Chapter 76: Conditions and the Water Gate

Uchiha Fugaku’s request left Uchiha Li in silent contemplation.

He had not expected that his clan leader would ask him to instruct Itachi; this was, without a doubt, an affirmation of a teacher-student bond. In this world, such a relationship was a form of inheritance—once established, it was a lifelong connection, nearly impossible to break.

Yet Uchiha Li could more or less understand the clan head’s intentions. Fugaku was unaware that Shisui possessed the Mangekyō, so in his eyes, Li was one of only two within the clan to wield that power. Two sets of Mangekyō in the family was, of course, a boon—provided both sides were truly loyal. Otherwise, a blessing could easily become a curse. Thus, asking him to mentor Itachi, to build a teacher-student affection, was really a way to strengthen their mutual ties.

Frankly, if Li were in Fugaku’s position, he would have done exactly the same.

“The problem is, why does it have to be Itachi…” Li sighed inwardly, feeling a moment of hesitation. Even though the current Itachi was not the same as the one in the original story—still a mere child—and with so many events having changed, it seemed unlikely he would follow the same path. Still, on a personal level, Li could not bring himself to like Itachi, a first impression carried from his previous life that was difficult to alter.

Observing Li’s prolonged silence, Fugaku’s eyes revealed a plea as he spoke, “Li, I hope you will consider this carefully. I am always occupied with clan affairs and have no time to guide or watch over Itachi. You, with your Mangekyō, are destined to be the clan’s pillar in the future—the most suitable person for this task.” Fugaku paused briefly, then added, “This is a personal request from me, as a father.”

Hearing this, Li felt a mix of emotions. Fugaku, for all his indecision and many flaws—flaws that eventually led to the clan’s downfall—was, without question, a father who loved his children deeply, even if he was not entirely competent in that role.

After some thought, Li finally spoke. “Clan head, I’m willing to take on Itachi’s instruction, but there are a few conditions I must make clear in advance.”

Fugaku’s face brightened at his words. “Please, go on.”

Li’s tone was grave. “First, if I become Itachi’s teacher, how I train him is my business alone—you must not interfere.”

Fugaku nodded, inviting him to continue. This was a reasonable demand, and he trusted Li’s ability to nurture Itachi.

Seeing Fugaku’s agreement, Li continued, “Second, if Itachi disobeys or does something I deem wrong, I will discipline him, and I won’t go easy.”

Li had no intention of raising a traitor. If he was to be Itachi’s mentor, he would ensure to ‘train’ him thoroughly. For extra measure, at the right moment, he would bring Itachi to Terra and have him inherit the role of Apostle. Becoming an Apostle was tantamount to pledging one’s loyalty to Terra, and to him. By then, whether Itachi was round or square, it would be for him to decide.

“Isn’t that a bit harsh? Itachi is still a child—how could he know right from wrong?” Fugaku hesitated, sensing Li’s serious intent as he emphasized the word ‘discipline’. If Itachi did something wrong, Li clearly would show no mercy.

Li shook his head, his tone brooking no argument. “I will teach Itachi the difference between right and wrong. If he’s willing to learn, I guarantee he will become a man of great talent. But as I said, Itachi must obey my rules—or you’ll need to find someone else.”

With that, Li fell silent, his gaze meeting Fugaku’s without wavering.

Fugaku, seeing Li’s unprecedented seriousness, gritted his teeth and replied, “Very well, I agree! I leave Itachi entirely in your hands—do whatever you see fit; I will not interfere.”

Though Li’s conditions were strict—perhaps even excessive—Fugaku could not let this opportunity slip away. After all, he was no longer young; how many years could he remain as clan head? With his Mangekyō, Li was destined to be the clan’s future leader, and establishing a teacher-student bond with Itachi was too important to forgo. Truthfully, if Sasuke weren’t still so young, Fugaku would have had Li train him as well. And if he’d had a daughter, all the better, for the teacher-student bond was always…

Seeing Fugaku agree, Li said, “Clan head, you will not regret today’s decision.”

As he spoke, a trace of mischief flickered in Li’s heart. He suddenly had an idea: for a boy as pure as a blank slate, Itachi would be the perfect candidate.

At that very moment, as this thought crossed Li’s mind, Itachi, who was practicing ninjutsu on the training grounds, stumbled and sneezed for no apparent reason. “Strange, what’s happening to me?” he muttered, rubbing his nose. Finding nothing amiss, he went back to his training.

Oblivious to this, Li turned to Fugaku once more. “Since everything is settled, let’s go see the Fourth now.”

Fugaku nodded and summoned a member of the police force waiting outside, issuing his instructions.

“All right, someone will bring the payment later. We can leave now.” Then, changing his tone, Fugaku added, “But don’t be surprised when you get there.”

Li was momentarily puzzled. “What do you mean?”

Fugaku smiled mysteriously. “You’ll see soon enough—it’s only a moment away.”

Though still confused, Li didn’t press further.

Soon, with the police force making the arrangements known throughout the village, word spread that the Uchiha were officially visiting the Fourth Hokage on important business. Li and Fugaku, accompanied by several police force members, made their way in high spirits toward Minato’s residence.

Approaching the neighborhood, Li soon realized what Fugaku meant by “strange.” Looking around, he saw that the streets near Minato’s home were noticeably empty—passersby deliberately avoided the area, creating a sense of isolation. Moreover, not far from Minato’s residence, several hidden Anbu operatives stood guard.

Seeing this, Li was taken aback; he had not expected such a scene.

“Clan head, does Minato have no objections to this?”

Fugaku gave a wry smile. “In fact, this was Minato’s own request.”

“His own request?!”

“That’s right,” Fugaku explained. “Minato is a true Hokage—he is simply too gentle. Some of his thoughts and actions command my respect, whether I agree with them or not…” A look of admiration shone in his eyes as he continued.