Return of the Uchiha Prodigy

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Minato watched Itachi's subtle confusion and smiled softly.

"I believe that if there's something I need to know, you'll tell me when the time is right," Minato said calmly. "If it's too difficult for you to speak about now, why should I press further?"

Itachi looked down for a moment, his mind racing. Minato could tell there was more to Itachi's reluctance than he was letting on. After careful consideration, Minato had made some inferences of his own.

If what Itachi said about the future was true—that Madara manipulated the Nine-Tails into attacking Konoha, leading to the deaths of both him and Kushina—then Konoha, still reeling from the Third Great Ninja War, would be devastated. The village, already recovering, would face another overwhelming blow.

Minato understood why Itachi couldn't disclose more details. He also knew the terrible cost of unlocking the Mangekyō Sharingan. Itachi must have endured immense personal loss due to these future events.

Perhaps these are the very reasons why Itachi hasn't shared everything with Mikoto and Fugaku, Minato thought. He wanted to protect both the village and the people he loved. Now, with the knowledge Itachi had revealed, he needed to prepare and prevent Madara's plan from ever succeeding. The future wasn't set in stone—it could be changed.

"Thank you for understanding," Itachi said, bowing slightly. Despite his composed demeanor, Itachi felt a deep respect for the Fourth Hokage. If Minato hadn't died in the Nine-Tails' attack, the future might have been different.

Minato observed the young Uchiha closely. There was something deeper behind Itachi's gaze—something heavy.

"Is it the burden of the future?" Minato thought silently, though he didn't need to foresee it to understand. With Itachi's talent and his Mangekyō Sharingan, there was no doubt that the Itachi of the future would be incredibly strong. But knowing Itachi's careful nature, if Madara's plan hadn't been so imminent, Itachi might have kept these secrets to himself forever.

Suddenly, a memory resurfaced in Minato's mind.

"Fugaku came to see me yesterday," Minato said casually, changing the subject. "The decision not to attend the Ninja Academy—that was your choice, wasn't it?"

Itachi blinked, slightly surprised by the sudden shift in conversation. "Yes," he replied cautiously.

Minato didn't need to ask for reasons. With Itachi's sharp mind, Fugaku must have agreed with the decision. After a moment of reflection, Minato met Itachi's gaze again, his expression gentle yet firm.

"It must be hard, carrying all of this by yourself, isn't it?"

Itachi's heart skipped. That simple question touched the deepest part of his soul—the part burdened by all he carried in the darkness. No one had ever asked him that. Deep down, even Itachi longed for someone to understand.

"I, like you, want to protect those I care about," Itachi said quietly, lowering his eyes. "To achieve that... there are prices I must pay. It's inevitable."

But in his heart, Itachi knew he had already lost much of his resolve. He had borne the weight of everything alone for so long.

Minato nodded, understanding. "Even as shinobi, there are some burdens we cannot shoulder alone, right?"

Itachi paused, then gave a slight nod in agreement. He had once believed he could carry everything by himself, but that hadn't turned out as he'd hoped.

"I have no doubt in your abilities," Minato continued, "but no matter how strong someone is, the weight of the world can break them if they don't share it."

Minato gently placed a hand on Itachi's shoulder. "Even as Hokage, there are many things I cannot accomplish alone. It's only because of the trust and support of my comrades that I am where I am today."

"Comrades..." Itachi whispered, his thoughts drifting to Shisui—the one person who had truly stood beside him as a companion.

Minato noticed the slight change in Itachi's expression. He wanted to help ease the heavy load on Itachi's heart.

"Just as you chose to reveal these secrets to me, whether willingly or reluctantly, at least now I can help with the things you cannot handle alone," Minato said, smiling. "In the same way, if the village ever faces another crisis—perhaps even worse than before—I'll need to rely on your strength, too. You understand what I'm saying, don't you?"

Itachi knew what Minato meant. In fact, Mikoto had said something similar to him in the past, but without knowing the full extent of the situation, she hadn't been able to convince him. Minato's words, however, made Itachi reconsider.

As the moonlight cast a glow on Minato's face, the weight in Itachi's heart began to lighten, if only slightly. But years of experience and deep-seated convictions were not so easily changed.

"Lord Hokage," Itachi said slowly, "thank you for your advice. I'll think about it when I return."

Minato smiled and nodded. "In that case, why don't you reconsider attending the Ninja Academy again?"

Itachi frowned. "That won't be necessary."

"Don't be too quick to refuse," Minato replied, still smiling. "I know the academy's courses are probably too simple for you now. It might seem like a waste of time. But there's one thing you could perfect there…"

**"What you're missing, Itachi, is the most fundamental sense of teamwork as a shinobi,"** Minato said, gently patting Itachi's shoulder. His brows furrowed slightly as he spoke.

