Chapter 7:A Bright Beginning at UA High

Author's Note:

Hey everyone!

First off, thank you so much for reading this story so far! Your support means everything to me. I'm at a point where I need your feedback to help shape where the story goes next. Should I focus only on the main events at UA High, like the Sports Festival, Hero License Exam, and internships? Or would you prefer if I dive deeper into the journey at UA High and explore more of the students' experiences?

I'd love to hear your thoughts! Please leave a comment or review to let me know what you think. And don't forget to like and comment on the chapters too—your input helps me grow as a writer!

Looking forward to your suggestions!

Late at night, Itachi sat at his desk, paper and pen in hand, sketching out the details of his new hero costume. As he worked, he couldn't help but think back to the Akatsuki robes—their dark elegance, the comfort they provided. A small smile tugged at his lips. Those robes were perfect, he thought. Inspired by their design, he began to create something similar, yet with his own personal touch. He kept the same red color but added a significant change: the Uchiha clan symbol, proudly displayed on the back.

Leaning back in his chair, he studied the sketch of his costume. "I think it looks good," he murmured, feeling a sense of pride. This would be a reflection of both his past and the new path he was forging. But something was missing.

What should I call myself? he wondered, tapping the pen thoughtfully against the desk. His eyes drifted around the room, eventually landing on a book titled Greek Mythology, lying just beside him. Curiosity piqued, he picked it up and began flipping through the pages. As he skimmed the story of Zeus, one word caught his attention: Aegis. It referred to the shield or breastplate of Zeus, a symbol of protection.

The concept struck a chord deep within him. Protection had always been central to his life—his decisions, his sacrifices, everything had been for the sake of others. The name resonated with his journey and what he now stood for.

"Aegis..." he whispered to himself, letting the word roll off his tongue. It was strong, purposeful, and fitting for the hero he was becoming. He smiled, feeling a sense of clarity and determination. Writing the name at the top of his design, Itachi knew that from this moment on, his new hero name would be Aegis.

"It looks good," Itachi muttered softly to himself, feeling content with his design. He stood up, stretched, and made his way to bed. Lying down, his thoughts lingered on tomorrow. "Tomorrow, I'll attend UA High," he whispered, a small smile crossing his lips. It was a new chapter, a new world. Unusually for him, sleep came quickly.

But just as quickly, his eyes snapped open. He found himself in a dense jungle, the leaves rustling softly in the breeze. The atmosphere was familiar, almost too familiar. He activated his Sharingan, scanning his surroundings, and his heart skipped a beat. This is... Konoha? He recognized the terrain—the trees, the air. It was the forest just outside the village.

Standing up, Itachi moved swiftly, each step confirming his suspicions. The route, the landmarks—it was all Konoha. Eventually, he reached the village gates, towering above him just as they always had. Is this really Konoha? he wondered.

But then, something strange happened. As he approached the guards at the gate, a passerby walked right through him. Itachi's eyes widened in shock. Am I... a ghost? He instinctively looked down at his body, half-expecting to see something distorted or missing, but everything seemed normal. After a moment, realization dawned on him. I must be dreaming… somehow, I'm glimpsing my world.

Deciding to explore further, Itachi passed through the gates and wandered the streets of Konoha. The village had grown. It was more developed, more modern than the Konoha he remembered. He spotted Ichiraku's Ramen Shop, now larger and more popular than ever. This place has come a long way, he thought, smiling to himself.

As he walked deeper into the village, his gaze was drawn to the mountain where the Hokages' faces were carved. Two new faces stood proudly beside the older ones—Kakashi and Naruto. Itachi's heart warmed. So, Naruto finally became Hokage, he mused, a soft smile forming. It was a sight that filled him with pride.

Continuing down the streets, something else caught his eye—a large screen displaying images and advertisements. Technology has advanced here too, he noted, impressed. As he turned away, he heard voices nearby. Glancing over, he saw three children walking together.

The first had blonde hair and blue eyes, looking almost identical to Naruto. Another, a boy with white hair and yellow eyes, stood beside him. And walking next to them was a girl with black hair, black eyes, and red glasses. They were chatting, their words carrying clearly to Itachi.

"You're so lucky! Your dad is the coolest shinobi ever," the blonde boy said excitedly, clearly talking to the girl. She sighed and replied, "I really admire Nanadaime. I want to be like him one day."

