/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

The True Me

As his consciousness fading, Itachi feels like he was inside his own sub consciousness when familiar voices greet him.

"Hello Itachi Uchiha. I see you've done well." Itachi slightly widen his eyes before turn around to see the owner of the voice.

"Hagoromo-sama." Itachi quickly recognized him but confusion is immediately shown on his face. "But how's this possible? If I not wrong, you said you can't manifest yourself in this lack of Chakra world."

Hagoromo simply smiled. "You are true. However, just in case I leave a small part of my Chakra so I can talk to you during one important time. Tell me Itachi Uchiha, have you enjoyed this new world?" He asked.

Itachi nod. "Compare to my previous world, this world is peaceful if you put aside the political battles. From what I see, most of them even resort to dirty tactics for their success. Because of it, I'm glad that the family that adopts me is not one of those politicians." Itachi said with fondness, remembering her family, friends, and rivals. "Also, at least in this second chance, I can do something right that I can't do in my previous life."

"I see." Hagoromo smiled hearing it. "I also in here to talk with you about two important things. After this, I'll completely disappear so there's no way we can communicate again." He informed with firm tone as Itachi listening. "The first thing, I said that you can tell ten people about your past via temporary Sharingan. However, I can see that you changed your decision after life for thirteen years on this new world. Why is that?" He asked.

Silent for a moment, Itachi then replied. "Past life is a past life. My previous past has nothing to do with the new bonds that I make on this new world. However… At least one person deserves to know. My younger sister and a new sibling that I'll protect no matter what it takes: Mio Ibuki." He explained his reasoning. "I plan to tell her two years from now after we promise to have a spar and I think she'll be ready. The aftermath whether she will hate me or not depends on her."

"I see. If that what you want then I have no right to interrupt it. The second important things that I want to talk to you are only congratulations." Hagoromo said.

"For what?" Itachi ask in confusion. As far as he knows, he didn't contribute that much in this new world except befriend others and keep his adoptive family proud.

"From what I see, some people that you befriend with will go to un-wanted path if not for your influence. I can see it clearly from their flows. For example, the young girl with black hair and red eyes. If not for you advising her older brother, she without a doubt will go a much thorny path than now and from what I see, although she'll grow to be better... The one that help her can't be considers kind at all." Hagoromo explained the reason he congratulate Itachi.

"I didn't do much. In fact, Horikita-san was the one who finally realize a slight error on his way to make Suzune mature. What I do is simply pointing out his flaws." Itachi reasoned.

"Even so, what you did is a good act because that girl, Suzune Horikita… Will somehow have a big impact on the future." Hagoromo said as his body starting to fade. "With this, it will be a truly goodbye from me. Itachi Uchiha… I hope you can live on this new world without any regrets." He said his last word as Hagoromo finally disappears.

Itachi then manage a small smile. "Thank you for giving me this second chance and make me able to meet many precious things on this new world, Hagoromo-sama." Itachi thanked him as he feels his consciousness start to return to his body.

"Ugh…" Itachi grunted as he open his eyes. 'This is… The infirmary…' Itachi quickly recognize it as the same place that he brings Masumi after their match. 'I see. I must be unconscious after my match against Kouenji. Still… To think that I find a person with the same durability as Jounin in this world. Maybe I just exaggerate things but I wonder how powerful those from this secret organization Hagoromo-sama told me twelve years ago?' He wondered as he feels someone's hair that sleep on the sitting position with her head resting on the bed.

Mio yawned as she wake up and see that her adoptive brother is awake. She then smiled. "Looks who's awake… Champion~" She said with playful tone.

"Ugh… How long that I was unconscious?" Itachi asked Mio.

"You're unconscious since the match end. It's currently 08.00 p.m. now." It was also revealed that Ms. Ibuki and Mr. Ibuki also inside the infirmary.

"Tou-san… Kaa-san… I-" Itachi tried to say that he win only for both of his adoptive parents to nod at him with a smile.

"We know it Itachi. You really make both of us proud. Although Mio not managed to reach Best 8, your mastery of Capoeira really good. I even must say you finally surpass your own mother." Mr. Ibuki said as he later walk toward Itachi and Mio and hug both of them. "I'm really proud of both of you." He said as Ms. Ibuki only watches with a smile.

Although Itachi only smiled at his adoptive father comfort, Mio hug her father back while some tears form on her eyes as she quickly wipes it away. "Thank you very much tou-san. Thank you, despite that I-"

"Like I said to both of you. You not enter this tournament to win. Win is a bonus. Both of you challenge other contestants in here is for one purpose: To keep reaching greater heights." Mr. Ibuki then released the hug and holds both of their shoulders. "Itachi, you better not be too confident with your achievement. Mio, you can use this defeat as a way for you to improve yourself. You are my daughter. I know you can do it."

"Hai!" Both of them replied in unison.

"Also, Suzune-chan will join us on every weekend to train. Please get along with her okay?" Ms. Ibuki asked her two children with a smile. "I wonder it's been a while since Manabu-kun also does that." She then gasp like she was remembering something. "Oh. Speak of it, some of your friends want to see you, Itachi."

"Friends? Was it Shiho?" Itachi asked since he remembers Shiho want to see him if he manage to reach semifinal but he can't find her anywhere. Although not meet her for three months, Itachi have to admit he miss her company alongside Hiyori who he never meet for four years.

"You can see them outside the infirmary. Truly, both of you seems create many friends on this tournament." Ms. Ibuki said to both of them with a smile. "Well, I'm happy. Probably with this, our home will get a bit crowded my dear~" She teased her husband.

"Ha ha ha. It's okay." Mr. Ibuki laughs a bit while scratching the back of his head.

Itachi sighed a bit seeing his adoptive parent's antics as he sit up from his bed but Mio caught his hand. "Are you okay? Let me support you." She asked in worry. After all, Kouenji really dealt some bad blows to him.

"I'm fine. Although the blows of Kouenji really give me some injury." Itachi tried to ease her worries before he stand up from his bed. Accompany by Mio, both of them then exiting the infirmary.

As Itachi and Mio exiting the infirmary, both of them are greet by familiar faces.

"You're awake Itachi." Akito said with relief.

"All of you…" Itachi didn't expect what he seen. Akito, Kokoro, Honami, Fudou, and even Suzune are waiting for him outside the infirmary. As for Suzune, she is sitting on one of the waiting chair and just gives Itachi a glance. "Hn. Sorry for take all you time waiting for me to be conscious." He embarrassingly apologized. During his time on Elemental Nations, the only people that ever come to visited him when he's feeling not well is Sasuke, his parents, Shisui, or Izumi. 'Is this what you always seek back then… Naruto? I shut down my feelings after the massacre because I am afraid those who got close to me will get hurt but once again be faced with this feelings… I feel not bad at all.' He thought in nostalgia.

"That was amazing Itachi-kun! To think you manage to beat Kouenji-kun like that!" Honami said to him while walking toward him and shaking his hands.

"I-Ichinose-san… Your hands…" Kokoro said to her in meek tone.

"Whoops!" Honami immediately release her hands while her cheek slightly reddening. "S-Sorry. I can't contain it as always teehe~" She said in childish tone while rubbing the back of her head.

Fudou sighed while smiling. "Honestly. Girls are a pain sometimes." He said while look toward Itachi once again. "Congratulations dude. I commend you for be able to find Takemikazuchi weakness except my Madan." He said while offering him a handshake.

"If you can target it at the joints or using a brief moments before it was active, Takemikazuchi is not impossible." Itachi said to him while accepting the handshake. "But the way you said it, seems that Madan technique of yours is like a counter of Takemikazuchi."

"You got me there. Yeah, in fact Madan is actually a failed Kenjutsu technique that I modified specifically to counter Takemikazuchi." Fudou explained. "I'm very certain that's the only way to counter it till now. Seems I must take your strategy into consideration next time."

"Its fine. After all when fighting against someone powerful, we have our own ways to deal with them." Itachi said to him with a smile as he later look at Kokoro. "Kokoro."

Kokoro immediately gasp while look shyly at Itachi. "Y-Y-Yes…?"

"Although I won this tournament thanks to my training, it was partially thanks to your knitting suit. It provides me and Mio with flexible movement. Thank you very much for your suit, Kokoro." Itachi thanked her effort.

"I-I see… Y-You're welcome." Kokoro replied stuttered with small smile on her lips. "I-I'm glad to be help…"

Itachi smiled since he knows Kokoro is just shy. He then turn his attention to Honami. "Honami, where is Masumi?" He asked.

"She goes home first surprisingly. But don't take offense of it Itachi-kun, Masumi-chan said congratulations for you!" Honami tried to cheer up the atmosphere since she was afraid Itachi will take offense that Masumi is not among them.

Itachi shook his head. "I see. It's all right then. Thanks for telling me her message." He thanked Honami. 'Seems you also not want to keep staying as the way you are now, Masumi…' He thought in respect to his fellow competitor.

"You're welcome. But I also want to thank you Itachi-kun." Honami then placed both of her hands on her back before smiling. "Thanks to you and Masumi-chan, I now know how important for one not to swallowed by one event. However, you don't mind we become friends despite probably next year I will defeat you if we ever met on the arena?" She asked rather playfully with a smile.

"I don't mind. However, you shall be careful on what you aim." Itachi agreed to become her friend with a smile while also warn her about her current goal. It's not like he is arrogant or anything but Honami beat him is a talk on a whole another level.

"Ichinose, you surely dreaming high huh?" Akito teased.

"That's not dreaming high Akito-kun!" Honami said rather embarrassed while pouting toward Akito, earning the laugh from everyone present.

Everyone that is… Except Suzune.

Look toward her, Itachi then allow himself to walk on his own toward her despite Mio's worry. When he gets close enough, he starts to speak. "I never expect you to join along with others Suzune. I thought you already back to Tokyo."

"Nii-san said that since my school holiday is close, I shall follow you and Mio to Nagano. He will escort me back two days from now." Suzune informed him with her usual tone before stand up from her seat and look toward Itachi intently. "Can I talk with you alone for a moment? Close from here, there's a restaurant that I can treat you for."

"Treat me?"

"Just follow me." Suzune quickly turn around and walk away from the group, making Itachi decide to follow her. What she want to talk about sounds important.

The scene then skips to the same midnight tea restaurant that Itachi and Manabu used on midnight before the semifinal match. Apparently, Suzune already book the place when he still unconscious after his match with Rokusuke. Proved by a single table with a 'reserved' sign on it.

"Thank you very much maid-san." Suzune nod toward the maid of the restaurant with a formal smile.

"You're welcome Ms. Horikita." The maid slightly bow her head before go toward the kitchen preparing the ordered beverages.

"You quite prepared. I'm impressed since Mio never like this." Itachi slightly smiled at Suzune's quick act of reserving a table for their talk.

"Is that so? Well, what can you expect since all she likes is probably kick someone asses." Suzune said with slightly mocking tone.

"That's Mio for you. She after all aspired to open her own dojo when she's grown up. All I can do is only to keep her at bay… The same as Horikita-san toward you." Itachi chuckled since he knows Suzune is only joking, completely different than the last time. He then takes a seat on the table while Suzune also do the same.

"Know this Itachi-kun that the time I kick someone just because I am bored not finding anyone strong enough for me is the time I decided to expel myself from any school I attend." Suzune narrowed her eyes.

"I know that. You don't need to feel angry at my remarks." Itachi said while shook his head.

"Honestly… Seems what Akito-kun said toward Mio-san that you're dense in relationships and conversation seems true." Suzune huffed remembering what Akito's said to her. "Well, why I said that? After all, I also the same…"

"After knowing the background of your parents yesterday, I think your behavior now makes sense. For that, I apologize for what I judge you back then." Itachi said in apologetic tone for his remarks of Suzune yesterday.

Suzune shook her head. "If I was the same as yesterday, I probably won't accept your apology but I also want to apologize for my crude remark and making Mio-san receives a slap from you." Suzune also apologized for her fiasco yesterday.

