/N: Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto. Classroom of the Elite belongs to Shougo Kinugasa. Bungou Stray Dogs belongs to Asagiri Kafka. I don't own three of the series since both of them belongs to their respective owners. Other Anime characters also belongs to their respective owners.
Prologue
Slice of Life
For Itachi, there's one thing that he thinks about academy. No matter which world, the Elemental Nations or Japan, one thing is the same.
Boring.
That's what Itachi's thinking all the time. Despite many advanced theories that lacks on the Elemental Nations, he's already learnt it from many books that he reads since the age of six. Of course this at first causing the concern of his adoptive parents since he starting to speak something that's not fit for his age like asking the meaning of living, asking why's there battle of any kinds in life, and why'd public opinions really matters in society.
To be honest, these three questions are the one that picks Itachi's curiosity. The first question already answered by his true thought of not wanting to die in order not to make his parents sad and find his reason to live with the birth of Sasuke. For the second one, he really still didn't found the answers since like he said to Sasuke, all humans live bound by what they see as reality even though it's vague, so he maybe also see a fake reality as well. As for the third one, that's answered from his actions as a Shinobi that Shinobi is the one that bears anything necessary to achieve its goal. While at the same time, a Shinobi was also shaped by the goal he or she strived for.
But after reincarnate on this world and lived for eight years, he finds out despite the third is certainly truth, the way of Shinobi is too cruel to be implemented on this world. That's why Itachi decided to change a little thanks to his interaction previously with Naruto and now with his adoptive parents, Mio, Akito, Hiyori, Shiho, and Rika to prove the words that he said to Kabuto back then: The way to forgive oneself of what can't be done alone is through friends that'll support you while at the same time not ignoring what he still can achieve on his own.
It's been three months since the beginning of the new grade on Itachi's elementary school. With Rika's help, Itachi was able to follow and quickly learn the subjects that he's bad at while at the same time also help Rika with the same thing.
Speaking of Rika, she still have her meek and shy attitude due to what she told to Itachi, she's shy to look into people eyes and due to her upbringing that her family always force her to study as something important since her first grade of elementary school, making her took many courses and rarely interacts with anyone.
"See Itachi-san. The way the first type lever works is where the weight is on the center, while the force and power is on each end of those lever like scissors for example." Rika explained to Itachi since although the latter got good scores on social and maths, Itachi is bad as physics science although he's quite skilled at biology from his learning back at Ninja Academy.
"Hm… I see. Thank you very much Rika." Itachi honestly said. Rika's personality truly different when she teaches someone. He bet she'll become good teacher in the future. "By the way, did you want to join us to study together after school? We usually study with just both of us so-"
"U-Um… I'm sorry Itachi-san. M-My courses schedule are c-currently very tight…" Rika replied in apologetic tone while preparing the book for the next subject, returning to her meek personality once again. The break it's almost over and there are still two more subjects before the learning hour ends.
"I see. Okay then." Itachi decided not to ask any further since it was Rika's privacy. Not long afterwards, the bell ringing again, signaling the beginning of the next subject before the learning hour is over and students are allowed to go home.
After the learning hour is over, Itachi bid goodbye to Rika before go to pick up Mio on her classroom. He's not reach her classroom yet when he sees Mio already come out while chatting with Shiho. It seems both of them becoming quick friends in just three months despite the fact that Mio is a martial arts addict while Shiho from what he sees so far is a kind of gyaru, always known about the newest brand of items from nail polish, necklace, and many others. This is not what he expected considers her family is a police so he thought she's a strict person.
He then decided to greet them. "Mio. Let's go home while waiting for kaa-san to arrive." He said with a smile. "Did Shiho also waiting for her parent?"
Mio shook her head. "Shiho's parents currently work overnight while tomorrow is weekend. Can she stay overnight in our house? She already asks permission from her tou-san though." Mio asked with happy tone because beside Akito, none of her friends ever sleep overnight on their house.
"I see. Then we will ask permission from kaa-san first when she already arrived although I'm allowed it." Itachi replied with firm tone.
"S-Sorry for the inconvenience Itachi-kun." Shiho slightly bow her head in apology. "It's just… I actually never stay overnight on a friend house before…"
"No need to worry. We're okay having another friend beside Akito come to our house." Itachi assured her.
Shen then beamed a smile after hearing it. "Thank you Itachi-kun."
"But first, I already ask kaa-san to escort me to a pet store. You know that already don't you Mio?" Itachi revealed. One of the common occurrences of the Shinobi is to have summoned animal or pets in order to help them with various things. Having one is what Itachi wants especially on the time the so-kind mysterious organization that is spoken by Hagoromo making their move in order to spy on them.
"I remember that. Do you think I'm dumb or something?" Mio replied with a teasing tone. "Why'd you even need a pet in the first place?"
"Hn. I have my own reasons." Itachi hummed as he turn around and walk to the school gate to look for Ms. Ibuki car.
Shiho chuckling to herself. "Although I already know it three months ago thanks to Akito-kun blabbering, Itachi-kun can't talk easily with a women doesn't he?"
"What'd you expect from a girl's magnet that's so dense?" Mio joked. "Well, he not so dense against me though…" She said with a smile. 'Because… I can't hope for better nii-san than him.' She thought to herself.
"Well… You're his sister so there's no way he act like that against you." Shiho argue before sigh. "Having siblings surely bothersome huh? I never have one so I never know the feeling of bickering with your siblings…" She said in slight jealous tone. Manabe is only a single child and she although know that her parent love her, rarely gets any attention from them due to her father job as a police while her mother
"Shiho! Mio! Kaa-san is coming! Let's go." Itachi called them from afar while already in front of the backseat door of Ms. Ibuki's car.
"Sorry for the inconvenience Ibuki-san." Shiho said in apology as Ms. Ibuki is driving the car to the pet store. She along with Mio sit on the back while Itachi is sit on the front.
"It's okay Shiho-chan. Itachi-kun and Mio-chan rarely have friends that go to their house beside Akito-kun so I'm glad." Ms. Ibuki tries to ease her worries. "How long you will stay?"
"Maybe till' tomorrow before my tou-san escort me back." Shiho replied.
"I see." Ms. Ibuki nod while driving. "Itachi-kun. What kind of pet that you want to buy exactly? You know that tou-san already have schools of Amur Carps back on the house garden. Even though you can take care of it, you must do it by yourself since both tou-san and kaa-san are already busy enough with dojo activities and you know that Mio-chan-"
"Kaa-san! Please don't say that in front of Shiho!" Mio said with embarrassment. Despite her love for martial arts and always look as the boy-girl type on her class, Mio has rather embarrassing side and that's her fear of animals of any kind, even harmless one.
"Oh my… Seems my mouth is slipped. Forgive me Mio-chan!" Ms. Ibuki said with a giggle. Mio just pout while Shiho laugh, never expecting that she can make such kind of face.
"Kaa-san, don't tease Mio too much." Itachi remind his mother. "As for the pet that I want to buy, I want a bird." This is also one thing that Itachi wants, since in his previous life, he uses crow for various purposes.
"A bird?" The topic brings up Shiho's interest. "If that so, maybe I can help you choose one. My tou-san is known to be a bird lover despite working as a police. I sometimes accompany him to the pet store and I also fond of bird as well so I maybe can help you to choose one that you like." She offered with a smile.
Itachi then glanced at her with a nod. "I would love to. Thank you Shiho. " He said simply.