Itachi observed them quietly, the realization slowly dawning on him. That boy... must be Naruto's son. And the girl... His eyes widened as he studied her more closely. She's Sasuke's daughter.

He watched them as they walked, but then, something unexpected happened. The girl—Sasuke's daughter—stopped in her tracks, her gaze shifting slightly upwards. "Excuse me," she said, her voice cautious but certain. "Are you lost?"

Itachi blinked, surprised. He looked around to see if she was talking to someone else, but there was no one nearby. She was speaking to him. He turned to face her fully, and she looked him in the eyes. "I'm talking to you," she said again.

His eyes widened. She can see me? he thought in disbelief.

The white-haired boy, now looking confused, spoke up. "Sarada, who are you talking to?"

Sarada turned to him, her brow furrowed. "Mitsuki, the man standing right in front of us," she said, gesturing toward Itachi.

The blonde boy, Boruto, glanced around but appeared baffled. "I don't see anyone," he muttered.

Sarada's frustration grew. "Boruto, what are you talking about? He's standing right there!"

Itachi observed the scene closely, the children's confusion and Sarada's certainty. It seems… only she can see me, he concluded, his mind racing to make sense of this dream.

Sarada stared at Itachi, her brow furrowed as she tried to make sense of what she was seeing. "Guys, seriously… this isn't the time for a joke. He's right in front of me!" she insisted, her voice tinged with frustration.

Boruto shook his head. "I'm serious, Sarada… there's no one there."

Feeling a growing sense of unease, Sarada turned to a passerby. "Excuse me, sir, can you see someone standing here?" she asked, hoping for some validation.

The man glanced at her, frowning. "No. Stop wasting my time." He walked away without another word.

Boruto gave her a skeptical look. "See? There's no one. Maybe the stress from the upcoming Chunin Exam is getting to you."

Sarada's frustration deepened, but as she looked back at Itachi, something in her shifted. His face was calm, yet his eyes shimmered with unshed tears, a faint smile tugging at his lips. His expression was so familiar, so warm, and in that moment, recognition sparked in her mind. But where did she know him from?

Itachi spoke softly, his voice carrying a gentleness that seemed to ease the tension in the air. "I think only you can see me."

Sarada's eyes widened. Why me? she wondered. Turning to her friends, she asked, "Can you hear him?"

Mitsuki shook his head. "We can hear you just fine."

"Not me—him!" Sarada's frustration was rising, but Boruto just chuckled.

"Sarada, you're losing it. This Chunin Exam is making you say the weirdest stuff."

Her anger flared for a moment before she turned back to Itachi. "Who are you?" she demanded.

Itachi glanced around, noticing the growing stares from passersby. "How about we don't draw attention in the middle of the street?" he suggested softly.

Sarada blinked, realizing the scene they were causing. People were watching her talk to seemingly no one. "Fine," she muttered. Then, louder, "I need to go," and without waiting for a response, she whispered to Itachi, "Follow me."

They walked quietly until they reached a secluded garden, hidden from view. Sarada stopped and faced him. "I don't know who you are, but… you seem familiar," she said, her voice softer now, more curious than accusatory.

Itachi's gaze softened. Tears shimmered in his eyes, but his smile remained gentle as he bent down to meet her gaze. "Your father is Sasuke, right?" he asked quietly.

Sarada's eyes went wide with shock. Instinctively, she raised her guard, taking a defensive stance. "How do you know my father?" Her voice was edged with suspicion.

But then she noticed the single tear sliding down Itachi's cheek, the raw emotion in his eyes. Her guard faltered. "He's… he's doing fine," she answered, her voice gentler now, uncertain.

Itachi smiled through his tears, wiping them away quickly as he composed himself. "I'm glad to hear that." There was a bittersweetness in his voice, a weight of unspoken memories.

She still hadn't gotten her answer. "You didn't answer my question. Who are you?"

Itachi's smile deepened, and with a soft sigh, he activated his Sharingan. Sarada's breath hitched. "You're… an Uchiha?" she whispered in disbelief.

He nodded, his smile tinged with sadness. "I used to be."

Sarada blinked, confusion swirling in her mind. "But… how do you know my father? And… you kinda look like him."