"Mio deserve it. After all, it was rude to slap someone out of anger even if we do it for defending someone's honor." Itachi reasoned. "But I guess, this talk is not about you're going to apologize right?"

Suzune nod as the reserved beverages arrive. Nod slightly with a smile toward the maid, she then drink her own as Itachi still not pick up the one that Suzune ordered for him: a nice green tea and Dango.

'Hn. She must be asking Horikita-san for this.' He thought silently. He remembers that he and Manabu once also go like this when they are trained together and probably Suzune knows about his favorite food from him. "You can go on Suzune. Tell me what's you going to talking about."

Suzune take a deep breath before speak. "First, I want to congratulate you Itachi-kun. At first, I really doubt it when you manage to defeat nii-san. But after seeing the way you beat Kouenji-kun, I can't help but think you really deserved the title of this year champion." She said in normal tone while look down, probably not expecting it was her first time congratulating someone instead of her parents or Manabu.

"I take it that some kind of congratulations? Because if it is, the first way to make you talking partner respect you is to look at them in the eye." Itachi said with plain tone but Suzune can't do it. 'I take it this is her first time congratulate others besides her family.'

"Itachi-kun. I bring all my courage here. I already stressed enough by your friends teasing me on the guest stands." Suzune replied with slightly growl.

"It is expected if someone wanting to make a change. However, a true aspect of change is when you never try to use your previous attitude when socialize with other. I know how hard it is, even after one of my friends teach me how to be better on socializing with others, I can find it was harder than I believe." Itachi advice, remembering the time when Shiho act like a teacher for him back then. "It maybe will not change your personality immediately but it's worth to give it a try."

"For once, I start to question why you had so many wisdom for someone on the same age as I did. You not a bookworm from what I see." Suzune curiosity risen up. "What kinds of learning that you do? Also, that movement from the tournament, I'm pretty certain I never saw it in any martial arts."

'It all thanks to my previous experience and the harshness of life.' Itachi inwardly answered before replied. "Before I reply it, what types of martial arts that you prefer Suzune?"

Without hesitation Suzune replied. "I preferred defensive type of martial arts instead of offensive type. Not to mention if I do the same kind of move as Mio-san it will do nothing more than energy wasting." She said with confidence tone.

"I see. But I'm surprised you see Mio match against Kouenji. I thought the way you act before not watching any of it besides Horikita-san match." Itachi stated.

"Don't be a fool. I simply want to look the strength of this year contestants and try to tell their style toward nii-san." Suzune simply replied with a huff.

"I know. But… Judging from your physique, you really not fit to offensive type martial arts. I think you want to learn Aikido like Horikita-san, Mio, and I did?" Itachi asked, earning a nod from Suzune. Then as a part of the conversation, he then answering Suzune's question. "For your first question, I got this strength from training just like other competitors do. Not for me to brag toward you but I was recommended to train in another martial arts which is Shaolin Kung Fu from one of my father's friend. You can say that I grow stronger than most combatants because of that. As for your second question, this will turn to be quite philosophical so you better bare it." Itachi warned. "Tell me Suzune, what is the meaning of life to you?" He asked.

"What the heck is that question?" Suzune genuinely confused. That kind of thoughts isn't something a middle grade student should have. It sounds like someone who see something horrid in the first place.

"Just tell me your answer." Itachi demanded.

Suzune really can't find anything to answer that simple question. For her, what's the meaning of life? She has so many answers that are impossible to find the firm answer for it. However, after thinking for a moment, she decided to answer it. "For me, what's the meaning of life… I think it's when we're able to… Enjoy it to the fullest…"

"Hn." Itachi smiled. 'As you said Horikita-san. Even thought is a slow but sure process, Suzune is able to answer the question that I need to do almost suicide attempt to find it out. Her growth is beginning now.' He thought as he commented on her answer. "I'm surprised you at least able to answer it rather quickly. For me, it took me almost commit something that I shouldn't ever do." He praised her.

"That after all was a question with no definitive answer." Suzune said in plain tone. "What's the point of asking that? It do not have any connections to anything."

"I want to know how you view the meaning of life. As for I, what is life meant to me is that there's someone that will care for you. From the moment I was adopted by Mio's family, I decided that my reason of life is to not tarnish their name that kindly picks up someone like me, who's thrown away by their parents." Itachi stated with some manipulated flashback. However, what he said toward Suzune that he will not tarnish Ibuki's name is genuine one.

"Y-You're thrown away?" Suzune asked in disbelief. Even if she is still in her previous arrogant persona, she still has morality. Knowing Itachi is adopted bring painful feelings in her heart since he is the same man she's mock. "I-I'm sorry… If I-I only know-"

"Horikita-san didn't tell you? He already knows about it along with Akito and two of my other friends." Itachi tilt his head in confusion. He thought Manabu probably talk about this to her but due to how strained their relationship before Itachi persuade Manabu to talk the truth toward Suzune, he probably keep silent about it. "You no need to be sorry."

"But, I-"

"You know Suzune, Horikita-san want to enroll toward ANHS? I want to know when you heard about this, what do you plan from now on?" Itachi asked.

This is an easy question for Suzune. Who not want to enters that so-called prestigious school in the first place? "Of course I'll enroll to ANHS and-"

"If what you aim is just for chasing Horikita-san shadow he'll be disappointed. That's why, I will do what Horikita-san entrust me." Itachi stated, cut off Suzune answer which earn confusion from her. "He said as long as he is in ANHS, he wants me to take care of you in his stead. That means, I'll partly responsible from what you promise toward Horikita-san yesterday."

"I see…" Suzune look down, remembering what she promise toward Manabu that night, that she will become her own person that'll not chasing his shadow anymore. "To tell you the truth Itachi-kun. Yesterday when I said something like that… It's not because my own conviction. I… I was afraid."

Itachi narrowed his eyes. This is a serious question since Suzune probably will pour everything inside her heart. "Go on. You can keep my word that it'll be both of our secret."

"After yesterday, I realized the grim truth… I don't have any goal worth mentioning except for nii-san to acknowledge me. That's all. For the past year, I realized now that all I did is tormenting nii-san and not different than what spoiled brat did." She didn't realize she release silent lone tear. "I'm afraid. Afraid that nii-san hates me for all I did to emulate him and always defending him like he some sorts of perfect being." She admitted with grave tone.

"I want to know something. Horikita-san said you become like this due to his affection toward you. But I can't just hear it from his side. I also want to know your side but if you didn't want to-"

"I'll tell it, since I already know you were adopted, I suggest it will be fair if I tell mine." Suzune said as she took a breath first. "The Horikita family comes from a line of military general that traced back from the beginning of World War 2. You can imagine it how strict our family is due to our military background."

Itachi nod. He knows that feeling more than anyone.

"My father and mother never even have a chance to watch over us and we always under the care of our nanny since we were little. However, it doesn't mean they didn't care about us. If they have spare time, they sometime spend our times with us. Despite I know both of them loved us equally, they really put great faith in nii-san. Nii-san is really our family pride. He able to excels in many things at faster rate than a normal person can. Despite that, nii-san never become arrogant of his talent and tou-san really proud of it and instated him as the heir of Horikita family when he's graduated from college, continuing his job on the military. But as a consequences, I just become someone not special despite the fact my family does not hate me. That's when I have a thought after nii-san praises my achievements. He said to me that I have potential to surpass him. Do you know how happy I am receiving such praise? Not just a formal praise to make me happy but a genuine praise from someone that I can say like my own father." Suzune continued before she takes a sip of her drink and continue her story once again. Tears already form in her eyes.

"Then my curiosity hits its peak. I become curious of how'd nii-san able to stand on his own like that. After slowly observe how he acts, I decide that if I probably mimicking his mannerisms and all, I'll become someone truly worthy of his affection and prove his praise toward me back then." Her face then emitting a sad smile as tears flow from her eyes. "I… I'm such an idiot. If it's not for you to persuade nii-san to talk to me Itachi-kun… I wonder how long I'll keep acting like you said back then… A puppet…" She finally finished her story as she looks down to wipe her tears away.

After hearing the story from both Manabu and Suzune perspective, Itachi concludes that since their family background is military, it was not much different from what his family previously on the Elemental Nations as Fugaku also adopts this strict way of parenting as Suzune's parents. It was no wonder Suzune thinks if she became like Manabu in all aspect her parents will praise her: She lacks love and attention, just like Sasuke.

"Now I understand it completely. Both of your parents love you but they rarely have free time to do so due to their responsibility on the military. But at least you now realize that mimicking a person you revered is not a healthy way of living. It will gain nothing if you mimic someone you admired too far. In fact, it will only turn to failure." Itachi said with advice tone, remembering what Kabuto did by mimicking Orochimaru to such extent that he tries to copy him. "Horikita-san also said to me he didn't want anything bad happen to you when he is on ANHS. Because of that, we welcome you for the next two years to our dojo, Suzune Horikita." He said with welcoming tone.

Suzune then nod. "Likewise. I'll work hard to master Aikido in those two years." She stated with a genuine smile after wiping remnants of her tears away. 'Nii-san… For the last year, I am such a fool for trying to mimic you so you'll acknowledge my talents. However… Itachi-kun, Mio-san, their friends, as well as you help me to realize how fool I was for try to mimic you but in the end got nothing but your disappointment toward me. I'll enter ANHS like I said toward you back then. However, I will use these two years to become a much better person… So I can become a reliable ally for you in the future if we meet on ANHS. Is that what you want right… Nii-san?' She thought, finally feelings something heavy being left from her body.

This time, it will be her that will become her own person using her own efforts, not by mimicking Manabu.

(Saitama Prefecture - Sixth Months after the Tournament)

Sixth Months have pass after Itachi was crowned as the new champion of Middle Grade Martial Arts Tournament after beat Rokusuke Kouenji in a deadly match.

For Shiho Manabe, it should be her usual day, her parents escort her back from her middle grade so she can quickly rest at home.

However, this time is very much different. Instead of riding with her parents back home, she's riding a bus back toward her home. Her face is also seems sadder when compare to the last time she was visit Itachi sixth months ago before she went back to Saitama.

All thanks to the incident sixth months ago when she was about to go toward Hokkaido to watch Itachi and Mio compete on the tournament.

Arriving in front of her house, she opens the door as she mutters. "I'm home… Papa… Mama…" She muttered to herself as she still remembers it like it was yesterday.

(Flashback – At the same time Itachi beat Manabu on the quarter-final of the Middle Grade Martial Arts Tournament)

"H-He won!" Shiho said happily as he watches Itachi manage to defeat Manabu who is the two-time champion from the TV on the living room. 'You're amazing Itachi-kun! I was sad that Mio-chan and Akito-kun didn't manage to reach quarter final!' She thought happily as she quickly rises up from the living room. "Papa! Mama! Itachi-kun made it! Lets go there!"

"He did?" Mr. Manabe wondered as he didn't watch the current match. On the dining table, some documents is on his hand. He seems busy doing some paperwork as expected of a police officer. "If I not wrong, you promise to Itachi to watch him during the semi-final right?" He asked.

"Um!" Shiho nod happily. "Let's go there! If I not wrong, Papa already reserved an airplane ticket to Hokkaido right?"

Mr. Manabe nod. He is happy known that Shiho befriend his old friend son back in the high school. "Okay my dear. Wait for a moment since Papa still have some works to do." He said toward her only daughter with firm tone.

"Still, Shiho-chan is this happy makes me feel relieved." Ms. Manabe said as she emerge from the bedroom with polka dot dress. Appearance-wise, she resembles older Shiho but with long reddish-brown hair. "Itachi-kun really leave great impression toward you isn't it? Don't tell me you like him already?"

"M-Mama!?" Shiho flustered after her mother said it.

Mr. Manabe sighed. "What can I expect? Ever since Itachi gives her that red hairpin, she keeps wearing it everywhere she goes." He stated the fact with light tone.