"Welcome! Can I help you?" The pet store owner asked as both Itachi and Shiho are entering. Mio and Ms. Ibuki are waiting inside the car due to the former fear of animal.
"My friends here want to see a bird as his pet." Shiho replied.
"The bird section is on the right side of the store. I'll accompany both of you there." The pet store owner directed both of them which they follow.
As they arrive on the bird section, the pet store owner is waiting while Itachi accompanied by Shiho searching the pet that Itachi desire. The former Uchiha really can't help but amazed by so many colors of many different kinds of bird that offered by the pet store.
However, there's always one animal that always holds a special place on his heart. Looking at the birds that being sold, Itachi set his sight on a juvenile bird with black plumage and some green and purple sheen with black feet, bill, and legs. "This bird is some kind of crow am I right?" He asked the pet store owner.
The pet store owner nod with a formal smile. "Yes. That's a juvenile male carrion crow (Corvus corone). He's currently around three months of age, already fledgling two months ago. Despite its look, it's an omnivore so you shouldn't worry." He informed.
"I see." Itachi thanked before once again observing the crow. Crows is Itachi's favored animal and in fact it was this animal that saved him from the thought of suicide back on the Elemental Nations. After that, he starts using the crow for various purposes. One even he used to put Shisui's eyes before entrust it to Naruto. "Seems this one not from the bird farmer." He stated.
Meanwhile, Shiho didn't expected Itachi's choice. She at first thought the former goes in order to search for singing bird species but he instead choose a bird that many of the Japanese being associated with the legendary Tengu. Even she finds it strange since carrion crow doesn't have beautiful color or voice. Even she is terrified whenever she heard the voice when she was four years old. She afraid that the bird will attack her. "A-Are you sure Itachi-kun? That kind of bird was not fit to be a pet you know." She tried to persuade Itachi in order for him to look for other kinds of bird that's available on the pet store.
Itachi however nod, surprising her. "Since I was a little, I always fond of crows. I don't know why but… Crows are like my best partner that I can make deep connections with." He said with a bit of truth about his past, since flock of crows basically helps him to find the meaning of life when he was four years old. "I see that you scared of crows, Shiho?" He asked, quickly see through her.
'H-He knows!' Shiho thought in shock. Is she really that easy to read!?
"No need to worry. All animals, if we take care of them with proper care and love, they'll return it to their owner with the same kindness." Itachi said.
"You're right. I found this crow two months ago below a tree close to the pet store. It seems his mother abandoned him so I decided to take care of him till' now. As you can see, no one till' now wants to adopt him because…" The pet store owner trailed off.
"Seems you also fond of this crow ojii-san." Itachi quickly guessed. He can tell that this pet store owner really values this bird very much. "If that's the case, I shall search for another-"
"You can take it. I really want him to find a suitable owner that'll care for him no matter what. Seems he already finds it." The pet store owner cut off, meaning that he'll give the crow to Itachi for free.
Itachi shook his head. "I'll take the crow, however I won't just take it for free. I'll pay like every normal customer since it was the rule." He stated as he pick up his wallet.
Seeing the act, Shiho can't help but impressed by Itachi. Despite literally given the crow for free, he still respecting the pet store owner act of take care for the bird. 'Itachi-kun… You're truly…'
The pet store owner just sighed. Seems the young boy really want to do this. "Okay then young boy." He has no choice but to respect Itachi's humble personality. "Wait for a moment here whiles I readying the package for the bird." He said as he goes to the back office, looking for a box to pack the bird safely.
When the pet store owner already gone, Shiho smiled at Itachi. "You don't need to do that Itachi-kun. He really happy that you want to take care of him." She said.
"But still, it feels wrong if I not do that since no matter what, he opens this store in order to search for money in order to support his family. I at least want to help even a little." Itachi replied with matter-of-fact tone.
Shiho giggling hearing it. "As I expected, even though you're dense with girls, you're truly kind-hearted." She said without any lies. "By the way, since most people gives their animal a name. Which name shall you name him?"
"Name huh?" Itachi pondered for a while while looking at the crow. Since he was a male, he decided to name it on his best friend back in the Elemental Nations. "Shisui. That's a good name for him." He said with certainty.
"Shisui huh?" Shiho uttered before speak up. "That's quite good name. How'd you get that so fast?"
"By luck." Itachi lied.
"Kaaaw!" Suddenly, the crow is cawing, making Shiho's tensed. It seems that her fear toward crow's cawing still exist till now.
Itachi smiled. Seemingly the crow like the name he gave him. 'Shisui. This is my form to remember you as my best friend and as an older brother that I never have.' He thought as both he and Shiho still waiting for the pet store owner.
The time then skip to Itachi and Mio house and its already sunset. Due to the unexpected new pet that Itachi bought, Mio and Ms. Ibuki at first shock that Itachi choose crow as his pet while Shiho can only apologize formally for not persuading Itachi to look for another kinds of bird. However, Mr. Ibuki accepted it as long as Itachi can take care of the bird, which he promised to do so. Instead of putting him in the cage, Itachi put Shisui on a perch and chained his left foot into it so he can move freely without being restricted by the cage.
Speaking of being restricted, aside from reading on the library that of course without Hiyori since she already return to Yokohama, Itachi decided to train Shisui on spying other people and relay the said information to either him and Mio. This is just a countermeasure if this mysterious organization makes their move. He really wants to tell Mio that she has no need to fear animal as long she didn't bother them.
Itachi currently are helping her adoptive mother to preparing dinner for the family while Mio is keeping Shiho occupied on her room while talking about girl stuff. Itachi truly thanked Shiho for wanting to befriend Mio despite the fact that Mio is not the gyaru type like she is.
"Something in your mind Itachi-kun?" Ms. Ibuki asked with a smile as she holding a bowl of soup for the dinner.
"Nothing kaa-san. I'm just happy that Mio is able to make friend beside Akito that's all." Itachi honestly replied since that's what he feels right now.
"You're right. Shiho-chan seems like a well-mannered girl." Ms. Ibuki agreed with a smile. "What about Rika-chan? I remember that she studying together with you more than once here."
"She said she have a course today so she can't come. Talk about Rika, I truly must give her something since she helps me really well with physics subjects that I can't master quite well." Itachi replied as he preparing fried egg for the dinner as well.
"You truly a kind child Itachi-kun. I wonder why your own family put you on the roadside that day. I hope that they realize… What they did is wrong." Ms. Ibuki said with a sad tone. Among the Ibuki's family, Ms. Ibuki is the one that shows Itachi's warmth for the first time since he arrives on this new world. Her attitude even reminds Itachi of his own biological mother, Mikoto Uchiha.
Remembering that sometimes bring painful memories. Especially the fact that his parents never blame him for what he did and even his father, Fugaku Uchiha said that Itachi was a kind child even though their philosophy is different. Although in the end his act prevents civil war to ever happen in the first place, it doesn't erase the fact that he choose for corrupt government rather than his own clan.
"I never hate whoever gives birth to me for abandoning me on the roadside eight years ago. If that event didn't happen, I'll never have met you, tou-san and Mio who kindly take me in, I don't want to think what'll happen afterwards." Itachi said with honest one.
