Return of the Uchiha Prodigy

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Shikaku Nara leaned back, folding his arms as he surveyed the three genin before him. "Well, it's official. Our ninja team is formed," he said, his gaze shifting briefly from Uchiha Itachi to Kido Daisuke, who was beaming with excitement.

Shikaku let his sharp eyes linger on Hattori Shinichi for a moment, then Itachi, a faint smile touching his lips. "I expect that in the future, when we undertake missions, you'll continue to demonstrate the teamwork you've shown today."

He adjusted his stance, his tone growing more serious yet warm. "Normally, I'd lecture fresh graduates on the importance of working as a team. But with you three, it doesn't seem necessary."

The exercise had gone exceptionally well. Each member had revealed their strengths. Hattori Shinichi, though lacking in combat prowess, had orchestrated the strategy that led to their success. His analytical mind had turned the tide, though the plan hinged on Itachi's remarkable skills, which far exceeded that of an ordinary academy graduate. Meanwhile, Daisuke Kido had proven to be both resourceful and steadfast under pressure.

The three nodded respectfully, absorbing Shikaku's words.

"As your Jonin-sensei, I'd like to celebrate our team's formation," Shikaku continued, his smile widening slightly. "But unfortunately, I have pressing duties to attend to." He paused, offering them an apologetic look. "I'll take a rain check on the meal."

Straightening his posture, he concluded, "Meet me at the Hokage Building entrance tomorrow morning. We'll begin our first mission then." His gaze lingered on Itachi for a moment, the unspoken meaning clear, before he disappeared with a subtle flicker of movement.

Itachi's keen eyes caught the subtle direction Shikaku took—toward the Hokage Building.

---

"Since Shikaku-sensei's busy, how about we celebrate on our own?" Daisuke suggested, his enthusiasm undeterred as he glanced between Itachi and Hattori.

Hattori hesitated, looking away as a flicker of doubt crossed his face. "That wouldn't feel right," he said softly. "Besides, without Shikaku-sensei, we're not a real team yet."

He gave a polite nod before turning to leave. "Sorry. I'll see you tomorrow."

Daisuke sighed, watching him go. "People with brilliant minds are always a bit strange, aren't they?" he muttered, scratching the back of his head. Though he had underestimated Hattori, today's test had proven the strategist's worth. His admiration for Itachi, however, only deepened after witnessing the Uchiha's skill.

"Well, I guess it's not much of a celebration with just the two of us," Itachi said, his voice calm as he gave Daisuke a small nod. "See you tomorrow."

Without waiting for a response, he turned and leapt onto a nearby tree branch, disappearing into the distance.

---

Itachi's sharp intuition led him to follow Hattori Shinichi, who had left earlier. Something about the boy's expression seemed… off. He moved silently through the trees, his presence masked as he trailed Hattori to a secluded area.

Hattori arrived at what appeared to be his private training ground. Simple wooden dummies and hand-drawn targets were arranged for practice. The boy, who had been outshone earlier, now focused intently on his shuriken technique, the frustration in his movements palpable.

Though his strategy had been brilliant, Hattori couldn't shake the glaring disparity in skill between himself and Itachi. He knew that, no matter how sharp his mind was, strength mattered. A flawless plan was meaningless if he couldn't execute it.

Hidden among the shadows, Itachi observed. He considered offering advice but decided against it. Growth, he thought, often came from struggle.

---

At the same time, Shikaku arrived at the Hokage's office, greeted by Minato Namikaze's warm, yet curious gaze.

"You've observed him?" Minato asked, turning from the window where he'd been watching the village below.

Shikaku nodded, a meaningful expression crossing his face. "Just as you said, Hokage-sama. Uchiha Itachi is remarkable. His potential… it's almost unsettling."

Minato smiled faintly. "Good. He'll need to be extraordinary for what lies ahead."

---

After leaving Hattori's training ground, Itachi returned to the village streets, his forehead protector now tied securely in place. The bustling sounds of Konoha enveloped him, but his focus sharpened as he spotted a familiar figure approaching.

An elderly man with gray hair and a round face hobbled toward him. Itachi recognized him instantly. Bowing slightly, he greeted him with respect. "Dean Crow, it's good to see you."

The old man squinted, then smiled warmly. "Ah, Itachi. It's been a while."

Dean Crow was the head of Konoha's nursing home, where many war veterans resided. Though retired, he carried the wisdom of an experienced shinobi who had fought during the First Shinobi War.

Noticing the forehead protector, Dean Crow's expression softened. "So you've become a ninja…"

Itachi nodded, his voice steady. "I'll visit the home soon."

The elderly often bore the scars of Konoha's wars. To Itachi, it was an unspoken duty to honor and care for them, a sentiment shared by few his age.

---

That night, after dinner, Fugaku called Itachi aside for a quiet conversation. While his father's words held pride, they were layered with expectation—a weight Itachi bore without complaint.

