Itachi had only been home for a day, but he was starting to lose count how many times Sasuke had spoken about his new team. Granted, most of it was complaining – genuine complaints, especially knowing who Sasuke's sensei was – but Itachi could tell some issues would lose their novelty or grow to be inside jokes, judging by much and how often Sasuke brought them up. It took time for teams to grow together, and despite how often Sasuke and Naruto butted heads or Sakura fawned and fangirled, there was no true dislike. Scent was often a big indicator of relationship, and the fact that Sasuke never remarked on his teammates' scents in a negative manner was telling.

Besides, it was good for Sasuke to be challenged by his peers. There weren't many around his age in the clan – those older already had their own teams and training, and those younger tended to fear or flatter Sasuke for his father's position – and as a Uchiha, he hadn't interacted much with his non-clan peers unless forced to, like he was now. But no one was forcing Sasuke to invite his teammates home on multiple occasions, Itachi was pleased to hear. Their parents would have insisted on meeting them at least once, but Sasuke had chosen to continue to extend invitations for regular training and meals together. It was only logical, Sasuke was explaining.

"Naruto lives in an apartment by himself, so he has nowhere to train," he sneered. "And Sakura comes from a civilian family, so they don't understand."

"Public training grounds can be booked," Itachi remarked, just to be contrary.

Sasuke gave him a look, clearly suspecting some sinister undertone but not quite sure what it meant or how to respond. "I guess so," he said, after a short pause. "But ours is nicer and we have more equipment."

"That is true," Itachi agreed. "I'll see you all at dinner then. Train safely."

"Bye, aniki."

He was sorely tempted to observe – or spy on, as Shisui would have corrected him – their session but valiantly resisted the urge. He would let Sasuke bond with his team – there would be an opportunity to get to know the genin during dinner, and he was fairly certain they would return to the Uchiha household.

Team Seven had been unexpectedly well-behaved during dinner. There was no excessive giggling or blushing from Sakura, nor were there too many rude outbursts from Naruto, which Itachi attributed to two things: Sasuke's tendency to exaggerate his teammate's exploits, and his family's presence, including his own. Likely Sasuke had told them beforehand about him – a part of him was very curious as to what was being said – and warned them to be on their best behaviour. He suspected it was primarily the former, though.

"Thank you very much for having us again," Sakura said to his mother, bowing again as she put on her shoes.

"It was no trouble at all," Mikoto said, smiling warmly. "We enjoy having you over."

"I will walk you to the gates," Itachi volunteered. Sasuke gave him a look – a mix of confusion, as to why Itachi wanted to accompany them, and disgruntlement, as he likely wanted to speak to his teammates without family members present – which he couldn't hide a smile at. It hadn't been his main intention to tease Sasuke but it was too easy to rile him up. "Are you ready?"

"Tch," Sasuke said. "Let's go." He strode off, leading the other two down the path. Itachi followed them, enjoying the way they immediately forgot his presence and bickered amongst themselves. It was clear they were still learning how to be around each other but Itachi knew once they figured it out, Team Seven would have a strong bond.

Just before they reached the gates, Itachi spoke, interrupting their conversation. "Sakura-san, Naruto-san," he said calmly. "Would you permit me to learn your scent?"

"What do you mean?" Naruto demanded, earning a smack from Sakura.

Itachi held in his amusement. "As genin, you will stay in the same team until you are promoted. You'll become familiar with each other's habits and scents. This is mostly for teamwork but also important in the case of infiltrators or imposters. When you reach chunin and jounin, however, your team may change to suit the mission, and you may work with people you are unfamiliar with. When this happens, learning each other's scents or scenting each other is the first step in establishing a baseline. It makes it easier to recognise their scent later, especially if they are in danger. Although we aren't on a mission together, I am always looking out for my outouto and since you are Sasuke's friends and teammates, I'll be keeping an eye out for you two as well."

Naruto scrunched his brows together, visibly processing his words but Sakura simply bowed. "Thank you, I'd be honoured," she said softly, having understood his offer of protection. Then she pushed her long hair behind her shoulders, tilting her head to one side to present the side of her neck to him.

It was a show of trust, exposing such a vulnerable site to someone she had met once. "Thank you, Sakura-san," Itachi murmured sincerely as he bent down, bringing his nose to just above her skin. As her name suggested, she had a strong floral scent with a slight earthy undertone. He committed it to memory, not knowing he would become intensely familiar with it in the future, before presenting his neck to her. Cautiously, she leaned closer and gave a gentle sniff before straightening.

"Your turn, Naruto," she said.

He repeated the process with Naruto, who had a woody, slightly spicy scent. Sasuke watched the entire time with narrowed eyes, his expression only softening as his teammates said their goodbyes but once they had left, he turned to Itachi with a scowl.

"That was kinda weird, aniki," he complained.

"They'll get used to it," Itachi answered, and took advantage of Sasuke's pout to poke his forehead with two fingers.