Chapter 2 Uchiha Itachi, Kage-Level Chakra
Kakashi proceeded to provide Itachi with a comprehensive account of the events surrounding Uchiha Yan, delving into intricate details and painting a vivid picture of the past. Itachi's yearning to meet Uchiha Yan intensified, yet he understood the impossibility of such an encounter. Nonetheless, his gaze involuntarily shifted towards Chiba, his curiosity piqued.
"I wonder if he harbors any regrets for sacrificing his comrades to save his beloved," Itachi pondered aloud, his thoughts drifting towards the moral quandary he himself faced.
Kakashi empathized with Itachi's inner conflict, recognizing the perpetual struggle between loyalty to one's family and duty to the village. However, he chose not to involve himself further in the intricate web of Uchiha affairs. Placing a comforting hand on Itachi's shoulder, he offered words of wisdom and solace.
"Some choices can only be made by the individual. Do not allow the experiences of others to misguide you," Kakashi advised, hoping to impart clarity to Itachi's troubled mind.
Itachi nodded, his gaze still fixated on Chiba. Observing Chiba's suspicious movements and actions, a slight furrow appeared on Itachi's brow. Chiba seemed to frequent all the pivotal locations where vital information could be gleaned, arousing suspicions among the ANBU and catching Itachi's attention.
"What is his true intention?" Itachi wondered aloud, his gaze shifting towards Kakashi. "I shall conduct a thorough investigation."
The others present glanced at Kakashi, who nodded in agreement, acknowledging Itachi's resolve.
...
Chiba's elation soared to great heights, for his recent acquisitions were nothing short of remarkable. Not only had his Sharingan evolved to the Three Tomoe state, but his chakra reserves had surpassed the level of a seasoned Jōnin.
[Chakra amount: LV3 (503/2000)] [Sharingan: LV3 (533/2000)]
In less than an hour, Chiba's power had skyrocketed, leaving him brimming with newfound strength. However, he had already exhausted the available drops within the confines of the Uchiha clan's domain. Glancing over the places he had previously visited, he noticed a scarcity of valuable items, with almost none remaining.
Determined to expand his horizons, Chiba resolved to explore other areas within the sprawling village of Konoha. As he meandered through the bustling commercial street, a sudden halt brought him face to face with an unexpected sight.
Uchiha Itachi! Bearer of the Mangekyō Sharingan, renowned as the Executioner of the Uchiha Clan, and a formidable warrior at Kage-level.
"Follow me!" Itachi commanded, eschewing any pretense of concealment as he materialized directly in front of Chiba. An air of intrigue surrounded him, and he harbored numerous inquiries for Chiba.
Aware of the tension in the atmosphere, Chiba composed himself, taking a deep breath before responding cautiously, "There's no need for that. We can discuss matters right here."
Itachi paused, comprehending the guardedness reflected in Chiba's gaze. "Very well, let us find a nearby location where we can converse privately."
Guided by their shared curiosity, the two individuals sought out an open space adjacent to the bustling commercial street. Standing face to face, their gazes locked, Itachi couldn't help but marvel at Chiba's apparent lack of reciprocal curiosity. Itachi himself carried the weight of a clan's annihilation and his brother's tragic destiny, and he yearned to unravel the mysteries that lay within Chiba's enigmatic persona.
A moment of contemplation passed before Itachi finally spoke:
Chiba bided his time and let out a breath before posing his question.
"Did your father feel remorse for the choices he made?" he asked, the words tinged with curiosity and a hint of personal reflection.
Chiba could see that Itachi immediately grasped the underlying significance. From Itachi's perspective, his current circumstances mirrored those of Chiba's father in the past.
Chiba's father had made the difficult decision to protect his wife, forsaking his comrades. Likewise, Itachi faced the agonizing dilemma of choosing between the welfare of his younger brother and the well-being of his family and clan. Itachi knew that if he didn't take decisive action, he would face even more harrowing choices in the future.
After a moment of contemplation, Chiba recounted his father's words, vividly etched in his memory.
"He once said that if given another chance, he would make the same choice. He had no regrets."
Itachi muttered to himself, his gaze sharpening as he processed Chiba's words. Chiba's heart skipped a beat, sensing that his response might have pushed Itachi closer to making his own fateful decision.
"But he also expressed remorse for abandoning his comrades," Chiba added hurriedly.
Itachi nodded solemnly, fully aware of the weight carried by such a decision. Choices come with consequences, and Itachi understood that he would have to bear the burdens that accompanied his own path.
"Am I ready to shoulder that burden?" Itachi questioned himself, searching for an elusive answer.
"Thank you," Itachi finally spoke, his eyes fixed upon Chiba. "If you ever find yourself in need, don't hesitate to reach out."
With a nod, Itachi vanished, leaving Chiba with an unspoken plea echoing in his heart: Spare me on the night of the Uchiha massacre.
...
The encounter with Itachi was but a fleeting moment, and Chiba resumed his exploration of various locations within Konoha. Before long, he arrived at his next destination—the Konoha Shinobi Hospital.
As he approached the hospital entrance, an unexpected surprise awaited him, unfolding a new chapter in his journey.
[Acquired Jōnin-level Chakra Control Experience]
[Obtained Body Flicker Technique, increasing fusion level of Body Flicker Technique by 1]
[Acquired Water Style: Water Chaos]
[Obtained the secret technique: Shadow Imitation Technique]
...
"What?! Other clans' secret techniques?!" Chiba's excitement soared.
The abundance of drops in this area wasn't just occasional secret techniques; it was a treasure trove of various abilities. The rapid surge in Chakra, increasing by hundreds of points per second, made Chiba's power feel almost uncontrollable.
After thoroughly exploring one floor, Chiba swiftly departed from the Ninja Hospital and sought solace in a secluded training ground. There, he unleashed a barrage of ninjutsu, acquainting himself with the newfound abundance of Chakra.
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!"
"Water Style: Water Chaos!"
"Wind Style: Vacuum Sphere!"
After an exhilarating display, Chiba's sense of mastery and control over his Chakra improved significantly. He took a moment to replenish his energy with a well-deserved lunch before resuming his practice.
In the evening, Chiba returned to the ninja hospital. Although the harvest this time was relatively smaller, he still amassed over 400 Chakra attribute points.
[Congratulations on surpassing the upper limit of Chakra quantity attribute]
[Chakra Amount: LV4 (2036/20000)]
Kage-level!
While Chiba's Chakra quantity had reached the level of a Kage, he understood that his overall strength had not yet attained such heights. Nevertheless, a surge of elation washed over him. In just a single day, he had achieved Kage-level Chakra and gained mastery over a multitude of ninjutsu. His power had undergone a profound transformation.
As twilight painted the sky, Chiba made his way back to the Uchiha clan. Along the journey, he seized over 20 pupil power attributes, augmenting his abilities before finally arriving home.