Ms. Ibuki quickly turns into a sad frown. "Please don't say something like that Itachi-kun." She then put the soup on the table before walk toward Itachi. "You're our pride and joy alongside Mio-chan. For that, we don't ever feel any regret for taking you in on that fateful night." Turn off the fryer for a while, Itachi already know what his adoptive mother will do as she hug him full of affection. "Itachi-kun. I truly want to ask one thing for the last four years but I don't have any courage to do so. Why'd you so interested about the meaning of life and why'd you so obsessed on training your physical capabilities?" She asked in curiosity.
"Kaa-san. That's quite a question." Itachi replied before continuing. "Well, for the first question is merely my curiosity as why'd we alive in the first place? What role do we have in live? The answer of that question already answered… We live because later we have something important. Because of it, that connects to your second question. I trained endlessly while spare some free time because I want to protect something important to me. That is my family and my friends." He said with firm tone.
"I see. But Itachi-kun, can I give you some advice as your mother?" Ms. Ibuki said as she release the hug and look at him with understanding eyes. "You need to relax yourself a little. I understand your desire but not act like a kid around your age looks strange to me now. Do you ever think what'll Akito-kun, Mio-chan, or Shiho-chan ever think of you if you this serious all the time while not enjoying your youth?"
"I understand it kaa-san. It just… I really not the type to talk with people that easily." Itachi said. He knew his old personality was mess up cause by war and this make Ms. Ibuki, maybe even Mr. Ibuki, Mio, and his friends worried because of it. "But… I tried my best to do that."
Ms. Ibuki smiled hearing it before laughing. "Ha ha ha. That's my son!" She said enthusiastically while patting Itachi's shoulder. "If somehow we separated for a while… Take care of Mio-chan okay?" She said.
"That's what I intend to do." Itachi stated before remembering something. "Kaa-san. I actually have a request. But I need tou-san permission as well. Can I tell it as quick as possible?"
"Well, let's talk about that request after Shiho-chan back home. For now, why don't you accompany her along with Mio-chan? After all, she also your friend now right?" Ms. Ibuki said.
Itachi nod. His adoptive was right in some aspect. Although this mysterious organization always making Itachi worried, he really needs to enjoy his life and relaxing a little. "You're right kaa-san. I'll continue to cook the fried egg until it's finished before accompanying them." He assured her with a smile as he continues the cooking.
On Mio's room, Mio and Shiho are seen happily chatting with each other. Like Itachi predicted, Mio found herself rather comfortable with Shiho despite the fact they have different hobbies.
"No wonder your tou-san name sounds familiar. I don't ever think that he and my tou-san are classmates on the same high school." Shiho appears to be not expecting this revelation since her father rarely talk about his high school life. She only knows this fact based on the picture she saw on Mio's bedroom.
"If you don't ask me about the name of my tou-san, maybe I won't realize till' now." Mio admitted. "Still, how about my offer back then? Even Akito already asking you multiple times didn't he?"
"For the offer to train Aikido alongside you, Itachi-kun, and Akito-kun?" Shiho try to remember before shook her head. "I don't know Mio-chan. Although I play badminton during the first grade, I'm not that confident to learn martial arts." She admitted while looking down.
"Don't be that way! Have confidence in yourself will you?" Mio tried to encourage her. Of course it sounds harsh, but in reality she just wants a female friend that also accompanies her on her training.
"Still-"
"Mio. It's impolite to force people to do something that they didn't want to." Itachi knock as he open the door with a tray of fried egg that he prepared. "Sorry to keep you waiting. Kaa-san and I have some little talk you see."
Seeing her favorite food being cooked, Mio's eyes shine brightly with hunger. "Fried egg!?" She said in joyful tone. "Shiho! You shall try this!?" She then takes the fried egg on the plate before presenting one of them to Shiho. "Itachi's good on creating fried egg. Even during his first making, it so delicious even I not believe it!"
"Um… Are you sure?" Shiho hesitated as she is presented by the food. However, curiosity and formal attitude since she's in someone house got the better of her and after cutting little part of it using fork and spoon, she bring one of it to her mouth to taste it. After a moment, she widens her eyes in disbelief. 'T-This is so good!' She compliments it on her mind as she picks another one. She then look toward Itachi. "This is tasty Itachi-kun. I don't know what to say…"
"Well. I'm used to do it since I was six years old." Itachi replied as he sits on Mio's chair since the latter are sitting on a bed while Shiho is on the floor. "So… I'm eavesdropping from the outside due to how loud you are Mio. But why'd you so insist to make Shiho learning Aikido alongside you?" He decided to ask.
Hearing the question make Mio slightly flinch. She already knows how sharp Itachi was in perceiving other people's thought. There is no getting away from this. "I-I just want a female friend on training." She said.
'I see. From what I see, Mio didn't have any female friend on the class except Shiho. And now, she tries to persuade Shiho to follows her hobby.' He analyzed before speak up once again. "Mio. I know that you currently happy that you have new friend beside Akito. However, you can't force them to follow the same hobby as you did. Do you somehow also want Shiho force you to become gyaru as well?"
"I-It's not like that Itachi!" Mio quickly denied his accusation.
"I-I also have no intention to force Mio-chan to become like me. Itachi-kun you perception of me is misjudged!" Shiho denied.
Itachi however smiled hearing Shiho's defense. "No need to worry. I understand that you're not the type that forces their hobby on the other Shiho. I'm just teasing you." He stated.
"But your tone looks like you accusing me! Hmph. What Mio-chan and Akito-kun said to me is right. You're too dense Itachi-kun, to the point that you can't make differences of teasing with accusing." Shiho claimed while pointing her right index finger toward Itachi. "That's it. From now on, I decide to make you more sociable toward others Itachi-kun!"
Itachi's rather perplexed because of this statement. "What's the need of it? I know that I not good at makes jokes or anything. That's why I tried to be better." He reasoned.
"But Itachi-kun, if you keep going like this, during the middle grade school or high school, you won't get a girlfriend you know? Do you maybe have some problems in communicating with women?" Shiho is curious.
"It's not like that. I… I'm not used to talk with women besides Mio and my mother." Itachi speaking the half-truth while in fact, it's because his trauma of killing Izumi painlessly.
"Because of it let me help you Itachi-kun." Shiho insisted. "This is not forcing you but to make you not talk to woman like a dense wall."
Seeing Itachi is basically cornered, Mio smirk and decide to tease his adoptive brother. "Now who's the one that forcing his ideal on the others?" She asked with teasing tone.
Itachi sigh. "Fine. You got me now Mio." He admitted in tired tone.
Mio just chuckling while bring her right hand to her mouth.
Shiho then clapped her hand. "It's decided then. I try to empty my schedule each weekend to make Itachi-kun a decent boy! There's no more rejection!" She proclaimed in happy tone.
"Honestly." Itachi smile while closing his eyes. He really feel there's no need for Shiho to be concerned against his personality but this a good chance for him to be more sociable and get out from his Shinobi thinking. "Fine then. It's my loss. Please guide me… Manabe-sama." He tried to tease her a little.
"W-What?" Shiho flustered after hearing it. She really not used to get teasing from a boy. "P-Please… I-I'm not even an adult…"
"Hoo? Seems someone have a crush on my brother~" Mio can't help but tease her friend.
"Mio-chan!? It's not like that!?" Shiho quickly denied. Which cause the laughter of both Itachi and Mio. And so, the whole normal talking continue till' midnight when Itachi moves to his own bedroom to sleep while Shiho sleep with Mio.