"Not Papa too!?"

"It's okay dear. What I like is that your stay in Nagano really brings positive influence for you since you really have no friends during your first and second year of grade school. Too bad that you probably won't continue your father career as a police officer." Mr. Manabe said.

"Of course not. Didn't I tell you I want to be a doctor in the future?" Shiho said firmly with a pout. Her aim is not without reason. Shiho already pride herself to be excelling on biology since first year of grade school and till' now she still manages to balance it well. Not to mention her mother was also a nurse on the hospital close to her house.

"There's no need to force her to be a police officer my dear. If that's want Shiho-chan wants to become after she graduate from college then I'll support it." Ms. Manabe support with a comforting smile. "Now then, we shall pack our things first and go to the airport tomorrow." She said.

"Okay!" Shiho happily said as she quickly run toward her bedroom to prepare for her belongings. 'Itachi-kun, Mio-chan, Akito-kun wait for me! Like I promise back then, I'll watch you close by!' Shiho thought as she run toward her room.

(Six hours later)

Midnight, Shiho is asleep on her bedroom while happily thought that she will see someone that already become important on her life. Her 'student' in title for learning how to become sociable to others… And the first one that she can say have affection with.

BOOOOOOOOOM!

Shiho's immediately awake when she heard the suddenly loud noise. Her face turn into horror. 'W-What's that!?' She thought in surprise as she quickly gets up from her bed and exiting her room toward the direction of the explosion. 'That's come from Papa and Mama's bedroom!' Shiho thought in panic as she dash toward her parents' bedroom. When she reach the bedroom, she try to open the door, only for it to fall to the front after she touches the handle and that's when she meet with a grizzly sight.

Her parents' bedroom wall is shatter by something explosive, and some fire is seen ablaze by whoever that causes the explosion. But what makes Shiho horrid is seen the two bodies of two persons she knows well.

"P-Papa…. M-Mama…" Shiho uttered in disbelief as she tries to approach her parents which of course already dead, but then, unexpected to her the nearby televisions in her parents' bedroom explode due to be caught by the fire. The explosion blast make Shiho's fly backward till' her back hit the wall.

"Aah!" Shiho yelp in pain as her back hit the concrete wall behind the door of her parent bedroom. She then falls to the ground as she feels consciousness starting to leave her body. She then weakly look up toward her parents' bedroom. "P-Papa…" She only manages to utter as her world suddenly turns black.

"Ah I see... So he not put it in here." A young male voice is what that Shiho remember before her consciousness leave her.

As she open her eyes, Shiho at first see a bright light. Groaned in pain, she is seen using oxygen machine on her face and beside her bed is ICU Monitor to shown her heartbeat. She is currently taken to the hospital.

'W-Where am I?' Shiho thought in confusion as she weakly try to turn her head to look at her surrounding but her vision is too blurry to get a clear image of her view. She then tried to sit up when a gentle hand on her right shoulder stop her from doing use.

"No need to panic. You're in hospital. Your neighbors quickly call an ambulance after that explosion burn quarter of your house and your house also safe after the firefighters arrive to stop the flame from burns all of it." The doctor explained. She probably around her early-40s.

'A… Hospital…' Shiho mumbling to herself as her brain remembering something. She then quickly pulls off her oxygen mask before look toward the doctor with pleading look. "P-P-Papa… M-Mama… W-Wh-" But as soon as she ask that question, the doctor give her a sad look.

"Mr. Manabe and Ms. Manabe… I'm sorry but they didn't make it. Their injuries are too severe." The doctor informed her with sympathetic tone. "I'm truly sorry for your loss."

After that sentence, Shiho can feel something inside her cracked. Due to her releasing her oxygen mask, she start to hyperventilate by the shock of the news. "Hah… Hah…" Her breath become whizzes as the doctor quickly act fast and put back the oxygen mask back to her face. 'Papa… Mama… It.. It can't be…'

"Relax. Control your breath. Your recovery must come first." The Doctor kindly insisted as Shiho manage to calm her breath down and on deep slumber once again.

A week later, Shiho's condition already assumed to be healthy despite still needs support of wheelchair. The doctor, who known as Doctor Minamikata kindly nurse her back to healthy state. Currently, Shiho who is on the wheelchair and allowed to return back to her home is being escort to her father and mother grave.

Shiho only look at the grave with plain look. After her condition is stable, Doctor Minamikata tell her that her parents already passed away due to the extent of their injuries. Stunned at first, Shiho break down into tears for two straight hours. All she heard was sounds like nightmare. That is impossible right? They already promise to watch the match together on Hokkaido. She… Already promise to Itachi and Mio that she will support them.

And she broke that promise. What a friend she is.

It takes a day for her to didn't want to eat anything and thanks to Doctor Minamikata encouragement that she want to eat and rise up again.

Just why? What did she do to deserve something like this?

"Papa… Mama…" Shiho trailed off as she unable to control her tears. "Why… Why it turn out to be like this?" She then sobbing loudly. "*Hiks*…. What did… *Hiks*… What did I do… *Hiks*…. To be turn out to be like this?... *Hiks*" She asked basically no one between her sobs.

Doctor Minamikata mood turn sour because of Shiho's sadness. Just few days ago she manages to regain back her spirit and she crying again when faced with her parents grave. But she understands her feelings. If she on the same position as Shiho, she undoubtedly be sobbing as well. "Shiho-san… I think it's time we shall return to home. It's going to be rainy soon." She said toward Shiho who is still crying.

"Where?" Shiho suddenly asked. "I don't have anyone anymore. My friends… I… Really have no one…" She said as she looks down. "No… One…"

Doctor Minamikata frowned in sadness hearing it. She almost forgot that this is not only a patient on healing her injuries but also a traumatized child that sees her parent killed before her very eyes. Since she already has a daughter of her own, she knows how hurt it must feel for her.

However, her moral as a doctor won't allow her to leave this poor girl behind. She's still too young to survive on her own without parent plus she afraid it will disturb her mentality despite there's no doubt that Mr. Manabe probably already make some fortune for her. A kind idea then appears on her mind. "You're not alone Shiho-san. If you want to, you can come with me."

Shiho immediately widen her eyes in disbelief. This doctor, the one who kindly nurse her is offer to adopt her? This not makes sense isn't it!? I mean, she's stranger for her and from what she remembered, even her father and mother rarely meets this doctor. So why?

"You don't need to reply it now. Please just listen." Doctor Minamikata said toward her with calm tone as she explaining her reason. "When you are still recovering, I receive a letter from your father superior. He said his condolence and said that your father long ago already write some kind of wills letter. I already have it in my pockets. You no need to be worry; I don't open it since it was your right. However, I can't bear to see you live on your own even though you still have safe. You still too young Shiho-san." She explained.

Shiho listening in silence. "But… I mean… Did you-"

"It's okay. Please trust me I have no ulterior motives Shiho-san. I just… Can't take it if I see an orphan before me while knowing I can do something to make it better. However, the decision again is from you Shiho-san. Will you accept become part of my family and as my daughter? I think my daughter will be happy knowing she will have a new sister." Doctor Minamikata replied the offer once again.

"If that so… You don't have to bother with me Minamikata-san." Shiho smiled weakly at this person who already kindly enough to take cares of her and offer her a new place to stay without any ulterior motive. However, she didn't wish to bother her any more than this. "You've done enough by taking care of me. Because of it… You have no need to bother yourself." She said while manage to maintain a forced smile.

"I see." Doctor Minamikata smiled even though Shiho reject her offer. "However, my offer still open for you anytime you want Shiho-san. I'll patiently wait."

(Flashback End)

Back to the present, Shiho finish her shower as she later prepares her own dinner. Her legs already healed two months before and Doctor Minamikata immediately returns to work on the hospital. Become an orphan at least make Shiho open her eyes to the harshness of life and she then start to train herself to do everything on her own. At first, I prove to be hard but as a month goes on, she finally gets used to it. She then sits on the dining table where her father uses to sit and enjoy her dinner.

"Itadakimasu~." Shiho plainly said as she began to eat her self-made dinner. As she takes the first bite, she flinches at how salty it was. 'Yuck! How's it so salty!?' She thought while disappointed with her own cook. She then make a tired sigh while slump her head to the table. "When can I make delicious meal like Itachi-kun did…" She uttered to no one as she touch the red hairpin that he gave her nine months ago. 'Itachi-kun… I wonder how you and the others are doing now. Are you all right? Knowing you, you probably still work hard to become sociable.' She thought while chuckling to herself before her mood turn sour. 'Papa… Mama… I wonder if the path I currently take right now is right by not accepting Minamikata-sensei offer. I mean, I want to become a doctor in the future and an opportunity is immediately open on my eyes. I have no need to attend ANHS like I first planned… However, I can't help but curious about this elite school. I can't rely on Papa's remaining fortune forever…' Shiho thought as she uttering something. "Papa… Mama… What should I do?" She asked herself.

On Doctor Minamikata side, she's reading the newspaper while sitting on a sofa on her house that is located few kilometers away from Shiho's house. She then look at one of the news title that shock her.

A Recent Killing of Inspector Manabe Finally Founds Bright Light? A Leak to Mysterious Underworld Connections!?

Doctor Minamikata narrowed her eyes. During the first three month while she nurse Shiho back to health, she also helps fellow comrades of Mr. Manabe to investigate the case. From the crime scene, it was revealed that the cause of the explosion is a grenade that thrown from the front of the house. At first, she thought of it was just a common criminal act.

'Underword?' She thought in wary. She not knew much about how the underworld operates. It's just like many box office movies that she watches? In any case, this is not pretty. 'Shiho-san. I hope that you're okay.'

"Kaa-san!" Someone approach her while carrying her smartphone that she intentionally leaves on the kitchen table to be charge. She was a young girl on average height with blue-violet eyes and dark blue hair that is put in Odango style that resembling mouse ear. She also has a mole on the right side of her chin. "Your phone is ringing!" She informed Doctor Minamikata.

Doctor Minamikata smiled at her daughter. "Thank you very much Kozue. From whom this telephone is?" She asked.

"Um… I don't know but the caller name that shown on your phone is named as Shiho." The young girl named Kozue replied to her mother. "One of your patient's kaa-san?"

'Shiho-san?' Doctor Minamikata is confused as why'd Shiho called her after three months had passed. Did she reconsiders her offer back then or maybe her health is deteriorating again? Still, she actually also concern for her right now. "Give the phone to me."

Without replying, Kozue give the smartphone to her mother before speak up. "All right mom! I'll continue train my piano then!?" She said as she run again toward the piano that is close to the living room.

Without any hesitation, Doctor Minamikata later picks up the call. "Hello, Shiho-san?"

"Minamikata-sensei?" Shiho said in relief that the doctor already pick up her call. "I'm sorry for calling you this late." She apologizes at first since it was already 08.30 p.m. She currently already in her bed.

[It's okay Shiho-san. How are you? Did something happen?] Doctor Minamikata ask in concern.

"I'm fine sensei. How about you?" Shiho ask back.

[I'm fine as well. I'm glad you're fine because I thought your health is deteriorating.] Doctor Minamikata voiced her concern.

Shiho gulp before strengthen herself. After full six months of thinking, she finally make her resolve. "Sensei… I… Your offer back then… I'll receive it." She said, finally making up her resolve.

There's silence for a moment from Doctor Minamikata side.

Doctor Minamikata is rather perplexed by Shiho's sudden declaration. Half year ago she kindly rejects her offer. "Shiho-san…" She only manages to say as Shiho continued.

"Sensei… After your offer to me back then, I always have it in my mind. You barely even know me. You just a doctor that unfortunately nurse me back to health. Even so, you cared for me like I was your own daughter even offer to adopt me." Shiho then smiled. "For that, I want to thank you for wanting to take someone even unknown to you. Because of that, did that offer still open for me?" She asked. Deep inside, she actually afraid that whatever happens to her parents will happen to Doctor Minamikata as well.

