I do not own Naruto…but it wouldn't be a bad thing if I did!

Chapter 4:

Two years later, after the first day at the academy, Itachi indeed showed potential. He was ranked first in every class, though he was considerably younger and like previously, he was an easy target. He made little friends and those who may have liked him; he merely considered 'acquaintances'. Itachi knew why now his father didn't want him to get mixed up in the friend dilemma and Itachi distanced himself from everyone, even those related by bloodline to him. In the Uchiha clan, he had many cousins, mostly younger than him; still, he just did what he was told. It wasn't until the birth of Sasuke that Itachi began to open because Sasuke was directly related to him, he was his brother. Secondly, there was something about Sasuke that amazing Itachi. Itachi remembered the day Sasuke came home, being carried in his mother's arms.

"Come here Itachi, come meet your little brother." His mother called from the living room. Itachi at the time was in his room, doing his homework and was later going to practice his jutsus. He had found out today at school that genjutsu may be a potential strong point for him and was really excited to try it. Being interrupted to see a mere child bothered Itachi, however like usually he replied a simple 'yes mom', closed his schoolbook and made his way downstairs. His mother and father were both sitting on the sofa and smiled as Itachi entered the room. He had gotten taller in the last two years and he was used to the comment that he was indeed handsome. Even some of the girls in the class giggled when he did something amazing, but then again, they thought everything he did was amazing. Lying in the white cradle was Itachi's younger brother, Sasuke. Itachi meekly peered in the cradle and saw a fragile, innocent baby playing with an overhead toy. Sasuke's eyes then turned its attention to Itachi and then when they made contact with Itachi's, he smiled.

"It's okay Itachi, why don't you hold him?" His mother suggested and without an answer, she lifted Sasuke out of the cradled. Itachi braced himself. He had held lots of his baby cousins before, then why was he feeling so nervous now? Gently Itachi took Sasuke from his mother's arms. Sasuke Uchiha. His baby brother. Itachi watched him with a gentle expression. Sasuke was so pure—he didn't know about the world of pain and hatred. Itachi almost envied him. Sasuke then reached his arm and touched Itachi's cheek and smiled. Itachi blushed and smiled at Sasuke. Why did he feel so relaxed right now? Sasuke was just another kid right? He would be just the same right? Itachi felt his frozen heart, a heart that he kept locked for these past two years begin to thaw.

"Sasuke." Itachi muttered and rocked him gentle. He looked up at his parents and smiled for real. "I think I might actually become attached to him." Itachi admitted a bit embarrassed. However, his parents blushed and laughed with Itachi. Itachi looked back at Sasuke and placed him back in his cradle. He stroked his head and left the room. Sasuke, hmm? This was going to be very interesting.

--

Life with Sasuke was really different. Sure Itachi was used to baby's, but having one in the house 24/7 was another story. Sasuke rarely cried and so Itachi was content about that part. However, Itachi found himself absorbed with infant. He would sometimes daydream in class about himself and Sasuke grown up, perhaps being ninja's together, fighting for what was right and finishing missions, one after another. I'm going to teach him everything I know, Itachi proudly thought, but was interrupted when the teacher asked him a question. Itachi answered correctly nonetheless and decided to pay attention. After school he rushed home to see Sasuke. He found Sasuke lying on the living room floor, along with a bottle of milk in his mouth. His big round eyes found Itachi's and he instantly lifted up his arms as if saying 'Itachi! Hold me! Hold me!' Itachi smiled, dropped his school bag at lifted Sasuke in his arms.

"Uhhuh, and what were you doing all day?" Itachi asked. His mother appeared in the room.

"Itachi, shouldn't you be doing your homework?" She said in an order-like way, however she was smiling.

"But mother, I'm getting some brother bonding here." Itachi protested and then stopped. That was the first time he didn't say 'yes mother'. It was the first time he did protest. He looked at Sasuke who fell asleep in his hands. Did Sasuke cause him to do that? Itachi smiled.

"I'm glad you like Sasuke." His mother said, folding a baby blanket and placing it on the sofa. "He's seems to like you too, Itachi." She smiled and headed to the kitchen. She paused and turned, "Now don't forget to do your homework too." She pointed out and then left the room. Itachi placed Sasuke on the ground. So now what? Sasuke slowly opened his eyes and looked Itachi. What was he thinking in that small brain of his? Itachi blinked and stared back at him. He wasn't sure how long he did this, but he knew the time he spent was precious to him and that Sasuke would undoubtedly be the most important person to him. Itachi sighed then left the room as Sasuke became interested in his bottle again. He closed the door gently and opened his books. Slowly he began to finish his homework making sure his calculations were correct. He got up and stretched then he decided to go outside so that he could practice his jutsus.

"Mom, I'm going out for a bit, about an hour or so." Itachi said to his mother before he opened the door. "The usual place, I'm just going to practice some jutsus." Itachi explained. His mother appeared at the doorway with Sasuke in her hands. "Okay Itachi," She smiled. "Just make sure you're back before supper." And she turned and headed into the kitchen. Itachi ran out the door to the forest so he could practice.