On the morning of Saturday, Itachi got up early to look for his new pet, Shisui. When he reaches the garden, the crow is seen standing on his perch before cawing, greeting his new owner.
"Good morning Shisui. Do you have a good sleep at night?" Itachi asked which Shisui replied with a cawing. It seems the pet store owner also trained Shisui before Itachi bought him. That's reasonable because from what Itachi read, crows are smart and able to understand their owner quite well and can mimic the sounds of other birds. "Here. I bring you some food. You must be hungry." Itachi said as he brings up a dead lizard to Shisui, which the latter happily accepts by grabbing it with his beak.
"I see that he already listening to you. Shisui I mean."
Itachi look behind him to see Shiho still on her sleeping gown, approach the garden. "You wake up early Shiho."
"Shisui really noisy you know. And I think you know that I…" Shiho trailed off her words before continue. "After all, I'm also use on getting up early."
"I see. Why don't you come here? Seems Shisui eager to meet you." Itachi said while using his right hand to signaling her to come to his direction. Slowly Shiho walk closer until she finally stands close to Shisui. When she try to bring her right hand closer, Shisui replied by pecking it, causing the latter to stunned.
"Hiiiii!" Shiho screamed while moving backward and without realizing, hugging Itachi while shaking in fear.
"Shiho. It's okay, that's Shisui's way of greeting." Itachi tried to assure her while he didn't expect that Shiho will actually hugging him tightly. He now feels bad for making her scared on the morning. "It's okay. Let's move from here okay?"
"U-Um." Shiho muffled before releasing the hug. "U-Um, sorry for doing that without your concern." She apologized.
"It's okay. Why don't we go now?"
The scene then goes to the kitchen where Itachi's making Shiho some green tea while the latter is sitting on the dining table.
"You're still sleepy. It still 3.40 a.m. You should go back to sleep." Itachi quickly pointed while giving her the green tea.
"I already told you that I'm fully awake now Itachi-kun. Thanks to Shisui." Shiho said.
"I see." Itachi then sit on the chair across Shiho's chair. Silence happens for a few minutes, until Shiho beginning the conversation.
"Thank you Itachi-kun… For keeping me away from Shisui." Shiho thanked.
Itachi shook his head. "I should be the one to be blamed. I didn't expect that you fear of crow already that far." He said.
"I-It's all right. I should be the one that take care of my fear." Shiho said while waving her hand. "Actually Itachi-kun… I want to ask you for something."
"What question?" Itachi asked. Did she somehow consider Mio's offer?
"It's about Rika-chan."
Now this is certainly interesting. From what he observed, Shiho and Rika talk with each other frequently during their lunch break at school. She maybe is curious about something. "Sadly though, I know only a little about Rika. But what did you want to ask about?"
Shiho silent for a moment to gather her courage to speak. "A month ago during the lunch break, I accompany Rika-chan to the toilet. I was waiting outside when I heard a violent cough from the inside. I quickly rush in and find that Rika-chan is a coughing mess. Her face even turns pale as a result. I know it sounds not right but… I just worry about her condition. During my first three years on my previous elementary school, it's an all-girl school so many of my classmates is awkward and rarely has interactions to converse with each other. Even though I join the badminton club, the situation is still the same. Luckily, tou-san has job transfer to Nagano and that's the reason I end up in your school. My times with Rika-chan and the others… Is truly different than the time I was in my previous school. That's why; I want to at least know her better." She explained.
"I see." This is new to Itachi. Besides common things about her personal life, there's not much that he knows about her meek, bespectacled classmate since she's rather closed about it. "Unfortunately Shiho, this is something new that I heard from you. I've never known that Rika contract some kind of disease or she just too tired from the pressure of advanced subjects thanks to class acceleration program. Thank you very much Shiho. It seems I really not keen about her condition at all. Now I can keep an eye on her if she somehow feels not well." He thanked. "But the point is… You want my help to arrange a meeting with Rika right?"
Shiho nod.
"I try my best to do it. Since Rika is currently busy with many courses, it's not my place to disturb her." Itachi promised. He knows maybe Shiho feels a little bad if she visiting upper-class immediately.
"Thank you very much Itachi-kun." Shiho thanked with a smile. "Sorry though for bothering you with such request."
"It's okay. I also worried about Rika and at least I'm glad there's someone other than me bother to talk with her." Itachi smiled before remembering something. "Shiho. Do you want to watch our training in the morning? Akito will come as well."
"Akito-kun will come?" Shiho said as she thought for a moment. "Okay then. Tou-san will escort me on 12.00 a.m. so I have time to watch it." She then yawned. "It seems what you said is true Itachi-kun. I'm still feeling sleepy…"
"I already warn you in the first place." Itachi remind him with a plain tone but he feel sorry for her if she's like this. "I'll escort you back to Mio's bedroom." He said in firm tone.
"As I said… There's no need…" Shiho's head suddenly fell down to the table due to her tiredness and will hit if Itachi didn't lean her body to the chair in a nick of time. This time, he truly missed the speed he has as a Shinobi. Shiho's face looks peaceful as her mouth slightly open and let out a soft breath.
Itachi sighed. Even he admits that Shiho is cute. Imagine what will happen if she grown up. Silently, he picks her up and carrying her on his back toward Mio's bedroom.
For Mio, she always have addict to martial arts ever since she was six. But even though she secretly trained despite her father promise to train her personally if she manages to get first rank on third grade first semester, she always feels that in all fields, even in the martial arts are inferior compare to Itachi.
Yes. Itachi for her is like a monster. At the age of six, he starting to train on Aikido with the permission of Mr. Ibuki and manage to reach 10th Kyu rank in just a year and currently he already reach 2nd Dan rank, while she currently still on 7th Kyu rank.
This achievement although amazing, actually pouring curiosity to her. The way he learn Aikido is strange, it's like almost he know how to fight in even more natural ways than she did. Sometimes, she also sees him doing a move that is not based on Aikido, more like a mix of various martial arts and sometimes even a move that she didn't know based on her current knowledge.
'Itachi… How could you be that strong and talented? What did I lack?' Mio wondered as she watch her adoptive brother already wearing training outfit to spar against Akito, who usually spare his time to come at weekend to spar with either Itachi or her while he train during Monday and Thursday. Speaking of it, Akito currently already reaching 8th Kyu rank, a rank above Mio.
While flexing his hand before starting to spar, Akito speak to Itachi. "Sorry Itachi. Even though you're steps ahead of me, this time victory will be mine because rank is not everything." He challenged.
"We'll see about that Akito." Itachi return the challenge while preparing a stance.
Speaking of the one that watch, Shiho is also watching like she said to Itachi on the morning. She currently wearing a green dress which looks fancy. 'So this is how it feels when two martial arts fighters go with each other. I can feel it… The tension and the air feel heavy!' She gulped.
Mr. Ibuki is sitting between Shiho and Mio as a referee for the spar. He looks at both Akito and Itachi with a stern glare while both of them are making a stance looking for an opening to exploit. "Begin!" He shouted.
As the command already spoken, Akito quickly rush toward Itachi, aiming a punch to Itachi's chest (mune-tsuki). However, thanks to his experience of his old life plus his advanced move, Itachi's able to intercept it by using deflect Akito's punch to the side before quickly grab him by the collar and flip him to the air before his body crash to the wooden floor (shiihonage), thus ending the spar quickly as it begins.
