Konoha was full of dreams. Some wanted to be ninja, some wanted to be chefs, and some wanted to be teachers. Inuzuka Hana wanted to be a veterinarian.
She loved animals and secretly helped those in need, spending most of her pocket money on medicine and supplies. Whenever she saw a kitten stuck in a pipe, a stray puppy limping on the street, or even a sullen crow, she took action. She hoped to become a veterinarian that both people and animals could trust.
Beiyuan, watching her from the side, thought that if he hadn't known Naruto, he might have believed that Inuzuka Hana was the true protagonist of the village.
After a bowl of ramen and some conversation, the crow was in a much better mood. Hana pulled out her notebook and finished recording the medical case.
"If Beiyuan gets sick, bring him to me again," she said, packing up her tools and waving. "See you at school!"
"Bye!"
"Gah!"
Hana wasn't overly formal or reserved, and—despite Uchiha Itachi's well-known talent—she had no other thoughts about him beyond a simple camaraderie. In this way, she was a rare kind of person in the ninja world.
That evening, when Itachi returned home, Uchiha Fugaku was in a rare good mood. He had just spoken with Shisui and confirmed a few suspicions. The genius chūnin, on the other hand, had returned home with a lot on his mind.
Fugaku took a sip of tea, feeling at ease. Based on the information from Shisui and the actions of the Third Hokage, he had concluded that the mastermind behind recent events was none other than Hokage Advisor Shimura Danzo. The old man had both motive and means.
The fact that a Wood Release user had been defeated by Hatake Kakashi suggested that the experiment's results were still immature. However, the sudden appearance of the Flying Thunder God technique was concerning. Danzo had too many cards up his sleeve.
At the very least, Sarutobi Hiruzen would no longer trust his old friend.
"I'm back," Itachi greeted, placing Beiyuan on the table. He glanced at Fugaku, who was sipping tea. "Dad, I think I saw Shisui on the way home. Did he visit?"
"Ah? Yes!" Fugaku beckoned him closer, his expression turning serious. "What Beiyuan saw outside—do not speak of it to anyone."
"I understand."
"Good." Fugaku nodded and then, unable to hold back, let out a chuckle. "The officers told me what happened this evening. Well done! As expected of my son!"
Itachi fell silent. The news within their clan spread too quickly.
Mikoto emerged from the kitchen, gently stroking her son's hair. "Yes! Itachi has grown up—protecting little girls now!"
"It's not like that…" Itachi explained the whole situation, from Inuzuka Hana's rescue of a cat to the owner's blackmail attempt, their conversation afterward, and his impression of her.
When he finished, he added, "...I admire her."
"She sounds more remarkable than you!" Mikoto mused, then smiled. "I remember her mother, Tsume, was quite the fierce woman. I didn't expect her daughter to be so gentle."
Fugaku remained neutral. Admiration was one thing, but in the end, only strength mattered.
*----Timeskip----*
Time passed, and another year went by.
Several major events occurred in Konoha. The Uchiha clan was collectively relocated, moving farther from the village center. While some saw this as isolation, others considered it a relief. Fewer outsiders wandered into their territory.
Then there was the shocking news: Orochimaru had defected.
The village was abuzz with rumors. Some claimed that the Third Hokage had been forced to expose Orochimaru's human experiments due to pressure from Danzo. Whatever the reason, Orochimaru was now an S-rank missing-nin.
And with that, all three of Konoha's legendary Sannin had left the village.
Perhaps feeling increasingly isolated, Hiruzen began making major structural changes. He personally oversaw jōnin promotions, expanded high-level meetings, and tightened control over mission assignments. The most unexpected move was his appointment of a new Anbu Torture Squad captain—Ibiki Morino, a mere seventeen-year-old chūnin.
Beyond that, Sarutobi took full control over Konoha's ninja school, reclaiming the authority to assign graduate teams and their captains.
These decisions had little to do with Fugaku. The police force continued to be unpopular, and their relationship with the rest of the village remained tense.
However, there was one thing that did concern him: the ninja school opening ceremony.
As always, the Third Hokage would deliver a speech. Parents were required to attend. Fugaku was already dreading the experience.
April arrived, bringing warm breezes and clear skies.
"Itachi's first day at the academy is today," Mikoto reminded her husband as she fed Sasuke. "Fugaku-kun, the school requires parents to attend."
"I'm ready." Dressed in his usual uniform, Fugaku was prepared to send his son off. He had been waiting for this moment for a long time.
If only it didn't involve sitting through Hiruzen's speech.
Sarutobi had become increasingly involved in ninja education, even managing the school's daily affairs. How did that old man have so much energy?
Meanwhile, Itachi had been preparing for this day for months. Ever since the clan had relocated, he had studied diligently. He had read countless ninjutsu texts from the Uchiha archives, and Shisui had provided him with even more material.
Beiyuan, on the other hand, was… excited.
The crow had initially assumed that the academy only taught the basic Transformation, Clone, and Substitution Jutsu. However, Shisui had mentioned that students would also learn theoretical strategies and even simple C-rank jutsu.
Of course, clan-specific jutsu—such as the Uchiha's Great Fireball Technique—would not be part of the curriculum. Instead, students would learn standard techniques like basic fireballs and water bullets.
After breakfast, Fugaku and Itachi set out with Beiyuan in tow.
Left behind, Sasuke crawled on the floor, watching them leave. His little face scrunched up, and he let out a pitiful wail.
Itachi paused, turned around, and flicked his brother's forehead with two fingers.
"Sasuke, be good at home."