Marvelous! Even in the eyes of a Jonin like Rika, it was commendable.
Fugaku wasn't lying, this child named Itachi is a true genius.
At such a young age, mastering the Great Fireball Jutsu and Shuriken Throwing Jutsu, it's hard to imagine what his future achievements will be.
The four elders maintained a calm demeanor, nodding approvingly.
In terms of a ninja's talent, he truly surpasses Ruri back in the day.
Because at that time, Ruri was still bullying other Uchiha boys of the same age, playing ninja games.
Back then, Ruri was definitely much weaker than Itachi.
"Elder."
Itachi walked up to the Four Square Elder.
"Come here at this time every day from now on. But remember, you only have one hour."
The Four Square Elder emphasized the 'one hour' strongly.
"Understood."
There was a hint of hesitation on Itachi's face.
"Do you have anything you want to ask?"
"Umm, does Father not like you, Elder?"
The Four Square Elder gave Itachi a deep look, and in Itachi's eyes, there was no sign of innocence, only a look of obsessive contemplation.
The Four Square Elder did not answer.
He simply felt that Itachi was too mature, his mind too keen.
After an hour passed, the Four Square Elder began teaching Itachi Shuriken Throwing and Taijutsu.
Though it was only a short hour, Itachi benefited greatly.
It was at this time that Itachi realized that this Uchiha elder, who had one foot in the grave, had a realm far beyond that of his father Fugaku.
◎
Afterward, Itachi came to the Four Square Elder every day for training.
The first day was Shuriken and Taijutsu.
The second day was Kunai and Fire Style.
The third day was combat training, with Jonin Uchiha Rika acting as his training partner.
Then, after an hour passed, Itachi had to leave.
He could sense that his father had a reverence for this elder called the Four Square Elder, allowing him to come, possibly as a warning and a show of force.
In other words, the training was just a byproduct.
And the Four Square Elder understood this as well.
Thus, Itachi was very curious why the Four Square Elder, understanding this, still agreed to teach him.
Itachi had been pondering this question these days.
But ultimately could only conclude that agreeing to Fugaku's request was just a spontaneous act by the Four Square Elder, without any special meaning.
Itachi confirmed his suspicion.
Although still a child, he was not an ordinary child.
He had seen war, seen the reality of the world.
As Itachi was about to leave, he heard the Four Square Elder's words:
"Starting tomorrow, you need not come."
"?"
It was only the third day.
According to the agreement, it should have been three months.
The Four Square Elder replied: "I no longer have anything to teach you about the basics of ninja."
Rika, standing by, was slightly surprised but said nothing.
He had witnessed Itachi's performance over the three days with his own eyes.
This child was different from ordinary children, mature enough to frighten even a Jonin like him.
"I understand."
Since that was the case, there was indeed no need for him to stay here.
"Thank you for your guidance these days."
Itachi bowed respectfully, expressing his sincere gratitude.
In just three days, he had gained much, enough to digest for a long time.
"Even without me, you can still discover things on your own. If it's not too presumptuous of an old man to ask, Itachi, do you have any aspirations for the future?"
The Four Square Elder stared intently at Itachi's still young yet not immature face.
Hearing this question, Itachi, without hesitation, said: "To become a ninja better than anyone else and then use my strength to eliminate all conflicts in the world."
It was an incredibly grand dream.
Rika was taken aback. Was that something a child would say?
If it were other children saying this, it might just be a fleeting interest.
But Itachi was genuinely earnest in these words.
He was serious.
While others were still playing, he was considering his future.
"What do you think makes an excellent ninja?"
The Four Square Elder asked.
"Please, Elder, enlighten me."
"Look at the people around you, see ninjas from a civilian's perspective, and see nobility from a commoner's perspective. Resolving the world's conflicts is not something one person or one generation can accomplish. It will result in more bloodshed than any Ninja Realm war. Also, no matter how strong one person is, they cannot shoulder everything alone."
"I understand, Elder."
Itachi pondered for a moment, thinking this statement might be correct, but to verify its correctness, he would have to test it himself.
After all, among his peers or those a year or two older, he had yet to encounter someone he truly considered a strong opponent.
Those people only played childish ninja games, and Itachi didn't think he could gain any important knowledge from there, only wasting time.
He decided to leave, perhaps never to return.
"Isn't it a waste to just give up, Four Square Elder?"
Rika sighed.
To him, it seemed like a promising talent shouldn't be left untapped.
"The path is for oneself to choose, just like Ruri back then, whether it's pain or joy, I no longer want to intervene too much. Besides, how much time do you think I truly have to teach that child?"
The Four Square Elder snorted coldly.
Rika was startled but soon understood the key point.
Fugaku only gave the Four Square Elder three months, one hour each day.
Fugaku's intention was not truly to let the Four Square Elder teach; he simply wanted the elder to impart ninja knowledge. As for anything else, once touched upon, Fugaku might take action.