Revised on 6/17/22

Chapter 6 – Fresh Genin

It took a couple of weeks to set everything up for Itachi's potential early graduation, the details of which had been finally released to Itachi himself. Itachi would finish this school year, and towards the end, he would be given a graduation exam, if he passed, he would graduate alongside the older students, and be placed upon a genin team. However, if he scored below 90%, he would just advance to the next class along with his current class. The stakes weren't that high, if he 'failed' the graduation exam he would be in no different of a situation than he was in currently. Although the Hokage and elders tried to keep this information private for the time being, somehow the news got out, and it spread like a wildfire. Every city in the Land of Fire had heard about Konohagakure's newest prodigy, and many of the other countries were beginning to hear about it as well. This however placed a lot of importance on him passing the exam, with Konohagakure being seen as 'weak' by the other villages having another prodigy would bolster the village's status as the strongest village once again, and hopefully, bring more clients to the village. Itachi understood these things, and that's why he was practicing with Shisui currently. Shisui had passed his exam a few years ago, so he was Itachi's most useful resource.

The exam would consist of a written exam that would include thirty multiple-choice questions and three essay questions. Along with a practical exam where the student is required to perform 'basic' tasks including stuff like creating a clone or using body replacement technique. Other parts of the practical exam are used to gauge a ninja's accuracy with kunai, and their Taijutsu skills. Currently, they were preparing for the written portion of the exam, Shisui had made several flash cards, and was currently going over them with Itachi again. Using flashcards took away the ability for Itachi to choose between multiple options, if he could do it without multiple options then he would pass the exam with ease. When Shisui would leave for missions, Itachi would spend his time practicing his form and accuracy. His father recently taught him a few techniques to improve his chakra control, and he was able to walk up trees with relative ease, but he couldn't walk on water yet.

In exchange for helping Itachi with his exam, he was assisting Shisui to prepare for the Chunin exams, they would regularly spar and show each other new techniques they had learned. Shisui benefited especially from fighting with Itachi because of his unique fighting style. Itachi was also able to help Shisui determine weakness in his Taijutsu. Itachi's biggest assist was his ability to analyze any situation and break it apart, examining each piece individually. Shisui would often win their spars, but Itachi always gave him a difficult time. Itachi's worst attribute was his endurance, he would always start their fight fast and hard, but if Shisui could survive the first little bit he would ultimately overtake Itachi.

Setting down the exam cards, "You did much better today, I don't think you answered a single question wrong." The older boy stated.

"I need to score perfect if I am going to pass this exam, besides we've been practicing quite a bit lately." The younger Uchiha used this to excuse his accomplishment.

"I'm just saying it's no small feat." Looking at his watch, "I better get going, my sensei hates it if I'm late." The joyful boy said with an embarrassed smile. Before leaving he turned his head, "And don't worry about the exam, you've got this."

Except Itachi didn't feel like he was prepared for it, he still had more training he needed to complete first. Instead of returning home, he sat there reviewing the flashcards again and again until he was confident in his ability. The next step would be answering them during a spar. He'd need both Shisui and Izumi for that.

Izumi was sitting at a table looking through a book on Taijutsu forms, Itachi was beside her giving her input as to the pros and cons of several of the forms she enjoyed. It was harder than it looked, when Itachi first proposed the idea she thought that it would only take a few minutes and then they'd get to start training, but it was taking a lot longer than she had originally planned.

"What about this one?'' The hopeful kunoichi asked pointing to a particular fighting style.

Reading the brief paragraph Itachi thought it over for a moment, "That style focuses too much on powerful kicks, which can be easily countered if you miss."

Setting her head on the table, "This is difficult, how am I supposed to choose so early?"

"You aren't going to find a perfect style; every style is going to have its weaknesses and strengths. Once you find the right style for you, you'll need to work on playing towards its strength while minimizing its weaknesses." Flipping through the book stopping near the beginning, "I would recommend one of these basic styles until you know more about what you're looking for."

Raising her head, "But those styles are so boring" The energetic girl proclaimed, "I want a cool Taijutsu like you and Shisui."