Itachi chuckled softly, a sound filled with both warmth and sorrow. "It's good that you don't know me," he said quietly.

"Why not? I want to know," Sarada insisted, her tone carrying the same determined curiosity her father once had as a child.

Itachi's heart ached at the sight of her, so full of life and questions, so much like Sasuke had been at her age. He couldn't help but smile as he gently tapped her forehead with two fingers. "Let's just say… I know him."

Sarada's eyes widened at the gesture. She touched her forehead where his fingers had been, recognizing the familiar action. Father does this…

Itachi's smile faded slightly, replaced by a quiet sadness. "I have a small request," he said, his voice softer now.

Sarada looked at him, curiosity mixed with concern. "What is it?"

"I want to see Sasuke… your father," Itachi said, his eyes shimmering with emotion.

Sarada hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "If I can see you, he should be able to see you too, right?"

Itachi hesitated, feeling the weight of the request. "I-I don't know," he said quietly, though uncertainty lingered in his tone.

"Alright then. I'll take you to him," Sarada agreed, her voice determined. She turned to lead the way, glancing back at Itachi as he followed with a quiet smile, the weight of past and present pressing on his shoulders.

As Sarada reached the front door of her home, she turned to Itachi and said softly, "This is my home."

Itachi looked at the house, his heart swelling with warmth and bittersweet memories. A small smile tugged at his lips. So, Sasuke… you finally began to live your life, he thought, filled with pride for his brother.

Sarada stepped inside and called out, "I'm home!"

A woman with vibrant pink hair appeared from the kitchen, her eyes lighting up. "Welcome home, Sarada!" Sakura said with a warm smile.

"Mama, where's Papa?" Sarada asked, glancing toward the living room.

Sakura smiled again, a familiar one, full of understanding and love. "He's at the Hokage's office. He should be home soon."

Sarada nodded, and Itachi's gaze softened as he observed the interaction. Seeing Sakura again, alive and well, stirred something deep within him. Sakura, he thought. You've grown too.

Suddenly, Sakura's eyes shifted to the door, her brow furrowing slightly. "Is someone with you, Sarada?"

Sarada quickly shook her head. "No, Mama. No one," she answered, glancing back at Itachi, who quietly slipped inside behind her.

The two of them entered the living room, and Itachi stood in silence as he looked around. His heart felt heavy yet full, witnessing the home Sasuke had built. He could sense the love in the air, the life his brother had finally found beyond vengeance. You've done well, Sasuke, he thought, a faint sadness mingling with his pride.

Just then, the sound of the front door opening interrupted the quiet moment. A familiar voice filled the house. "I'm home."

Sakura rushed toward the door, her smile widening. "Welcome back, dear."

Itachi's body tensed, his heart racing. His emotions swirled inside him, a mix of hesitation and longing. He had waited for this moment, but now that it was here, he didn't know what to expect.

Sarada, sensing the weight in the air, watched Itachi closely as Sasuke entered the room. Sasuke greeted his daughter, but his attention was quickly drawn to the tall figure standing behind her. His eyes narrowed, trying to make sense of the familiar presence before him.

When Sasuke finally focused, his eyes widened in shock. "It… can't be…"

Sasuke stood frozen, eyes wide in disbelief, staring at the figure before him. Slowly, he activated his Sharingan as if to confirm what his heart refused to believe. Yet, even with his powerful eyes, Itachi stood there, unchanged. Sasuke's voice trembled as he finally spoke, "Itachi…?"

Sakura's eyes widened as she looked between Sasuke and Sarada, confusion settling in. Sarada, sensing the intensity in the room, glanced at her father. "Papa… do you know him?" she asked.

Sasuke's gaze remained locked on Itachi, his mind racing with questions. His voice was quiet, almost a whisper, as he responded, "How… how did you get here?"

Itachi, with a calm yet bittersweet smile, softly replied, "Don't worry… I am dead."

Sarada, unable to piece together what was happening, looked to her father again. "Papa, tell me… do you know him?"

Sasuke, his expression pained, nodded slowly, never taking his eyes off Itachi. "He… he is my older brother."

Sarada's eyes widened in shock as she turned to look at the man before her. "So, he's… my uncle?"

Itachi, still smiling warmly, gave a small nod. "Yes, Sarada."

