At the Hokage's Office…
It was an early morning when Itachi and Kakashi were called in with the other jonin.
The Hokage himself was smoking on his pipe as he was looking through the papers. All were the latest Genin this year, each possessing their own unique talents, skills, and abilities that not many have. Most were from esteemed Clans and were children of leaders destined to take over after their parents or relatives are long gone. The most interesting amongst them were three particular students that had recently completed a dire mission against notorious shinobi and gang bosses, thus bringing a trade deal by the Waterfall Village. Despite the dangers they faced and the lack of experience, they were able to pull through, despite the help from Itachi and Kakashi.
"Are you sure about this? The exams are dangerous and many of these students have just started out." Iruka questioned as his mother hen nature was coming out.
"They have shown great capability within a short matter of time, especially Team 7." The Hokage remarked as he looked at the pictures of the three students, one with the photo of Naru looking like a geisha.
The photo always made Itachi blush as his heart desired her more. Such a beauty is enhanced by her uniqueness and elegance. It just represented best her enthusiastic spirit and creative nature. Kakashi was giving him a look that made the older Uchiha irritated and flustered. He knew that the white-haired shinobi was making fun of him without saying anything. Just the face alone.
How many times can he think the words pot called the kettle black before it becomes redundant?
"But they're so young. Maybe we should wait a few more years, a few more years under their belt. Just so they can have more experience." Iruka insisted as he didn't like the idea.
"Iruka, you can't protect them forever. They have shown to be quite capable. Sasuke even reminds me of myself when I was a Genin." Itachi answered with a sense of pride in the older brother's voice.
"Itachi, I know you have high hopes for Naru and Sasuke, I know you went into training when you were younger, too young for my taste. But we should rush things, we can't risk them getting hurt." Iruka countered as Kakashi decided to step up.
"How about we put them to a test?"
"What sort of test?"
A day later at the Uchiha House…
The test for Team 7 would begin soon beginning as Itachi made sure Naru and Sasuke had the energy to prepare for today, even if they must not know it, yet.
Itachi would honor his word not to intervene as the group would be put to the test to see if they are ready or not to join. He knows that the three that can do as they would be ready to continue their destiny forward as he and many others did before him. Deep down, he hopes one day the exams will be nothing but a memory as fighting, and war will be a thing forgotten.
He knew that Naru and the others could bring that peace in the future.
But not to be easy as there were hidden dangers and monsters in the world.
The next day at the Uchiha Estate…
Itachi was pleased with how his brother and fiancé with their friend did on the tests.
Naru, Sasuke, and Sakura passed with flying colors and were ready for the exams coming up. He loved the smile on Naru's face and the energy of accomplishment from his brother. It was enough for a celebratory meal, but for their accomplishments but for Sasuke and Naru being closer on the team. It seems that teamwork is bringing their family ever closer together. He adored the smile on his fiancé's face when she got her bento for the day. Seeing that adorable young thing smile at him made his day, she will be the perfect wife and the greatest Hokage the world has ever known.
"Thanks, Itachi! This will give me enough boost to help me train for the big day, Dattebayo!" She shouted at the top of her pretty lungs as Sasuke sighed at her enthusiasm.
"I'll be watching you, Sasuke, and Sakura through the entire thing and rooting you all on. As long as you all try your best, it is good enough for me." Itachi smiled back as his beloved fiancé with charm then kissed her hand.
"Hm," Sasuke grunted as Itachi knows it was Sasuke's way, or really his family's way of expressing their emotions.
Eh, But Itachi was always the odd duck of the pond, even when he was dubbed a prodigy.
"See you later, Itachi!" Naru bid as she was waving back at him while his brother simply walked.
"Both of you have a good day. Tell Sakura I said hello." Itachi requested while sweeping the front entryway.
Itachi stayed out for a moment more as he smiled at his brother and his future wife leaving the house for the day. It looked like it was time for spring cleaning again, then after that, he could do some shopping for a bit. He and his brother were running low on supplies, and it was best to get Sasuke and Naru some new Shinobi gear for the tests that were coming soon. Maybe something for Naru as a gift, something that she would love.
After a day of shopping…
With bags in hand, Itachi had everything he was looking for and could make preparations for dinner for his brother and himself for tonight.
Though it would look like that will have to wait as it seems to be commotion between his brother, Fiancé, their friend, the Hokage's grandson, and the young shinobi of the sand? Such behavior would not be tolerated.
"I will learn of your name soon enough." The one with the sand gourd on his back told Naru then turned his attention to Sasuke, "I would like to know who you are now."
"Uchiha Sasuke."
Time to intervene.
"Excuse me, but is there a problem?" Itachi questioned.
"Forgive my brother, he does not realize the rules of the village and caused minor problems." The redhead informed him.
Strange, there was something about the boy so familiar… Had he met before?
"We will not cause problems again." He informed the elder Uchiha.
"I surely hope so, please keep the honor and integrity of your village in mind next time you wish to pick a fight. But please enjoy your time in the leaf."
Then Itachi's eyes widened in horror as he felt the power from the boy, passing by him. The pressure… it couldn't be! But there was no mistake. He knew that energy anywhere.
"Itachi, are you okay?" Naru wondered as she snapped him out of his trance.
"Um, Naru, could you and Sasuke bring these back to the estate? I need to rush to the Hokage's for a moment."
"Sure, tell the old man I said hi!"
"What's wrong, Brother?"
"I'll be fine. I just need to inform him of… some things."
Then, with Naru and Sasuke to deliver his groceries, he left in a hurry.