Izumi had met Shisui a few weeks ago when he and Itachi were sparing together.

It was a warmer day in the Hidden Leaf, Izumi was taking a run trying to improve her physical health. She was getting a bit of exercise in before she went over to 'train' with Itachi, she didn't classify it as training, it was more of Itachi telling her everything she was doing wrong. They hadn't even spared yet, he told her that she was too weak to fight with him. Izumi knew that he was trying to keep her motivated to improve her skills, but he could be a bit nicer about it. Deciding to get to the training field a bit early, she stopped her running a bit short of the field. Breathing in and feeling the air burn her lungs she walked over to the location she was planning to meet Itachi. Arriving there early she was surprised to see two people there fighting, examining the situation she noticed the one boy was Itachi.

"Itachi!" she exclaimed, the fact that he was sparing hadn't occurred to her yet.

This caused the named boy to look over at her, getting hit by Shisui's kick as result. Grabbing his struck side, he glanced over at the girl causing her to shrink. "What Izumi?" The boy questioned through gritted teeth.

The now embarrassed girl realized her mistake, "So-orry" she stuttered, "I thought you were in danger."

This resulted in the only Genin in the group, Shisui, to laugh, "He wasn't until you called his name." Looking over at his training partner, "He will be fine in a moment though, it's not the first kick he's received to the ribs."

Standing up fully as if on cue, "But never without bracing for it." Looking over at the young girl, "Izumi this is Shisui" motioning over to the other boy.

Looking at both boys and noting their similarities, "Wait… Are you Itachi's brother!?" She knew that Itachi had a brother but all this time she assumed it was a younger brother.

The oldest kid once again broke out laughing, "No, we're only training together." The young shinobi said, tears forming in his eyes from laughing so hard.

Izumi blushed even harder, she had embarrassed herself twice now, and in front of Itachi's friend no less.

Ever since that day, she would occasionally watch the two of them spar, hoping to be able to join one day. Realizing that Itachi was probably right she reluctantly agreed that one of the 'boring' styles would be best, at least until she began finding her way. Now that she had finally decided upon a style, she would be able to start training! Or so she thought, but instead, she was handed a few more books from Itachi.

"What are these?!" She proclaimed, her eyes growing with surprise.

"You should read these before you begin training, you wouldn't want to teach yourself bad habits," Itachi said, the beginnings of a smile forming on his lips. He enjoyed the look of disappointment on his 'pupil's' face whenever she realized reading would be involved. The academy needed to begin incorporating topics like these into their kunoichi lessons, instead of how to properly set up a bouquet.

"I'm never going to get to practice this style, am I"." The girl complained, in defeat.

Itachi just smirked.

The day has finally come for his graduation exam, Itachi was nervous, but anyone looking at him wouldn't have a clue, he had a stern, cool exterior. By this point, everyone in the village knew his name, and he got mixed reactions from everyone. For some people, he was the hope of the village, a prodigy that could restore the Leaf's glory. However, many of the villagers despised him because of his heritage, many villagers still despised the Uchihas because they believed that they played a part in the Nine-Tails attack. As Itachi walked to the academy some of the villagers wished him luck, but most of them either turned away or spit on the ground before him. It didn't bother Itachi though, none of them were truly causing him any harm, they were just using him to deal with their pain, it wasn't excusable, but it was understandable.

Arriving at the academy he was greeted by a smiling Izumi, "Good morning."

Nodding at the younger girl, "Good morning." Looking around Itachi noticed that she was getting dirty looks from many of the other students, especially the girls. "What's that about?" He questioned motioning to the other students.

This caused a blush to creep into Izumi's cheeks, "Ummm….. Well, someone spread the rumor that we're dating. You know, cause of all the time we're spending together training."

Now Itachi was usually great at analyzing situations, but he was also rather humble. He didn't realize that his fellow students would get jealous like this because they assumed he was dating someone, that is why he questioned the situation. "Is that it?"