"But… how did you die?" she asked, her voice trembling with innocence and curiosity. At this, Sasuke flinched, his chest tightening with the weight of old memories. Sakura, standing behind him, couldn't see Itachi but felt the tension and pain radiating from Sasuke. She reached out, gently placing a hand on his shoulder, her expression full of concern.

Itachi, trying to ease the situation, smiled gently and said, "Some things happened, but they're not important anymore."

Suddenly, Itachi's eyes seemed to soften as he heard a familiar voice call out to him—Itachi… Itachi… He recognized it immediately. His mother's voice, soft and soothing, calling for him. His smile grew sad as he looked at Sarada, his heart swelling with pride and affection for the niece he had never known in life. He reached out, gently attempting to pat her head, though his hand barely brushed against her. It was a gesture filled with warmth and love, even if it couldn't fully reach her.

Turning to Sasuke, Itachi's own eyes welled with unshed tears. "I'm so happy you're living a peaceful life now," he whispered, his voice breaking slightly with emotion.

Sasuke, still standing rigid, felt his throat tighten as he met his brother's gaze. There was so much he wanted to say—so many questions, regrets, and words left unsaid. But all he could manage was a hesitant smile, one filled with pain and gratitude.

Itachi, sensing the moment slipping away, began to slowly fade. "I think… I have to go now," he said softly, his figure becoming more transparent.

Sarada, her voice filled with longing, called out, "Can't you stay a little longer?"

Itachi turned to her, giving her a smile filled with both sadness and peace. "There's someone waiting for me," he said, his voice gentle.

Sasuke's heart clenched as he watched his brother disappear before his eyes. He wanted to ask a million questions, to demand more time, but he knew this was the last goodbye. Itachi, ever the selfless one, had already said what needed to be said.

"I know you have so many questions," Itachi said, his voice barely a whisper now. "But I hope… you live happily, Sasuke."

And with that, Itachi vanished completely, his presence fading like a gentle breeze.

Sasuke stood there, staring at the empty space where his brother had been, a single tear rolling down his cheek. His voice, shaky but filled with love, broke the silence. "Okay, ni-san…"

Sakura, seeing the deep pain in her husband's eyes, stepped forward and gently wrapped her arms around him. "Sasuke…" she whispered, her heart aching for him. Though she couldn't see Itachi, she knew from the look in Sasuke's eyes that something profound had just happened. She held him close, offering the comfort he didn't know how to ask for.

Sarada stood quietly, absorbing everything that had just occurred. She now understood the deep connection her father had with his brother—the man she had just met. With a soft voice, she looked at her father, "Papa… it's okay."

Sasuke nodded, wiping away the tear, but his heart ached with the bittersweet reunion, grateful for the brief moment he got with Itachi, even in death.

Yana stepped into the room, noticing Itachi still lying on the bed. It was unlike him to sleep in, and a wave of concern washed over her. As she approached, she saw something that made her heart skip a beat—tears on his cheeks. She widened her eyes, calling out softly but with urgency, "Itachi… Itachi… wake up."

Itachi, feeling her gentle shake, slowly opened his eyes, disoriented for a moment. His vision cleared to reveal Yana standing over him, her face etched with worry. He blinked, then smiled, quickly wiping the tears from his face.

"Good morning," he greeted her, his voice calm but slightly weary.

Yana, still concerned, leaned closer. "Did you have a bad dream?" she asked softly, her eyes searching his face for answers.

Itachi paused for a moment, gazing up at the ceiling as if still lost in the remnants of his dream. He shook his head and, with a small, serene smile, replied, "No… it was a very pleasant one."

Yana studied him for a moment, sensing the weight behind his words, but when she saw the gentle smile on his face, she couldn't help but smile back. "That's good," she said, relieved. "But come on, get ready. You don't want to be late for your first day at UA High."

Itachi sat up and nodded, his expression warm and thoughtful. As Yana turned to leave, curiosity got the best of her, and she glanced back. "What was it you saw?" she asked, her voice soft, not wanting to pry too much but genuinely interested.

Itachi's eyes softened, and he smiled faintly. "Let's just say… I saw my sibling has grown a lot."

Yana, interpreting his words in her own way, assumed he was talking about Momo, the Yaoyorozu family's pride. She chuckled and shook her head fondly. "Momo has grown a lot, hasn't she?"

