Return of the Uchiha Prodigy

Morning in the Uchiha Household

Itachi returned home after completing his morning training, just before breakfast. The aroma of food filled the air as Mikoto busied herself in the kitchen, preparing their meal.

He headed to his room to freshen up before joining the family.

"I'm back," Itachi announced as he entered the dining room. Instead of sitting down right away, he approached his father, Fugaku.

"Father, there's something I want to discuss with you," Itachi said calmly, pulling out a form from his pocket. It was the same one Fugaku had brought home over two weeks ago. "I've decided to enroll in the Ninja Academy."

Fugaku and Mikoto both paused, taken aback by his words. Fugaku frowned slightly. "Why the sudden change of heart?"

Itachi glanced at his mother, recalling her earlier advice. "I've been reflecting on what Mother said. There are still many things I need to learn, areas where I can improve," he replied thoughtfully. Then, turning back to Fugaku, he added, "And more importantly, I want to broaden my perspective beyond the clan. At the academy, I'll meet people from different backgrounds and clans."

A smile spread across Mikoto's face as she cradled baby Sasuke in her arms, clearly pleased with Itachi's decision. "You've come to the right conclusion," she said warmly.

Fugaku, however, remained silent, his brow furrowed. Itachi could sense his father's concern. He knew Fugaku worried that his son might attract unwanted attention from the higher-ups in Konoha, just as Shisui had.

"It's my decision, Father," Itachi reassured him. "I'll be careful at the academy. You don't need to worry."

Fugaku's gaze softened, and he nodded. "If this is truly what you want, I won't oppose it. But remember, once you decide, there's no turning back."

"I understand," Itachi replied with a respectful bow. "Thank you."

Mikoto's smile brightened. "Come, sit down and eat."

Itachi took his seat across from Fugaku. Mikoto, now more relaxed, gently rocked Sasuke in her arms. "Sasuke, your big brother is going to take the Academy entrance exam soon."

She looked at Itachi with pride. "With your skills, there's no doubt you'll excel."

Sasuke, though still an infant, seemed to react to Mikoto's words, babbling and smiling as if he understood.

---

### Three Days Later: The Entrance Exam

The third and final day of the Academy entrance exams had arrived. Unlike the previous days, today's participants were mostly children from civilian families. Most of the students from the major clans had completed their exams earlier, including Itachi.

For someone of Itachi's caliber, the test was merely a formality. He had demonstrated his skills effortlessly, scoring perfect marks, much to the astonishment of the examiners.

"As expected of an Uchiha," one of the academy teachers murmured, watching Itachi's flawless performance. His family crest, the Uchiha fan, was proudly displayed on the back of his clothing, drawing the attention and envy of many children from ordinary backgrounds.

"It's amazing how talented the Uchiha clan is," another teacher commented, though such talent was not unexpected. A few days earlier, another Uchiha, a girl, had also scored full marks on her entrance exam.

For Itachi, the exam had been more about affirming his skills than facing a challenge. His performance secured him a place at the Academy, where he would soon begin his studies alongside other young shinobi hopefuls.

---

With the entrance exam behind him, Itachi didn't let up. During the ten days before the academy officially began, he continued to train rigorously. When not training, he helped Mikoto around the house and took care of Sasuke. Each day, he watched his younger brother grow, finding quiet joy in the warmth of family life—a happiness he hadn't realized he needed until now.

As his heart grew lighter, he began to understand the depth of the bonds he shared with his family. Yet, he also kept a close eye on the preparations being made by the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, for the crisis he had foreseen.

Though Itachi couldn't know every detail, Minato kept him informed through Shisui, sending letters outlining Konoha's measures to counter the looming threat.

These updates reassured Itachi that Konoha was prepared. As his friendship with Shisui deepened, Itachi felt a growing sense of optimism.

---

The day for Itachi to begin his journey at the Academy had finally arrived. It was early September, and autumn had settled over Konoha. The previous night, Sasuke had suddenly fallen ill with a fever, keeping the entire household awake. Fugaku, Mikoto, and Itachi had taken turns caring for the infant until his fever broke just before dawn.

Although Sasuke's fever had subsided, Itachi was still worried and stayed by his brother's side until it was time to leave for the academy.

"I'll come back to check on Sasuke in the afternoon," Itachi insisted. Normally, Academy students packed their lunch and stayed at school all day, but Itachi wanted to return home during lunch to ensure Sasuke was well.

Mikoto sighed but nodded, seeing his resolve. "All right, but don't worry. I'll take good care of Sasuke."

Itachi nodded gratefully, leaning over Sasuke's cradle. "Sasuke, I'm heading out, but I'll be back soon," he whispered before leaving the house.

Carrying a small backpack, Itachi jogged through the familiar streets of the Uchiha district. He greeted the neighbors with polite nods, moving swiftly toward the village's Ninja Academy.

