Chapter 57: Itachi's Faith Begins to Waver (Part 1)

"It wasn't a coincidence. Akira informed me that Shisui was in danger and asked me to go with him to rescue him," Uchiha Itachi explained, shaking his head.

This response caused the Third Hokage's eyes to narrow as he probed further, "Then how did Uchiha Akira know about the attack on Shisui?"

"At the time, Akira didn't explain, and the situation was urgent, so I didn't ask," Itachi replied, shaking his head again.

In truth, Itachi had also found it strange afterward. How did Akira know that Shisui was being attacked? At the time, Itachi thought it might have been a coincidence or something Shisui had somehow discovered, so he didn't delve into it.

"It seems, Itachi, that you don't fully understand Uchiha Akira's abilities," the Third Hokage remarked, his tone thoughtful.

"???" Itachi looked at the Third Hokage in confusion. Was there something about Akira's abilities that he wasn't aware of?

"Uchiha Akira appears to possess a precognitive ability, a rare talent in the ninja world that allows him to foresee impending crises," the Third Hokage explained, revealing the information without hesitation.

"Precognition!?" Itachi's face showed significant surprise at this revelation.

This was entirely unexpected for Itachi. More importantly, if Akira had such an ability, neither he nor Shisui had ever known about it!

"Previously, when Uchiha Akira's team was returning from the Hidden Cloud Village, they were attacked by Orochimaru. The day before, Akira had warned Might Guy and the others, predicting that Orochimaru would strike," the Third Hokage continued, noting Itachi's reaction and providing more context.

"So that's how it was!" Itachi thought, his mind clearing as he processed the new information.

Itachi didn't doubt the Third Hokage's words. After all, this was something that could be easily confirmed by asking others.

But the idea that Akira had such a precognitive ability? Reflecting on his interactions with Akira, the things Akira had said and done, Itachi began to find many aspects of their relationship increasingly unsettling.

At the same time, Itachi suddenly understood why Akira had known about the attack on Shisui—because he had foreseen it.

And then there was that time Akira had said Sasuke's talent was the greatest in the ninja world. At the time, Akira hadn't explained why he believed that. But now, was it possible that this was another prediction?

If so, Sasuke's future accomplishments might indeed be extraordinary, even shocking to Itachi himself.

It seemed that Akira's unwavering confidence in Sasuke's talent could only be explained by this precognitive ability.

However, if Akira truly had such an ability, then the beliefs Itachi and Shisui had clung to might need serious reevaluation.

Itachi and Shisui had unwavering faith in Konoha, believing in the village's ideals. The Third Hokage and the others, they thought, were wholeheartedly dedicated to the village's well-being. But Akira had claimed that the village's leadership had become corrupt. Could this judgment have been based on his precognitive visions?

If that were true, did it mean that Itachi and Shisui's ideals were too naive?

For the first time, a small seed of doubt about his and Shisui's beliefs began to take root in Itachi's mind.

"Itachi? Itachi? What are you thinking about?"

The Third Hokage's repeated calls finally snapped Itachi out of his thoughts.

"Third Hokage, I was just taken aback by the revelation that Akira possesses such a precognitive ability. I lost my focus for a moment," Itachi explained as he regained his composure.

The Third Hokage nodded. It made sense that Itachi would be momentarily stunned upon learning of Akira's unique ability.

"Itachi, I have a mission for you now." The Third Hokage's tone grew serious as he addressed Itachi.

Itachi's expression also became more solemn, showing no visible emotion.

"I need you to investigate Uchiha Akira's precognitive ability. Gather as much detailed information as possible. If used properly, this ability could be of immense value to the entire village," the Third Hokage instructed.

"Yes, Third Hokage!" Itachi responded earnestly before turning to leave the Hokage's office.

As Itachi left the office, he felt his thoughts becoming increasingly jumbled—a sensation he hadn't experienced in a long time.

As someone regarded as one of the most intelligent minds in the ninja world, Itachi had always been clear about his goals and the path he needed to take. But now, when it came to Akira's situation, his mind was a swirl of confusion.

A precognitive ability? If true, then many events, upon careful consideration, could lead to some truly startling conclusions.

After some thought, Itachi decided to visit Uchiha Akira.

"Akira, would you like to take a walk with me to the ninja academy?" Itachi asked as he greeted Uchiha Akira.

Note: If you are interested, you can read up to chapter 102 at patreon.com/Emik01.