Itachi simply smiled in response, his mind drifting back to Sasuke and Sarada. There was a bittersweet peace in his heart, knowing that his younger brother had found happiness after everything they'd been through.

As Itachi stretched, he glanced at the clock and decided, "I'll take a shower."

Yana, standing nearby, nodded warmly. "I'll make you some coffee while you're at it," she offered with a smile.

Itachi returned the smile, appreciating the quiet, comforting routines they shared. "Thank you, Mother," he said before heading to the bathroom.

After a refreshing shower, he checked the time again and thought to himself, I still have some time. He opened his wardrobe and slipped into his UA High uniform, feeling a new sense of purpose in the fabric as it settled on his shoulders. Today felt different. A new chapter was about to begin.

Descending the stairs, he noticed Momo, his father Takashi, and Yana already gathered in the living room, chatting over breakfast. As he entered, they all looked up. Momo's face lit up with a smile.

"Good morning, brother!" she chirped.

Itachi returned her smile, sitting down at the table. "Good morning, Momo. Ready for your first day?" he asked, his tone warm yet composed.

Momo nodded eagerly, excitement evident in her eyes. "Yeah, I can't wait to get started!"

As Itachi turned his attention to his father, Takashi was already watching him with a quiet, stern expression. Their interactions had always been strained, but Itachi still greeted him with respect. "Good morning, Father."

Takashi's response was brief, but not unkind. "Morning," he muttered, giving only a slight nod before returning to his coffee. Though the exchange was minimal, Yana noticed the subtle shift—there was a softness in Takashi's eyes, something rare between father and son. It gave her hope.

Yana clapped her hands gently. "Come on now, eat quickly. You'll both need energy for the day ahead," she encouraged with a smile.

Itachi nodded, digging into his breakfast. The room felt calm, but there was a buzz of anticipation in the air. Today was a big day for both him and Momo, and though his expression remained composed, Itachi could feel a subtle excitement beneath his usual stoicism.

As he finished his meal and stood up, Momo jumped to her feet, grabbing her bag. "Brother, let's go!" she said, bouncing on her heels.

Yana glanced at the clock, concern flashing briefly across her face. "Itachi, dear, you're running late. You should get going."

Before Itachi could respond, Takashi, who had been quiet most of the morning, finally spoke up. "I'll take Momo," he said, surprising everyone. His gaze shifted to Itachi. "You can head off."

Itachi, unused to this level of interaction from his father, simply nodded, keeping his expression neutral. "Alright." With a final glance at his family, he turned and made his way to the car, a strange feeling settling in his chest.

As the car pulled away and he headed toward UA High, Itachi couldn't help but reflect on the morning.

As Itachi arrived at UA High, he took in the towering hallways, their size impressively large. These corridors are massive, he thought, his eyes scanning the expanse. They must be designed to accommodate students with all kinds of quirks. He sighed softly, mentally preparing himself for the day ahead. His goal now was to find Class 1-A.

When he finally reached the classroom, he stopped for a moment to observe the giant door, easily twice his height, with "1-A" written boldly across it. Of course... everything here is larger than life, he mused with another sigh before pushing the door open.

Upon entering, his eyes roamed the room, filled with new faces—students of varying sizes, features, and quirks. Some appeared more "normal," while others had traits that were undeniably unique. His gaze settled on his friend Keigo, who was standing near a girl with long, white rabbit ears that stood upright above her head, along with a small round tail. A rabbit quirk, Itachi guessed, noting the resemblance.

Keigo spotted him and immediately grinned. "Brooo!" he called out with enthusiasm.

Itachi nodded and gave a small wave as he approached. "You're late," Keigo teased.

"I overslept a bit," Itachi admitted, his tone casual.

"That's not like you, man. Everything alright?" Keigo asked, his expression showing genuine concern.

Itachi gave him a small, reassuring smile. "Yeah, everything's fine."

The girl next to Keigo, with her rabbit ears twitching slightly, looked between the two of them. "You two know each other?" she asked curiously.

Keigo grinned wider, throwing an arm around Itachi's shoulder. "Oh yeah! Meet my best friend, Itachi Yaoyorozu."

Itachi nodded in acknowledgment as the girl smiled warmly. "Nice to meet you, Yaoyorozu-san. I'm Rumi Usagiyama."