[… Of course it is. I said it didn't I? I'll wait as long as I have to.] Doctor Minamikata replied with kind tone and somewhat relief.

Shiho gasp while tried to hold her tears. Now she convinced that this doctor is doing that offer not because of her duty but due to her kindness of heart. "T-Thank you… Minamikata-sensei…"

[I'll fetch you up then after I fetch up Kozue from her school. You can call me if you already go back from your school.] Doctor Minamikata said from the phone.

"A-All right." Shiho nod in agreement. "Goodnight Sensei… Sorry for disturbing your nighttime."

[Goodnight to you too Shiho-san. Rest well.] Doctor Minamikata said as she hangs up the call.

After the call is ended, Shiho try to close her eyes to sleep with smile plaster on her face. 'Papa… Mama… Did I do the right thing? After all, I want to become a doctor. Seeing the opportunity open before me and someone want to help me from kindness of heart, I'm not doing wrong right?' She thought to herself as she finally falls asleep.

The next day on 06.30 p.m., Doctor Minamikata already park her car on Shiho's house while Kozue also follows her and wait in front of the entrance door for Shiho to finish packing her belongings. Since she now holds the fortune that her father leaves her, she decide to save the remaining of it for her study in college while her house is being rent.

"Does my new sister will go to the same school as I did kaa-san?" Kozue asked happily to her mother. The news that she will have an adoptive sister makes her happy since she has someone her age in her house to talk with.

Doctor Minamikata shook her head. "No Kozue. She of course will continue on her current middle grade." She informed her daughter with a smile. She knows that Kozue is happy. After her husband is passed away due to lung cancer, she becomes the sole backbone of her daughter in order to make her have a happy childhood. "Be kind toward her okay."

Kozue nod as at the same time, Shiho finally emerge from her house. She assumes a plain purple dress with black stockings and simple mary-jane shoes. She brings a backpack on her back and a suitcase. 'This is Shiho-san? She's cute.' She thought.

"Are you already finishing your packing Shiho-san?" Doctor Minamikata asked.

Shiho nod. "I'm sorry for making you wait too long Sen-no… Mama." She apologize while fix her way of calling her adoptive mother.

Doctor Minamikata chuckling. "No need to be shy Shiho-san. Now we're family." She then looks toward Kozue. "Shiho-san, this is my daughter, Kozue Minamikata. Kozue, say hello."

Kozue happily offer a handshake to Shiho. "I'm Kozue. Nice to meet my adoptive sister, Shiho-chan."

Shiho smiled. Her bright nature makes her remember her elementary days on Nagano. 'Rika-chan will be happy befriending her.' She thought remembering her dear friend. Among the others, she frequently contacts Rika the most though it was stopped after her family murder. The last time she contacts her is that her health condition is worsening and that makes her must do home-stay for a year. Because of that, she currently on the same grade as Shiho instead one grade higher. "Shiho Manabe. Nice to meet my new sister, Kozue." She accept the handshake.

Kozue then notice something on Shiho's hair. "That's cute hairpin on your hair Shiho-chan." Kozue decide to make the first attempt to bond with her by complimenting her looks.

"Ah. You notice it? Most people after all not notice it." Shiho said as she touches her hairpin. "This is a gift from a dear friend of mine. I hope when I meet with him again someday, I want to show him that I still hold it dear." She said remembering Itachi this time.

Kozue still smiled, happy that her first attempt to bond went well.

"But Kozue, did you must do your hair in Minnie Mouse style like that?" Shiho now attempt to do the same as well.

Kozue however puff her cheeks. "How rude. Minnie Mouse is legend and there's nothing wrong with my hairstyle!" She said.

"All right!" Doctor Minamikata clapping her hands. "We can continue it after we reach house. But before that." Kneel down, Doctor Minamikata then kiss Shiho's forehead before look at her with a smile. "Welcome to our family, Shiho Manabe. I promise in the name of your family that I'll raise you well." She said.

Hearing that words, Shiho can't help but smile. At the midst of her despair, she really lucky to find a good person that saved her from fall into depression. The old page when she live with her true family maybe ended but now she's ready to open a new one with her new family.

(Nagano Prefecture – Two Years after the Tournament)

It's been two years had passed since the Middle Grade Martial Arts Tournament. Itachi's victory against Kouenji on the tournament brings positive effect to his adoptive family dojo. It receives many students every year and in turn makes Mr. Ibuki must ask some assistance from his fellow friends in order to accommodate the numbers. It also the beginning of the second term of the third years of Middle Grade School.

Despite his victory, Itachi decided not to enter the Middle Grade Martial Arts Tournament again as he want to focus on training plus his academics. In his place, Mio enter the next year and current year Middle Grade Martial Arts Tournament; successfully obtain Best 8 and runner-up respectively.

Like what Manabu said toward Mr. Ibuki back then, Suzune start to train with Itachi and Mio at the start of the New Year two years ago. Different from Mio that mostly pure offensive, Suzune more like to train the defensive techniques of Aikido which of course become a perfect foil for Mio but not for Itachi as after the two years have passed, he deepen his training in Shaolin Kung Fu and manage to become master rank. He also start to implement his ANBU style hand to hand combat on martial arts that he train on this world after he reach thirteen years old, the same age when his body is on his prime before his deadly illness comes in.

However, this day is going to be a decisive one for Itachi. Is not the matters of Suzune who currently spar with Mio but about the promise he made to Mio two years ago.

If she manages to beat him he will tell her about his old past on the Elemental Nations. Truly on the beginning he still has doubt of why he makes such promise but her conviction is now in full circle. He already did enough of running away from responsibility on his old world.

Talk about Shiho, he still can't contact her no matter what after two years had passed. He also didn't know about the accident that befalls her since the news about it is quickly disappear as soon as it appears. Itachi himself already read the news but quickly dismiss it, thinking it was probably another person. Even so, he still can't help but worry about her and sometimes tries to call her up.

Also on this peculiar day, there are some old acquaintances going to visit.

Suzune and Mio are still sparring inside the dojo. Currently it was Saturday so there's no student inside.

Despite her prowess in Aikido even mix it with Capoeira flexible attacks, Mio still unable to land a clean hit on Suzune. Manabu's younger sister prowess in defensive movements is prove to be better than her offensive techniques. At a moment, Suzune seems slips off and Mio throws a martelo de chao (roundhouse kick) toward Suzune right side but she manage to block the kick with her right hand as she counter by punch her right side using her other hand, making her gasp for air as she later giving coup de grace by doing throwing techniques which makes Mio's body crash to the wooden floor. After doing the finishing move, Suzune release her opponent as she wipe sweats from her forehead. "Seems it's my victory again, Mio-san." She said in plain tone.

"Heh. Don't need to be arrogant." Mio manage to sit up while recover from her injury. "After all I still score more victory than you did."

"You already train with nii-san and Itachi-kun for many years of course it was obvious." Suzune stated by logical reply. "After all, you moves are too flashy. Unless you can fix it, there's no way you can beat someone like Kouenji-kun or even Itachi-kun." She then offer her hand to help her stand up.

Mio closed her eyes and smiled. After two years training together, she finally get use to Suzune's crude, harsh, and logical remark. "No need to remind me every time." She replied as she receive the help to stand up. "It was I that was surprised. To think that you able to master Aikido defensive technique this fast. Makes me remind of Itachi achievements."

"Compare to him, I still have a long way to go. Although I admit in academics, I'm equal to him." Suzune admitted. Aside from train in Aikido, Suzune also sometimes shared her knowledge in academics to Itachi and Mio. Her prowess in academics is almost perfect that even Itachi admit his achievements in academics are equal to her.

Before Mio can reply, Itachi slid open the door toward dojo while there are two persons accompany him. "Hey you two. Guess who's coming?" He said while revealing that Honami and Masumi is the one that come.

"Hello Mio-chan! Suzune-chan!" Honami greet them while wave her right hand toward Mio and Suzune.

"It takes me and Honami some time to finds your home address." Masumi said while close her eyes. "It's been a while isn't it?"

Mio later chuckling. "Honami is not surprising but to think you also visit…"

"I let Mr. Fang take care of my house for a while so I have free time to visit. Due to luck, I met her waiting for bus so I ask her to come along." Masumi replied before look toward Suzune. "Itachi informed me that you now train in here on the weekends. It seems it was true."

Suzune nod. She once touch Masumi's sore spot so it was natural she is wary of her presence. "I am. Since you're here, I want to say something." Suzune then bow her head in apology. "I apologize for the fuss I cause two years ago. I know it was too late to apologize now but thanks to a certain someone, I'm realizing how bad I was back then." She said sincerely.

Masumi look at her intently before sigh. "It's fine. It was in the past and I bear no grudge against it." She said before slightly smiled. She then walk forward and glance toward Itachi. "So Itachi. What are you going to do to the point you ask both me and Honami for help?"

"Help for what?" Mio confused. Itachi never told her about this.

"He he he. It's secret. I promise Itachi-kun to let it like that till' he decides to tell it." Honami answer.

"I prepare a special test for both of you." Itachi simply stated. "Both of you shall follow us to the empty garden close from here and I suggest you not have lunch." He then nods toward Mio, signaling that it was the time for their promise two years ago.

Mio replied with the same nod. At last, the time is finally come.

At the empty garden park which is the same place Shiho bid farewell to Itachi before she return to Saitama, Itachi already arrive alongside Masumi. Both of them already wearing their training suit while waiting for others to arrive. For safety measure, Itachi cautiously picks a time when the garden was empty with visitors.

"Since we're both alone, I want to say I'm sorry for not waiting till' you wake up two years ago." Masumi said with apologetic tone. "But I'm sure Honami already give you my regards."

"She already are. Also, there's no need for you to apologize for that. We have our own doings after it was over after all." Itachi said to ease her worries but she shook her head with a smile.

"That's not possible. After all, you're the first person that not be disgust by me who learn martial arts that use for killing. Honami is the second though." Masumi said.

"You have no need to feel disgust by yourself. So what if you learn Dim Mak? Does that make you a killer? No. From what I see, the one that teach you will be so proud of how dedicate you are to it." Itachi encouraged her.

"Yeah… I hope he is." Masumi said with slightly somber tone remembering her father. "Speaking of it, why you didn't follow the tournament again? I know from Honami that the only one she see when she enters it again is only Mio and her both."

"I want to focus on my study plus I think it's better if the next generation taste the victory rather than me. On top of that, I actually hate fighting and violence." Itachi honestly replied.

Masumi chuckle hearing it. "It already plastered on your face even when the time you face against me." Masumi said.

'She surely perceptive.' Itachi compliment her in his thought.

"Sorry we late!" Honami said as she running toward them. Behind her, Mio and Suzune also arrive already wearing their training suit.

Itachi sighed. "Just on time then."

As the five of them stand with Itachi and Masumi facing Honami, Suzune, and Mio; he then start to speak. "Now then. I'll explain the rules of this training since I secretly contact Masumi only. The match will be the two of us against the three of you." He then shows a bell that he put on his wrist. Masumi later do the same. "I and Masumi each hold one bell. The task of your three is to steal this bell from both of us."

"W-W-Wait a minute!? I don't hear about any of this!?" Honami complained.

"Itachi and I decide to keep it a secret for a reason. He said something like 'potential' or something. I actually also one of that 'potential' he was talking about but he ask me for help." Masumi explained to her.

"But wait a minute? There're only two bell? But… There are three of us here." Mio said in confusion.

Suzune only silent as she tried to find the meaning of this game.

"That's because from you three, one that didn't get the bell will be tied up on the tree for the rest of the day. Because of that, I suggest you not eating lunch yet." Itachi stated as he and Masumi put the bell back on their wrist. "All of you can use any tricks, tactics, even martial arts to take this bell from both of us. That's all."