'Hm… That's his fastest move. To think that Akito-kun being defeated that easily although he's one of the most talented disciple on my dojo after Manabu-kun that manage to reach 10th Kyu in just a year. Sadly he's not train here anymore due to his family move to Tokyo but I think… He'll enjoy sparring with Itachi and Mio.' Mr. Ibuki thought, amazed by his adoptive son achievement.
'I-Incredible! I know that Akito-kun is also train in Aikido but Itachi-kun can defeat him that easily. Even if I don't know martial arts but I'm pretty sure that move is a move that only an experienced martial artists can make.' Shiho thought in amazement.
'Itachi won again! Since their first spar on the second grade, Akito only have a small amount of victory against him!' Mio thought in shock. 'Why… Why can you be this talented? Even though I know what you said to me back then is not to make me not try to imitate you, I… I really envy the way you grow…'
"Point! Stop!" Mr. Ibuki ordered.
Itachi walk toward Akito and offered a hand to help him get up. "Sorry. Seems I overdo it a bit." He said in apology.
"Nah. You're grown stronger than me." Akito smiled as he receives the offer to stand. Both of them later keep their distance at a considerable one before slightly bow, signing their gratitude of the match for each other.
"Next! Mio, go against Akito!" Mr. Ibuki ordered as Mio stand up to spar against her friend. Itachi then go to sit beside his father.
"You're good. Even though I never train martial arts, I know when I watch that sparring." Shiho compliment him after Itachi sit beside Mr. Ibuki.
"It's nothing really. Akito and Mio manage to grow at fast rate despite their age. I have no doubt both of them will grow stronger in short time." Itachi merely brush off the compliment.
"C'mon at least compliment yourself. No need to be humble at every of your achievement." Shiho pouted. "If it like this, I would never give it to you~."
"It's just the way I am Shiho. I acknowledge there are maybe the one that even more talented than me out there." Itachi argued.
Mio is now ready to spar against Akito. All he need is to wait for the sign to begin. "Humph. With this, is already our 70th time we spar Akito. I hope you ready to taste your 30th defeat." She challenged.
"That should be my line Mio-chan. This time it will be my 40th victory against you." Akito return the challenge.
"P-Please don't call me that." Mio said while trying to hide her embarrassment.
"They already spar that much!?" Shiho commented in disbelief.
"Akito and I already spar for 100th time with 90th win on my side. This time will be his 70th spar against Mio." Itachi answered Shiho.
"9-90 victories…" Shiho uttered after hearing Itachi's word. 'How strong Itachi-kun exactly?' She wondered.
'This is my 70th spar with Akito and I conclude one thing. Akito surely faster and stronger than me now. However, based on what I read about woman physique, they tend to have an advantage on muscle flexibility rather than a man. Especially on the hips. This makes woman muscles tend to have more places to move than a man muscles. If I move my entire body with my hip joint, I can move faster than Akito and Itachi.' Mio thought about the books she read about human physique. It is quite important since knowing every weak spot of human body is essential to finish up the spar without wasting too much energy.
"Begin!"
As Mr. Ibuki give the command, Mio immediately dash toward Akito to quickly bring him down using face thrust (ganmen-tsuki). Akito already predict it though by deflecting Mio's right hand before counter using the same move to Mio's face. She quickly takes note of it and blocks the punch from reaching her face using her free left hand in time. She then hold Akito's hand that try to punch him by throwing it to the side, quickly maneuver behind him before he can react and manage to end the spar by keeping him in forearm return (kotegaeshi), a technique which is a supinating wristlock-throw that stretches the extensor digitorum.
"Point! That's enough!" Mr. Ibuki declared.
Hearing the command, Mio release Akito before keeping her distance while Akito stand up from the wooden floor. Both of them then slightly bow to each other as a sign of respect.
Mr. Ibuki then stand up and approaching her daughter. Akito didn't expect this along with Itachi and Shiho. But Itachi can slightly guess what his adoptive father going to say.
"Mio."
"Yes, tou-san!" Mio immediately replied while facing her father's direction.
"As expected of my daughter." He said before patting her right shoulder. "With this victory you're deserve to rise to 10th Kyu rank." He declared with pride.
"Rise three-rank immediately? But-"
"I know that you always take your free time to learn some advance move yourself and study about human anatomy do you? While I usually disagree with it, I see that's not affecting your scores. Because of it, I consider that you're deserved to rise in rank and like I promise you back then, if you manage to get good scores on the first midterm exam, I'll train you some basic movement of Capoeira while you must do the advance move on your own." He said with pride with her daughter achievement.
"Tou-san…" Mio can't believe what she just heard. She then smiled, accepting his father words. "T-Thank you very much." She said in gratitude.
Mr. Ibuki smiled hearing it before turn his head to look at Akito. "Miyake-kun. You already improve much that I can tell you. However, you slightly lacking currently. Train well and you can expect you'll rise in rank." He said firmly.
Akito nod, accepting the advice. "I promise won't disappoint you again in the future, Ibuki-shisho."
"Rise in three ranks immediately?" Shiho can't believe what she just hears. Does Itachi and Mio really that addict in hand to hand combat so they can rise in rank faster than a normal person would. Now she wonders if there's a person that can match or even surpassing their rise in rank.
'Hn. Mio, I'm proud of you.' Itachi thought with pride on his adoptive sister achievement.
It's already 04.00 p.m. and both Shiho and Akito already back to their home. Itachi is feeding Shisui when Mio suddenly approach him.
"Someone is busy feeding his new pet I see?" Mio decided to tease him a bit.
Itachi sighed. "If you want to feed Shisui, you can come here without keeping distance of three meters away." He simply stated which makes Mio rather embarrassed.
"Don't take away the conversation Itachi!" Mio screamed in high pitch tone.
"Is that so?" Itachi wondered. "Didn't you just scare of Shisui?" He asked while the crow replies with a caw.
"Ugh!" Mio grunt in frustration due to Itachi's always able to know her perfectly.
"Before I forgot though, I think you need some congratulations word." Itachi then walk toward Mio, who is confused by what he meant. When he gets close enough, Itachi do the same thing he always did with Sasuke: forehead poking.
"Aw. What was that for!?" Mio said while holding her forehead.
"Congratulations for rising to 10th Kyu rank Mio. I'm proud of you." Itachi said in pride tone for her adoptive sister accomplishment. "I believe that you can surpass me in no time."
"That's just your wishful thinking." Mio said in denial. "It still nothing compare to you who immediately rise to 1st Dan rank in just a year. Compare to you who is a genius… Even though you also train me during your spare time, I-"
"Stop that word just now. Remember what I said to you back then Mio. Never saw me as a perfect being, instead saw me as a wall you must surpass no matter what." Itachi immediately interrupted. He knows what Mio feels right now. She feels that her accomplishment is only a shadow of his. Although he glad that both of his adoptive parent is not like his father, it's like the same feelings he feels toward Fugaku's words to Sasuke back then.
"Keep it up and become a great ninja like your nii-san did." – Fugaku Uchiha
His own achievements tormenting Mio's progress… And he really didn't want the same thing that happened to Sasuke happening here again, making Mio distancing herself from him.
"I understand." Mio immediately nod. "I understand it that all that you ever wanted is for me to be proud of my own accomplishment instead of being known as 'Itachi's sister'. But… Do you think it's strange that a sister wanted to be just like her brother?" She asked with a hopeful gaze.
