing the silence and breaking the stillness of the room.

The weasel's thin and lonely figure appeared even more frail in the dim light, as if it might disappear into the darkness at any moment.

Itachi's heart was in turmoil, churning like ocean waves. The insignificant people and events in his dreams followed him like a shadow, constantly tormenting his soul.

Those fragmented dreams, like an interweaving of reality and illusion, transformed him overnight, bringing him to maturity.

He recalled the momentary hesitation in his brother's expression, as if an insurmountable chasm existed between them.

'Brother.' Itachi silently murmured in his heart. The thought of possibly losing his brother tormented his soul, causing him unbearable pain.

He tried to control his emotions, but tears involuntarily streamed down his cheeks.

He clenched his teeth, trying to suppress the pain in his heart, but the feeling of sorrow was like a sharp knife, piercing deep into his heart.

His hands were clenched tightly together, his knuckles turning white from the force.

He felt his body trembling, as if he were about to collapse at any moment.

Without his brother, he truly didn't know how he would face the future, or how he would continue living.

Without his brother, what would he do? Itachi felt as if he had been abandoned in a strange and desolate world.

He frantically searched through the Uchiha scrolls, trying to find some clues and comfort to learn more about the secrets and history of the Uchiha Clan. However, these materials did not bring him any comfort, but instead plunged him deeper into despair.

His hands trembled, and tears involuntarily slid down the scroll. He felt his heart being torn apart bit by bit, and the pain was almost unbearable for the young boy.

"Stay with me, brother."

Of course.

Just as Itachi was sinking into despair, he suddenly remembered his conversation with his brother. It was as if he had grasped at the last straw. Yes! His brother had promised him that he would stay with him!

He trusted his brother; his brother would never lie to him. Moreover, he had already pieced together the story from his dream, and he would eliminate all the threats one by one. Thinking of this, Itachi's eyes became firm and cold.

After a long dream, Koki gradually opened his sleeping eyes and found himself lying on the green corridor of the courtyard. Sunlight filtered through the leaves and gently fell on his face, bringing a touch of warmth.

A gentle breeze swept through the courtyard, bringing with it the tranquil atmosphere of an entire Natsuhi.

He realized he hadn't had such a deep sleep in a long time; it seemed the exhaustion of the previous night had truly drained his energy.

Koki squinted, staring blankly at the wind chimes above his head, which swayed in the breeze and made a crisp sound. His mind was not yet completely pulled out of the dream.

He rubbed his eyes, slowly sat up, and looked around, trying to recall what had happened.

Suddenly, a warm feeling approached him. He turned his head and saw his younger brother hugging him tightly, watching him quietly.

Looking at his younger brother's adorable face, Koki felt a deep surge of love. He reached out and gently stroked Itachi's hair, asking softly, "Itachi, have you finished reading those scrolls?"

Itachi looked up, tears welling in his eyes, his voice trembling slightly, "Brother, I... I'm so scared, I thought I was going to lose you again."

Upon Koki's heart tightened. Why was his younger brother having nightmares again? He hugged Itachi tightly and whispered comfortingly, "Don't be afraid, Itachi, we're family. I'm here. I won't leave you."

Itachi leaned against Koki's chest, feeling his brother's heartbeat in his ear, a sound that brought him immense peace and warmth.

They sat quietly under the corridor, leaning on each other. Itachi poured out his grievances to Koki, and Koki listened patiently. When Fugaku and Sakumo finished their Go game and came over, they saw this heartwarming scene.

"Dad, Uncle Sakumo, you've finally finished your game." Koki heard the approaching footsteps, looked up, and saw that it was the two 'masters' returning from their game.

Itachi glanced at them, but didn't say anything to greet them.

"Finished." Hatake Sakumo spoke first, a smile on his face as he gently nodded to Koki. His gaze then fell on the tear stains remaining on Itachi's face, but he didn't pay much attention to them, assuming it was just brotherly playfulness. He asked teasingly, "Oh, Itachi, why are you crying?"

Upon hearing Sakumo's words, Itachi's expression changed drastically. He turned his head away and roughly wiped away the traces of tears on his face, trying not to let others see.

He was arrogant and domineering in front of others, but he was spoiled and pampered in front of his older brother. Itachi would only cry for his brother; he didn't want anyone else to see his tears.

Seeing this, Koki felt a surge of tenderness and affection. She gently took Itachi's hand, stopping him from wiping his tears roughly, and lightly wiped the tear stains from Itachi's face with a soft tissue.

After he finished doing all this, he said to Hatake Sakumo, "Uncle Sakumo, Itachi and I were just playing around, and I made him angry."

"Brother!" The moment Itachi heard Koki say that, he wanted to retort, but Koki stopped him. He didn't want everyone to know what Itachi had dreamed about.

"I see." Sakumo also realized that the atmosphere was not right. He did not press further, but Koki an apologetic smile.

Koki silently shook her head, indicating that it was okay.

"Koki, are you really alright?" A hint of surprise and worry flashed in Fugaku's eyes. He knew Itachi was a very strong child, and the two brothers had a very close relationship. How could he possibly cry just because of playing around?

"It's really okay, Dad," Koki assured him confidently.

"Alright then." Although Fugaku had many doubts, seeing his eldest son's firm stance and his younger son's expression of agreement, he didn't press the matter further.

He gently patted Koki's shoulder and said with a smile, "You've been a bit too lax in training these past few days. You worked hard taking care of your family yesterday, so I'll let you off the hook today."

Before Koki could even breathe a sigh of relief, Fugaku changed the subject, "But starting tomorrow, no more sleeping in. Resume your previous training."

Upon hearing this, Koki's vision went black, and she cried out, "No! Daddy, please let me go!"

What's the point of life if we lose the pleasure of sleeping in? It's truly heartbreaking.

Fugaku watched Koki's performance silently, then cruelly extinguished his hope, "This matter has been decided. Your Uncle Sakumo and I have discussed it. There's nothing else going on at home, so I can supervise your training."