Honami, Mio, and Suzune went silent. Although this game for them is just a mere game, the fact that one of them will be tied to a tree is comically terrifying. 'So this is the challenge he prepared for me…' Her thought then turn into a joy. 'Interesting.'

'This game of bell stealing… There must be hidden meaning on it. But… Why'd he said we free to utilize any means to steal it from him and Kamuro-san?' Suzune also has her own thought.

Honami then slightly widen her eyes. 'This game… Its main goal are-' She like found something inside her thought but she won't tell it. At least for now.

"Now then. Let's begin shall we." Itachi said as he tenses his body if they choose martial arts.

Suzune suddenly widen her eyes. 'That's it! Now I understand the reason of this game!' She eureka something before said in low tone toward Honami and Mio. "Mio-san. Ichinose-san. Come here for a second." She said to both of them before look at Itachi and Masumi. "We allow discussing our strategy right?" She asked.

'Seems she already find out. Believe it or not, if train well she have good observation.' Itachi thought in amazement. "Very well then. Both of us will move away from her for fairness. Let's go Masumi." He said as he walks away from the scene.

Masumi then look toward the three of them. 'Good luck facing both of us.' She hopes in her thought as she also walks away from the scene.

As both Itachi and Masumi are out of sight, Suzune then start to speak her opinion of the game. "Listen carefully Ichinose-san, Mio-san. I think I can find out the goal of this game. Itachi-kun goal is to test… Our teamwork."

"Teamwork?" Mio is confused by Suzune's theory. "But you listen what he said right? He said that only the two of us that'll get the bell respectively from Itachi and Masumi and one who didn't get it will be tied up on the tree. Imagine it make me afraid."

"No. I think Suzune-chan was right Mio-chan." Honami supported, having her own theory before. "Think again of what Itachi-kun said. Why'd he said that we allow using any methods to get the bell? He use that work to trick us from the true purpose of the game." She explained her theory. 'But I still wonder why'd I put into Mio-chan group?'

"Ichinose-san is correct." Suzune agreed. "That any methods words is to heat us up so each of us will act individually to avoid the punishment. So, he hopes to expect us act individually to lure us into a trap."

Although still disagree, Mio start to find what Suzune and Honami theorized make sense. Its three against two. Despite outnumbered, Itachi and Masumi prowess is above the three of them although she probably on equal with the purple-haired girl. 'So this is the game you want to play with Itachi. Fine, I'll play it with move you will not expect.' She thought in challenging one.

If Itachi want to test teamwork, she will prove it to him.

"All right then. Both of you does not mind if I make a plan to steal the bell right?" Suzune asked which the other two nods in agreement. "Thank you. So…"

On the other side of the park, Itachi is walking alongside Masumi. Apparently they are finish from doing something.

"With this all done." Itachi stated as he look toward the three of them.

"Itachi if I may know why you include Honami as well. I know you use this game so that Suzune and Mio can act as a team but why Honami as well? She from what I see is sociable." Masumi asked.

"I agree. However, from what happen two years ago, Honami can easily stressed under heavy circumstances when she feels she is doing something bad. Because of that, I plan to use this game to help her move on from that. As for Suzune and Mio… I have my own ideas." Itachi explained. 'I don't know why but… I think Suzune and Mio can make a good pair. Although Mio was a better fighter than Suzune, she lacks strategy. With someone like Suzune who can make quite decent strategy, I hope it can close the weakness of her.'

"Seems they arrive. From what I see they resort to hand to hand." Masumi simply stated as she brace herself when the three already close. But to her slight surprise, Honami is the one that move forward first. 'So she chooses to come alone.' She thought as Honami delivers a sweep kick which she easily avoid. "Going here alone? Did you forget I best you easily?"

"This time it won't be the same as two years ago!" Honami proclaimed as she delivers a punch toward Masumi which she manage to counter.

At the same time, Itachi glance toward Mio and Suzune. "You let Honami going alone? What a poor decision." He criticized.

"I have trust on her able to hold off Kamuro-san. What the two of us will do." Suzune said as she doing fist bump with Mio. Her face is serious.

"Is to steal the bell from you first." Mio continued.

Itachi smiled hearing it. "Try it if you can." He challenged both of them as Mio and Suzune rushes forward.

Mio is the one that make the first move after she dash first, away from Suzune. She adopts ginga movements and try to kick Itachi with a sweep kick to his chest but Itachi manage to avoid it by jumping backward. She however keeps attacking Itachi, not giving any chance to counter.

Suzune on the other side try to outrun Itachi and manage to see the bell on his wrist. 'Good job Mio-san. Now!' Suzune now dash toward the bell, try to steal it.

Mio who see the action, smiled. 'Good job Suzune! Now we just need to help Honami-'

Much to their surprise, both of Itachi's hand manages to get Suzune's right arm and Mio's right leg respectively. He not shows sign of fatigue. Seemingly surpass thirteen years old plus not tormented by terminal illness bring his physical strength back like the time he massacred the Uchiha Clan. Although he knows that his current strength is not the same as he is back on the Elemental Nations. "Impressive basic strategy. Using Mio as a distraction while you try to find an opening to steal the bell. Seems the three of you manage to find out the true goal of this game." Itachi compliment both of them with proud tone.

'His grip… Is gotten stronger than the last time we spar.' Suzune thought in surprise.

'Ugh. As expected of Itachi I guess.' Mio thought as she tried to free her right leg but to no avail.

"However, it's not enough to best me." Itachi state as after he free his grip from Mio and Suzune, he counter by delivering punch to the gut for the former and kick to the side of the wrist for the latter as the fall to the ground. "You need Honami to distract me better. But I'm certain she already lost to Masumi over there."

Suzune smiled after hearing it. "Who said we let Ichinose-san go on her own." She said as she stands up again. 'The kick is not hurt. He really not want to injure any of us.'

"We can still go Itachi. Don't underestimate us just because you master multiple martial arts." Mio said as she also stands up once again.

"Very well then. Then you will not mind if I attack this time." Itachi stated as he suddenly elbow Suzune which she block in time. Using the opening, Mio kick his left shoulder only for Itachi to block it with a grip of his left arm. Using the momentum, he then jump backward to keep his distance. 'Hn, their coordination start to getting better.' He compliment as he glad his prediction about Mio and Suzune are correct.

'He just keeps dodging.' Suzune thought rather annoyed. 'I guess that's expected from one-time champion of Middle Grade Martial Arts Tournament. I only hope Ichinose-san arrive here on time.'

Few meters from Itachi, Honami also still try to take the bell from Masumi's wrist. As expected, the Dim Mak practitioner is still flexible and nimble as ever and it prove hard for her that currently reach brown and black belt still hard to overcome.

Masumi still deflect Honami's attack with plain look on her face. However, her thought think otherwise. 'You've grown stronger than the last time we met.'

Honami then doing some advanced technique of Taekwondo where she from her right hands into fist except for her index finger which on the same shape as someone try to do acupuncture. 'If it doesn't work, then I'll use this!' She then attack Masumi once again by throw a fore-fist that caught easily by Masumi but that's revealed to be a distraction as the blonde haired girl immediately launch her finger attack toward Masumi's wrist that hold the bell, only for the former to catch her other hand.

"A Jumeok? I didn't think you can use that technique already Honami. After all, since it basis is the same as mine, that's no problem for me to deflect it." Masumi explained while smiling.

"Is that so?" Honami suddenly plays dirty by sweep Masumi's footing, making her lose balance as she use the chance to finally able to steal the bell from Masumi when she's off guard. However, since Honami take it rather recklessly, she falls face first to the grass while Masumi manage to balance herself rather quickly and jump to the right to keep her distance.

'So she manages to steal my bell.' Masumi thought as she later walks toward Honami to help her stand.

On Honami side, she lifts up her face which was soiled from the ground. She however smiled when she saw the bell on her right hand. 'I… Finally did it.' She thought happily.

"Can you stand on your own?" Masumi then squat in front of her with a formal smile on her face. "You did it. Although this scene remind me of two years ago when we met on the ring." She said.

"He He He… Surely it is." Honami acknowledge it as she stands up on her own. She then look toward Suzune and Mio that still struggles to take the bell from Itachi. "I must help them now." She said as she walks toward them when Masumi suddenly touch her left shoulder.

"Wait. Let me help three of you. Itachi said to me that if my bell already stolen, I must help three of you to take the bell from him." Masumi explained.

"Itachi-kun said that?" Honami ask in confusion. 'What does Itachi-kun want to accomplish with this?' She tried to find the answer.

Masumi shook her head. "I also not know. However, we must help both of them now. From what I see, Itachi now is stronger than the time he faces against Kouenji." She warned her.

Honami nod in agreement. "Let's go."

Back on the other unfinished bell stealing, despite both of their efforts, Mio and Suzune still unable to steal the bell from Itachi. Itachi however keep dodge backward till' he get close to a tree. He inwardly smiled. 'Hn. Now to prepare the trap.' He thought as he makes sure he is not the one that caught in the trap. "Amazing you two. You manage to corner me."

"Even so… *Hah*… We still unable to take the bell from you…" Mio said while try to catch her breath.

'It strange. From what I see, he likes luring us here on purpose.' Suzune quickly note this as when both of them try to attack Itachi, he always jump backward till finally reach here close to this tree. "Mio-san, be watchful of anything. It became suspicious." She warns her teammate while also try to control her breath after many movements.

Mio nod, understand the warning before speak toward her adoptive brother. "Nee Itachi. You said before that we allow using any way to steal the bell right? If that so, you don't mind if I use the same maneuver as I did against that self-confident prick right?" Mio suddenly dash before doing the same move she did against Kouenji two years ago: an aerial cartwheel kick. Spinning her body mid-air, she later brings her right leg down to hit Itachi head, only for him to easily catch it with ease. 'What!?'

"Still not enough though Mio. You still too brash in your approach and thus." Itachi then throw Mio toward the tree which of course will hit if she didn't stabilize herself by land her right foot on the ground, when suddenly-

"Whoaaa!" Mio screamed as she suddenly pulled by a rope tied to her ankle and being hang upside down beside the tree. "Itachi!? What the heck!"

"I lure the two of you here in order to make one of you get caught on this trap. Suzune, I thought you already realized it but why you didn't tell Mio about it?" Itachi asked while a bit disappointed that Suzune decide to keep silent.

Suzune narrowed her eyes toward Itachi. "I keep silent because this is unexpected." She replied. 'Still… I never thought he prepare a trap like that. If that's true, all this place probably is booby trapped. I know he's smart in term of academics but the way he set this up, is like a veteran war soldier.' She thought while fear is shown on her thought.

"Now then Suzune, it's you and me now. Take my bell and get it over with or you want to help Mio?" Itachi challenged her as he walks toward her.

"Suzune!? No need to worry about me and kick his ass." Mio yelled to her.

'If at least I can make him drop his guard. Then I have a chance.' Suzune then prepare her stance. She then smiled. "Like Itachi-kun said. Mio-san, seems you have the gall to kick someone every day." She commented which earn comical tick mark from Mio.

"Oi!? What's the meaning of that!?" Mio screamed as she struggles to free herself from the bind of the rope. 'Damn! Glad that I wear training suit instead of skirt! Damn you Itachi!' She thought in annoyed tone.

As Itachi approach her, Suzune look toward the branch and see something. She then look at Itachi with confidence.

Widen his eyes, Itachi suddenly have small pebble on his right hand that he thrown backward without turn his head.

"Whoa!" A girlish scream then heard as someone almost fall from a tree. It was later revealed to be Masumi who try to free Mio from the rope.

"One is uncovered." Itachi simply state as he dodge a backhand fist from behind him by bent his body forward and counter with a kick that still manage to be block. "Doing dirty move… It's not I expect from you, Honami." He stated as it later revealed Honami is the one that try to attack him from behind.

Honami however didn't reply as she keeps her distance at the same time Masumi manage to release Mio from the trap. Now Itachi is surrounding by four people.