Itachi immediately shook his head. "No. That's normal." He immediately replied.
"Then-"
"However, if you keep thinking like that when you're adult Mio, you'll lose your place in the real world." Itachi interrupted with serious tone. "Please heed my advice, the last thing that I ever wanted is that my own sister distancing herself from me because of my achievements. You can also achieve something that I can't Mio. You just can't find it now. But I believe, if you keep stay on the right path, maybe you'll find it someday." He tried to lift her spirit. This is the only thing that he can advise her. The end of it is up to her.
"Why…" Mio look down, her body stiff as she clenches her fist. "Why'd you always use that kind of heavy words…" She then began to tear up, starting to regret that she thought of distancing herself from her adoptive brother for such petty reasons. 'Why. Why'd I ever thought something like that? Itachi. He… He just wanted the best for me. Yet I-'
"Mio." Itachi then gently hug her, who is sobbing silently, seeing that Mio's love for him surpassing her bad thoughts about him. He then decided to say the same word he said to Sasuke years ago. "Even though I only exist to be hated by you, even if you only saw me as a wall to be climb over, I always be there for you. That's what siblings are for." He said as he caressing her head.
Mio just continue to sob and Itachi let him until she ready to calm down.
Months passed truly quickly, and its only three months left before the second term test which decided the result of those who will rise to the next grade and those that'll be left behind.
Shiho's attempt to reach Rika was still in vain. Like Itachi said to her, the bespectacled girl really have so tight schedule that even after learning hours ended, she immediately escorted by her parents.
She began to wonder why'd Rika's parent is so protective over her? Even though her father is a police officer, he never this protective toward her and even allows her to make friends as long they not giving her bad influence.
Is this related to the incident that she told to Itachi months ago?
She shook her head. Shiho already determine that she will let Rika open up to her without any help. Besides, this is Friday. Itachi along with Mio already go home first for their training while Akito said that he's going to his grandparents' house for the rest of the weekend.
This leaves her currently alone.
As usual, Shiho is waiting for her father to escort her as she hears someone called her.
"Y-You still not go to home yet Manabe-san?"
Shiho turn behind her to see that Rika is the one that called her. "Rika-chan… You not return home yet?"
Rika just shook her head. "I-I tell my parents today that I want to be e-escort a little later than usual since I want to s-study what sensei just told us in class on the library." She said in shy tone.
A thought pass on Manabe's head. With Itachi, Mio, and Akito are not around, this is her chance to know Rika better. In fact, even though Rika befriending all of them, she can tell that she's hesitant to talk if there's too much people in vicinity. "R-Rika-chan. If I don't bother you… Maybe we can go to the school canteen while waiting for our parents to arrive. How is that sounds?"
"B-But… My p-pocket is currently thin. I-I don't want to b-bother you Manabe-san…" Rika replied meekly, completely reject Shiho's offer. However, she won't give up just yet. She really worried about her and that won't do if she keeps silent all the time.
"No need to worry. I'll pay for it. You can order what you like." Shiho said with a smile.
"B-But.." Rika tried to deny once again before realizing that it will take long time before her parents arrive. Plus, Shiho is generous enough to offer her. "O-Okay. B-But I-I won't bother y-you…"
"It's fine really. Let's go!" Shiho excitedly said as pick up Rika's hand, forcing her to follow her to the school canteen, which unfortunately still open till' 03.30 p.m.
Once they reach the school canteen's front area, Manabe glanced at Rika. "Rika-chan! We already-Rika-chan?"
Unexpected by what she saw, Rika currently has the same symptoms as Shiho saw many months ago: wheezing and shortness of breath minus her coughing fit. She looks down while tried to controlling her breath.
"Rika-chan what's wrong?" Shiho ask in worry. 'Did what I did just…' She start to feel guilty because of her act back then.
"I-I'm *hah* fine…" Rika slowly speak while managing to control her break slowly. "I just need *hah* to control my breath for a *hah* bit…" She said rather hoarsely.
"Rika-chan… I-I'm sorry." Shiho apologized because she knows it is her fault in the first place by forcing Rika to run without her concern.
"I-It's okay." Rika said with her usual tone, easing Shiho worries. "S-So… W-Where shall we sit?"
After getting the seat, both Shiho and Rika ordering their drinks. Shiho order an avocado juice while Rika simply orders green tea and mineral water.
Shiho then smiled. "I really don't mind if you order something else Rika-chan." She said.
"N-No! I-I really d-don't like expensive and sweet drinks!" Rika comically waving her hands in denial.
Shiho giggles seeing it. "Rika-chan surely cute when embarrassed like that~" She decided to tease her to see her reaction.
"M-Manabe-san!" Rika screamed in meek tone due to embarrassment, which Shiho just giggling enjoying it.
"I'm just joking Rika-chan. No need to be panicked like that." Shiho decide to stop joking before her face turn into worry. "So Rika-chan, what's that exactly?" She asked.
"W-What? I-It's nothing really." Rika replied. She knows what Shiho is worried about.
"Your fatigue back then and months ago when you suddenly coughing heavily on the toilet back then, I know it's not a normal coughing fit." Shiho then hold Rika's hand firmly. "I'm just worried about you Rika-chan. Not only me; Itachi-kun, Mio-chan, and Akito-kun also worried about you but even Itachi-kun doesn't realize it at first until I told him. Because of that, you can tell it to me Rika-chan. I promise… I won't tell it to anyone without your permission." She promised while have hopeful look on her face.
"M-Manabe-san…" Rika's defense starting to crumble seeing someone is worried about her. It brings painful feelings to her chest. 'Shall I tell her? I… Don't want her to worry about my condition but…' Rika thought in worry before steeled her decision. "O-Okay… I-I'll tell you. But don't t-tell it to anyone e-even Itachi-kun. I-I don't want him to worry since h-he is focused on the end term exam." She said in surprisingly serious tone.
Shiho nod.
Rika then take a deep breath before begin to explaining her story. "The t-truth is… I-I have a weak constitution." She said with a sad tone; seemingly not want anyone to know about it. "Ever since I was a little, tou-san and kaa-san always said that I'm forbid for doing physical activities like sports. Even I forbid doing fishing, my tou-san favorite hobby. At first, I thought they just worried about me by becoming overprotective but one day, while I entering their room by accident due to kaa-san forgot her belongings, I spotted a paper on kaa-san dressing table. Curious, I decide to take a look and what I found… Really shock me." She paused for a bit to regain her composure. "Since a newborn, based on the paper I was diagnosed with lung disorders which my lungs are slightly smaller in comparison to a normal person. Now I know the reason why I didn't attend the kindergarten when I reach four years old and the reason I always heavily fatigue when I was tired or doing any physical activities."
This shook Shiho's to the core. She never expected this in the first place even though she deduces that Rika lack in doing sports.
"But with this deficiency, my parent said to me to never give up on my conditions, because of it I decide to immerse myself in studying and… I manage to get top 5 on the first and second grade. Because of it, along with Itachi-kun both of us permitted to do class acceleration program. That's when I find, that studying is everything for me. As long as I got the high scores, everyone will notice me. But on my first and second grade, everyone keeps their distance from me and nicknamed me as 'cold megane-onna'. Even now, the first person that bothers to greet me beside my parent and their friends… Is Itachi-kun. And then, he introduces me to his friends including you, Manabe-san. That's why, for the first time… I-I-I truly happy." A tear is form on the corner of Rika's eyes. "Able to socialize, eat together, walk together, talking about trivial things… For the first time, I know what it feels to have friends. However at the same time, I'm afraid if someone found out about this, they don't want to be friend with me anymore."
