Chapter 17: A Future of Hope

Two years flew by. Itachi and I turned 10, and Shisui reached the age of 13. During those years, Shisui became a jonin squad leader.

Ever ambitious, Itachi wanted to take the Chunin exams to climb the ranks and prove himself capable and worthy. But his teacher denied him the opportunity, citing the inexperience of his new teammates. After Tenma's tragic death and his remaining teammate quit, Itachi was reassigned to a new team.

Meanwhile, Shisui faced his trials. His father passed away, and the funeral was held within the Uchiha compound, where all the clanmen attended and no outsiders were allowed.

It was a difficult time for Shisui, and I made it my mission to be there for him, especially during those solitary moments when he was left alone with his thoughts. Although he never outwardly showed how deeply his father's death affected him afterward, I could sense the envy he harbored for Itachi and others who still had the comfort and warmth of parents and siblings. To him, family had always been a cornerstone of life, a wellspring of strength and identity.

Watching Shisui, I couldn't help but empathize deeply with him. Like him, I knew the pang of longing for a family that extended beyond my grandpa's companionship. Grandpa was my anchor, the sole figure in my life, but I couldn't deny the moments of jealousy I felt toward those like Itachi, who were surrounded by the love and support of a full family.

That was all the more reason why I... No. It wasn't just me.

Shisui and I—both of us—felt a deep urge to protect Itachi. We wished to shield him from experiencing the profound sense of loss that we knew all too well. For both of us, the absence of family had left a lingering void, a constant reminder of what we could have had. Itachi, with his family still intact, represented a promise of what could be: a life with a full family.

During those two years, Grandpa finally decided it was time for me to learn new jutsus that the shinobis of the Hidden Frost were renowned for.

These techniques were tied to the very essence of the Land of Frost, thriving in the frigid environment where snow blanketed the ground and the icy winds howled through the trees. Grandpa explained that these jutsu were most effective and efficient in our homeland, where the natural chill amplified their potency. However, he cautioned that if employed elsewhere, where the climate was not as conducive to ice formation, the results might not be as proficient.

He took me aside one crisp, frosty morning, the air biting at our skin but invigorating with its purity. "Frost," he began, his voice steady and sure, "is a form of ice, born from the direct transformation of water vapor in the air into solid ice crystals. This occurs at or below freezing temperatures." As he spoke, he gestured to the world around us, where each breath seemed to crystallize in the air.

Grandpa then demonstrated the jutsu, his hands moving with practiced grace through a series of hand signs. I watched in awe as the moisture in the air responded to his command, converging into delicate patterns of frost that danced across the ground and up the trunks of nearby trees.

"The jutsu will transform the molecules of water," he explained, "manipulating them to form solid ice. As long as water is nearby, a frost shinobi can still be deadly, even in environments less forgiving than our own."