'My situation is not in my favor huh?' Itachi thought. After all, it just a game, not a serious match. "Four against one. This surely an unfair situation for me." He commented.

"You said it yourself like Mio-san said back then." Suzune surprisingly do the first move by dash and try to steal the bell from his waist, but Itachi just grab her right hand and easily deflect it aside.

Honami then do the next move. "We allow using any way to steal it!" She then do the same reverse turning kick as she did two years ago, but Itachi easily ducks below the kick. As he tries to counter, Honami quite prepare and caught his elbow strike with her left hand and caught his fist with her other hand. "Mio-chan! Suzune-chan! Now!" She screamed as she tried to hold Itachi in place.

Understand the code, Mio sweep Itachi's leg, making him lose balance. She then look toward Suzune with a nod.

'My balance…' Itachi thought in surprise at the sudden movement.

Understanding Mio's signal, Suzune moves in. She however did bear hug instead of steal the bell. "Kamuro-san! DO IT!?"

Without any words, Masumi using her agility quickly moves in and at last, manage to steal the bell from Itachi's wrist, the game is finally over.

"Good job all of you." Itachi said as all of them now is on the garden of his and Mio's house. Shisui is seen perching on the top of the tree on the garden. Due to being tame enough, Itachi allows the crow to roam free as surprisingly, he sometimes return with a gift like live prey animal or even some tools. "So you manage to find out early on? As expected of you Suzune." He compliments the raven-haired girl. The time is currently sunset.

"Ichinose-san is the one that find out first. Although knowing her personality, she's hesitant to tell it immediately." Suzune replied as she sip her tea. Actually, all four of them worn out from the game at noon and currently also sit on the garden.

"I was not hesitant. The game Itachi-kun pull on us could have many meanings…" Honami defend herself.

"Who cares? At least, I… Did it. Even with four of you… I manage to best Itachi in one thing." Mio said in low tone as she smiled. "Despite of it. I think it was unfair."

"How so? By proving the four of you, Masumi included able to do decent teamwork like that in a situation when thinking must be precise and fast, prove that despite still fresh, you four already have trust in one another. Now all that four of you need is to hone it." Itachi explained the main goal of the game. "Actually I use this game to test you, Suzune plus my promise to Mio back then. I must say in just two years, you really make proud achievement for your own. Good job. Horikita-san will be proud of what you become now."

"I see." Suzune simply said. "T-Thank you… But don't g-get used to it." She thanked.

"Hee~ Suzune is jealous. I just hope Shiho still here so she can see it~" Mio teased her but it brings Suzune sinister side.

"Mio-san. You better chose: to regret in suffering or to regret in despair…" Suzune said in low tone as she suddenly pick a compass out of nowhere. However, all can see her face is red from embarrassment despite being obscured by her hair.

"Um…" Mio comically shivering. "What's that thing?"

"Come here Mio-san." Suzune look at her with annoyed but red face as she stand up. "Don't make me repeat it twice."

"Sorry Itachi, Honami, Masumi. Need to go!" Mio stated as she quickly stand up and run away from the scene.

"Come back here! You-" Suzune screamed as she run down chasing Mio. Will she chase her across the globe? No one really knows.

Masumi only smiled seeing it. The departure of her late father plus training both strength and mentality make her able to hold an urge to giggle. 'Who could have thought the arrogant girl two years ago… Can change this much? You truly a good person on educate someone, Itachi.' She thought to herself.

Honami however can't hold her laugh. "Um… Sorry Itachi-kun but do you think we need to… Stop both of them?" She asked while feel embarrass for laughing.

Itachi sighed. "It's fine. I already get use to Suzune's antics. The next thing that will happen is either she or Mio collapsed in exhaustion or Suzune manage to stab that compass of her." He explained. Lucky that Manabu already warn him firsthand about this particular antics of Suzune before he enrolls to ANHS. After all, Manabu himself also already become the victim of it when Suzune's still a child. According to him, it's like Suzune able to create compass out of nowhere but Itachi knows it's a mere hyperbole.

"But speaking of that game Itachi… I know that you want to train Suzune and Mio but why you involve us as well? After all, we're rivals." Masumi asked the thing she really curious of. Why he go to such length to the point to make the four of them work as a team like that? As far as she knows, the best way they can become friends is through LINE, as they will walk their own path after graduation from their desired college.

"Why?" Itachi then look toward the sky which is already sunset. "Before that, I think I still not tell both of you yet. Even Akito and my grade school friends still not know about this. Mio and I, including Suzune plan to enroll on ANHS. I heard the entrance test will begin at the end of the year. Since currently is on June, both of us have time to prepared." He said.

"ANHS? I think it was coincidence. I actually plan to enroll on there as well since I've heard that news." Masumi replied, revealing that she also plan to enroll on that prestigious school as well.

"But if I not wrong, ANHS forbids any connection from the outside world for three years right?" Honami asked. "I actually plan to enroll there as well… But I'm afraid I can't check on my sister and kaa-san if it becomes like that…"

"That where the news comes in." Itachi said as he explains it. "Apparently, it currently has a prodigious student council president that bends the rules for a bit. Instead of that strict rules, he manage to bend that rules so the students allows to go outside the school during the Summer Vacation, Christmas and New Year's Eve, Winter Vacation, family matters, package sending or caught an illness. The student family on the other hand also allowed giving their child gifts or mail. If it's still the old rules, I probably won't enter that school." He said. 'Although if the old rules still happen, I'll enter anyway but I won't let Mio enter it. I don't know why but why I have feelings the organization that Hagoromo-sama mention will make a mess on there?'

"This student council president seems amazing. I thought he'll stick with the school old rules." Masumi said, compliment whoever this student council president.

"Change after all is needed. We can't become stagnant to the old rule which of course don't matter to ever evolving world. Keep staying to the old rules means we become stagnant being. I know that feelings better than most." Itachi said, remembering his clan fate.

"I see. This student council president must be intelligent person. I also become the student council president for a year in my school but I think I can't compare with him." Honami said with a smile, compliment whoever the current ANHS student council president.

"You're student council president? That's quite unexpected." Itachi said. On his eyes, Honami never struck as a leader-type person.

"Um. Although I mostly help by my friends during the job." Honami admit while rubbing the back of her head. "But why you ask that both of us will attend ANHS or not?"

"I just curious that's all." Itachi simply replied. 'Four of them probably didn't realize it but if ANHS system is like what Shisui said to me back then, it will be a good thing if four of them can support each other. Precautions after all are needed.'

Midnight finally arrives. Due to next day being Sunday and Honami and Masumi are worn out, both of them decide to sleepover on Itachi and Mio's house till tomorrow. All of them sans Itachi are sleeping in Mio's bedroom when she then awake. 'Ugh. Damn Suzune. Did she always must do that to hide her embarrassment?' She yawned as she looks at Suzune who's sleeping with her dear compass on her hand. "I'm… Thirsty…" She uttered as she exiting her bedroom to get a drink on the kitchen, leaving the other three who's still asleep.

As Mio walk toward the kitchen, she saw Itachi seems doing something on the table. 'Itachi? What's he doing?' Curious, Mio then decide to call him. "Itachi. What're you doing on a time like this?" She called him who immediately recognize her presence.

"Mio." He looks toward his adoptive sister with his eyes which are undoubtedly tired. "I just reread the material to prepare for ANHS entrance exam. Since I still have many subjects I need to chase while I focused more on martial arts for a year. That reminds me, did Suzune manage to do that again to you?" He asked in concern.

Mio sighed although yawned at first. "I'm lucky that kaa-san is on the garage. If not, who knows what that damn compass will do to me." She said while comically shiver.

Itachi emit a small inaudible laugh. "I'm glad." He simply stated. "Ever since Akito, Shiho, and Rika leave us after grade school graduation, you seem down a bit. Now you already value Suzune as your friends. Because of that I'm glad." He said.

Mio huff while put her hands on her hips. "Well, as long she didn't turn into a maniac carrying that compass everywhere then I think us good." She said rather annoyed before smile a bit. "But… The more I socialize with her, I realize that she is lonely. Despite that I probably can't become a good friend for her, the fact that she can smile… I don't know why." She then put her right hand on her chest. "It's not a bad feeling at all."

"That's probably a relief that you manage to help someone from the wrong path." Itachi point. "The hard fact is a kind person maybe don't exist since human in nature are greedy. However, when we do something good from the bottom of our heart, it will sometimes give us warm feeling cause we know we did the right thing." He explained.

"Still… Why're you keep learning on this hour? The entrance exam is still way long and I'm pretty sure kaa-san will scold you if you keep doing this." Mio said, advising her adoptive brother.

"You right. Thanks to you, seems I realize I overdid it a little." Itachi replied as he tidy up his books. "I forgot to said this. Congratulations Mio, you won our bet two years ago." He said with a small smile.

"Won? C'mon don't you dare said something like that when I won because of Suzune, Masumi, and Honami help me to do so. For me, I truly won if I manage to best you one on one." Mio sigh at Itachi's attitude. For her who manages to become the runner-up of this year Middle Grade Martial Arts Tournament, she holds belief that a true win is happen if someone is one against one against its foe. Yet, why'd Itachi think she already wins?

"You're wrong if you think our bet is one on one match against you and me. I simply want you to best me in one thing. Today game proves it to me that you can perform quite teamwork with others. If it was you in the past, I'm pretty sure you try to take the bell for yourself." Itachi said.

"You can give the credit to Suzune. She's the one who find out even Honami already find it out. As for me…" Mio look down, remembers that she can't even find the true meaning of the game if Suzune not tell them first. She however shook her head, knows that there's no meaning lament for her own failure. "But for the promise you said back then… What are exactly you want to tell me? Are you perhaps wanted to train me in that unknown move of yours?" She curiously asked.

After that question, Itachi expression for a moment turns serious. She still not known that he plan to tell her about his true past. However, he still can't find himself ready as he tries to strengthen his mentality first. "You will know when the time comes Mio. I promise I will tell you but… Not now and not here."

Mio raise her eyebrow. "Why? Last time I remember you never this wary about telling something Itachi." She asked.

"You will know in time Mio no need to worry. I want to rest a little now." Itachi said as he stands up while bringing along his books to return to his room. "You've grown well Mio. Never stray off to the wrong path." Itachi touch her right shoulder as he walks past him toward his bedroom.

Mio then look toward her adoptive brother's back with a sad frown. For a moment, she see Itachi's sad face. 'Why'd you look so sad?' She thought somberly. Missing their friends on grade school comes into mind but Mio deduced that is not the case. It could be something even more important.

And she will find out… Tomorrow.

On the morning, Suzune already escort by her families driver while both Masumi and Honami went back together. After cleaning their bedroom and home and finishing other things, Itachi sigh and look toward the sky from the window inside his bedroom.

It's time. And this time, he won't run away from the aftermath.

And so, due to its Sunday, Ms. Ibuki allow Itachi to escort Mio for a walk. At first, he take Mio to many place that she like. Of course that also include gym and many other place to make her happy. After that, both of them go to the amusement park as their last destination. Currently, they are sitting on a bench while bought two cotton candy to eat.

"So the thing that you promise me is to take me to my favorite places?" Mio asked while eating her cotton candy.

"Something likes that." Itachi replied as he also eating his cotton candy. "But the truth is… I want to tell something to you. I once want to do that two years ago but I realized how traumatized you will be at that age if you knows it. But now, I think you're more than ready." He said with somber tone.

"Traumatized? Why should I? If you talk about my defeat against the narcist-"

"It's not about your breakdown after the second round two years ago." Itachi shook his head. 'This is it.' "It's about the true me."

"The true you?" Mio now become more confused. "Itachi, what kind of joke you're talking about? You're adopted by tou-san and kaa-san since you're a baby like me. I already see what you truly like since both of us always together."

Itachi shook his head again. "What I mean is… Mio, do you believe in reincarnation?" He asked her.