Izumi was hoping for some kind of reaction other than a neutral reaction, a negative reaction would be fine as well if she knew what he was feeling. Before she could speak, however, they were joined by Shisui from behind, "Good luck man, it's not like you'll need it" he chuckled placing a hand on Itachi's shoulder, "But seriously, you've got this."

Reaching the academy most of the students were preparing for the graduation ceremony later, all the main rooms were occupied, except for one, the room meant for his exam. Stopping at the door, he looked back at his fellow clan members and said his farewells.

Shisui was pretty sure Izumi was more nervous than Itachi, who was the one taking the exam. It was obvious to most everyone, except Itachi, that Izumi had feelings for him. Over the past few months, Itachi had become as close to him as a brother as anyone ever had. His greatest talent was how he managed to analyze every scenario, except for this one. However, maybe Itachi did know how she felt. He was taking time from his training to help with hers, and he didn't do that with anyone.

Interrupting the silence, "Do you think he will pass the exam?" The nervous student asked.

"Without a doubt" Shisui smirked, "Between you and me I asked him questions much harder than that exam will, and he flew through them with ease."

"You what?" she chuckled, most of her nerves fading away, "Why would you do that?"

Scratching the back of his head, "Well most of what the academy teaches is beginner stuff, you know, and I wanted him to have a strong foundation to begin his career with." Although Izumi wasn't as close to him as Itachi, he was growing fonder of her every day.

Shisui wasn't trying to sound arrogant, and certainly wasn't trying to upset Izumi, but his words did hurt a little bit, after all these 'basic' topics were what she was struggling to learn right now. Turning to face the door both Uchihas watched as Itachi walked out of the room and over to them.

Izumi stood up, "Well, did you pass?" She urgently questioned

After Itachi entered the room one of the chunin closed the door, there was a total of three proctors, his current sensei, a Hyuuga, and another chunin who Itachi didn't recognize. Sitting down in the open seat Itachi looked up to his sensei.

Looking down at his brilliant student, "I believe you already know the rules," after receiving a nod from his student, "Then only one thing remains, are you ready?"

Itachi was as prepared as he could be, but he still didn't quite feel ready. Nevertheless, he had to get it over with, there is no need to dread the exam yet. "Yes sensei"

Setting down the written exam in front of Itachi, "Well then, you may begin."

With that Itachi started the written portion of his exam, over the next thirty minutes he answered each question, making sure that he carefully read each question. Once he finished, he stood up, handing his paper to his sensei.

Looking up from where he was sitting, his sensei looked a bit confused, "Finished already?" he questioned.

This question concerned Itachi a bit, but he couldn't afford to doubt himself now.

With a nod his sensei took the paper, handing it to the unnamed chunin. "Now for the practical exam, go over to the marked area of the floor." Pointing toward an x in the middle of the room.

Walking over to the center of the room Itachi motioned that he was ready, the Hyūga began speaking this time, "In order to become a genin we need to know that you can competently perform at least three jutsu, you may choose whichever three you please."

Itachi stood there a moment before running through a few hand signs, manipulating chakra throughout his body, he created a perfect clone of himself. The proctors discussed this among themselves for a moment before motioning for him to continue. Running through a few more hand signs Itachi visibly began changing in appearance, it was only slightly but it displayed his skill over the transformation technique. The proctors discussed this once again before being content and telling him to proceed.

They all stayed there in silence for a few minutes waiting for him to perform his third jutsu before his sensei stood up and looked around, "How did you?" realizing what happened, he sat back down.

Leaning over he whispered to the other two proctors before standing up, "Congratulations Itachi Uchiha on being the youngest post-war graduate." Walking over he handed him a forehead protector. Leaning over he questioned, "When did you place that genjutsu on me?"

Tying the forehead protector onto his head, "When I handed you my written exam our hands briefly touched, I applied the genjutsu then."

His teacher didn't know what impressed him more, the level of foresight, or the fact he could apply it with only the touch of skin.

This surprised all three of the chunin, most students didn't even begin to get into genjutsu until they become chunin. They could already tell that he was going to be a formidable foe in the future.