He emphasized the importance of understanding the environment and how to draw upon the elements present. "Water is all around us, even if we cannot see it," he continued. "You must learn to sense it, to feel its presence and potential. In the Land of Frost, we have an abundance of this power, but a true shinobi knows how to adapt, to find strength in even the most challenging conditions."

~~~

"So, the Third Hokage allowed you to take the chunin exam alone?" Shisui asked one day, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.

Itachi nodded, determined. "Yes. I've been denied before, so this time I'll seize the opportunity, even if I have to do it alone."

Wanting to be on the same page, I asked, "What is on the chunin exam?"

Shisui explained with enthusiasm, counting off on his fingers. "The chunin exam consists of three stages. The first stage is a written test. Although I don't know the specifics for this year, I'm sure Itachi will ace it," he said confidently, holding up one finger. "The second stage takes place in the Forest of Death, where participants have five days to collect two scrolls to pass," he continued, raising a second finger. "And the final stage is a series of one-on-one matches between the remaining participants," he finished, displaying three fingers.

"That sounds dangerous..." I said my concern was evident.

Shisui crossed his arms, frowning slightly before shrugging it off. "I wouldn't say it's that dangerous. It's Itachi we're talking about. He's got this in the bag!"

His confidence was infectious, though I remained skeptical. I narrowed my eyes at him, unconvinced by his bravado.

"Besides," Shisui added, patting Itachi on the back with a grin, "I'm his mentor! How can he fail?"

"Don't worry, Aki, I got this!" Itachi said confidently, flashing me a reassuring smile.

"And don't forget, he has the Sharingan now," Shisui reminded me, his voice carrying a heavy weight that was impossible to ignore, the implications behind it.

He had mentioned to me about the Sharingan—a formidable ability that granted its user enhanced perception, allowing them to see chakra flow, mimic techniques, and cast genjutsu. It was a power awakened through intense emotional experiences.

"Right," I replied, my eyes narrowing even more, unimpressed by their confidence. "Now, tell Sasuke to stop swinging me around like a cat!"

Shisui erupted into hearty laughter as Itachi hurried over to his younger brother, gently reprimanding him for manhandling me. Once Sasuke set me down, I turned to Shisui with a playful hiss. "You're enjoying this too much!" I yelled, flexing my claws and charging at him. "Come here!"

"Oh!" Shisui exclaimed, quickly making a run for it, and I scampered after him, leaving a trail of dust in my wake.

Sasuke watched in awe, his voice ringing out as he called after us. "I wanna play too!"

"Shisui, the Body Flicker, today is the day I catch you!" I shouted, my speed increasing as I pushed myself to run faster than I had a year ago. To my surprise, I was closing the gap between us, inching ever closer.

But just as I was about to reach him, Shisui deftly slid on the ground, twisting back and executing a sharp U-turn, heading back toward the brothers.

I skidded to a halt, my claws digging into the earth as I quickly pivoted to follow him.

"Itachi!" I called out, hoping to enlist his help as Shisui approached their location.

Itachi blinked, registering my call to action.

"Grab him!" I shouted, a broad smile spreading across my face as I darted forward on all fours.

In an instant, Itachi leapt into action, tackling Shisui to the ground, and Sasuke, eager to join the fun, gleefully jumped onto the pile.

"Itachi!" Shisui exclaimed in mock betrayal, his laughter mingling with his words. "You betrayed me!"

Reaching the scene, I placed my two front paws on Shisui's chest, then looked at the two brothers with a mischievous glint in my eyes. "Itachi. Sasuke. Run now!"

Their expressions gradually shifted from confusion to understanding, and a glint of mischief sparkled in their eyes. Without hesitation, the two brothers sprang to their feet and took off running, laughter trailing behind them.

"What? That's not fair!" Shisui protested, still pretending to be pinned beneath my tiny paws.

"Tag!" I shouted, giggling. "Shisui! You're it!" I declared before darting away, adding with a playful warning, "No tagbacks!"

~~~

After Itachi finished the first stage of the chunin exams, we were left in a state of anticipation, waiting for the second stage to conclude to see the results. As I stood before the foreboding expanse of the Forest of Death, tangled with towering trees and dense foliage, I couldn't help but feel a sense of intimidation.

"Are you worried about Itachi?" Shisui's voice cut through my thoughts as he stepped up beside me.

"No," I said, steady with conviction. "I know he'll be alright."

"Shisui!" a voice called behind us. I turned to see Mina approaching, her gaze fixed intently on him. Her once short brown hair had grown longer, now framing her face as it brushed her shoulders.

"Oh, you've got a leaf on your shoulder," Mina said, her voice bashful as she reached out to pluck the leaf away, her fingers lingering on his shoulder a moment longer than necessary.

I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at her boldness. Not long ago, she had been so shy around Shisui, but now she seemed to have gained new confidence.

"Are you here because you're worried about Itachi?" Mina asked, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear with a hint of bashfulness.

"No, I know he will be fine. I just thought I'd take a look since I was passing by," Shisui replied nonchalantly.

