Naruto: I Am Itachi Uchiha!

"Who are you?"

A boy with naturally curly black hair, jet-black eyes, and a plump oval face stood in the training ground, his dark high-collared short-sleeve shirt bearing the emblem of the Uchiha clan on the back. His attire, complete with triangular arm guards and matching leggings, was unmistakably traditional Uchiha garb. In his hand, he held a small sword, exuding confidence.

Walking calmly into view, Uchiha Itachi, a young boy with piercing eyes, dressed in familiar attire, twirled a kunai on his finger by its iron loop. His movements were deliberate as he said coolly, "Why so tense? This is a public training ground, not private Uchiha property. I have just as much right to be here as you. What's the big deal?"

The boy squinted at Itachi for a moment before recognition dawned. "Wait, I know you. You're Uchiha Itachi, the clan leader's kid, right?"

Itachi smirked and retorted, "And you're Uchiha Shisui, from that side family, aren't you?"

Shisui crossed his arms, observing the younger boy with a faint smile. "That's me. But hey, Itachi, you're still young. Shouldn't you be playing with kids your age instead of pretending to train like this? It's not something you need to worry about yet."

Itachi's expression sharpened. "Oh, please. You're the one pretending to be wise. Do you think I don't know how this works? I'm the clan leader's son. If I don't work harder than anyone else, how will I ever set myself apart from the rabble? I'm a genius, Shisui. You understand that, don't you?"

Shisui raised an eyebrow, taken aback by the boy's precocious confidence. "A genius, huh…" He chuckled softly, shaking his head.

Ignoring Shisui's reaction, Itachi flicked his wrist, sending the kunai spinning through the air. It struck a nearby training target with pinpoint accuracy. "You see? While you're standing there doubting me, I'm already proving myself."

Shisui sighed, sensing the determination radiating from the younger boy. Despite his apparent arrogance, Itachi carried an aura of leadership and discipline that was rare for his age.

"Alright, alright. You win," Shisui finally said, raising his hands in surrender. "I'll leave you to your training. This spot is all yours."

But just as Shisui turned to leave, a flurry of kunai struck the ground in front of him, stopping him in his tracks. Itachi glared at him, clearly displeased. "Leaving already? Are you saying I'm annoying?"

Shisui forced a smile, scratching the back of his head. "No, no. I just prefer training alone. That's all."

"Oh, so you're one of those types," Itachi quipped, crossing his arms. "Sorry, but I have a hobby too: I like training with people. You're staying."

Shisui sighed in resignation. "Fine. If it'll make you happy."

Itachi's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he stepped closer. "Good. Now tell me, what jutsu do you know?"

"Basic lightning, fire, and wind release," Shisui replied. "Genjutsu, shurikenjutsu, taijutsu… My most notable technique is probably my Body Flicker Jutsu."

Itachi studied him for a moment, his expression unreadable. "Not bad. Actually, pretty impressive." A sly grin spread across his face. "Alright, from now on, I'm your boss. As my subordinate, you owe me a greeting gift. A Fire Style jutsu will do."

Shisui blinked in disbelief. "You… what? You're serious?"

Itachi nodded, completely serious. "Of course. As your new boss, I'm granting you the honor of teaching me."

Shisui let out a long sigh, realizing there was no arguing with the boy. "Alright, boss. I'll teach you the Phoenix Flower Jutsu."

He quickly demonstrated the jutsu, forming the hand seals and unleashing a volley of flame bursts shaped like blooming flowers. The fiery projectiles struck a wooden target, leaving scorched craters in its wake.

"Now you try," Shisui instructed.

Without hesitation, Itachi mimicked the hand seals. His execution was nearly flawless, launching several fiery bursts that hit the sand and created small explosions. Shisui's eyes widened. For a first attempt, it was astonishingly accurate.

"Not bad at all," Shisui admitted, clapping his hands. "With a bit more practice, you'll have it perfected in no time."

Itachi smirked, rubbing his nose in confidence. "I'll have it mastered by tomorrow."

"Itachi, time to come home for dinner," a deep voice called out.

Uchiha Fugaku, the clan leader himself, appeared from the shadows, observing the scene with mild amusement. "You've been out here long enough."

"Coming, Father," Itachi replied lazily. He turned back to Shisui, his expression shifting into a mischievous grin. "Congrats, Shisui. You've been promoted. From now on, you're not just some side family brat. You're my personal training partner. See you tomorrow."

Shisui watched as the boy strode off with his father, shaking his head in disbelief. "That kid…" he muttered to himself. "He's going to be something else, isn't he?"

As the two Uchihas disappeared into the distance, Shisui couldn't help but laugh softly. Itachi Uchiha—a child prodigy with an indomitable spirit. Things were going to get interesting.

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