Ryou saw that Tsunade was in low spirits and gripped her hand tightly; he knew what she was thinking.
They were people who knew each other inside out.
This was their mutual understanding.
Tsunade was thinking that if she had possessed Ryūzetsu's technique when Nawaki died, then his tragedy wouldn't have happened.
"Tsunade, stop thinking about those unrealistic things. Why not think about how you'll cooperate with me tonight instead?"
"Go to hell!"
Tsunade pinched Ryou's ear and then cautioned him, "You are not allowed to exploit Ryūzetsu."
Ryou nodded. "Don't worry, I won't exploit her. I just feel that Ryūzetsu is very suitable for my technique, and I should find a successor for it."
Tsunade was still pinching Ryou's ear. "Your technique is practically the source of all evil. It's better not to pass it down!"
The chaotic state of the Shinobi World today was all because of Ryou's Forbidden Jutsu.
Madara should have reached his limit and died not long ago, but Ryou's Forbidden Jutsu helped him restore his youth, essentially resurrecting Madara.
This triggered the hurricane stirred up by Madara.
Ryou shook his head. "Don't worry! How could I exploit a child? I'm not some dog-like creature worse than a beast!"
He said that, but Ryou was determined to brainwash Ryūzetsu relentlessly.
If something were to happen to him in the future, he would rely on his bond with Ryūzetsu to have her resurrect him.
After his own resurrection, he'd resurrect her in turn, creating an infinite cycle.
Ryou stroked Ryūzetsu's head and said dotingly, "Ryūzetsu, go to the top floor of the Amegakure Central Building tomorrow. My clones will arrange your training."
"Your future development will be in Fire Release and Medical Ninjutsu."
In the original work, Ryūzetsu was a Shinobi skilled in Fire Release techniques. Combined with her unique Dragon Life Kekkei Genkai, she could completely follow Tsunade's path.
A powerful Medical Shinobi.
Hearing about Medical Ninjutsu piqued Tsunade's interest. As the most outstanding Medical Shinobi in the Shinobi World, she naturally hoped for more Medical Shinobi.
She looked at Ryūzetsu and said, "Ryūzetsu, you can come find me in the future. I'll teach you Medical Ninjutsu."
Ryūzetsu said happily, "Thank you, Lady Tsunade."
Compared to Ryou, Ryūzetsu was more willing to receive guidance from Tsunade, as Tsunade was the most outstanding female Shinobi in the Shinobi World.
Many female Shinobi regarded Tsunade as their idol in the way of the Shinobi.
Muku watched from the side with extreme envy. He also wanted guidance from a top-tier Shinobi; he wanted to improve too!
Ryūzetsu showed concern for her companion. "Lord Ryou, could Muku..."
Muku looked at Ryou with some hesitation.
Ryou gave a menacing smile. Muku quickly spoke the words his father had instructed: "Lord Ryou, I want to gain the strength to protect Ryūzetsu."
"Sister?!"
Ryou was a bit puzzled, then glanced at Mui, who was watching from a nearby table.
Mui nodded to Ryou.
Seeing the relationship between Ryou and Ryūzetsu, Mui had adopted Ryūzetsu as his goddaughter to bind their relationship and pave the way for his son.
Ryou turned and said to Muku, "Alright, you can also come to me to practice Ninjutsu in the future!"
"Yay!"
The two little ones, Ryūzetsu and Muku, both cheered up.
...
Konoha, Shinobi Academy.
Itachi found his homeroom teacher, Daikoku Funeno, and submitted his graduation application.
Daikoku felt somewhat helpless. "Itachi, you've only been enrolled for a few days and you're already applying for graduation. Even if you're outstanding, you can't just act recklessly like this!"
Itachi said pleadingly, "Sensei, I know this is absurd, but I must become a Shinobi as soon as possible. The Shinobi Academy can no longer offer me any help."
"Sigh..."
Daikoku sighed. He had to admit Itachi's talent; on his very first day of enrollment, he had displayed the talent of an Uchiha elite.
Whether it was projectile throwing, Taijutsu combat, or Ninjutsu hand seals... Itachi was in a league of his own at number one.
Dozens of upperclassmen taken advantage of Itachi; in the end, Itachi's clothes were barely dirtied, while those upperclassmen were all beaten like dogs.
The former number one of his class, or even the top students of the upper grades, didn't even have the right to shine Itachi's shoes.
The Uchiha were an elite clan; having taught at the Shinobi Academy for over a decade, Daikoku had always firmly believed this.
But there was once a person he had misjudged: Obito.
When Obito was at the Shinobi Academy, he often failed exams, had a low intelligence score, and failed to develop the excellent bloodline of the Uchiha Clan.
His only merit was his good heart.
But now it was said he was already Konoha's youngest Jonin after Kakashi, proving that Obito's Uchiha talent had manifested after becoming a Shinobi.
The Uchiha truly were a clan that inspired both jealousy and envy.
Daikoku then looked seriously into Itachi's eyes. "Itachi, can you tell me why you're in such a hurry to become a Shinobi?"
Becoming a Shinobi now was the most dangerous thing, as the Shinobi Allied Forces was about to be formed to deal with Madara.
The smart students among this term's graduates had already started playing dumb, lowering their scores to wait for retention.
This term's graduates were to be sent to clash with Madara; it was no joking matter.
Itachi thought for a moment and said, "Because of my uncle."
"..."
Daikoku suddenly fell silent. Because of Ryou, many students at the Shinobi Academy were hostile towards Itachi.
They didn't dare to clash with Ryou on the battlefield, so they wanted to take advantage of his nephew.
The reason those upperclassmen taken advantage of Itachi was precisely because he was Ryou's relative.
Daikoku stroked Itachi's head and said, "Itachi, listen to me. You are no match for your uncle. His current height has already surpassed that of the Hokage."
"You must train hard to deal with him. Don't push yourself too hard."
Teachers like outstanding students, and Daikoku was no exception. Itachi's talent made Daikoku reluctant to see him perish early on the battlefield.
Itachi said somewhat somberly, "Mother said Uncle must have had some difficulties that forced him to defect from the Village. He used to be the kindest person in the Uchiha Clan."
"I must bring him back!"
Because of the inseparable familial bond with Ryou, Itachi wanted to graduate early and go to the battlefield, using the Sharingan that had awakened because of Ryou's 'death' to see into his uncle's heart.
Had he really been hiding his true self his whole life, or was someone forcing him?
"This is bad, Itachi—"
Daikoku wanted to continue advising him, but suddenly a girl with delicate features burst in. Below her right eye was a small beauty mark; even at a young age, she was a budding beauty.
It was Izumi, Uchiha Izumi, Itachi's classmate and childhood friend.
In the anime, she was killed by Obito during the Uchiha Massacre night.
In the official novel "Itachi Shinden," Itachi used Tsukuyomi on the night of the massacre to let Izumi experience a peaceful life.
In the illusion, Izumi and Itachi married, had children, and grew old together, with her dying naturally at the age of eighty.
Then, in reality, Itachi personally sent his beloved to her death while she was in a state of happiness.
At this moment, Izumi was in a hurry, her small face deathly pale.
She burst in and said anxiously to Itachi, "Itachi, this is bad! Brother Shisui's eyes were destroyed by your uncle!"
"What?!"
Itachi ignored the graduation application and hurriedly asked Izumi about Shisui's whereabouts.