As they spoke, I glanced back at the ominous forest, contemplating how I might better spend my time. Perhaps, I should have undone my transformation and returned to focusing on my training; after all, I still hadn't beaten my clone.

"Actually, I was taking my cat for a walk," Shisui said suddenly, pulling me from my thoughts as my ears perched up.

I whipped my head around, eyes wide with indignation, unsure if I had misheard him.

"Oh." Mina looked down, her gaze settling on me. "I didn't realize you...walk your cat," she said, the words more of a question than a statement.

"Yes, she's quite naughty and tends to scratch strangers," Shisui explained, casting a mischievous glance my way before winking. "So, I think it would be best to hang out another time."

"Oh, wait." Mina crouched down, her eyes softening as she looked at me. "I'm pretty good with cats."

I stared at her, wide-eyed, as she hesitated, her hand inching closer. I darted a glance between her and Shisui, who wore a grin of sheer amusement. Irritated by his amusement, I flashed my claws, sharp and menacing, in front of her.

Mina froze, her hand hovering in mid-air as she took in the sight of my claws. The moment I hissed, she stumbled back, her face flushed with embarrassment. Quickly, she scrambled to her feet, murmuring an apology, "I'm sorry. Let's hang out another time," before hurrying away.

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"So...why did you do what you did?" I asked Shisui, feigning nonchalance.

"Do what?" he replied, feigning innocence.

"You know what you did," I shot back, giving him a sidelong glance.

"Isn't it obvious?" he asked, crouching down to meet my gaze.

"No?"

"I have another mission soon, and before that, I wanted to spend some time with you," he explained earnestly.

"A mission? Again?" I asked, dismayed. "What rank and how long?"

"It's an A-rank mission," he replied, smiling as he patted my head. "It should take around five days. My team is being sent as reinforcement to another team that's encountered some trouble. Piece of cake. I'll be back before you know it," he promised.

"You and Itachi are both shinobis now, always leaving," I said, pouting. "I'm always the one waiting for you two. I hate waiting."

Surprised, Shisui grinned. "How about this? When I return, I'll take you on a personal mentor-student mission."

"Really?" I exclaimed, my excitement bubbling over. "You can't back out on it."

He nodded, satisfied with my reaction.

"But still..." I turned sour again. "I don't like waiting. Do you even think about me when you're on your missions?"

His teasing demeanor faded, replaced by a softness in his eyes that I had rarely seen. It was a look I didn't quite understand.

"Of course," he said, his voice gentle but teasing. "While on my missions, I often think about how if I come back with even the slightest cut on my finger, you would cry yourself sick."

I narrowed my eyes, debating whether to give him a piece of my mind, but instead, I found myself smiling.

"That's right. So, you can't get hurt—not even a scratch, okay? That would make me really sad, and I will cry," I said firmly. "You must be careful and come back unharmed, or I won't forgive you!"

He laughed, warmth radiating from him like a beacon. "Oh, that's a lot of pressure. But with a crybaby waiting for me, I promise I'll return unscathed."

I knew he was just saying that to reassure me, but I felt relief nonetheless. "Stay here and wait for me for a second. I'll be right back," I instructed, my voice filled with urgency, before darting off.

I sprinted to a secluded corner of a nearby building, and there I unearthed a small piece of folded paper buried beneath the soil, its edges slightly worn but still good enough. Grabbing it delicately with my mouth, I carried it swiftly back to Shisui, who remained patiently waiting, curiosity evident in his eyes.

I presented the folded paper to him, my gaze eager as he knelt and took it from me, unfolding it with care.

"A protection charm paper?" he remarked, amused. "How did you get this?"

"With money, of course," I replied confidently, puffing up with pride. "Money I collected."

Shisui raised an eyebrow, clearly entertained by my declaration. "Don't tell me you're going around stealing people's money?"

I hissed and huffed at him, well aware of his teasing. "Who do you think I am?!"