"The thing about someone soul when they died will reincarnate far to the future? I heard that so much from sensei on the school till I fall asleep." Mio replied with joking tone.

"I was the one."

After that, Mio demeanor turns from confusion to shock. "What?"

"The reincarnation thing… I was reincarnated person from my past life. A god kindly gives me a second chance so I can live without any regrets. My actual promise two years ago… Is to tell you about my past." Itachi revealed as he thinly smiled. "Of all the people I encounter here, I really fond of you the most Mio. Not to mention you're my adoptive sister as well. Because of that… If at least I can the truth to you… I can move on from my past without regrets."

"Itachi… Are you caught a fever? C'mon this isn't funny. You being reincarnated or something like that is impossible." Mio try to deny although her body slightly shivering. "C'mon. Lets go-"

"I'm sorry for this, Mio. But I guess you shall stay here." Itachi said with apologetic tone while releasing a bit of his killing intent, making Mio stay in place.

'T-This is the same feeling when the semifinal and the final two years ago!?' Mio thought in fear as her body now is shaking. "I-It was you…"

'So she senses it as well two years ago.' Itachi concluded after seeing her reactions. He then continued. "When the god reincarnates me, he gives a gift that allows me to show my true past to a person that I trust the most. That person is you, Mio. Because of that, I will say it once again. No matter what you attitude toward me after this, knows that I always love you." Itachi then give a firm hold on her adoptive sister shoulder.

"I-Itachi…"

As a part of the gift, Itachi's left eye morph into his trademark Sharingan, as it takes Mio's consciousness to her sub-consciousness where Itachi shown her his true past but with some filter as some is too gore even for her.

The showing, while it lasts for two hours on Mio's sub-consciousness, it was only a second on the real world. Itachi's left eye then return back to its old eye. His face turn sour as he tries to predict what Mio's reaction to it.

After all, he already showed her everything. His shame, his failure, his redemption. All of it.

Even about his relationship with Sasuke.

And so, he try to called her. "Mio…"

"S-Stay away…" Mio uttered with fearful tone.

Itachi grimaced. His prodigic nature of reading people heart quickly kicks in. 'I see. As expected… You-'

"STAY AWAY FROM ME YOU-" Mio unable to continue her words as she stand up while looking at her adoptive brother fearfully. "Y-You…" She didn't say anything as she turns around and run away from the scene.

"Mio!" Itachi called in worry. The weather condition is not good and he doesn't want her to get drench in rain. Forgetting his own lamenting, he quickly stood up and chase after her.

'That's lie! Lie! All of it!' Mio thought as she keep running out from the amusement park in fear. 'Itachi… That can't be him right!? H-He kill his own parents… And his lover… That easily! Does that mean all he did to me was a lie!?' She thought about her fond memories with Itachi which cracks. 'No! I don't know what to think anymore!' She thought as she keep running. There's only one thought she have.

And that's to get away from Itachi as possible.

Unfortunately, that makes her not watchful of her surrounding, considers it starting to rain very hard.

PIIIIIIIIIIIIIN!

Mio unable to react as she turn her head in the mid of her running to see a truck heading toward her.

"Eh?" She can only make a shock face as the truck already close to her at high speed. She even can't make a thought.

"Mio keep in there!" At the precise moment, Itachi quickly act. Due to his strength already on his prime like the time he was 13 years old, he manage to close the distance rather quickly by jump toward Mio and grab her before the truck hit. The truck is keep driving at high speed toward its destination.

'I was on time.' Itachi thought in great relief. 'I already promise myself…. I won't make her become like Sasuke.' He then decided to ask her. "Are you all right?" He asked in concern as the rain keeps raining hard.

"I-Itachi… That-" Mio try to said something but still try to return from her shock.

"You almost got hit by a truck. Gladly that I arrive in time." Itachi replied. "Mio… I just… I just want to-"

"Why… Why you don't just kill me?" Mio asked, still on the shock from the showing of Itachi's past. "L-L-Like Y-You… Killed them…"

"I know. And I will never sugar-coated it. What I did back then is… Unforgivable. If you want to know… I truly felt myself didn't deserve this second chance." Itachi admitted as he didn't realize he's crying. This earn shock from Mio. "However… Thanks to you, Father and Mother, and our friends… I manage to move on from my past. Because of that, please forgive me for my foolish decisions. I'm afraid if I show this to someone random. However…"

"However…?"

"If you are the one who know it. I have no regrets even if you'll hate or fear me for it. With this, I can feel truly free… For me to finally able to go on with this second chance of mine without being tied to my previous life. Because of that right now I want to say this. Thank you, Mio Ibuki. Thanks to you the most, I finally able to act like how human should be." Itachi admit his true feelings with honest tone.

Mio at first try to retort that she's simply replacement for Sasuke. But even she can't detect lie on his face.

He saved her from being hit by a truck after all.

"J-Just… Take me home…" Mio manage to utter.

Itachi just simply nod. He grimly realized that his bond with Mio will not be the same after all of this and it's his entire fault.

After both of them arrived at their house and of course drenched, it cause Ms. Ibuki to worry as Mr. Ibuki currently on another prefecture. Lucky for both of them, Ms. Ibuki trust Itachi's words and after a bath, he decides to accompany Mio to her bedroom. Carrying her on his back make him has nostalgia about how he used to do so with Sasuke. After he put her on her bed and going to his own bedroom, Mio suddenly called him.

"P-Please stay here." Mio whined.

Itachi glanced toward her and she looks at him different. There's no fear, anger, or hatred in her gaze. It was a mix of disappointment, regret, and sadness. Without replying, Itachi just walk to the chair on her desk and sit there. Silence happen for a moment, until she spoke again.

"I guess… You'll leave me… Just like…" Mio uttered as Itachi replied.

"The things that happens to Sasuke, it was all because of my stupid pride and think that I enough able to shoulder all the blame plus I so arrogant that I think my plan for him will be succeed. One that I paid dearly when I know the truth. If only…"

"I somehow… Understand." Mio said weakly. "After all… I don't understand why your real father would do that in the first place. But if not because of that… I think you won't become like you today. However, there's one thing that I think you wrong."

"Go on." Itachi said.

"That time you talk to Sasuke when you seems curse your talent… I think it's wrong. I understand… Why you hate becomes a genius but… Suzune, she manage to make friends with you, me, and Kokoro despite she can be consider genius as well." Mio argued.

"I see. I know back then, I was such a fool. The reason I have a mindset like that because I'm afraid at my own cleverness. Afraid that someday it will consume me with ego and view others that not a genius as below me or nothing more than insects. I… I really not want to become like that." Itachi replied with low tone.

"However… For your decision back then… I don't know how to comment it. It so full of politics and many things that I don't know if what you did was right or wrong. And also… The fact that you kill someone who likes you… Makes me afraid…" Mio admit it. The scene where Itachi massacre the Uchiha and the way he killed Izumi is the one thing that she fear the most.

"And that's the thing I will never forgive myself for the rest of my life." Itachi stated as lone tear fall from his eyes. "I just… Don't know what path I shall choose…."

"However… Did you now forgive yourself? I really don't mind though… If you saw me as Sasuke's replacement. However… I'm not him. I can't hope to be like him…"

"I… Don't know if I ever forgive myself… Even with this second chance that I get. As for you is replacement of Sasuke… I never thought it that way. Sasuke is Sasuke. You are you. Because of that… Please, don't ever think yourself as replacement of Sasuke…" Itachi said as he looks down in shame. True at the first years, he only saw her as Sasuke's replacement but those feelings in progress starting to fade till he finally saw Mio as her own person rather than Sasuke.

"I'm glad then." Mio weakly sighed as she look to the ceiling. "I'm sorry for back then… I truly don't know what possessed me to almost say that thing…." She clenches her hands in frustration. "However… You save me…"

"I promise kaa-san that I'll protect you if she or tou-san can't do so. But to me… That promise is just secondary. Even though we're not tied by blood… You'll still become my sister." Itachi said as he moves to touch her forehead.

"Sorry…" Mio can't hold her tears as she released it without restraint.

On the morning, Itachi is doing his usual routine, tend of Shisui. The crow now already on adult size and grown up healthy. Despite the thing that happen last night, seems his attitude as Shinobi of not letting emotions take control still exist. However, the talk last night actually bothers him.

"Give me Shisui."

Itachi slightly widen his eyes to see Mio walk toward him with neutral look on his face. "You…"

"You think that just drench in rain for a moment can get me sick? If you on your previous life prefer to do so with that partner of yours… Why can't I?" Mio asked him with challenging tone.

Itachi sighed with a nod. "Come here." He said as Mio walk toward him.

Mio then sit beside him as she tries to call Shisui to her, but to no avail. "Um… How should I call him?" She asked curiously.

Itachi just look at her as she give her an apple. "Try to lure him with this." He advice as Mio take the apple. "Remember don't you look afraid. If you look afraid he will do the same thing as he did to Shiho."

"You mean cawing? I not a damsel like her so you no need to worry. Shisui, come here." Mio retort as she try to call Shisui to her. Moments later, Shisui fly toward her, pick the apple on her hand before he suddenly cawing.

"Kaaaaak!"

"Damn!" Mio shouted as she feels her ears ringing. "Shisui!"

Itachi simply chuckling. "No need to worry. That mean he likes you, despite you always afraid of his presence."

"He likes me? What point of it if he caw-Aaw!" Mio yelp as Shisui peck her forehead. "Why!?"

"Come here Shisui. Don't bother her anymore." Itachi said with a gesture from his right hand. Shisui then fly toward him and perch on the back of his right hand. "Have you ever thought that even animals are more loyal toward one another rather than human Mio?"

"C'mon not rhetorical question again…" Mio huffed as Itachi continued. "But seeing from Shisui, I guess its true. But… I come here not for this thing." She said as she looks toward Itachi seriously. "I'm sorry… For my attitude yesterday. We already put through all of this two years ago… Yet both of us almost destroy it again…"

Itachi shook his head. "No. It is I the one to be blame. If I not showing you my true past… Maybe that event won't happen." He clenches his left fist. "You… Almost… I made the same mistake… Like I did with Sasuke…"

"I know." Mio nod. "You know… During my sleep, I was thinking about all that you show to me… And I conclude… Seriously." She then doing the unexpected thing. She flick Itachi's forehead as Shisui fly away to his personal perch. "What the hell are you feel regret about!? If that's your past life so what? You now have a second chance of life. A chance to fix all of that! Yet you still feeling guilty of something that happens in your first life!? If this Izumi girl reincarnated as well in this world, she will be damn disappoint of you!"

"Mio…" Itachi couldn't speak a word when her adoptive sister continues her ranting. He even don't rub his forehead that have red mark on it.

"I don't care if what you show to me yesterday is true or not! The only thing I care is how you are a kind person that tries his best to make sure many people don't go on the wrong path! You think I don't know!? Honami manage to overcome her self-blame tendency because of you! Masumi start to appreciate her martial arts style because of you! Suzune manage to overcome her brother complex because of you! Rika and Kokoro manage to get a friend because of you! I'm spared from brother complex like Suzune because of you! Heck, even Shiho brave to talk with Rika because of you! Don't you see Itachi, many were help because of you so don't you dare sulk like that!" Mio finish her ranting as she try to catch her breath.

'So… It seems that I that still act like a child? I'm such a fool. By keep lamenting to my past guilt, I don't realize… I manage to help many changes to be better…' Itachi thought as all of the people he encounters on this world come to his mind. Then, he does what he thinks as the best way to punish himself.

He punch his own face.

"I-Itachi!? Why…" Mio a bit panicked when her adoptive brother do that.