Shiho tried to interrupt but Rika keep continued.
"N-Not only that. I also afraid if I keep lacking, my scores will dropped and my parent will be disappointed in me after they finance me with the courses that I want to increase my scores. Because if I failed… I just become a weak, sickly that always get pity from the others. Without my dedication to study… I'm nothing…" Rika clenches her fist in frustration.
"T-That's not true!" Shiho finally have the courage to speak. "I-I'm sorry Rika-chan…" She apologized. 'I-I don't think that you have that kind of thought. I'm sorry for bringing up all of your stress you always held on your own.'
"I-Instead o-of helping you…" Shiho then have tears that stream down from her face. "I-I just make you open up secrets that you don't like. I'm sorry Rika-chan… I'm sorry."
Rika shook her head. "N-No. In fact I must thank you Manabe-san. T-Thanks to you, I finally able to release all of it to someone that I can trust. Thank you… Along with Itachi-san, Ibuki-san, and Miyake-san for bother to befriend me…" She unable to continue as she sobbing. "T-Thank you…*sob*."
Shiho smiled in relief. Her hunch back then is right. Rika just didn't want anyone to worry about her while at the same time she don't want to make her scores down to make her parent proud of the one thing she can do best. "You know Rika-chan. You can call me Shiho if you want." She said as she wipes her tears away. "Truly, you have no need to worry about those things. Even if you somehow have your scores lowered or we know that you have lung disorders you think we'll abandon you? No need to worry for that." She then holds her hands and look at her with a smile. "I, Itachi-kun, Mio-chan, and Akito-kun will always there for you till the end of grade school. Because of it, allow me to apologize as well for making you opening up your secret."
"Ma-Shiho-san…" Rika this time smiled in gratitude. "Thank you…"
After that, both Rika and Shiho starting to talk about trivial things before both of their parents come to escort them.
At last, the second term final exam is finally over, reports already being given and students currently enjoying their vacation.
For Itachi and Mio, as usual both of them are with their mother and father whiles the two of them sitting side by side facing their parent.
Mr. Ibuki at first look at Mio's school report and after a while, he smiled. "Well done my daughter. Your scores all increase and even manage to get perfect score on physical education and biology. Seems it's decided then." He said with acknowledged tone.
"T-That means-" Mio's beamed in happiness.
"Like I promised to you, even though I already teach you the basic of the basic, I still reluctant to do it because your scores only slightly increase during the first semester. But now, I'll teach some advanced move of Capoeira that I know." Mr. Ibuki stated.
"Don't forget I'll help to my dear." Ms. Ibuki followed.
"Thanks tou-san! Kaa-san! I won't disappoint both of you!" Mio promised with a happy smile, glad that all of her dedicated time not wasted at all.
"Now let see at Itachi-kun school reports~." Ms. Ibuki said as she looks at his. She then smiled. "Seems Itachi-kun got a slight increase in scores on physics thanks to Rika-chan help." She said in acknowledged tone. "But this also means… You're ready to tell me, tou-san and Mio-chan about it?"
"Tell us about what exactly?" Mio ask in confusion. She never heard about this.
"I see. It's about that recommendation?" Mr. Ibuki spilled the beans.
"You means-" Ms. Ibuki said before stopping it, remembering what her husband is talking about.
Mr. Ibuki nod, confirming her wife suspicion. "During one of our training, an old friend of mine who is a Kung-fu instructor came for a reunion since we're from the same high school. He sees Itachi's talent ask give him a recommendation to train Kung-fu on the mainland on his direction for two years. At the same time, it means Itachi must end his learning on the fourth grade and take extremely hard entrance exams for junior high school." He explained.
"W-What…" Mio uttered. She never knew about this. 'H-He never told me about this! Why!?' She thought.
"Itachi said to me, he needs time to think about it since he doesn't want to be separate from Mio this early. Then my friend make a suggestion that he's not mind if he privately train Itachi on Japan for two years with the same condition as before. Meaning that Itachi still can return home as well train and play with Mio." Mr. Ibuki continued.
This make Mio shocked. Itachi wasted such chance… Only to spent more time with her?
"Actually I want to accept it but with one condition." He then looks at Mio. "Let Mio train with me as well. But the decisions fall to both of you as our father and mother."
Ms. Ibuki is silent for a moment before voicing her opinion. "I don't agree with the conditions Itachi-kun. You and Mio-chan are still young. There are many things that you can do besides training on other style of martial arts." She opined.
"My opinion is the same as you mother Itachi." Mr. Ibuki supported his wife. "Though for me, if he want to train you while you can focus on your learning as well is agreeable to me."
"I see." Itachi nod, understanding the opinion of her adoptive father and mother. "If that so, I'll accept it, as long I can graduate from the same elementary school as Mio and my friends and enjoy my life with her as well." He determined.
"I see. If that's what you want, I'll negotiate it with him. Knowing how well our relationships are, maybe it will go well." Mr. Ibuki agreed. "Say Itachi, Mio. Have you ever heard of middle grade martial arts tournament?"
"I've read it before tou-san." Mio is the first to reply. "If I not wrong, it's a competition of any kinds of martial arts for middle grade students' right?"
"Exactly. I plan for you and Itachi to register when you enter your first year on middle grade school. Consider it as a true experience in facing many young generations that are experts in their style of martial arts. I want both of you to enter only once, after that it's up to you if you want to compete again or not." Mr. Ibuki explained.
"You enter on this competition first tou-san?" Itachi decided to ask since it was rare for Mr. Ibuki to talk about his past even to his own family.
"In fact, your father is the three-time championship in that tournament. I also entered it once during my second year on middle grade school, but he defeated me on the second round." Ms. Ibuki answered Itachi with nostalgic tone. "He even said if he has children, he wants them to enter the tournament as a way to keep up the way of the family or something."
"So, a gender equality tournament…" Mio said with interest after hearing it. "Fine! I'll make both of you proud by becoming the champion on that competition!"
"Ha ha ha. No need to be rushing like that Mio. It's still three years away meaning you have many times alongside Itachi to develop your talents. I can say it right now; the ones that will join the tournament in your time are quite a powerful bunch. But both of us have faith that both of you can prevail." Mr. Ibuki said with a smile. "The problem is Itachi. Two years from now you'll finally graduate. What'll you do on a year gap?"
Now Itachi really can't answer. He can't really say that he want to explore the world like he once did on his previous life in order to widen his views. Each information's that he needs exist on books and internet and he actually just need to pick which one is sufficient and which one is not.
But for now, he decided to answer it truthfully. "If both of you permit it, I rather want to immerse myself on perfecting my training and learn more about the world. That's perfect to wait till' Mio also graduate so we can enter the tournament at the same time." He answered.
Mio smiled after hearing it. This is her best chance to prove how much her growth compare to Itachi on the next three years by defeating him on the tournament.
Silence happens for a moment, before Ms. Ibuki decided to speak. "If that's what Itachi-kun want, we accept it. After all, we trust that you won't lack in study even though you not attend school." She said, agreeing with Itachi's answer.
"I see. Well considers your scores both of us have no reason to disagree." Mr. Ibuki nod. "Both of you can rest now. Once again, congratulations for the high scores both of you obtained."