After leaving, the trio headed for a barbeque restaurant that they 'had to try'. He offered to pay as a celebratory lunch for becoming a genin. The restaurant was packed with families taking their children out as a celebration. Sitting down in a booth the three of them ordered, well mostly Shisui was ordering for them, certain of the best food here. Apparently, his sensei had taken his team here when they had first been assembled. Shisui fell in love with it ever since.

"And then sensei 'rewarded' her by making her hair stand on end for the rest of the mission." Shisui laughed.

Itachi was sitting there listening to Shisui telling stories about his team. He had been a genin for two years now, and he had plenty of stories to share. Izumi sat beside him, poking her lunch with a fork. She seemed to be out of it.

When the server brought them their bill Shisui paid for it, as promised before exiting in a hurry late for a team meeting. As they were walking back home Izumi was unusually quiet, something was bothering her, but Itachi couldn't tell what it was.

When they got to where they split off Itachi finally spoke up, "See you tomorrow?" They had a planned training session, but something told him she wouldn't be there.

"Tomorrow?"

"So, we can train together." He appended.

"You still want to train together?" She was shocked, she had figured that since he had graduated, they'd be done training together.

"Yeah, I didn't know anything had changed." 'What is up with her?' Itachi thought to himself.

"I mean, I thought that since you graduated…" A brief silence passed between them, "I don't want to hold you back." Tears began to form in her eyes.

"You aren't holding me back; I need a sparring partner." He was never good at conversations like this.

"But you've got Shisui." Wiping her eyes, trying to retain at least a little bit of self-respect.

"And he's on missions more times than not." It was true, Shisui had become a small legend in the land of fire, and many clients requested his team. What he didn't want to admit is that he needed to ensure she became strong enough to protect herself whenever she would leave the village.

Her tears had begun to dry, and a small smile formed on her lips. "Thank you, Itachi."

After the planned training the next day Izumi looked him up and down, claiming that 'He was a genin no, and as such must dress like one.' Itachi honestly didn't see what was wrong with his current attire but went with the girl anyway. Maybe he had missed that class in the academy but worrying about the way he looked seemed sort of silly. Even so, he let Izumi lead him from store to store, instructing him to try on different outfits, and articles of clothes. He would've probably just stuck with his shorts and navy-blue shirt, but apparently, that was too simple for the clan-heir prodigy.

Finally, the two of them settled on a mesh undershirt that stretched across his arms. Overtop of that he wore a high collard grey shirt. The portion of his lower legs that you could see was wrapped in a white cloth, and he wore black sandals. He had on loose-fitting black pants that ended a little bit above his ankles. He had a couple of pouches on his legs and a pouch that went behind his lower back. Finally, he had on tight-fingerless gloves. He wanted to get arm guards, but as he was still growing, he wouldn't be able to afford to get new ones every couple of weeks.

Izumi had wanted him to throw in a bit more color, but he didn't see any sense in it besides just fashion. Besides, he was an Uchiha, and wearing dark colors was socially acceptable, if not expected. He would need to get the clan symbols embroidered on the back; it wouldn't look right if the son of the clan head didn't openly bear the Uchiha mark. There were two reasons why clan members wore their clan's marking, one to show their pride, the other so that the clan could mark their members. This was especially important for clan heirs and prominent members.

Their trip ended when the two of them got lunch and parted ways. Itachi wanted to check out the new books he had access to as a genin. Izumi needed to make it home to help her mother with dinner.

Konoha's library was located on the opposite side of the village then the Hokage tower. The placement wasn't accidental, it was to ensure that both buildings were not destroyed by a single attack. There were other buildings positioned around the village for this same reason, and even the prominent clans were placed around the village to secure the center of the village the best they could. It made sending missives from each building a little bit of a pain, but it was a needed pain if the village were ever invaded.

Entering the building Itachi could only feel the presence of a few people, but he knew there were plenty of ANBU hiding in the shadows. Only two other buildings were guarded more than the library, and that was the Hokage tower, and the T & I building. The ANBU guarding the library were instructed to destroy all scrolls in the event Konoha appeared to be on the losing side of an invasion. They had a few caches around the Land of Fire filled with copies of Konoha's knowledge, but only the Hokage and a few other individuals know the location of the caches.

