When they heard Renji's words, both Itachi and Shisui were genuinely stunned. Even at the age of four, neither of them had mastered the Great Fireball Technique. True, back then they hadn't yet studied it—but still, the fact that Renji could do it at his age was undeniable proof of extraordinary talent.
"Renji… you really mastered it?" Shisui asked, still doubtful. He had only begun teaching Renji the Great Fireball three days ago. To learn a C-rank jutsu in just three days, at such a young age, was nothing short of monstrous. If Shisui had known that Renji had, in fact, grasped it in only a single day, he would have been even more speechless.
"Of course I did."
Renji pressed his hands together, inhaled deeply, and shouted:"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!"
A surge of chakra erupted from his lungs, igniting into a massive orb of flame that roared outward before dissipating.
Shisui and Itachi glanced at each other, astonishment mirrored in both of their eyes. The fireball hadn't been flawless, but it had been a successful execution all the same. For Shisui, who had taught Renji personally, the shock soon gave way to joy. He had always been someone who cherished talent, and seeing Renji succeed filled him with genuine pride.
"Renji," Shisui asked at last, "have you ever thought about entering the Ninja Academy early?"
It was an earnest question. He had already acknowledged Renji's ability, and he didn't want such talent to go to waste.
Renji shook his head firmly. "No. I'd rather keep training under you and Big Brother Itachi. Besides… I know Itachi's little brother is the same age as me. When the time comes, I'll go to the Academy with him. I'll protect him."
He laughed lightly, but inside his thoughts were far more cautious. What a joke. If I entered the Academy early, I'd be exposing myself to Hiruzen and Danzō. The Third might not be too bad, but if Danzō took an interest in me? There'd be no good ending. Even someone as strong as Shisui couldn't escape unscathed once Danzō set his sights on him.
Shisui gave a small nod. It was true—the village was not in a time of war, so even early graduates from the Academy wouldn't be pushed straight into the battlefield. And, realistically, the Academy's curriculum could hardly satisfy someone like Renji. After all, a boy who could already use the Great Fireball would hardly find any peers there to challenge him.
"In that case," Shisui said, smiling, "you'll keep training with us. I saw you practicing your shurikenjutsu earlier. Today, why don't you go all out against me? Show me what you've got."
Renji's heart leapt. To spar with Shisui of the Body Flicker—the man known for his unmatched speed—was an honor in itself. His excitement surged… but it was cut short by the cold, mechanical voice in his head.
"Ding! Side quest: Challenge Uchiha Shisui.Survive fifteen minutes in battle against him, and successfully land a hit.Failure: Deduction of three main quest rewards.Success: Gain thirty points of Uchiha Itachi's Favorability.Current Favorability: 20/100."
Renji's face darkened. System, you bastard! That's Shisui! Even before reaching his peak, there's no way I can beat him. Fifteen minutes is hard enough—but you actually expect me to injure him? Even Itachi has awakened his Sharingan already… and Shisui, at this point, should at least have a two-tomoe Sharingan.
The system's voice responded without the slightest sympathy:
"Correction: Uchiha Shisui currently possesses the three-tomoe Sharingan.Additional reminder: If you continue to insult this system, I will increase the mission's difficulty. For example—defeat Shisui Uchiha. Or perhaps… kill Shisui Uchiha."
Renji froze. The shamelessness of this so-called system left him utterly speechless. He could only swallow his curses and shut his mouth. Come on. Hurting Shisui is already impossible. Kill him? What am I supposed to do, glare him to death?
And yet… a dangerous little thought flickered through his mind. If I use my eyes the right way… maybe…