Chapter 26 26: Uchiha Clan's Ancient Fire Styles.

"Senior Itachi, did you come here to fight me or to avenge Sasuke? If so, I'm afraid I won't be able to accompany you," Kaito withdrew the chakra from his hand and glanced toward an empty space. This kid... What sharp perception! His strength is at least that of an elite Chunin. And from the calm on his face, he must be hiding even greater power. His potential is even more impressive than mine or Shisui's. In a few years, Konoha might gain another Kage-level powerhouse. Sasuke secretly asked me to look after him... maybe this could actually work. Behind a large tree, Uchiha Itachi pondered in silence. "You're strong. It's no wonder Sasuke lost to you," Uchiha Itachi stepped out from behind the tree. "Thanks for the compliment. But I wonder—does Itachi-senpai intend to trap me in a genjutsu?" "Something big is about to happen to the Uchiha clan," Itachi said calmly. "I'll be leaving Konoha. I want you to look after Sasuke in my absence." Kaito instantly understood what Itachi meant. He wanted him to protect Sasuke from people like Danzo—who might try something underhanded. Everything clicked into place in his mind, and his tense body relaxed. This is like finding a pillow when you're exhausted. The Uchiha clan might gain an advantage through Fire Release techniques, but... conditions must be set. "Protect Sasuke? Why should I? I'm not doing anything that doesn't benefit me." "What do you want? I'll do what I can." Kaito's eyes gleamed. Here it comes. "I already have fire-nature chakra. I want all of the Uchiha clan's Fire Style ninjutsu." Kaito grinned. He wasn't holding back. "Fine," Itachi agreed without hesitation. The Uchiha were nearing annihilation. Their fire-style legacy would be wasted otherwise. Better to give it to someone trustworthy than let it fall into Danzo's hands. "But," Kaito added, "there needs to be a time limit. What if you never return to Konoha? Am I supposed to protect him for the rest of my life?" "How long do you suggest?" Itachi asked. Everyone had their own interests. This was just a deal, and Itachi had expected Kaito to set terms. "Until he graduates from the Ninja Academy. Once he becomes a genin and gets his own Jonin mentor, I'll no longer be needed." "Five years... that should be enough," Itachi thought. He only needed to protect Sasuke during his most vulnerable years—before Danzo could get to him. Five years would be more than sufficient. "Alright," Itachi said with a serious expression. "When do I get the scroll?" Kaito asked excitedly. The Uchiha were renowned for their fire-style techniques, and they were strictly guarded. "All of them are stored in a secret chamber under the clan's ancestral shrine. Only a Sharingan can open it," Itachi explained. "Three days from now, at around 7 p.m., I'll open the passage. Be there. I won't wait." "Deal." "Well then, farewell. No one must know about this conversation—not even the Third Hokage." "I get it. I know what to say... and what not to say." "Good. See you in three days." Uchiha Itachi formed hand seals. His Sharingan glinted, and he vanished in a flurry of crows. The illusion collapsed instantly like a crumbling house, and Kaito found himself back in his own yard. "A genjutsu, huh? Amazing. I definitely need to learn how to break them someday... It's a major weakness otherwise." Muttering to himself, Kaito felt a wave of excitement. He had traded almost nothing in return for the Uchiha clan's entire fire-style ninjutsu library—an incredible gain! In the original timeline, even after the massacre, Danzo never dared to lay a hand on Sasuke. Partly because of Itachi, the ultimate protective older brother. And partly due to Hiruzen Sarutobi's warnings. In other words, Kaito didn't even need to lift a finger. Just by saying a few words, he had earned centuries' worth of Uchiha fire-style secrets. How could he not be overjoyed? But Itachi wasn't without caution. He had told Kaito to come in person to the Uchiha shrine in three days—rather than handing the scroll over immediately. It was a test. As the clan leader's son and top genius, Itachi could easily copy the scroll if he wanted to. So why make Kaito retrieve it? Because on that very night—the night of the Uchiha Massacre—the shrine would be the most dangerous place in the entire village. Hokage's Anbu, Root operatives, the Uchiha clan, Itachi himself, and even the man behind the curtain... Uchiha Obito. Everything converged on that night. If Kaito wanted the scroll, he'd need the strength to take it. Otherwise, he'd die trying. But that didn't worry Kaito. Three months ago, it would've been risky. Back then, he had just broken through to a new level. But now—three months had passed in the real world. That translated to 900 days inside the training dimension—almost two and a half years of nonstop progress. He wasn't just stronger; he was on a different level entirely. His chakra reserves had grown massively, and his strength had more than doubled. Even if it came to a fight with Uchiha Obito... he could hold his own. The Uchiha clan's ancient Fire Style ninjutsu... Ayanami Kaito will claim them! No doubt about it! --- Support me by joining my p@treon. patreon.com/Zphyr_