Chapter 38: Itachi, You really have a Happy Family
The goal of Akihara Kagura has been achieved.
Shimura Danzo indeed does not suspect Akihara Kagura of betraying him, but this sudden air of superiority is inevitably somewhat unsatisfactory.
The friendly period of amicable relations during this time seems like a facade.
Akihara Kagura feels that there is something wrong with the attitude of his superior, Shimura Danzo. Once one realizes that they have always held leverage over someone, adopting an attitude of 'I can crush you anytime' is problematic. Can such an approach truly inspire unwavering loyalty?
Shimura Danzo does not think there is anything wrong with his attitude.
This old man has controlled his subordinates using such methods for many years without any issues, so he does not see anything amiss.
Ninjas...
Aren't they just tools to be used?
As long as the tool is functional, does the method of usage really matter?
Akihara Kagura looks back at Shimura Danzo, feeling that their relationship can never return to what it was before. He has ultimately become a tool for his superior.
"What are you still looking at?"
Shimura Danzo glances coldly at Akihara Kagura and says coldly, "From now on, don't refer to yourself as 'A'. From today, you are no longer allowed to use the codename of the Root."
"Yes, Lord Danzo."
Akihara Kagura slowly bows his head and exits the office.
Although Akihara Kagura never liked the codename 'A' from the start, there's a difference between not wanting to use it and being stripped of it...
If Lord Danzo's future life is too peaceful, then as his subordinate, it would be a dereliction of duty.
In the following days, Shimura Danzo ignored Akihara Kagura, even canceling his exclusive ninja technique training ground, completely disregarding Akihara Kagura's feelings and treating him like an ordinary tool.
The third round of the Chunin Exams arrived as scheduled.
As the most convenient stage to showcase the combat of Genin, the exam was held in a circular training ground. The audience could watch the final round from the stands above the ground, a rare event for the villagers to witness.
The families of the candidates who made it to the third round were mostly there to see how their loved ones performed. Before entering, the candidates chatted with their families and friends.
The most noticeable were two individuals.
One of them was Uchiha Itachi.
Uchiha Itachi's father, Uchiha Fugaku, the head of the Konoha Police Force, was the highest in status and strength among all the families of the candidates.
The third exam gave them a few days of rest. Uchiha Itachi already knew that Akihara Kagura was a powerful Wood Release ninja, so he naturally wouldn't waste this time. He specially requested the help of his good friend Uchiha Shisui to assist him in his training.
"Big Brother will definitely win!"
Uchiha Sasuke clung to his brother's arm, refusing to let go, and proudly shouted, "No one can be Big Brother's opponent!"
Uchiha Sasuke's voice was a bit loud, inevitably drawing the attention of other contestants, and many people turned their eyes towards them.
"All examinees, enter the arena!"
The proctor for the third exam had arrived.
The proctor for the third exam was named Shiranui Genma, who liked to keep a senbon in his mouth as a toothpick, giving off a somewhat nonchalant appearance.
A group of examinees bid farewell to their friends and family and strode into the exam venue, but slowed down a bit when they saw Uchiha Itachi and Akihara Kagura, falling slightly behind.
"That Wood Release kid is too strong..."
"Even if we advance, we can't possibly be his opponent."
"It doesn't matter, our teacher told us not to worry about winning or losing. The examiners won't grade us based on victory or defeat, but on our performance in battle, to judge whether we have the qualifications to be promoted to Chnin. We just need to do our best..."
"It seems we still have hope..."
At the front of the line.
Akihara Kagura and Uchiha Itachi walked side by side.
Uchiha Itachi glanced at Akihara Kagura and suddenly said, "I'm sorry, but I have to win this time. I have reasons I can't lose."
"It's okay."
Akihara Kagura seemed quite casual, as if he didn't care about winning or losing the exam, but brought up someone outside the venue: "Is it because your younger brother believes you can win?"
"Yes."
Uchiha Itachi nodded, saying solemnly, "I don't want to disappoint Dad, and I can't let Sasuke down. I have to make his words come true."
"You seem to have a good relationship with your family"
Akihara Kagura slowly praised and exclaimed, "Looking at it now, it really is a happy family"
"Thank you."
Uchiha Itachi's attitude immediately became gentler.