The library was broken into five parts. The first section was open to everyone, it contained general information, basic history, and fantasy books. It contained a few scrolls containing D-Rank jutsus, but not many. The second section was opened to anyone Genin rank or higher. It contained more jutsu scrolls, but not anything higher than B-Rank. The third section only allowed Shinobi who were Chunin or higher and contained A-Rank Jutsu. The next section was for Jonin and ANBU, it contained the few S-Rank jutsus that the village possessed. It also contained Konoha's history that didn't depict it in the greatest light. The final section was only available to those directly granted access by the Hokage. It contained the village's deepest secrets and information about each of the clans, and transcripts from many of the council's meetings. These scrolls were never to leave the library and were the first to be destroyed.

Itachi was here today looking through the new books and scrolls he had access to and planning on which ones he should rent out next. He already had gathered a few scrolls and was walking up to the counter to get them checked out.

The girl looked him up and down, "Aren't you a little young to be a genin?"

"Uchiha Itachi, shinobi NO. 20736." He wasn't in the mood to argue with her. If she didn't think he was a Genin she could look him up in their system.

She blushed, "Oh, you're that kid prodigy, aren't you? I'll get these checked out for you." Grabbing the books and scrolls from the boy.

As he left, he heard the vaguely familiar voice, "Hey Uchiha."

Turning to look at the individual, "Hey, Saisu."

"How about a spar, you owe me one." He declared.

The two boys left for a training field, and after a short walk, they arrived. Itachi stuck his scrolls and books into his bag and sat it near a tree. The two boys stood apart from each other, sizing each other up.

"Congrats on your early graduation." The two began circling the field, "I heard you really impressed the teachers."

"Hn," Now wasn't the time to talk, "Rules?"

"Pure taijutsu, not all of us are talented enough to learn several ninjutsu before they're ten." He laughed.

Itachi didn't reply, instead, he charged at the boy going low to knock him off his feet and end the fight quickly. The boy had been practicing, and it had paid off. He jumped over the low kick Itachi aimed for his legs throwing an overhead punch in return. Itachi dodged the punch with ease, neither boy had gone all out yet, they were just testing the other's speed and reaction time. Ducking another swing Itachi hit Saisu below the ribs twice. Saisu attempted a kick to the head but missed as Itachi ducked below.

Knocking the other boy back, "You've improved." Itachi stated.

"But not enough." He still wasn't fast enough to prevent Itachi from dancing around him.

Blocking a swing with his forearm, Itachi circled his arm around the other boy's arm. With a tug, he flipped Saisu around and onto his back. A foot on his chest was all that prevented Saisu from getting up.

"I yield." Putting his hand up in a peaceful gesture.

Lifting his foot, he assisted his sparring partner off the ground. "You have improved." This fight wasn't evident that he hadn't improved, he couldn't exactly catch up to Itachi's years of practice in a couple of months.

Sitting against a tree, beside Itachi. "I'm thinking of taking up a weapon."

Itachi looked over at him and raised an eyebrow. He should perfect hand-to-hand combat before he went on to train with a weapon

"I was thinking about maybe a naginata, or maybe a mace. I just know I want something unusual, something unique." Saisu thought for a moment, "What are your thoughts on a scythe?"

Mikoto had made onigiri with seaweed in it for dinner, Itachi's favorite. There hadn't been any mention of his graduation yet, maybe they hadn't learned. That didn't seem right though, his father was high enough in the village to have heard. Taking another sip of his tea Itachi looked around the table. Sasuke was enjoying his food with a grin on his face. He seemed to enjoy having everyone here for dinner, it was a pleasantry that didn't happen often and would become even rarer in the future. His mother looked relieved to be sitting down, she had probably spent most of the day on her feet, cleaning and taking care of Sasuke. She probably hadn't relaxed at all today. His father was unreadable, maybe it was his years of active service or the years he has spent dealing with both the Uchiha and village council, but Itachi found it impossible to read his father at any time.