His eyes widened in mock surprise, then he grinned mischievously. "Or, did you go around the streets like a homeless searching for dropped coins?"

"I—" I hesitated, he wasn't entirely off the mark. "Do you want it or not? If not, then give it back!" I stood on my hind legs, reaching to snatch the paper charm, but he was quicker, lifting it just out of my reach.

He laughed playfully, lowering the charm just enough to tempt me, only to pull it higher again as I swiped at it with my paws. This game continued until my frustration got the better of me, and I leaped toward him. But before I could reach my target, he deftly caught me by the scruff of my neck, holding me gently but securely.

Grinning, he said, "You're giving it to me, so I'm going to keep it, after all, you went through all that trouble just for me."

Seeing the genuine happiness in his eyes, I found it impossible to stay mad at him. He gently set me back on the ground, his touch light and careful. Then, with a tenderness that belied his teasing nature, he carefully folded the paper charm before tucking it into his pocket.

"Thank you, Aki," he said, his smile soft and sincere. "I will keep it with me always."

"Good," I replied, raising my nose high with a sense of pride. "But in case you drop it or it tears, I'll get you another one."

"You don't have to go around scavenging for coins, Aki," Shisui chuckled, shaking his head slightly. "I will keep this one safe so that no harm should come to it."

I furrowed my brows, tapping his knee vehemently with my paws. "Keep yourself safe! Don't worry about the paper. I can always get you more, you got that?" I huffed, my voice filled with determination. "You are more important, after all!"

His eyes widened in surprise, a deep blush spreading across his cheeks and ears. He quickly pulled his high collar over his nose, trying to hide his embarrassment, though it did little to conceal the redness that had taken over his whole face.

"Why a—" I began to tease, but Shisui broke into laughter, stopping me mid-sentence. His laughter was infectious; a melody of joy.