As he approached the gate connecting the Uchiha district to the rest of Konoha, he noticed a girl about his age emerging from around the corner.

---

As the girl emerged from beyond the gate, Itachi's sharp eyes immediately recognized her. His steps faltered, and for a moment, he stood frozen in place.

A wave of emotions surged behind his typically calm demeanor, his dark eyes reflecting a turbulence he rarely allowed to surface.

The girl was familiar—far too familiar. Her long, straight black hair framed her face, and though she still had the soft features of youth, her wide, bright eyes radiated kindness. Her gentle smile contrasted starkly against the storm raging within Itachi.

It was Uchiha Izumi.

Itachi knew her well. She had been his classmate at the Ninja Academy, a girl with a gentle spirit and unwavering kindness. Though they were acquaintances, they had never grown close. Itachi's mind had always been occupied with responsibilities far beyond what most his age could comprehend.

Izumi had once confessed her feelings to him. But back then, Itachi, already burdened by the path he had chosen, had neither the time nor the desire to reciprocate. His thoughts were consumed with matters of the Uchiha clan, of Konoha, of duty.

Later... during the night of the Uchiha massacre, it had been Itachi himself who ended Izumi's life. He had placed her under the spell of Tsukuyomi, allowing her to live out a peaceful, imagined lifetime in mere moments. She had died with a smile.

"Thank you, Itachi-kun," she had whispered in those final moments. "But I know the burden you carry will only grow heavier. I wish I could have shared it with you..."

The memory of that night haunted him still.

Itachi blinked, his breath catching in his throat. His gaze met Izumi's, and she noticed him too.

A warm smile brightened her face as she approached. "Good morning, Itachi-san," she greeted cheerfully. "I'm Uchiha Izumi."

Itachi's heart clenched. How could he respond? How could he face her now, after everything?

He nodded curtly, his voice low. "Good morning."

Izumi, seemingly oblivious to the turmoil within Itachi, continued smiling. "We're both heading to the Academy today, right?" She patted the backpack slung over her shoulder.

"Yeah," Itachi replied, his voice barely audible.

Izumi tilted her head slightly, sensing something was off. "Is something wrong? You look... different."

Itachi quickly regained his composure. "No, it's nothing."

Izumi's smile returned. "Well then, we should hurry before we're late!"

As they started walking side by side, Itachi glanced at her. "You don't need to call me 'Itachi-san.' Just 'Itachi' is fine."

Izumi paused, surprised by his sudden informality, but then nodded with a soft laugh. "Alright, Itachi."

The two continued their journey toward the Ninja Academy, weaving through the familiar streets of the Uchiha compound. Itachi kept quiet, his mind still grappling with the strange reality of seeing her alive again.

When they finally reached the Academy gate, they found a large crowd gathered. Parents and relatives had come to see their children off on their first day, and the atmosphere was lively and cheerful. Children, eager and excited, whispered to each other about becoming shinobi like the legendary Hokage.

Izumi glanced around. "It's strange, isn't it? Most kids have their families here to see them off. But... we're different."

Itachi's expression softened. He thought of Sasuke, who had been running a fever the night before. "My parents stayed home to take care of my little brother."

"Oh, you have a younger brother?" Izumi's eyes lit up. "I've heard about him! His name is Sasuke, right? He must be adorable."

Itachi's usual stoicism softened into a gentle expression. "He is."

Izumi giggled. "You must be a great older brother, Itachi. You look so calm, but when you talk about Sasuke, your whole face changes."

Before Itachi could respond, he felt a familiar hand rest on his shoulder.

"Looks like you're settling in well, Itachi."

Itachi turned quickly, eyes widening as he recognized the voice. "Hokage-sama."

Standing before him, wearing his signature white and red robes with the kanji for "Fourth Hokage" on the back, was Namikaze Minato.

Izumi gasped softly, stepping back in awe. "H-Hokage-sama...!"

Minato smiled kindly at them both. "Good morning, Izumi. You two seem to be getting along."

The surrounding crowd quickly noticed Minato's arrival, and a wave of whispers spread through the children. Many of them gazed at him with admiration, their eyes wide with excitement. For them, the Hokage was a symbol of hope and heroism—everything they aspired to be.

Minato gave a light wave to the gathering children and parents. "It's a pleasure to see you all here today. I hope you're ready to start your journey as shinobi."

As the gate to the Academy slowly opened, the instructors began to usher the children inside. Itachi and Izumi moved along with the crowd, though the warmth of Minato's presence lingered.

Once inside the gate, Izumi turned to Itachi, her voice soft and hopeful. "Itachi... do you think... we could be friends? Like the Hokage said?"

Itachi paused for a moment, staring at her bright, expectant eyes. He remembered everything that had happened—everything that would happen—and yet, here she was again, offering a chance at something he had long thought lost.

He allowed himself a small smile, his voice steady as he answered. "Yes, Izumi. We can be friends."

---