"It's okay. But… Who would've thought… You can make me awake…" Itachi wheezily said as he return to look at her. He then has a soft smile on his face as he do the same head bump he did to her two years ago. "Thank you… Mio." He said in honesty. 'Goodbye… Truly for this time… Old me…'

Mio smiled as he appreciates the head-bump. "You welcome…"

(Nagano Prefecture – Two Years & Six Months after the Middle Grade Martial Arts Tournament)

After many months have passed. The time for Itachi and Mio is finally arrived.

The entrance exam for entering the most prestigious school of Japan which boast 100 percent of employment or college entrance rate for its graduate. Of course this is currently only written tests since a week from now, a delegate from that school will come to do an interview test.

Surprisingly, the school give them a choice of the place they do the entrance exam. And as expected, both of them choose online test from home rather than go to Tokyo to do it. And currently, there's also a third person that follows the entrance exam as well.

Kokoro is seen sitting between Itachi and Mio with her notebook also ready in order to do the test. But seeing her wanting to enter a school like ANHS, Itachi can't help but worry for her. Its not about the boast of the school but he afraid that ANHS hides something sinister that is not good for someone as shy as her.

"T-The test will begin soon." Kokoro inform them as she open the website to do the written test.

"Let's kick this test." Mio said in delight as she also open the website.

"Hn." Itachi said as he also do the same.

The time of the written test last for one hundred forty minutes for all subject that is mixed into hundred questions. And from all that questions, Itachi found something fishy. From his estimations, there are fifty percent of the questions that's so easy that even someone dumb like the Akimichi that use to bully him on the academy of his first life can answer and the other fifty percent are university-level questions or hard-level that'll be hard to answer if not of his intellect. The question is: why?

The strange also notices by him when the ANHS delegate come to do an interview test to him, Mio, and Kokoro a week after the written exam. The question of the interview is also surprisingly just a general one. One that he not expect from an elite school. He bet even Third Hokage will be disappointed by it.

'Why this entrance sounds too formal for an elite school? Kisame even said to me that to enter the elite school for ANBU of Kirigakure need hard test but this… Is so simple even more than Genin entrance exam. It sounds… Boring.' Itachi thought honestly as he now sitting on his desk continue reading No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai. 'Still… This is interesting to investigate. Keep calm. Remember the event and conversation. All of it must be leading to one point.' Itachi is deep thought to put a piece of a puzzle to ANHS entrance exam. Suddenly, his brain click. 'I see now. It makes sense.' He thought founding a theory of the ANHS entrance exam but decide to keep him to himself for now. At the same time, his smartphone ringing, showing a notification on his e-mail. It shows:

Congratulations Itachi Ibuki

After through a series of exams and board of directors meeting, I as the chairman of ANHS Hereby declared

You passed the entrance exam to enter ANHS and will be put on Class 1-C. More information will be reveal later

Sincerely,

ANHS Chairman

'So I manage to enter the ANHS? This is easier than I expect from an elite school.' Itachi mused to himself as the door to his bedroom open.

"Itachi!? I did it!" Mio said happily as she shows him the notification on her smartphone.

"So you also appointed on Class 1-C as well? The same as I then." Itachi said with relief. As he surely in the same class as Mio, he will not have a hard time to monitor her safety as a part of his promise to Ms. Ibuki back then.

Mio nod. "Kokoro also being accepted but sadly… She's on Class 1-D." She said with sad tone with the fact Kokoro will not be on the same class as both of them.

"I see. That's a shame." Itachi said as their friends group on LINE ringing. From it, it was revealed that Akito and Suzune also on Class 1-D with Kokoro so Itachi have no need to worry for Kokoro for not having any friends on the class. Fudou is on Class 1-C along with her and Mio. Honami is on Class 1-B while Masumi is on Class 1-A. Sadly, Itachi didn't get nothing from Rika, Hiyori, or Shiho. There's a possibility that the three of them not follow the entrance exam or choose a regular high school.

"All of them did it! I'm glad." Mio said with relief knowing all of their friends also manage to surpass their entrance exam.

"I agree. But that also means we must get ready… As for three-years, we will do semi-dorm style. Which means…. We'll rarely see Tou-san and Kaa-san." Itachi stated.

Mio nod. "When we graduate… Let make them proud." Mio said with a smile. "I'll show it."

"Same as I." Itachi then going to do a fist bump with Mio. "To become a librarian."

"To open my own dojo." Mio stated her dreams as she accept the fist bump.

"It's our promise."

Months quickly past to March 20th. The first day of their high school life on ANHS will begin on April 1st so in order for them not being late, they decide to join Suzune toward Tokyo when they will ride a bus together toward ANHS. A week before, based on the rules, Itachi is allowed to bring Shisui with him as long he can take care of him inside as he already put the carrion crow inside a cagr. Truly compare to the old ANHS that he try to search on the internet, today ANHS sounds better.

"Well… This is a momentarily goodbye then. We'll meet again during that specific days when it is allowed." Mr. Ibuki said matter-of-fact. "Take care of Mio, Itachi. Suzune-kun, I lend my two children to you. Get along with both of them okay."

Suzune nod with a formal smile. "Let's meet again sometime. Thank you for all your teaching this past two years, Ibuki-sensei." She offers a handshake which he gladly accepts.

"Itachi-kun. Don't forget our promise okay?" Ms. Ibuki asked with kind tone.

"I won't kaa-san. Rest assured." Itachi replied which earn smile from her. While packing, he also make sure not forgetting Hiyori's book for him to bring along in case that Hiyori probably do a vacation in Tokyo.

"Please take care of my little Kokoro. Tell me if she still shy on the school okay?" Said Ms. Inogashira which on the same age as Ms. Ibuki but with short hair.

"K-Kaa-san!" Kokoro embarrassedly said.

"Mio." Mr. Ibuki come toward her and hug her. "Take care of yourself. I know Itachi can do that but you're our dear daughter. I actually didn't want you to enter school like ANHS." He said.

"Tou-san. I know why you're worry about me but I can assure you I'm not a little girl anymore." Mio stated. "After I graduate from there, I and Itachi will show you that we able to make our dreams come true."

"I see." Mr. Ibuki smiled proudly as he ruffled Mio's hair. "You've grown up. Very well then, I expect something will happen."

And so, the three of them bid farewell to their parents as they enter Suzune's private car and go toward Tokyo. Waiting for another two weeks before their new chapter in life will begin.

Author Notes

And with this we finally reach the end of the Prologue Arc. The next chapter will cover the early part of ANHS V1 and Season 1 of the Anime. Itachi's meeting with Ayanokouji is getting even closer…. And of course, our favorite bookworm will re-appear and you can imagine what she'll ask to Itachi after reunited.

So, before we end this note (I plan this note to be longer), I want to explain the main plot on this chapter:

Suzune progressing faster in my story thanks to Manabu who have heart to heart talk with on the previous chapter. I know it still not shown but probably in the future. Itachi also helps her on it since based on my analysis, the reason Suzune act cold toward people and seemingly a heavy brocon is due to lack of attention from her parents and Manabu seems to be the only one in there for her. And from there on, Suzune start to become curious about her older brother achievements and start to mimic him in order to be acknowledged that what Manabu can do, she also can do it. However, thanks to the conversation, Suzune realize that Manabu wants her to become her own person instead of mimic him. Itachi already have this experience dealing with this kind of people (Little Sasuke and Kabuto) and giving the final push for Suzune to pursue her own path. With that, I guess is reasonable that Suzune become slight softer when interact with people (Although her cold tendencies sometime exist) and try her best to be more sociable. Plus, Manabu said Suzune have great potential to surpass him and I plan to make it a reality. This is again shown on her analytic skills during Itachi's Bell Game. This also makes her not like her canon counterpart when she enters ANHS and I already have a plan what she'll do after the S-System is revealed. Do readers like how I develop Suzune so far? If don't, I like some critique to fix it.

From readers reaction seems all of you surprise that I make Ichinose able to do martial arts. Well, I have a plan for her and a bit spoiler. For Ichinose, dear readers can relax that she won't give Kanzaki a headache and desire for revolution, for she will not be as naive as her canon self nor I will make her fall in love with Ayanokouji because aside from she try to warn him, he didn't really do much beside silently manipulate her by spreading false info starting from Volume 6 of the Light Novel which end to her depression in Volume 18 of the Light Novel and to be honest, I know readers opinion will be different but I rather dislike her development in Volume 19 of the Light Novel. Because to be truthful, Kiyo didn't deserve her love when all he does is manipulate her start from Volume 6 to his liking. I know it to satisfy his curiosity for humanity but do that to Ichinose is just cruel for me. Ichinose in my story will also lead my class better and yes… She still do that thing but I won't make her act like her canon self about it.

Kamuro will also act different from her canon counterpart to respect her father wish of not allow herself to be controlled by anyone. This will shown clearly in her relationship with Arisu and Katsuragi.

Ryuuen in my story also realize that his so-claimed lack of fear is nothing more than a delusion of himself and in fact appreciate Itachi's advice for him + his killing intent. In fact, the main plot of my version of Volume 1 mostly about Itachi and Ryuuen relationships.

Manabu realize he only make Suzune growth worse than before by keeping distance and silent about it. Because of it, he make some revolution on ANHS rules that will be explored when we enter the story. No need to worry, he still act like his canon self but not as stiff in rule and personality as his canon self. This will also shown with his interaction with Suzune later.

Shiho's parent being killed is something that I have in mind since her first introduction in the story. A bit spoiler, it have connection of a peculiar character from Bungou Stray Dogs. Yup, she's the one that impacted and I can say... This Bungou Stray Dogs character is rather not right in the head and she will finally encounter him face to face later.

Nagumo will still act like his canon self but he will not held rules as absolute as his canon self. In fact in my story, I plan for the upperclassmen have leaders for each class in order for them to have importance. What do readers think about him who unjustly insulted as Mr. Notice Me?

Maybe some readers already realize with the appearances of other Anime characters but I plan two characters from other Anime for each 1st Years. I already have in mind and guess what, I won't use mostly used characters in Classroom of the Elite Crossover and instead use the unpredictable Anime characters that readers won't expect. This is the same for some 2nd Year and 3rd Year.

As the lengthy note is finished, now I actually have some questions which connected to the story progress so I can develop their character to be better:

Do readers think Ayanokouji deserve forgiveness or chance to be better? I know he become like that because of his tragic past and the fact he kill his own emotions to act efficiently in almost every situations. But still… I can't actually stand the fact he manipulate people like it was every day situations and seemingly favors breaking people in order for them to grow. And after Volume 17 of the Light Novel, I actually concern that his development is gone and he seems lie that he want to change thanks to the latest volume that he confirm that he like manipulate others. Because let's face it, if he truly wants to change, why did he always resort to White Room Teachings instead of learning other ways? For me, I think he deserve chance.

Why Ayanokouji do seem hate advice from others even if that advice is true? Correct me if this question is not true.

Do you think if Ayanokouji face defeat for the first time will trigger him to see the error of his way of thinking? Because I see that it just a childish whim. Because even if Ayanokouji is defeated on ANHS, his father will not care about it and just try to make another him.

Do you think Ayanokouji's father have a sad past which result on his ruthless way of thinking? What fate that he deserve for experimenting on White Room? And do you think I shall kill him at the end of the story?

Do you think Arisu can be said a foil to Itachi since their both natural born genius with the difference that Itachi curse it deeply while Arisu gloat about it? Or is Arisu is basically just a spoiled brat but with genius intellect?

What do you think of Haruka? Do you think her anger against Kiyo is reasonable or justifiable in Volume 16 of the Light Novel?

What readers think if I change Kushida past a bit?

Do you think Ryuuen ways of leading Class 1-C have a fatal flaw? For me, it makes many students unable to maximize their talent due to fear of him, but what do readers think?

Which characters that you like from Ryuuen's class? For me is Hiyori of course. She like a small speck of light inside darkness that is dictatorship akin of mafia.

Okay then. That's it for now. See you in the next update of the canon storyline (Which of course bye bye) on ANHS will begin. I bet you'll be surprised on who's the homeroom teacher of Class 1-C.