Minato could sense this issue because one of his other students had been in a similar situation—so much like Itachi. Both were ninjutsu prodigies, carrying the weight of responsibilities most people could hardly imagine. Their behaviors, their way of thinking, even their sense of duty—it all aligned.

"It's been over a year since the Third Great Ninja War ended," Minato continued thoughtfully. "I've tried to help another student overcome his inner turmoil, but it's been a long road with no easy results. Most of those who could've helped him are gone now... sacrificed in battle."

He paused, his gaze softening as he looked at Itachi. **"But you, Itachi... you're different. The people you care about are still alive."**

Minato could see the Uchiha's inner conflict. While the Uchiha clan was known for their strength and pride, they were not as emotionally open as others. The clan members, while deeply valuing family, often found it difficult to express their emotions openly.

**"The better a shinobi is, the more likely they are to walk alone,"** Minato said with a sigh. **"But you must understand, Itachi—no matter how strong you are, the most important thing in this world is teamwork. Without it, even the strongest shinobi will fall."**

Minato raised his arms slightly, his expression relaxing. **"It's because of teamwork that we have Konoha. It's because of that teamwork that we have the Five Great Shinobi Nations, and the fragile peace we now live in."**

Itachi fell silent, thinking back to the origins of Konoha. The village had been built upon an alliance between the two most powerful clans of the Warring States Era—Senju and Uchiha. After they united, other clans followed suit, creating the foundation for the Hidden Leaf Village.

That cooperation—teamwork—had forged Konoha's strength.

Itachi understood these principles well, but he had always felt that his burden was too heavy to share with others. He had believed that by shouldering everything himself, he could protect the people he loved. But now, Minato's words made him question whether his choices had been right.

**"Maybe I was wrong,"** Itachi thought, recalling his past decisions.

He had tried to make his younger brother Sasuke stronger through hatred, believing that it would help him survive the cruel world of shinobi. But the result had been disastrous—Sasuke had defected from Konoha in his pursuit of vengeance, nearly becoming Orochimaru's pawn in the process.

**"Perhaps... my judgment was flawed."**

Minato could see the conflict in Itachi's eyes. **"I know you want to become stronger as quickly as possible, but there's a limit to how much your body can handle at your age."**

He placed a hand on Itachi's shoulder. **"Your chakra pathways aren't fully developed yet, and pushing yourself too hard might actually harm you. Instead, you should continue your training while attending the academy. It will give your body time to grow naturally."**

Itachi contemplated Minato's words, and after a moment, he nodded. **"You're right, Lord Fourth. There's no reason for me to refuse."**

A faint smile crossed Itachi's face as he said, **"I'll take the entrance exam for the academy... if only to reassure my mother."**

Minato grinned in approval. **"Good. It's getting late now, though. You should head home."**

Itachi nodded but paused. **"Before we part, there's one more thing I should tell you. The technique Madara used to control the Nine-Tails... it's a space-time ninjutsu."**

Minato's eyes narrowed at this revelation, a hint of unease flashing across his face. **"Space-time ninjutsu?"**

**"Yes,"** Itachi confirmed. **"Though I don't know the full extent of its capabilities."**

Minato took a deep breath. With this information, he could prepare defenses during the final months of Kushina's pregnancy. Protecting Konoha and stopping Madara's plan was now his top priority.

He placed his palm on Itachi's shoulder once more.

**"Flying Thunder God!"**

In an instant, both Itachi and Minato reappeared in front of Shisui's house. Shisui, who had been waiting outside, greeted them immediately.

**"Lord Hokage!"** Shisui bowed respectfully.

Minato nodded and smiled. **"I'll leave Itachi in your care, Shisui."**

Itachi nodded as well, grateful for the conversation and guidance. **"Thank you for today, Lord Fourth."**

Minato smiled warmly. **"Stay strong, Itachi. I'll be counting on you in the future."**

And with a blur of motion, Minato vanished into the night, leaving Itachi and Shisui standing in silence.

Shisui glanced at Itachi, noticing the change in his friend's demeanor. **"Looks like you had a pretty good talk with Lord Fourth. You seem more at ease."**

Itachi nodded, the weight on his shoulders feeling slightly lighter. **"Yes, we spoke about many things. I have much to think about now."**

Shisui chuckled softly. **"It's good to see you smile, Itachi. It suits you."**

Itachi gave a rare smile in return. **"Thank you, Shisui. And... would it be alright if I visited you more often?"**

Shisui looked momentarily surprised but quickly nodded. **"Of course. Though I'm not home much these days, I'd be happy to see you anytime."**

**"Then, until next time."** Itachi's smile lingered as he turned and disappeared into the night, his mind filled with new thoughts about his future and the path he would walk.

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