"Itachi-kun, I actually came here to say goodbye…"
In the courtyard, Qingchuan steeled himself to say those words.
Fugaku was nearby, yet he showed no intention of appearing, leaving Qingchuan to face Itachi alone.
"Goodbye?!"
Itachi's already pale face turned even whiter upon hearing this.
Could the situation be so dire?
But how was that man's betrayal related to Haruko?
"Don't worry, Itachi-kun."
Qingchuan lifted his head, playfully brushing back his rebellious hair.
"Lord Sandaime thinks highly of my medical ninjutsu and has already agreed to let me join the Anbu."
"That means I'll be quite busy from now on, so opportunities to return to the clan will be limited."
"Plus, I might miss your Chūnin Exams…"
"I'm sorry."
Lord Sandaime, medical ninjutsu, Anbu…
So that's it.
Itachi let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding; a weight had lifted from his heart.
However...
After receiving this news, Itachi found himself unable to feel happy.
"But even if I can't be there for your exam, I'll be cheering for you!"
Qingchuan smiled and encouraged him.
There was a hint of boasting behind that cheerful smile of his.
The Chūnin Exams, ha!
I don't need that!
After joining the Anbu, the titles of jōnin, chunin, and genin suddenly felt trivial.
The system had directly rewarded him with benefits and refreshed new missions.
[Side Quest: Master Bankai and unlock the Mangekyō Sharingan.]
[Unique Buff: Training results are doubled while in women's clothing, concealing all male traits.]
[Unique Buff: Recovery speed is increased by 250% while smiling.]
[Unique Buff: Healing effects are enhanced by 100%.]
Qingchuan leapt past the Chūnin level to become part of the Anbu, and this reward was exceptionally bountiful.
At the very least, as he approached puberty, he wouldn't need to hide his neck with a forehead protector…
Not to mention the nearly absurd buff bonuses.
It could be said that as long as he wanted, he could train like crazy for 24 hours non-stop!
So,
Qingchuan smiled joyfully and sincerely!
If things continued this way...
On the day he shed his skirt, no matter how strong Itachi or Obito was!
He, Uchiha Qingchuan, would fear nothing!
However, the more genuine Qingchuan's smile was,
The more bittersweet Itachi felt in his heart...
"Thank you, Haruko."
"I'll definitely do my best."
Itachi's simple gratitude and promise felt hollow.
He couldn't muster any real joy.
The distance between them was growing ever wider...
Itachi felt a strange illusion.
The Haruko before him was still the same as the one from a year ago.
Quietly training in the small grove within the clan grounds, he would often be too timid to even say hello.
But... if it were truly like that, perhaps it wouldn't be so bad.
Haruko had now entered the Anbu.
And he... wasn't even a Chūnin yet.
No wonder his father had confined him to the home, refusing to let him go out.
What could he provide to help Haruko?
The atmosphere turned awkward.
"Cough!"
At that moment, a pretentious yet authoritative cough cut through the tension.
Qingchuan raised an eyebrow, automatically looking over and bowing slightly.
"Clan Leader."
At last, Fugaku Uchiha had arrived.
After watching for a while, he finally made his entrance.
Itachi remained standing still, his father's appearance did little to ease his troubled heart.
"Haruko, I've already been informed by Lord Sandaime regarding your entry into the Anbu."
Fugaku glanced at his son before addressing Qingchuan in a calm voice.
Still authoritative, but now laced with genuine appreciation, he spoke like a proud elder pleased for a junior.
"Don't have any concerns; just focus on training in the Anbu. Both your uncle and aunt have great expectations for you."
With that, Fugaku retrieved a scroll from within his robes.
"This contains some Fire Release techniques from the Uchiha clan. Take it as a gift to celebrate your joining the Anbu."
"After your missions, be sure to return home. Your uncle will guide your training."
Qingchuan stared at the scroll in his hands.
Instinctively, he wanted to refuse out of politeness.
But he still took it directly, smiling sweetly and bowing again.
"Thank you, Uncle!"
Wait a minute, Uncle?
Qingchuan, having just snagged a scroll for free, suddenly felt something wasn't right.
But it seemed too late; his hands and mouth had moved too quickly.
A glint of satisfaction flashed in Fugaku's eyes.
At the same time, Qingchuan thought to himself, "Damn."
He glanced once more at Itachi and nodded.
"Then I'll head home to prepare for tomorrow's mission."
"Itachi-kun, goodbye!"
With thoughts of running away occupying his mind, Qingchuan quickly excused himself.
Fugaku was no less intimidating than Sarutobi!
As he walked away with quick steps, Qingchuan suddenly realized.
He had only focused on being pleased with himself and almost overlooked Fugaku's words.
"I will guide your training..."
This was practically the same as buying him as a spy with the scroll!
Though it hadn't been stated plainly,
It was likely that after a few sessions of guidance, he would be stuck anyway...
Qingchuan sighed inwardly.
Fire Release?
I'm a medical ninja!
...
After watching the girl go further away.
It took a long time.
It was as if a string in his heart had suddenly snapped, and Itachi knelt directly towards his father!
"Father! I was wrong before! My vision was too short-sighted!"
"Please forgive me, Father!"
"Please, Father... guide my training!"
Itachi's voice was trembling yet unwaveringly firm...
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