After the business with their parent is finished, both Itachi and Mio are sitting together on the house terrace that faces the garden. Shisui is seen perch on the tree close to the fish pond. For the last few months, Itachi managed to train him so he won't fly away and respond to his call.
"Can you believe it Itachi? In three years, we'll join a middle grade national martial arts tournament that decided the top middle grade student in Japan. I can't wait to show to the world my progress." Mio proclaimed.
"We also need to be careful Mio. If what tou-san said before was right, the others students from the other prefecture must be skilled in our own way. We after all, a big fish in a small pond and I believe that out there, there must be someone that even stronger than both of us." Itachi remind her.
"C'mon don't be pessimistic like that Itachi. You're known as the strongest elementary student in Nagano." Mio said to cheer him up. If one thing that she rather dislike about Itachi, is that he always downplayed his own achievements toward others.
"It's not being pessimistic. I just don't want to be swallowed by my own achievements." Itachi replied before looking at the sky. "Being the best at everything make people suffer than you think Mio. Becoming a genius means being isolated, and it will lead to arrogance, no matter how high people hope for you." He said, reflecting on his advice to Naruto.
"Itachi…" Mio uttered in disbelief after Itachi said something that is not fit for someone of his age. 'Why'd you talk like an old man?' She thought in confusion.
"I think the reason tou-san want both of us to enter the tournament is to widen our view on the world." Itachi reasoned.
"Hey! Why don't we make a promise?" Mio then stand up while pointing to Itachi. "You, I, and Akito. We'll become either the first, second, and third position on the tournament. How's that sound?" She smirked.
"Hn. That's quite a great proclamation." Itachi smiled hearing it. "Very well then. However, we don't know the outcome but it's not hard to try."
"It's a promise then!" Mio cheered up in happiness.
(Three Years Later)
Time quickly passes by. It's been three years. And of course, the group of friends that Itachi and Mio has each separate to go on their respective middle grade school.
Akito follows his family to Yokohama City since his father gets a new job in there. Itachi said to him to deliver a letter to Hiyori if he ever saw her, which he agrees.
Shiho returns back to Saitama Prefecture once again since her father job on Nagano already over. He's glad that for the past three years, her relationship with Rika bloomed to the point that she don't shy to speak up her mind during their talk on the school canteen and allows her to relax a little. Rika also tells him about her disease, which the others completely understands her condition. Speaking of Rika, she currently moved to Tokyo to continue her middle grade there as well trying to cure her disease.
Speaking of Shiho, she currently plans to meet him on the park before her departure back to Saitama. Itachi is sitting on the garden bench waiting for her arrival.
"Itachi-kun!" Glanced to the side, he sees Shiho run toward him while waving her right hand to the air. "Sorry for waiting!" She apologized. Compare to her initial long hair, Shiho decided to cut it into bob style almost like Mio. She then sit beside Itachi.
"It's all right. After all, I still have plenty much time before my first term on middle grade begins." Itachi stated at her. "So you plan to go today?"
Shiho nod with a sad smile. "My first term on my middle grade also begins shortly. I maybe will return back to Saitama today at noon." She explained. "Hey Itachi-kun. Thank you."
Itachi look at her with confusion.
"For your help for me to talk with Rika-chan. She at least able to graduate without a heavy burden on her mind. Sadly she immediately moved to Tokyo after graduation. The same as Akito-kun did." She said with sad tone.
"I should be the one that thank you Shiho. I never realized Rika's problem if not for you talk to me about it." Itachi denied her thanks because he should be the one that do it instead. "Speaking of it, I have something for you."
"Eh?" Shiho didn't expect this but decide to tease him. "Oh~ so the lesson provide by Manabe-sensei finally able to break the density of Itachi Ibuki-kun~. I'm glad from the bottom of my heart." She jokingly said while pound her chest.
"Hn." Itachi rather embarrassed hearing it, but pick up something from her pocket. "Here's my gratitude."
Shiho look at what Itachi gave him. "I-It's-" Itachi's gift is quite simple: A simple red hairpin.
"I think it will look good on your hair." Itachi simply said while scratching the back of his head. "If you-"
"No." Shiho smiled at him. "I actually like it and glad. Thank you."
"Let me put it on. Close your eyes." Itachi ordered with plain tone.
"Yes~ Itachi-sama." Shiho complied as she closed her eyes. 'Don't tell me, he's going to-No! What I am thinking about!?'
"Hn. I'm sorry Shiho. Maybe next time." Itachi smiled then poking her forehead at unexpected Shiho, making her yelp in pain.
"What was that for!?" Shiho comically angered while she touch her forehead.
Itachi instead just silent as he stands up and walks away from her.
"Hey! Itachi-" Shiho stopped talking as she feels the hairpin already being put on her hair. This make her immediately smiled. "Your middle grade martial arts tournament. I'll watch it when you reach semi-finals. Do your best okay?" She said.
Itachi just raise his hand as a sign of agreement.
"Goodbye Itachi-kun. See you on the tournament." Shiho bid him goodbye as she touch the red hairpin on her hair.
"Took you too long Itachi. Did you say proper goodbye to Shiho?" Mio said as she put her hands on her hips. Mio is grown considerably taller for the past three years. The two of them are currently in front of their house.
"Hn. She promised to watch if either of us reaches semi-finals." Itachi replied to her with a smile. "Which means we must do our best in order to not make her disappointed."
"Get ready for me to beat you up in the tournament." Mio challenged.
"I should be the one that said that." Itachi return the challenge.
"Ibuki-san." The bell on their fence ringing, meaning there's a visitor. Mio decided to come out and on the outside, a young girl with shoulder-length brown hair and yellow-gradient violet eyes is bringing a bag of clothes. "Here's the order of the clothes for the competition." She said in rather small tone, maybe due to her shy nature.
"I see." Mio then opening the fence to receive the order of clothes that she and Itachi will use on the tournament. "Thank you very much Inogashira." She thanked the young girl known as Inogashira. She along with her parents become their new neighbors just a month ago and her mother opening sewing service which skills passed down to her daughter, Kokoro Inogashira.
"P-Please just call me Kokoro." Kokoro said with shy tone. "G-Good luck for the tournament." She said, giving her support.
Meanwhile, in one middle grade school on Tokyo.
On the student council room, a young man is seen reading a letter while sitting on the table with the label 'Student Council President' on it. He is a young man of average height with short gray hair, violet eyes and square-rimmed glasses. For the look of its body, he's quite well-trained.
"I see. So the children of Ibuki-shishou will follow this year middle grade martial arts tournament. Interesting." He then glanced at the window outside with a smile. "I really can't wait for this year. It seems it will not be a boring tournament."
Manabu Horikita
The two-time champion of middle grade martial arts tournament
Current Rank: 5th Dan Rank in Karate, 4th Dan Rank in Aikido
Author Notes
Finally this concludes the third part of the prologue. The next part of the prologue will covers the middle grade martial arts tournament. It will be quite a long chapter with many battles go on so prepare yourself as many big names from ANHS will make their appearances here. You can guess who will appear and who against whom. I also plans for some CoTE characters to have original experiences of martial arts.
I have not much to talk about this chapter since all of it mainly slice of life. You can ask whatever confuses you on the review.
What do you think if I also make Martial Arts Tournament exists on ANHS?
Sorry if my English is bad since it's my second Language.
See you in the next update.