He reached out and patted my head, his big hand blocking my eyes and covering my view of his face. "You really are something else, Aki," he said with a warmth that filled my heart.

~~~

Since Itachi got his hands full with the second stage of the chunin exams and Shisui was off on a mission, I found myself with a rare stretch of time. For four consecutive days, I pushed myself to the limits, drilling relentlessly. Yet, despite my efforts, landing a clean hit on my transformed clone remained a challenge. Every shuriken, kunai, and tool I had at my disposal was utilized in my training, but they still proved frustratingly ineffective.

On the final day of the second stage, after fulfilling my duties with Grandpa, I had the entire afternoon at my disposal. I decided to spend it waiting for Itachi to come out, although I wasn't exactly sure when that would be.

With a sense of curiosity, I meandered through the Hidden Leaf Village, exploring the bustling market streets. The market was a vibrant tapestry of sights and sounds, each stall offering a new discovery. Vibrant fabrics fluttered in the gentle breeze, their colors bold and inviting, drawing my eye to intricate patterns and textures I had never before encountered.

The air was rich with the aroma of sizzling street food, a medley of spices mingling together, tempting my taste buds with promises of flavors yet to be savored. Vendors called out, their voices a harmonious cacophony urging passersby to sample their wares. I watched as villagers haggled over prices, their animated exchanges punctuated by laughter and the clinking of coins. It was a world of new wonders, as I rarely ventured out except in search of a teacher.

As I wandered, something shiny caught my eye amidst the dirt—a quarter, glinting in the sunlight. Without a second thought, I pounced on it. My paws weren't much help for picking it up, so I resorted to using my mouth. Despite its grime, it was a treasure to me. This was another coin to add to my growing collection. For the past year, I'd been gathering coins I found scattered on the streets, realizing the value of money.

It was essential for buying dangos for Itachi and protective charms for Shisui since his mission was getting more dangerous as a jonin.

Just then, a flash of bright yellow zoomed past me. I turned to see a young boy with striking blonde hair, clad in a worn-out yellow shirt and blue pants. He appeared to be around Sasuke's age.

As I watched him run away, a vision flashed in my mind's eye—a fleeting glimpse of this boy, older, running with a long white cape billowing behind him, the word "Hokage" emblazoned on the back.

Recognition dawned on me—I'd seen him before.

Curiosity piqued, I trailed after him. As I did, I noticed the villagers' reactions—whispers and sidelong glances that suggested they viewed him as something less than desirable. The boy continued to run, and I could feel a deep sense of hurt in his hurried steps as if he was trying to outrun their judgment.

Suddenly, he slowed to a stop near a ramen shop, casting a longing glance toward it. Yet, before I could make my presence known, he turned away reluctantly and continued on his path, prompting me to follow at a careful distance.

Our journey led us to a park, a quiet oasis amidst the village's hustle and bustle. He moved with purpose, heading directly for a secluded spot by a lake. There, hidden in the bushes, he retrieved a makeshift fishing rod—a stick with a string and a small hook. With a practiced motion, he settled himself onto a weathered rock at the water's edge, casting the empty hook into the clear, reflective surface of the lake.

I observed him from a short distance, my heart tightening at the scene. As he sat there, the boy's small frame seemed to sag under an invisible weight. He raised a sleeve to his face, wiping away tears that glistened briefly in the sunlight before vanishing into the fabric. The sight was a poignant reminder of my own experiences, the feeling of being an outsider in a world that often felt indifferent. His solitude mirrored a part of myself that I had long since come to terms with, yet never fully embraced.

Though I knew revealing my identity was risky, something told me this boy could be trusted. He was quite special after all.

Quietly, I approached from behind and gently placed the quarter on the ground beside him. "Are you alright?" I asked softly, careful not to startle him.

Despite my attempt at a gentle approach, he jumped at the sound of my voice, startled. His hand moved swiftly, brushing away the lingering traces of tears as he turned to identify the source of the interruption.

When his eyes met mine, I was taken aback, captivated by the striking blue of his gaze. They were vibrant and clear, reminiscent of a cloudless summer sky. There was something about this boy that made him different. In the dark, cruel world of shinobis, he felt like pure sunlight, a beacon of warmth and hope. It was as if he carried an inner light that shone brightly, an undeniable resilience that seemed capable of piercing through any darkness life threw his way. Despite the evident loneliness, there was a spark within him that refused to be extinguished.

Suddenly, an unexpected sensation overcame me, a familiar yet disorienting shift that signaled the start of a vision. Instinctively, I closed my eyes, surrendering to the pull of the sight as a bright flash of light enveloped my mind's eye.

