At age seven, Itachi witnessed the Nine-Tails' attack. When his Sharingan first awakened, he saw a mysterious shadow controlling the Nine-Tails. The Third Hokage recognized his talent and arranged for him to join the ANBU for training. During a special training session by the Naka River, Shisui revealed the secret of Kotoamatsukami: "These eyes should be used for an even more cruel choice." A crow beat its wings and flew past the burning clan crest.
