The training ground is quiet except for the rhythmic sound of your own breathing, the sharp crack of energy each time you attempt the jutsu—and fail. You adjust your stance, try again, but something is off. You feel a presence before you hear his voice—low, calm, but direct.

"You're doing it wrong."

Turning, you see him. Itachi Uchiha, standing at a distance, arms crossed, watching with the same unreadable expression he always wears. He has never spoken to you before. And yet, here he is, correcting you as if he has been observing you for some time.