Konoha: Deceiving Itachi for Seven Years in Crossdressing, Obito Comes

Silence...

So this is Haruko's swordsmanship!

Precise and efficient, without the slightest hesitation.

Her blade carried no emotion when drawn!

Itachi didn't miss any detail.

The longsword arced through the air, its movement fluttering Haruko's skirt and lifting her silken hair in an elegant trajectory before returning to its sheath.

As the strands of hair settled and her skirt stilled...

This simple draw had maintained Haruko's perfect composure throughout.

A sudden realization surfaced in Itachi's mind:

"If life holds no meaning..."

"Then perhaps guarding this tranquility..."

"Wouldn't be so bad?"

Now understanding his purpose, Itachi focused completely.

Train harder.

Protect this serenity!

"Haruko, ready yourself!"

With cleared thoughts, Itachi flicked his wrist - multiple shuriken materialized between his fingers.

Qingchuan tightened his grip on the blade.

Here it comes.

The legendary Uchiha shurikenjutsu.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

The projectiles flew faster and more unpredictably than before.

Qingchuan's stance shifted subtly.

Lock on.

Swing.

Split them mid-air!

Ting! Ting! Ting!

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

......

In the grove, the clash between shuriken techniques and swordsmanship intensified.

Their movements gradually synchronized into a deadly dance.

Hidden in shadows...

A curly-haired boy carrying a nodachi observed the duel with growing astonishment.

Uchiha Shisui could barely contain his shock.

"Since when do children fight at this level?!"

Itachi's shuriken skills already surpassed academy instructors.

Even among ANBU or frontline ninjas, few could match his precision.

Typical prodigy of the clan leader.

But the girl...

That green-eyed girl calmly bisecting every projectile while controlling her breathing rhythm...

She's extraordinary!

Initially struggling with the attacks...

Though elegant in movement, she'd clearly benefited from Itachi holding back initially.

Yet as Itachi accelerated...

Her blade kept pace!

Unthinkable for a girl appearing barely six years old!

Each seemingly delicate motion precisely cleaved steel.

Meanwhile, Qingchuan felt enlightenment through continuous sword swings.

He'd detected the observer long ago...

But with Itachi present, even Orochimaru's return wouldn't concern him.

The blade in his hands now felt weightless.

Though unskilled in channeling spiritual energy, Qingchuan's attacks mirrored Shikai release form.

Falling cherry blossoms...

Scattered steel...

Within this domain, he believed he could sever anything!

His proficiency surged exponentially.

At this rate, achieving true Shikai seemed imminent.

But...

Itachi wasn't serious yet.

Without Mangekyō's Tsukuyomi or Amaterasu...

His shuriken skills alone proved terrifying.

Pressure mounted on Qingchuan.

"Enough."

Bisecting six shuriken simultaneously, Qingchuan decided.

"This can't continue."

Seizing a brief lull...

He resheathed his sword.

Closed his eyes.

Damn.

Need contingency plans.

Can't risk getting trapped in Tsukuyomi later!

Who knows what Itachi might do in that illusionary world!

Yet...

The attacks ceased completely.

After prolonged silence...

Qingchuan opened his eyes in confusion.

"What's wrong?" he inquired.

Blushing furiously...

Itachi scratched his head awkwardly, displaying empty hands.

Glancing at the scattered shuriken fragments, Qingchuan understood.

"Let's end here today."

"Good timing - I'm fatigued."

Sheathing his blade, Qingchuan declared.

Though craving actual sparring...

Patience was key.

Mealtime approached.

Growth phase nutrition mattered.

"Shall we... eat together?"

Itachi asked hopefully.

But Haruko began walking away.

Disappointment flickered across Itachi's face.

Curse his insufficient shuriken supply.

Next time, bring more.

"Fine. Let's go riverside."

Haruko's voice floated back.

"Curly-hair in the trees - we're fishing for dinner."