Naruto: Power through Bonds

Within a single room at Konoha Hospital, Itachi had finally regained consciousness. 

He hadn't suffered any serious injuries—at least not from the fight. His hand had taken the brunt of Denji's punch, leaving it battered, and he'd fainted due to the intense surge in mental power that came from awakening his Sharingan. His body had simply shut down as a form of self-preservation, but after some rest, he was alert again.

By the time Itachi awoke, Uchiha Shisui had arrived at the hospital. Shisui had heard of the battle between Itachi and Denji and had tried to make it in time, but a last-minute mission had kept him away. Even though he rushed back as quickly as possible, he still arrived too late, finding Itachi already unconscious in bed.

When Itachi's eyes fluttered open, he was greeted by two familiar faces, both looking down at him with concern.

"Father, Brother Shisui…" Itachi's voice was soft.

"Itachi, you're awake," Shisui said with a warm smile. "I'm sorry I couldn't get here sooner. I heard it was a thrilling fight. Don't feel down about the outcome—losing to Denji isn't something to be ashamed of. If you keep working hard, you'll catch up to him."

"That's right," Fugaku chimed in, his voice filled with pride. "What matters isn't this one loss. Besides, you've awakened your Sharingan, and that's something to be proud of."

Itachi glanced down at his hands, his expression hard to read. 

Fugaku continued, "Opening your eyes at the age of seven is an extraordinary achievement. It's rare even in our clan's history. The last one to do so was Shisui, and you're half a year younger than he was at the time. You're proving yourself as my son and as a true Uchiha."

Even with his father's and Shisui's reassurances, Itachi still looked subdued. Fugaku eventually decided to step out, hoping that Shisui might succeed where he could not. Itachi had always been mature and composed for his age, but Fugaku knew his son had inherited the clan's pride. Losing to someone his own age from outside the clan would weigh heavily on him. If anyone could lift his spirits, it would be Shisui, who was closer to him in both age and mindset.

With just Shisui and Itachi left in the room, the tension eased slightly. Itachi finally broke the silence.

"Brother Shisui, did you teach Denji those throwing techniques and the Body Flicker Technique?" 

Shisui blinked in surprise. He hadn't expected that question, but he nodded. "Yes."

Itachi sat up in bed, his eyes now burning with a mixture of determination and frustration. "You're his teacher. How far apart do you think we really are?"

Shisui let out a soft, uneasy chuckle and shook his head. "Itachi, it's not that simple."

"But I've awakened my Sharingan," Itachi argued, his voice firm. "Doesn't that mean I have a chance now?"

Shisui sighed and knelt down so he was at eye level with Itachi. "It's true that the Sharingan is powerful. It enhances your perception, your reaction time, your ability to read and predict your opponent's moves. But power alone isn't everything, Itachi. It never has been."

Itachi stared at him, searching his face for something—an answer, reassurance, or even just understanding.

"The Sharingan isn't a miracle solution," Shisui said gently.

Shisui met Itachi's determined gaze, a gentle but earnest expression on his face. "Itachi," he began, "you've only just awakened the Sharingan. You haven't had the chance to master any of its abilities yet. And a one-tomoe Sharingan is still quite limited. It improves your observation, yes, but it doesn't make you invincible. In fact, Denji already has extraordinary reflexes without needing a Sharingan."

"Then you're saying I have no chance of winning," Itachi replied, a hint of disbelief in his voice.

Shisui nodded, though his tone remained kind. "That's correct. Denji is far more capable than you realize."

Itachi frowned. He found it hard to accept. He had been to the battlefield at just four years old, facing enemy shinobi and taking lives when necessary. And what about Denji? All he seemed to be was a spoiled, arrogant heir, infamous for freeloading around the village. It didn't make sense.

Shisui, noticing Itachi's conflicted expression, spoke up again. "Itachi, you have to understand: Denji is more formidable than you think. There's nothing more I can teach him."

The statement left Itachi stunned. "How can that be possible?"

For Itachi, Shisui was an untouchable figure—his most respected elder brother, a prodigy who had mastered countless ninjutsu and taijutsu, and who wielded the formidable three-tomoe Sharingan. If even Shisui claimed he was no longer fit to teach Denji, then who in the village could be? The Hokage himself?

Shisui quickly clarified. "It's not that Denji's strength surpasses mine. It's his raw talent and his speed of learning."

He leaned in closer, his voice lowering to a serious tone. "I'll tell you something I shouldn't, Itachi, but you must promise never to repeat this to anyone—not even to your father."

Itachi nodded solemnly. "You have my word."

With that, Shisui let out a small sigh. "Denji's progress is… unbelievable. He mastered the Uchiha shuriken technique in just one week. Every Fire Style ninjutsu I taught him, he learned within a month. And in another month, he completely perfected the Body Flicker Technique."

Shisui's expression darkened, as if recalling a vivid memory. "Six months after I began teaching him, he challenged me in pure swordsmanship. The match ended in a draw. Since then, I haven't taught him anything else. Denji doesn't lack techniques or skills; all he needs now is time to mature."

Itachi's stomach churned at those words. He knew how exceptional Shisui's swordsmanship was. Combined with the Body Flicker Technique and his prowess in genjutsu, Shisui could dispatch enemy shinobi in the blink of an eye. And now, Shisui was saying that Denji could match him in that regard?

Shisui shook his head at the disbelief on Itachi's face. "You misunderstand. Ninjutsu and taijutsu aren't his greatest strength. What Denji truly excels at is swordsmanship."

The weight of Shisui's words left Itachi speechless. For the first time, he questioned his own abilities. 

Seeing Itachi's crestfallen expression, Shisui's heart ached for his younger friend. Itachi wasn't used to being outclassed by anyone his age. But, unfortunately for him, Shimura Denji wasn't just anyone.

After giving Itachi a moment to process, Shisui added, "You shouldn't lose hope, Itachi. The Sharingan you've awakened gives you potential to catch up. But you'll need time and effort."

Itachi finally spoke, his voice quiet. "I've opened my Sharingan, but that alone won't be enough?"

Shisui's face grew more serious. "Itachi, now that you've awakened the Sharingan, there's something crucial you must understand." 

Itachi leaned forward. "What is it?"

Shisui's tone became more cautious, almost fatherly. "Until your body has matured—until it's fully developed—you must limit how often you use the Sharingan. Overusing it at your current age can cause permanent harm."

As those words hung in the air, far away on a sunlit village lawn, Denji lay staring at the clouds. Beside him, another young ninja did the same. With a quiet, almost wistful voice, Denji murmured, "Sometimes… awakening your eyes too early isn't always a blessing."