"I see you've got a new outfit." His mother started the conversation.

Sasuke looked up as if first learning Itachi was wearing new gear.

Itachi himself had almost forgotten. It seemed like it was a lot longer ago than just this afternoon that he and Izumi had gone shopping. "Izumi had insisted that I upgrade my gear now that I'm going to be an active-duty shinobi."

Mikoto chuckled but at what Itachi didn't know. She didn't seem surprised by the revelation that he had passed the exam, "You seem to hang out quite a bit with that girl, it seems a bit early to have found yourself a wife." She teased

Itachi looked down at his food, "It's not like that."

"Wait, I'm going to have a sister!" Sasuke asked generally excited about the prospect of having another sibling.

"No," Echoed his father's deep voice, "Itachi has quite a few more years until he needs to find a wife."

Itachi knew what he meant. As clan heir, he would be expected to marry and reproduce when he became of age.

"So, Itachi, how did the exam go?" Mikoto knew he passed; he was wearing the Hitai-ate he was given early.

Itachi remained silent; he didn't want to discuss this. He knew how his parents felt about the matter.

"He passed with full marks." His father told her, expressing his point that Itachi should've graduated early. Mikoto believed that he was too young to be a genin, but Fugaku argued he would be fine.

"Does that mean you'll have more time to train with me?" His little brother asked.

"No, he'll be assigned a team and will be expected to train with them." Sasuke visibly deflated at that. "When are teams going to be assigned?" Mikoto asked.

"The graduate ceremony will happen in a couple of weeks after all the new genin are given a psych eval. Jonin-sensei will be assigned then." Fugaku told her.

This is the first time Itachi was hearing about a psych evaluation. He was not looking forward to that.

Mikoto lay beside her husband, thinking back to her conversation with her son at dinner. He was the first graduate she had ever seen that wasn't excited about graduating. Most new genin couldn't contain themselves. He seemed almost somber about it. She had spent many sleepless nights wondering if her baby was going to be all right. The fact that he passed with a perfect score relieved some of her anxiety, it meant that they weren't just pushing him foreword when he wasn't ready. Yet, she still worried about how this might affect his growing mind.

"He's going to be alright, won't he?" She didn't need to look over, she knew Fugaku was still awake. He hardly slept after the war. It got a bit better over time, but he still wasn't whole.

"The Hokage and elders think so." He skirted passed her question, with the ease he had gained as a member of multiple councils.

This time she looked over at him, "I don't care what they think, what do you think?"

"I don't know," He didn't, he could neither see the future nor prevent him from harm. "I do know that he is our son, and we've spent years teaching him for this knowing that the day was coming." Fugaku knew that any kids he had would be forced into becoming shinobi, as the clan head that's just how things work.

"You're right, I just never expected it to happen so soon. I thought we still had a few more years." She rolled onto her side so that she was face-to-face with him. "I probably should be excited about having such a prodigy for a son."

"The life of a prodigy is many things, but it's rarely ever easy." He was only a few years older than Itachi when he graduated, but that was during the war.

"Did you hear how excited Sasuke got over the idea of having a sister." She grinned trying to lighten the mood.

Fugaku raised an eyebrow, "I really doubt now is the time for more kids."

Mikoto placed her hair into a messy ponytail, "Then let's just do this for pleasure." She reached beath the sheets and grabbed ahold of Fugaku causing him to groan.

It had been too long since he had slept with his wife, responsibilities just kept stacking up until neither of them had the time. Even though they had been together for fifteen years he was still as attracted to her as when they first got married. He was going to relish tonight, and from the looks, she was giving him, she was thinking the same.

Chapter Words: 5,266

Story Words: 21,250

ORIGINAL A/N: If anyone is looking to beta read/edit a story hit me up, and we hopefully can work something out. I am also working on a brief character description for my interpretation of each of the characters, if you guys are interested let me know and I'll post it as a chapter. Also, what did everyone think about Shisui showing Itachi how to wrap a hand, did it make sense or should I revise it?

"Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth." – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Sherlock Holmes)