The New Year has recently passed, and while the winter snow hasn't entirely melted, there's extraordinary news from the ninja school beneath the wooden leaves. Uchiha Itachi, the Uchiha clan leader's eldest son, has graduated prematurely.
At merely seven years old, Uchiha Itachi has triumphantly completed his studies at the ninja school. Though not a record-breaking achievement, the significance lies in his status as the firstborn of the prestigious Uchiha clan, which commands great influence within Konoha. This news swiftly disseminated throughout the ninja school, where children from diverse backgrounds, including commoners, pursue their education.
Within the ninja school:
Being an early graduate prodigy, when the Third Hokage happened upon the news during his visit, he deemed it fitting to personally bestow the ninja headband upon Itachi. In the classroom, numerous classmates gazed upon Itachi with envy and jealousy as he successfully navigated his graduation test at the tender age of seven. Even the Third Hokage, on his visit to the school, took notice. "Congratulations on your graduation, Uchiha Itachi," he declared, eliciting a round of applause. Amid the applause, seven-year-old Uchiha Itachi affixed the Konoha ninja headband, signifying his official status as a Genin in the village.
Observing the young Itachi before him, the Third Hokage's eyes brimmed with nostalgia. "Itachi, do you understand the concept of the Will of Fire? What is your aspiration?" During this moment, the Third Hokage's visit to the ninja school held dual significance: an intentional oversight of the early graduation application submitted by Uchiha Itachi.
Catching the precocious gleam in Itachi's eyes, the Third Hokage was moved. He was resolute in ensuring that this young prodigy remained on the right path. "The Will of Fire? Aspirations?" Presently, though Itachi was merely seven, his early maturation, along with the tutelage of his mentor Uchiha Kaien and the frequent counsel of his elder brother, had already etched a sense of solemnity in him. It was worth acknowledging that Itachi, despite his young age, exuded the inherent traits of a formidable ninja. His composed demeanor spoke volumes.
Perhaps it was his habitual stoicism or his serene mindset, yet Itachi clandestinely cast a dubious glance at the Third Hokage. As fate would have it, Shisui's words found validation. Itachi's exceptional lineage inherently attracted attention and was likely to be probed for vulnerabilities, potentially influencing Orochimaru's ambitions to become the Fifth Hokage.
Indeed, the Uchiha clan had invested its hopes in Orochimaru, whose bravery was esteemed throughout the clan. Correspondingly, Itachi was bound to be similarly impacted. The future Hokage brought optimism, while the current Third Hokage, clinging to power, brimmed with unease.
Internal sighs echoed in Itachi's thoughts, "My dream is for the village to experience long lasting peace." A smile adorned Itachi's face as he shared his aspiration. This wasn't deception; his words carried earnest truth. Witnessing this scene, the Third Hokage wore a gentle smile on his aged countenance. It seemed that Itachi stood apart from his Uchiha peers in a unique way.
"Do you comprehend the essence of the Will of Fire, Itachi?" The Third Hokage sighed, then began an introspective dialogue. "Where leaves may dance, fire shall perennially blaze. The radiance of fire will continue to illuminate the village, nurturing budding leaves. Itachi, I am convinced that in the days ahead, you shall embody Konoha's eternal flame."
In this moment, the Third Hokage transitioned into a master of political doctrine, fervently imparting what he deemed the Will of Fire to his audience within the classroom. The children's excitement was palpable, akin to a form of subtle indoctrination directed towards minors.
As Itachi surveyed the classroom, his gaze resting upon the eager expressions adorning his classmates' faces, a chill ran down his spine. The parallel between this scene and Teacher Kaien's discourse was stark. In some lesser nations, children as young as five or six were subjected to indoctrination, sculpting them into fervent war instruments.
The Will of Fire?
As this notion reverberated within Itachi, his gaze inadvertently returned to the Third Hokage, who remained immersed in his oration. The wisps of white hair adorning the Hokage's temples seized Itachi's attention. A sudden fear enveloped him, encapsulating the disconcerting reality: children enlisted for war, while the elderly luxuriated in privilege, all in the name of safeguarding the village.
Could this align with Shisui's condemnation of corruption at the upper echelons?
While Itachi acknowledged his role in influencing Itachi to a certain extent, the extent of his impact was beyond his anticipation, particularly due to Shisui's involvement. His intention was to have Shisui mentor Itachi, a natural choice given their rapport and Shisui's evolving ideology. Yet, the extent to which Itachi's thought process diverged due to their profound camaraderie was unforeseen.
As the lecture concluded, the Third Hokage's fulfillment lingered. However, upon locking eyes with Itachi's determined gaze, a sense of contentment illuminated his expression. "Heh, Itachi, the village's Will of Fire will undoubtedly endure through you."
At this juncture, the Third Hokage never conceived that a seven-year-old harbored such a profound misconception about the upper echelons. Coupled with Itachi's steadfast demeanor, he interpreted his discourse as successful indoctrination.
Little did he fathom that beneath Itachi's resolute exterior, a decision was fermenting—a commitment to initiate change, to aid Shisui and his Teacher Kaien, and to metamorphose the current state of decay.
"Fear not, Hokage-sama. Uchiha Itachi will unequivocally inherit the Will of Fire," Itachi affirmed, his gaze resting upon the aged visage of the Third Hokage. Memories of battlefield scenes, where youthful visages met untimely ends, solidified his resolve.
"Heh, Itachi, my faith in you wasn't misplaced," the Third Hokage remarked with pride. Indeed, this child bore the mantle of the Will of Fire. The astounding conviction he exhibited at such a tender age was nothing short of remarkable.
In a realm of misunderstanding, or rather due to the Third Hokage's misconstrued perception, he remained oblivious to the discord brewing within proximity.
The sagacious Third Hokage had noted Itachi's aversion to war and his incongruent thinking with the Uchiha clan. However, at that juncture, he hadn't deeply considered it. He was oblivious to the extent to which Itachi's advanced ideas, combined with Shisui's influence, had led him to an alternate extreme.
As Itachi's gaze settled upon the Third Hokage's middle-aged features, and the faint specks of age on his cheeks, he couldn't help but recall Shisui's discontent with the upper hierarchy. The Third Hokage's greatest achievement—his tenure as the strongest Hokage—was what, truly? Did he personally engage on the battlefield post ascension? What distinguished feats did he hold? If there was one accolade the Third Hokage could boast of, it was his enduring tenure.
Comparatively, most students at the ninja school were barely acquainted with the First, Second, and even the Fourth Hokage, whose memory seemed to wane. At this juncture, Itachi sensed an unseen force at play, a looming unease that left him breathless.
For the village! For the Uchiha! Change must ensue!
In this moment, Itachi's resolve was unwavering.
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