Been busy with work 3 jobs n shit had some free time today so decided to upload, just for refrence I won't be dropping any of my stories I just won't be able to consistently upload due to a busy schedule, but I assure I'll continue to upload, especially this novel as I have a bunch of ideas for this. Lmk in comments if you got ideas—or find problems in the story.
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### Chapter 8
**[Konoha]**
It had been a month since Shisui's unfortunate mission, and in that time, Jiyū and Itachi, as his closest friends, couldn't help but notice the subtle but troubling changes in his behavior. Shisui still acted like his usual cheery self—full of life and enthusiasm—but to those who truly knew him, it was painfully obvious that his energy was a carefully constructed mask. Beneath it, the cracks in his demeanor were evident.
Both Jiyū and Itachi agreed silently: this wasn't something a few words of reassurance could fix. Shisui would need to confront his emotions and overcome them on his own. Yet Jiyū couldn't ignore the danger lurking in the shadows of his friend's heart. Being an Uchiha, Shisui was more vulnerable to spiraling down a path of no return if left unchecked. Resolving to speak with him later, Jiyū returned to his usual routine—training with his clan techniques while leaving a shadow clone behind to attend the academy.
Months passed like this. With the Third Shinobi War effectively over, the world was entering a rare period of peace. Villages began rebuilding, shinobi returning to their homes after years of conflict. But Jiyū knew better than to let his guard down. This peace was only the calm before the storm. The knowledge of what the future held—fragmented and unclear though it was—pushed him to train harder. If he was going to survive what lay ahead, he would need more power.
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Jiyū's thoughts wandered as he strolled down the Uchiha training grounds, walking alongside Itachi. The younger boy's usually stoic face betrayed a slight twitch, pulling Jiyū out of his trance and drawing a faint smile to his lips.
"*Sigh* Did you really have to do that?" Itachi asked, his tone carrying a hint of annoyance. "You realize we'll be forced to graduate because of this, right?"
Jiyū chuckled as he reviewed the memories from his shadow clone. "Hey, don't blame me. Your shadow clone was just conveniently placed there for a little assist. And honestly, I didn't want to graduate alone. We're in this together, aren't we?"
Itachi shot Jiyū an unimpressed look, clearly not amused by the justification. Before he could retort, Shisui's voice interrupted their conversation.
"Wait, wait, wait! Graduation?!" Shisui's eyes lit up with excitement as he looked between his two friends. "Are you finally going to graduate?! I've been waiting for this moment forever!" He threw his arms out dramatically. "Imagine it: me, the handsome and strong almighty Lord Shisui, leading my two loyal lackeys as we complete missions across the world!" His grin was wide and self-satisfied.
Jiyū couldn't hold back his laughter, shaking his head at Shisui's antics. "You're hopeless, Shisui. Completely hopeless."
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**[Flashback: The Incident at the Academy]**
It had all started when Jiyū decided to take a break from his shadow clone's "hard work" and wander around the academy grounds, searching for a quiet place to nap. His plans were interrupted by three upperclassmen blocking his path.
'Huh. So this kind of cliché actually exists,' Jiyū thought with mild amusement as he watched the older boys posture and boast. They spouted the usual nonsense about respect and knowing one's place, but Jiyū barely paid attention. His Byakugan picked up a familiar presence sitting casually on a tree branch nearby—Itachi, observing the scene with disinterest.
'This guy… He's definitely doing this on purpose,' Jiyū mused, his amusement growing. Itachi's calm demeanor and aura practically demanded attention, but he wasn't intervening. 'Aura farming, huh? Not on my watch. This kind of scene was probably meant for him anyway.'
Without hesitation, Jiyū flickered behind Itachi, catching him off guard and shoving him off the branch. The Uchiha prodigy landed unceremoniously on top of the largest bully, eliciting cries of shock from the older boys.
"Oh no! Boss!" the lackeys shouted as they scrambled to help their leader.
By this point, the teachers had sensed the commotion and were already heading toward the scene. Seizing the opportunity, Jiyū waited until they were within range before throwing a small rock at Itachi's clone. The clone dispersed into a puff of smoke, much to the teachers' shock. Jiyū followed suit, dispelling his own clone and leaving behind only stunned silence.