Usually Itachi wasn't too preoccupied with practicing, he usually thought that the practice he received in school was sufficient, however, he was nearing the exams at the end of the year and he wanted to graduate with flying colours for his family. It really was some pressure for him. Itachi stretched and began his usual procedures.

--

The exams have come at last. Itachi was waiting anxiously in class. Did he know everything? He thought quickly in his head. He knew all the jutsus and more of what was expected, he knew the paper work, so he should be okay. Itachi drummed his fingers on the desk and waited for his name to be called.

It came.

And he was first.

Itachi got up slowly from his desk and made his way to the front of the classroom so everyone could see. It was a tradition to have it classroom opened. He heard whispering, but paid no attention to the words that came out. He knew what he had to do and he would succeed. To think positive would mean success that is what his father had drilled into his head since he was little. Itachi looked at his examiner, Tsunade who looked at him in a curious way. Though he was tall for his age, 6, he was way too short for that of 12. Itachi didn't care; it was something he couldn't hide anyway. He looked at Tsunade. She wasn't too old, around 36 no doubt, but he knew that she suffered a lot during the Great War. She had lost a brother and one of her comrades; Orochimaru was his name as he left the village to become a rouge ninja. However, to heal Tsunades' wounds, a man call Dan and a comrade called Jiraya and also the whole village was very friendly and understanding towards her. They supported her and that is why she now had the strength now to continue. She decided she wanted to teach younger kids from now on; however she was also trying to get a medical ninja into every squad as well. She regarded Itachi as he stood in front of her, waiting for her to tell him what to do.

"Okay, Itachi." She said, looking at him straight in the eye. "Today, we're going to be doing substitution jutsu's." She said. Immediately groans were heard throughout the classroom. Itachi felt a bit nervous as well. Substitution justsu's weren't his strong point, but he could perform a decent one. Concentrating his chakra, he preformed the jutsu to the best of his ability. He could hear ohh's and ahh's in the classroom, most likely by the girls. When he was done help looked up to Tsunade as if to get some hint of how he did, but there was no expression on her face. She merely said 'next' and for Itachi to sit down. Keeping his mouth shut he made his way to his seat. How did he do? Did he pass? Failure was not an option, but he still felt nervous. He waited impatiently for his other classmates to finish theirs attempts of completing their jutsu's. He found himself looking out the window, lightly drumming his fingers on the desk. What would he do if he did fail though? Being as smart as he was, he had to think of the possibilities.

"Itachi." Tsunade's voice called out to him and he snapped back to reality. And so his results were going to be told. "Come with me." She said. Itachi blinked. Did they really tell you your results privately? Last time he heard, everyone heard them. Rising, he followed his teacher as he heard a murmur within.

"Why him?"

"Because…he's special. Damn Uchiha's, they don't have to work for anything."

Once outside Tsunade spoke.

"You were great today, you should know that. For your age, you have talent beyond my comprehension." She began. The weight that was in Itachi's heart lifted slightly. So he had passed and made her satisfied.

"However," She continued. "I do not believe that you should be passed."

"Why not?" Itachi spoke, covering his mouth a little too late. He couldn't help it. If he had the skills, why wouldn't they let him continue? Tsunade closed her eyes and sighed.

"You know, you're so young. Younger than my brother when he…when he died. Don't you think your rushing into things? Do you really want to live your life killing others at such a younger age? I believe that 12 is too young to see these things and you're just half that age. I'll pass you if you wish, but I'll give you time to think it over with you and your fam-"

"No." Itachi said flatly. Tsunade stared at him. "You see, failure is not an option. If I can succeed now, then I must go on. I understand that the life of a ninja is not easy and I accept that. But I ask you that for the sake of my family and myself that you allow me to graduate." Bowing he left Tsunade staring after him.

-

Itachi had indeed passed. Tsunade made no comment afterwards to him and thus, he felt a bit guilty. He knew she was doing something for the benefit of himself and that she had experienced that recent loss of her beloved brother. But he knew the consequences of a ninja and that consequence was indeed death.

"Good job son." His father said to him, patting him lightly on the shoulder one night. "You will indeed make us proud."

"Yes." Itachi said. "Thank you father." And said nothing else throughout the night.

On his way walking up the stairs he heard the distant cries of his brother. Pausing, he walked towards his brothers' room. Sasuke lay in the cradle, watching the spinning toys twirl over and over again and sometimes, he giggled in amusement. His eyes darted towards Itachi as soon as he saw him and smiled. His hands reached up towards him as if saying, 'hold me! Hold me!' Itachi sighed and smiled gently back and held Sasuke's small hand.

"Dear me, brother." He whispered, "You're still so small and vulnerable." Instinctively he kissed his brother and as he stroked his head he whispered, "but I don't care because I'll always be there, to protect you."

Well, this is my first all exclusive Itachi fanfiction. Hope that you enjoyed it! I will try to update soon. Thank you for taking the time to read it and please, if you could spare the time to write a review, it really helps writers like me. Thank you once again! Also that the next chapter will be a leap in Itachi's life, most likely resulting in Chunin exams and Itachi's love life. Joys…

-Itachianimefan. ^_^