In the shinobi world, danger rarely announces itself.
In less than a day—
Kai had fully grasped the ninjutsu and genjutsu he selected.
Fugaku, who had been guiding him, was stunned.
This level of comprehension—
was absurd.
And at just six years old—
Kai had already awakened a one-tomoe Sharingan.
Even Itachi couldn't compare.
Fugaku couldn't help but wonder—
perhaps Kai's early awakening was tied to the loss of his parents on the battlefield.
A trace of sympathy surfaced.
As for Kai—
his decision to reveal the Sharingan wasn't just because he trusted Fugaku.
It was also because—
only by displaying his talent could he earn proper attention and resources.
In front of Fugaku—
there was no point in hiding.
Time passed quickly during training.
In the blink of an eye—
over a month had gone by.
During this time, Fugaku sparred with Kai regularly.
But these were no ordinary sparring sessions.
Ninja tools—
ninjutsu—
everything was allowed.
Each exchange mirrored real combat.
Only through that kind of pressure—
could strength grow rapidly.
At the same time—
Kai continued steadily upgrading his Asura's Chakra with chakra.
It was the foundation of his power.
"Let's take a break today."
With the weekend free, Kai grabbed his fishing gear and bait, planning to catch some fish to improve his meals.
Ever since he revealed his talent—
the clan's support for him had increased significantly.
Fugaku had even suggested he move in with them.
Kai declined, claiming he was used to living alone.
As for the financial support—
he accepted it without hesitation.
Even with more money on hand—
frugality was still important.
Fully equipped, he headed out.
"Kai, going fishing?" a familiar clan member called out as he stepped outside.
"Yep. Fish is nutritious—and delicious," Kai replied with a grin.
The river fish in Konoha—
especially the mullet—
were incredibly tasty when seasoned properly.
As he walked through the streets, his good looks didn't go unnoticed.
Several female members of the Military Police stopped him—
ruffling his hair, pinching his cheeks.
Taking full advantage.
Kai blushed and tried to dodge.
Their laughter rang out like blooming flowers.
"…I'll get you back when I grow up," he muttered under his breath.
Overall—
the atmosphere within the clan was warm.
"Kai, if you like fish, just tell Aunt Mikoto. You don't need to go through all this trouble," Mikoto said, stepping out with a basket.
"Don't worry, Aunt Mikoto—I'm really good at fishing!" Kai lifted his rod confidently. "If I catch a big one, I'll share half with you!"
"Then I'll be waiting tonight," Mikoto said with a smile, clenching her fist in encouragement.
"I won't disappoint!"
As he passed by the entrance—
he saw Itachi sweeping the yard.
Their eyes met.
Since his defeat—
Itachi had remained calm.
No jealousy.
Instead, he often discussed training and techniques with Kai.
Their friendship had only grown stronger.
Kai suspected Fugaku had played a role.
"Kai, wait."
Itachi set the broom aside and walked over.
"I've been training a lot lately. I want a break too. If you're going fishing… take me with you."
Kai glanced at him.
"…Fine. Just don't mess up my rhythm."
Itachi nodded seriously.
"Got it."
An hour later—
the two arrived at a secluded river deep within Konoha's forest.
The water wasn't wide.
Barely a meter or two deep.
But it was rich with fresh, high-quality fish.
A perfect hidden spot.
For over a year—
aside from eating at Fugaku's house—
fishing had been Kai's main way to improve his meals.
Finding a good spot, Kai scattered bait.
Itachi sat quietly on the grass, watching.
Time passed.
Kai remained focused, eyes locked on the float.
Seeing himself ignored—
Itachi spoke.
"Kai… what do you think about the current relationship between the village and the Uchiha?"
"With my eyes," Kai replied without turning.
Itachi fell silent.
He was conflicted.
He admired Hiruzen.
Believed in the Will of Fire.
But—
that belief clashed with his clan.
He didn't know what to do.
If war came—
where would he stand?
Kai glanced at him briefly, then spoke calmly.
"Itachi… sometimes, I envy you."
"You have a good family. You never had to worry about money or survival. You can pursue what you want—confidently, proudly."
"Unlike me… worrying about food and daily life since I was young."
He paused.
"Everything you have—comes from somewhere."
"Think about who gave it to you. Who protected you."
"Don't get lost in meaningless thoughts."
"If you want to change things—"
"Don't trap yourself in pity."
"Act."
"Become Hokage."
"Change the relationship between the village and the Uchiha at its root."
Kai turned and smiled.
Inside, he thought—
My persuasion skills are getting better.
Itachi… you won't come after me in seven years now, right?
Itachi stood there, stunned for over a minute.
Then—
he nodded firmly.
"…Alright."
Meanwhile—
Kai's fishing was wildly successful.
In about an hour—
he had already caught four or five large fish.
"I'll treat you to grilled fish," Kai said with a grin.
Too many to carry back anyway.
Might as well enjoy them here.
"Okay."
While Kai cleaned the fish—
Itachi gathered firewood.
Then—
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"
Flames ignited the pile instantly.
Five minutes later—
the fish turned golden.
Kai sprinkled seasoning.
The aroma spread instantly.
"Here."
He handed one to Itachi.
Itachi took it, sniffed—
then bit down.
"…It's delicious."
His eyes lit up.
Even compared to restaurant food—
this was exceptional.
"Of course," Kai said smugly.
Years of practice—
perfected technique.
If he had startup money—
he'd open a grilled fish shop.
Guaranteed success.
Each fish weighed over a pound.
Itachi had already eaten more than half.
Then—
suddenly—
Kai's expression changed.
A sharp sense of danger struck him.
"Watch out—move!"
Boom!
A gas bomb exploded at their previous position.
Thick poison spread instantly—
engulfing the area.
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