Naruto: Becoming Stronger through Bonds

Chapter 15: Sarutobi Hiruzen: It's All Danzo's Fault!

_____

At the same time, in the Uchiha household...

Fugaku and Itachi sat across from each other.

"I'm sorry, Father. I've disappointed you," Itachi said softly, lowering his head.

Fugaku had always been strict with Itachi. When Itachi was just four years old, Fugaku had taken him to the battlefield to expose him to the harsh realities of the ninja world.

Understanding his father's high expectations, Itachi had always pushed himself to train hard.

But today, he had been defeated in a single punch.

Ervin's speed had been too fast. Itachi's eyes had been able to register the movement, but his body couldn't keep up.

And... there was something else. Doubts lingered in Itachi's mind.

"Don't apologize," Fugaku said, his voice low yet filled with a rare tone of approval. "You've done well. Learning the Shadow Clone Jutsu at your age and attending class all day was no small feat."

Itachi's exceptional performance had surpassed even Fugaku's expectations.

"According to the Hokage's request, you'll face Ervin again tomorrow. If you perform well, you'll have the opportunity to graduate early," Fugaku added.

"Don't worry, Father. I will do my best to defeat him," Itachi replied earnestly.

"Good. Now tell me everything that happened today. I'll help you analyze it."

"Yes," Itachi agreed.

There wasn't much to say about being defeated in one move, but Itachi shared his lingering doubts.

Fugaku frowned. "Uchiha throwing technique... and Shisui's Body Flicker Technique... It's likely Shisui has become Ervin's tutor."

Itachi couldn't help but ask, "Then why didn't Shisui tell me?"

"Foolish!" Fugaku scolded, his tone sharp. "This is Shisui's mission. Ervin is Danzo's grandson. Do you think their activities can be shared freely? If Shisui had told you, it would have caused serious trouble!"

"I understand, Father," Itachi replied, bowing his head further.

"A ninja must be cautious with their words and actions. Always think before you speak," Fugaku said, waving a hand dismissively, signaling the matter was closed.

"As for tomorrow's battle, your chances of winning are slim. Don't let it discourage you. Uchiha's true strength doesn't lie in ordinary ninjutsu or taijutsu but in the Sharingan."

"Speed is fleeting. Once you awaken your Sharingan, you'll soon surpass Ervin."

From Itachi's description and his own deductions, Fugaku knew the gap between the two boys was substantial, and Itachi couldn't catch up in a short time.

"Go back to your room and rest. Conserve your energy. Even if you lose tomorrow, show your talent and strength to the village. That alone will pave the way for your early graduation."

"Yes."

Itachi returned to his room. Lying on his bed, he replayed the memories sent back by his Shadow Clone over and over, unable to sleep for a long time.

---

At the Hokage Building...

"Hokage-sama, these are the test papers of Itachi and Ervin," Kazama said, placing the two test papers on the desk with a conflicted expression.

Hiruzen, busy reviewing other documents, didn't notice his expression. He simply nodded and gestured for Kazama to leave.

Half an hour later, after finishing his official duties, Hiruzen picked up the test papers. He was curious to evaluate the academic performance of both Ervin and Itachi.

First of all, it had to be Itachi's test paper. Unsurprisingly, it was full marks. His answers clearly demonstrated a level that far surpassed what a first-year student should possess.

But when Hiruzen looked at Ervin's test paper, he was stunned.

What on earth is this?

The multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank sections were answered perfectly, also earning full marks.

But the essay section? It was as if the boy was trying to send him straight into retirement.

One particular response caused Hiruzen to slam the table in frustration.

"I have been in power for 20 years, and my only achievement is closing the casino?"

Hiruzen's face darkened. "Danzo, you must have taught him this! What have you done to a perfectly good child? You deserve punishment for this!"

Meanwhile, Danzo, who was busy arranging a new round of conspiracies and assassination missions, sneezed twice. His face immediately turned grim.

"Damn Hiruzen, he must be jealous of me for having such an outstanding grandson!"

---

One night passed quickly.

With the exams completed, the Ninja Academy entered its month-long vacation. The once-bustling campus now felt desolate, except for the training ground where the first graders had taken their test the previous day.

At the edge of the empty training ground, a row of tables had been set up. Sitting behind them were Sarutobi Hiruzen, Danzo, and the two elders, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura.

Around them stood a dozen ninjas, including Uchiha Fugaku.

Word of the duel between Ervin and Itachi had spread, drawing an audience eager to witness the event.

Konoha had never been short of geniuses, but this duel was different.

One participant hailed from the prestigious Uchiha clan, and the other was Shimura Danzo's grandson. This elevated the event into something everyone was talking about.

If not for ongoing missions, the crowd would have been much larger.

---

At precisely nine o'clock, Ervin and Itachi stood ten meters apart, just as they had the day before.

This time, however, there were no Shadow Clones. Both were present in their original forms.

The referee had also been replaced, with rookie Chūnin Kazama swapped for an experienced Anbu with a cat-faced mask.

"The battle rules are as follows," the Anbu announced coldly. "If one party loses combat effectiveness or if the referee determines they cannot defend against the opponent's attack, that party will be declared the loser. Now, the conclusion—"

"No need," Ervin interrupted abruptly.

The Anbu's eyes narrowed in irritation, but before he could glare at Ervin, he felt multiple murderous intents locked onto him. Realizing the situation, the Anbu immediately regained his composure.

"This is the rule, Ervin," he said firmly.

"I already made the seal of opposition with Itachi yesterday," Shimura replied flatly. "This is just a continuation. There's no need to overcomplicate it."

"...Fine." The Anbu retreated, visibly frustrated.

Hiruzen chuckled. "Danzo, your Ervin is certainly unique."

Danzo smirked faintly, not even glancing at Sarutobi. "No, your Asuma is still better."

Hiruzen's smile immediately vanished.

His youngest son, Asuma, had been going through a rebellious phase lately, arguing with him every day at home. Danzo's remark struck a nerve.

Beside them, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura stifled their laughter.

These two old comrades had been bickering since their youth, and it seemed some things never changed.