In this vision, I saw the boy. He was older, his features matured, and his presence more commanding. He stood tall and confident, exuding an air of strength and assurance. His once youthful energy had transformed into a more composed determination, and despite the years, he still contained his inner light.

Across from him stood a dark-haired man, equally transformed by time. As I focused on the man's features, the familiarity of his presence washed over me with certainty—it was Sasuke, older and more mature. His eyes, once filled with youthful intensity, now carried the weight of experience and wisdom.

The two of them were shaking hands—their one remaining hand, I noted. But it was a gesture that spoke volumes. There was a palpable sense of friendship and mutual respect between them, an acknowledgment of shared struggles and triumphs.

As they stood together, their expressions were warm and genuine. The world around them seemed to brighten, the shadows retreating in the face of their combined light.

I'd only ever seen tragedy and death in my visions, but this time, for the first time, I glimpsed a future so promising and filled with hope, and it was through this young boy that I could see it.

Perhaps, the future of shinobis wasn't so bleak after all...

The boy's expression shifted from surprise to disbelief when he saw a cat addressing him. Assuming he was imagining things, he turned back to the lake.

"I'm speaking to you," I spoke again.

He spun around, eyes wide with shock. "A-A talking cat?" he stammered.

"Hey there, my name is Aki Natsuri," I introduced myself.

"Amazing... You can talk," he murmured, still trying to process what he was seeing.

"And what's your name, little one?" I asked, amused by his astonishment.

"N-Naruto Uzumaki," he replied, hesitantly.

So, Naruto Uzumaki...you are that child.

"Well, Naruto, what are you doing here all by yourself? Where are your parents?" I inquired, wondering what a child his age would be doing out here all alone with no one to look after.

His expression darkened as he shifted, "Don't have any."

The word 'orphan' echoed in my mind, and my heart ached for him. "Do you have—"

"No. There's no one," he cut me off, his voice tinged with resignation. He turned back to the lake, and I could feel the weight of his solitude.

"You know what, let's be friends," I suggested warmly.

His head snapped around, disbelief crossing his features. "Really?"

"Yes, and there's also a boy your age named Sasuke Uchiha. Why don't you befriend him as well?" I suggested.

His eyebrow raised, "Who's that?"

"A boy just like you," I answered, my voice gentle yet earnest. "I know that only you can truly understand him and be his friend. So, when you meet him, please, Naruto...don't give up on him, okay?"

He looked at me with curiosity and a hint of confusion in his eyes, but I could see the spark of determination that flickered within him. He had the fire of someone who would always face his challenges head-on, and I knew that this would be no different.

"Why me?" he asked, tilting his head slightly.

"Because..." I paused, contemplating my next words. "You have a heart that sees beyond the surface," I replied softly, meeting his gaze with sincerity. "You are special. And I believe in you, Naruto. You are the friend he needs, the one who understands and stands by him, no matter what."

He nodded slowly at first, absorbing my words with a seriousness that was unusual for him, the weight of the responsibility settling in his young heart. "Ok," he replied solemnly. But then, true to his nature, a burst of energy surged through him, and his demeanor shifted to one of fiery determination. "I promise, Aki!" he declared loudly, his voice ringing with conviction. "I won't give up on him! You have my word, and I never go back on my words!"

A smile spread across my face, filled with pride and affection. "I knew I could count on you, Naruto."

Then, his eyes lit up with curiosity. "Say, how are you talking? Are you some kind of witch?"

I chuckled, "If I tell you, you have to keep it a secret, okay? If not, you won't see me again."

Determined, he nodded, "I promise! Believe me!"

I smiled at this earnest child, sensing I was his first true friend. In a whisper, I confessed, "This is a transformation jutsu. I can only be here in this form."

His eyes beamed with excitement. "The transformation jutsu?! Wow, really? You look exactly like a cat!"

I basked in the compliment, feeling flattered.

"Can you teach me the jutsu?" he asked eagerly.

"I can show you the hand sign. It's not too hard. You just need to imagine the form you want to take while doing the hand sign correctly. Watch." I attempted to demonstrate but then realized with a sigh that hand signs meant hands, not paws. "Sorry, Naruto. I forgot I can't do hand signs without hands."

His face fell, disappointed.

At that moment, a loud growl emanated from his stomach. Naruto was clearly hungry. Recalling his earlier gaze at the ramen shop, an idea struck me.

"How about some ramen?" I suggested, nudging the quarter with my paw.

His eyes lit up, and he nodded eagerly, a smile breaking across his face. Together, we headed toward the ramen shop, a newfound friendship blossoming with each step.

"Can you...come see me again?" Naruto asked nervously.

"Of course, when I have time, I'll come to see you again."