Later, as the stars filled the sky, Itachi trained. The thrill of graduating had long passed, replaced by his unrelenting discipline. His movements under the moonlight were swift, precise, and silent, his mind focused on sharpening his skills.

Then, out of nowhere, a figure appeared in his path. The white robe of the Fourth Hokage fluttered lightly in the night breeze.

"Congratulations," Minato said, his tone warm yet knowing. "I heard you passed Shikaku's test."

Itachi met Minato's gaze, sensing the layers beneath the simple statement. Minato wasn't just congratulating him—he was acknowledging something deeper, perhaps even challenging him.

And Itachi, ever perceptive, understood.

"So, even with everything today, did Shikaku-sensei still see through me?" Itachi asked, his tone carrying a rare note of helplessness. His performance should have been flawless.

Sometimes, though, perfection itself could be the most telling flaw.

Minato Namikaze regarded him with a calm yet piercing gaze. "He's only suspicious for now," the Hokage replied, his voice even. "You don't resent me for arranging things this way, do you?"

Itachi shook his head, his expression unchanging. "I know you're doing this to teach me something valuable. I don't mind."

Minato's demeanor softened. The young Uchiha's maturity never failed to impress him. "I want to teach you a great deal," Minato admitted. "But time is short, and... I'm not entirely sure I'm the right person for this."

His tone turned introspective, tinged with self-doubt. He recognized Itachi's exceptional talent—comparable to his own during his youth. The boy's Mangekyō Sharingan

awakened, spoke volumes about his potential.

"How is your recovery progressing?" Minato asked, watching him closely. He understood that Itachi wasn't merely relearning lost skills; he was reclaiming what was already ingrained in his essence.

Itachi hesitated for a moment, then replied, "It's hard to say. I feel stronger, but... I think I could face all the current Five Kage—except you."

Minato blinked at the bold statement, though there was no arrogance in Itachi's voice, only a calm assessment of his capabilities.

"You're giving me too much credit," Minato replied with a modest smile. His golden hair caught the light as he shifted slightly, his expression growing thoughtful.

He studied Itachi for a moment longer before speaking again. "Why don't we put that theory to the test?"

Itachi's eyes widened briefly in surprise before narrowing in focus. He understood the Hokage's intention.

"Very well," Itachi said, his voice steady, a flicker of anticipation in his tone.

Minato smiled. "This isn't the best place for it, though." With a slight movement, he rested a hand on Itachi's shoulder.

In an instant, the world blurred around them.

---

The two reappeared in a forest clearing just outside Konoha. The air was crisp, the moon casting a pale glow over the surrounding trees.

Itachi's sharp eyes quickly scanned the area, noting the kunai embedded in a nearby tree. It bore Minato's signature Flying Thunder God marker.

"This will do," Minato said, stepping back. He crossed his arms, studying Itachi. "Begin when you're ready."

Itachi gave a small nod, his expression resolute. With a flicker of chakra, his eyes turned blood-red, the three tomoe of his Sharingan spinning into view.

Minato's lips twitched upward. "Starting with the Sharingan? Smart choice."

Before the words fully left Minato's lips, a flurry of shuriken was already streaking toward him.

Thwip-thwip-thwip!

The sound of the blades slicing through the air was sharp and precise. Itachi's accuracy and speed were unparalleled for someone his age.

Minato sidestepped effortlessly, each shuriken missing him by a fraction of an inch. His movements were fluid, each dodge as graceful as a dance.

"Impressive..." Minato murmured, genuinely admiring the technique. The shuriken weren't just for distraction—they were aimed to control his movement, forcing him into specific positions.

But Itachi wasn't relying on shuriken alone. His hands blurred through a series of seals, faster than most ninja could follow.

Minato's eyes gleamed. He could feel the chakra gathering in Itachi's next move.

Suddenly, he vanished from his position, reappearing near the tree with his kunai.

"Itachi, your speed with hand seals rivals some of the best I've seen," Minato called, his voice carrying over the clearing.

Itachi didn't respond. He only watched, calculating.

Minato decided to shift gears. In a flash, he moved toward Itachi, his kunai slicing through the air.

Just as he was about to make contact, Itachi's body dissolved into a swarm of crows.

"Crow Clone Technique," Minato noted, watching the black feathers scatter. The crows circled once before reforming into Itachi's figure, now standing several meters away.

"Interesting substitution method," Minato said, his tone intrigued.

But something about the clone felt different.

Buzz!

A surge of chakra erupted from the clone. Minato's eyes widened slightly.

"A Shadow Clone Great Explosion," he realized.

The clone detonated in a fiery blast, forcing Minato to teleport to his marker to avoid the explosion.

Smoke filled the clearing as Minato reappeared near the kunai embedded in the tree. His robe billowed from the displacement of air.

When the smoke cleared, Itachi stood calmly, his Sharingan spinning as he analyzed every movement.

"Very clever," Minato said, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "You're not just skilled; you're precise. Every action has a purpose."

Itachi bowed slightly. "Thank you, Hokage-sama."

Minato chuckled softly. "But I'm not done yet."

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