5 Chapter 5: Uchiha Itachi

The next day, Ryujiro left early, carrying a wooden sword on his back.

For some reason, the wooden sword gave Ryujiro a sense of security.

[Character Template: Dracule Mihawk]

[Character Unlock Progress: 1.6%]

It's still only 1.6%.

I wonder when I'll be able to hear the Breath of All Things. Only a swordsman who can hear the Breath of All Things has the possibility to reach higher realms.

The first step to becoming a swordsman is to become one with the sword, listen to the Breath of All Things.

Anything in this world has breath. Only by hearing that faint breath can one have the chance to cut off everything. So, then as a swordsman, one will be unstoppable.

It's a long road ahead for me to become a swordsman.

The problem is the damage my wooden sword can cause is too small. If I encounter real danger, this wooden sword will be useless.

I also want a good sword, but when I went to the blacksmith, he refused me outright because of this young body.

At the academy gate, Ryujiro suddenly stopped, looking at two figures.

Black short hair, blood-red eyes, unique tear troughs, and a cold demeanor.

Uchiha Itachi.

The man who bore the darkness of Konoha, Ryujiro always felt that it was such a pity for a genius like Uchiha Itachi to meet his death in such a way.

Including the current Shisui.

Soon, even Shisui, a prodigy like him, would fall. Itachi was already a member of the ANBU, serving as a double spy for both the Uchiha and Konoha.

"Forgive me, Sasuke. Next time."

With a smile on his face, Itachi tapped a finger at Sasuke's forehead.

Sasuke currently is completely obsessed with his older brother. 

Likewise, if it came to it, Itachi would never turn against Konoha but choose to annihilate the Uchiha clan, leaving only Sasuke behind.

Ultimately, Itachi's choice was just a lack of trust in his father. 

Uchiha Fugaku, who possessed the Mangekyō Sharingan, could have already acted to overthrow the Konoha leadership if he wanted to.

He could have incited another Nine-Tails incident, but Fugaku suppressed the dissent within the Uchiha clan.

Between the clan and Konoha, Itachi ultimately chose Konoha.

And made the young Sasuke bear a deep hatred.

"Hmph, Brother, you say that every time. I don't believe you anymore."

Sasuke coldly snorted.

Itachi patted Sasuke's head, then watched as he entered the school. Only then did he notice Ryujiro's gaze.

Black short hair, dark green eyes. Was this the boy Shisui mentioned?

He does give off a different vibe.

I wonder why he keeps staring at me, and Itachi felt a hint of pity in Ryujiro's eyes.

Am I mistaken?

I have never met this boy before; perhaps I'm mistaken.

But even Shisui found this boy interesting, which was intriguing.

Itachi only glanced at him briefly before leaving.

After all, the Uchiha clan and the Konoha leadership are at odds, and the Uchiha clan was already discussing a coup.

Although Shisui has made thorough preparations to use Kotoamatsukami when the Uchiha clan launches the coup, he did not anticipate Danzo's manipulations from behind the scenes.

It's regrettable.

Shisui's talent was even more outstanding than Itachi's.

"Ryujiro-kun..."

Hinata saw Ryujiro lowering her head shyly and greeted him.

"It's Hinata."

"Let's go together."

Ryujiro smiled.

Plop!

Hinata's heart skipped a beat, and she shyly replied, lowering her head as she walked into the school with Ryujiro.

At this time, Hinata didn't have a dependency on Naruto like in the anime, rather...

Ahem.

An evil thought crossed Ryujiro's mind.

Naruto!

I'm sorry!

In the original anime, Hinata was like the epitome of a good wife and loving mother, a girl like her would be hard to resist for anyone.

Though my actions are akin to that of a scoundrel, Hinata and Naruto haven't married yet. 

Besides their friendship as classmates, there are no other feelings between them.

"When did Hinata become so close to Ryujiro?"

"I didn't see that coming. The usually shy Hinata actually took the initiative."

"Ryujiro looks good too, but I still prefer Sasuke."

Though Ino and Sakura bickered often, their relationship wasn't bad. Seeing Hinata and Ryujiro walking into school together surprised them a bit.

"I asked my dad yesterday. Ryujiro was recommended to the school by the Third Hokage."

"Recommended by the Hokage?!"

Sakura covered her mouth in shock, looking at Ryujiro incredulously.

What secrets does Ryujiro hold to get recommended by the Hokage to enter the school?

Most of the time at the ninja academy, Ryujiro didn't really listen to the lectures. He already knew this knowledge by heart.

Most of the time, Ryujiro immersed himself in his spiritual world, comprehending the battles with Mihawk. 

Only in this way could he quickly improve his strength and the progress of his character template.

He had to step into the realm of swordsman as soon as possible, so he could unleash flying slashes comparable to A-rank ninjutsu.

And the attention from his classmates towards Ryujiro gradually decreased. 

Although many girls wanted to talk to Ryujiro, his attitude towards them was completely different from his attitude towards Hinata.

It's this disparity in attitude that made many people resent Ryujiro.

Of course, what's even more incomprehensible is that Ryujiro actually has such a good relationship with Naruto, the loser.

Naruto has always been rejected and questioned by the villagers, and there are only a few in the academy willing to accept him. 

But later in the series, Naruto gained the recognition of the villagers step by step through his own efforts.

In the forest.

Naruto panted heavily as he lay on the ground, covered in various injuries, none of which were serious, just minor scratches.

"Ahhhhh!"

"Ryujiro! Why do I always lose to you!"

Naruto shouted unwillingly.

Ryujiro smiled faintly, "Cause you're too weak, there is a huge gap in our strength."

"No, but every time I feel like I'm about to catch up to you, you instantly level up again."

"What's going on?!"

Naruto was puzzled.

During this time, Ryujiro also guided Naruto in taijutsu and chakra control. Naruto's talent was high, and even Ryujiro was somewhat envious.

After all, Naruto was the protagonist of this world.

But Ryujiro himself never slacked off. He surpassed his limits time and time again, breaking through the barriers each time.

Ryujiro's efforts were several times that of Naruto's, and besides, Ryuji

ro always concealed his strength when sparring with Naruto.

After all, there are eyes watching them from the shadows.

ANBU ninjas wearing cat-like masks have been watching Ryujiro and Naruto.

Naruto, as the Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails, was very important for Konoha, and Hiruzen had always been watching him.