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The aftermath of the incident played out exactly as Jiyū had anticipated. The teachers, particularly one named Miyura, were left speechless by the advanced display of shadow clone mastery from two academy students. They immediately reported the matter to the Hokage.
**[Hokage's Office]**
A knock on the door broke Hiruzen Sarutobi's focus as he glanced up from his mountain of paperwork. "Enter," he called out.
Miyura stepped inside, bowing respectfully. "Lord Hokage, I apologize for the interruption, but I believe this matter warrants your immediate attention." He proceeded to recount the events at the academy, emphasizing the skill and potential of both Jiyū Hyūga and Itachi Uchiha.
Hiruzen listened carefully, his expression thoughtful. "So you're recommending that they be allowed to graduate early?" he asked.
"Yes, Lord Hokage. While I understand they are still young, their abilities far exceed the academy curriculum. It would be a disservice to hold them back," Miyura replied.
The Third Hokage nodded slowly, stroking his beard in contemplation. "You've done well to bring this to me. I'll arrange for their early graduation assessment. However, if you have any additional thoughts, don't hesitate to share them."
Encouraged by the Hokage's words, Miyura hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Lord Hokage, while I agree that their talents should not be stifled, I also worry about their youth. With the war ending, we're entering a time of peace. Would it not be better to let them develop at a steadier pace?"
Hiruzen chuckled softly, his gaze warm. "Your concern is valid, Miyura. That's why I'll allow you to administer a test of your own design. Consider it an additional evaluation of their readiness."
Visibly relieved, Miyura bowed deeply. "Thank you, Lord Hokage. I won't disappoint you."
As Miyura left the office, Hiruzen's expression darkened. Alone in the room, he mulled over the implications of two young prodigies—one Uchiha and one Hyūga—rising to prominence together.
"Uchiha and Hyūga… This could be both dangerous and advantageous. If I can use the Hyūga to balance the Uchiha, it may prevent any future rebellion. But if they were to unite…"
His thoughts trailed off, and his jaw tightened. "No. That must never be allowed to happen."
With a subtle flicker of his hand an ANBU appeared kneeling before Sarutobi. "Inform the elders that I need to talk to them about matter concerning the future of the village." As the ANBU disapeared Hiruzen prepared for the meeting.
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**[Back to the Trio]**
Shisui's excitement was palpable as he bounced around the training grounds like a child on a sugar rush. "Finally! I've been so lonely waiting for my two subordinates to grow up and join me! *Sniff* It's been tough, but I'm proud of you both!" His over-the-top antics earned a faint smirk from Itachi, who shook his head in mild exasperation.
Jiyū, watching his hyperactive friend, let out a tired sigh. "The amount of energy you have is exhausting just to look at. Shisui, are you sure you're not part Uzumaki or Senju?"
Shisui's face darkened instantly, his expression one of mock outrage. "What Senju?! What Uzumaki?! I'm a full-blooded Uchiha, you bastard! If the clan hears you say that, we'll both be skinned alive!"
Jiyū ignored the outburst, his attention shifting to Itachi, who had risen to his feet. "I need to inform my father about this development," Itachi said calmly, glancing at his friends before disappearing in a flicker.
Letting out another sigh, Jiyū turned to Shisui. "I've got to do the same. Clan politics and all that. Catch you later, halfie."
"What halfie?! You're the halfie, you bastard!" Shisui shouted after him, but Jiyū had already flickered away, leaving him alone in the clearing. Crossing his arms, Shisui huffed. "Tch… Might as well go do a few D-rank missions while I wait for those two."
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**back at the training grounds**
Unbeknownst to the trio, a figure with long, spiky black hair and a mask covering his face had been watching from the shadows. Standing silently in the training grounds, the figure's gaze lingered on Jiyū's retreating form.
"So… the Uchiha aren't the only ones worth paying attention to. How interesting… Jiyū Hyūga. I'll be watching your pitiful struggles as you try to escape your cage."
The figure disappeared into a swirling vortex, leaving behind an eerie silence that seemed to envelop the training grounds. Jiyū's recent actions had not gone unnoticed, and now, an unseen force had set its sights on him.
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**End