~~~

I can't believe I was running late on the day of the chunin exam's conclusion—the day when those who succeeded would ascend to the rank of chunin.

I planned to celebrate Itachi's achievement by purchasing his favorite treat, dango. But first, I needed to stop by my secret treasure stash to collect enough money for the purchase.

With the dango bag clutched securely in my mouth, I bounded across the rooftops, leaping from one to the next with practiced ease. There were only two places I could reasonably expect to find Itachi: his house or the Uchiha training grounds.

A quick look through his house revealed no sign of him, so I swiftly moved on to his second likely location. I found him at the training grounds, sitting at the edge of a dock extending into the middle of a serene lake. He was with a girl, Izumi Uchiha, so I hesitated to interrupt. Instead, I observed them from a distance, hidden from their view.

Izumi was lively, chatting, her face lit up with a warm smile as she spoke, while Itachi listened attentively, nodding and replying occasionally. She reached into her bag and produced a familiar sight—dango! I realized with a twinge of disappointment that I was a bit late, as she offered him the treat I had intended to bring.

From my vantage point, I noticed how Izumi had matured. Her long, dark brown hair grew even longer, cascading down her back, and her delicate features slowly grew more beautiful. She looked good next to Itachi.

A cool breeze rustled through the trees, ruffling my fur. I decided to leave them be, resolving to enjoy the dango on my own.

"Yo, Aki," a familiar voice called, snapping me from my thoughts.

Shisui appeared beside me, kneeling and waving a hand playfully in front of my face.

"Shisui!" I exclaimed, nearly dropping the dango in surprise.

"Are those for...?" He gestured toward Itachi, and I followed his gaze.

To my surprise, Itachi was already walking toward us, and a nervous flutter stirred in my chest.

A mischievous glint lit up Shisui's eyes as he reached for the bag, plucking out a dango. "These were for Itachi, but since he's already had some, I'll just help myself."

Just then, Itachi arrived, snatching the bag from Shisui's grasp. "They're mine," he declared, eyeing the dango in Shisui's hand. "But I'll let you have one."

I glanced back at Izumi, who watched us from the dock with a look of confusion and curiosity.

"Your friend is waiting for you," I teased Itachi.

His gaze shifted to me, intense and unwavering. "She's just a friend," he insisted.

"Oh," Shisui interjected, feigning innocence as mischief sparkled in his eyes. "She did say, " friend."

Itachi turned away, but not before I caught the telltale flush of red creeping up his ears, his bangs doing little to hide it.

Shisui laughed, clapping Itachi on the back. "Go on. Don't keep a girl waiting."

"I'll be back," Itachi promised, directing his words more toward me before returning to Izumi.

As I turned to Shisui, intending to ask about the exchange, I noticed a fleeting sadness in his eyes as he watched Itachi walk away.

"Shisui?" I placed a worried paw on his knee, drawing his attention back to me. But when he looked at me again, his usual confident demeanor had returned, the sadness gone as if it had never been.

He rubbed my head affectionately. "So, what have you been up to these past few days?" he asked.

"I've been sparring with my clone as usual," I replied, though my slow progress frustrated me. Then I brightened, recalling my recent encounter. "Oh, I met a boy like Sasuke. His name is Naruto Uzumaki."

"That name sounds familiar..." Shisui mused, a thoughtful look crossing his face.

Suddenly, I remembered his promise before he left for his A-rank mission. "Remember your promise? You said you'd take me on a personal mentor-student mission when you got back!"

"Oh, about that..." he began, and my excitement deflated.

"Don't tell me another mission..." I grumbled, resignation settling in.

Shisui scratched his neck, apologetic. "Sorry, Aki. Duty calls. But I'll make it up to you, promise."

"Don't make promises you can't keep," I warned with a glare.

"Shisui," Itachi called as he approached us again. I noticed Izumi walking away with a satisfied smile on her lips.

"Yes?" Shisui responded.

"Since I'm a chunin now, Father said it's time for me to join the clan meetings," Itachi announced, happiness evident in his voice.

"Oh, that's great," Shisui responded, yet there was a subtle undertone to his words, a hint of reluctance that caught my attention. It was fleeting, almost imperceptible, but it lingered just beneath the surface of his smile

"It's about time you joined. I was getting tired of waiting for you," Shisui continued, his tone shifting back to its usual teasing lilt as he straightened to his full height. "I heard you scored the second highest on the written exam! Just as I expected. I knew you could do it."

"Who was first?" I inquired.

"The Fourth Hokage," Itachi replied.