"The pleasure's mine, Usagiyama-san," Itachi replied politely, giving her a respectful nod. Rumi's smile widened in response.

Keigo leaned toward Itachi. "Bro, now that we're both here at UA, it's going to be a blast."

Itachi allowed a small smile to tug at his lips. "Yeah, it should be interesting."

Rumi smirked as well. "Fun? Oh, it's going to be more than fun."

Before the conversation could continue, the classroom door opened, and all eyes turned to see a tall, slender man enter. He had pale skin, messy shoulder-length black hair that hung in front of his face, and half-open black eyes that looked more bored than anything else. His outfit was baggy and black, with a long-sleeved shirt and matching pants tucked into his boots. Draped around his neck was a utility belt and a signature wrap scarf, and beneath the scarf, a pair of yellow goggles rested, ready for use.

Itachi observed him closely, his instincts sharp. This must be our homeroom teacher, he thought.

Keigo, however, wasn't as discreet. "Who's this hobo?" he whispered to Itachi, clearly unimpressed.

Without missing a beat, Itachi replied, "He's our homeroom teacher… I think."

The man—Shota Aizawa—sighed heavily, clearly picking up on Keigo's remark but choosing to ignore it. "Everyone, get to your seats," he said, his voice monotone yet commanding.

The students complied, quickly finding their places. Itachi sat beside Keigo, still sizing up their new teacher.

Aizawa sighed again, rubbing the back of his neck as if the very act of teaching was exhausting him. "Alright, listen up. I'm Shota Aizawa, your homeroom teacher. I'm not here to coddle you or make this easy. UA isn't about hand-holding. If you want to become heroes, you'll have to earn it."

His words carried weight, and the room fell silent as each student realized that this wouldn't be an ordinary school year. Itachi, his eyes narrowing slightly, welcomed the challenge ahead. This... he thought, is exactly what I've been waiting for.

Aizawa leaned back against his desk, his tired eyes scanning the room as he sighed deeply. "Now... introduce yourselves," he said, clearly uninterested in the formalities. "We don't have all day, so keep it brief. Name, quirk, and whatever else you think matters."

The students exchanged glances before one by one, they began standing up to introduce themselves.

The first to stand was a young man with sharp, square features and short, spiked dark blue hair. His voice was steady and confident as he spoke, "I am Tensai Ida, and my quirk is Engine." He sat down, his gaze focused, exuding a sense of precision and discipline.

Next, a girl with striking purple eyes—white pupils framed by elegantly long eyelashes—rose gracefully to her feet. Her long, voluminous creamy blonde hair cascaded down to her waist, framing her face with two perfectly curled strands. She spoke with undeniable confidence, "My name is Yu Takeyama, and my quirk is Gigantification." Her words held strength, and she carried herself like someone who knew her power well. After her introduction, she sat down with a calm smile.

Then, another girl stood up, her chin-length blonde hair swaying slightly. Her thin, yellow, inward-tilting eyes and sharp teeth gave her an almost predatory air. "Hello everyone," she said with a slight grin, "I'm Ryuko Tatsuma, and my quirk is Dragon." Her voice was firm, her presence commanding as if she could turn into a fierce dragon at any moment.

Following her, a tall woman with a strong, athletic build stood confidently. Her expression was cool but self-assured. "My name is Rumi Usagiyama, and my quirk is Rabbit." Her voice was casual but carried a hidden intensity, as if she were always ready for action.

Next, a boy with messy brown hair and calm, dark eyes stood up. He rubbed the back of his neck a little awkwardly before introducing himself. "Uh, hey. I'm Masaki Mizushima, and my quirk is Water." His voice was soft, almost shy, but there was a quiet strength beneath his modest demeanor.

Then, a girl with short, navy blue hair streaked with blonde stood up. Her hazel eyes had intricate rings around them, making her gaze look deep and mysterious. "Hello, I'm Anan Kurose," she said, her voice low and measured, "and my quirk is Black Hole." There was an enigmatic quality to her, as if she held secrets no one else could fathom.

Another stood, this time a well-built young woman with light blue skin and short, ruffled dark blue hair that framed her wide, intense yellow eyes. Her presence was confident, but her smile was warm. "My name is Awata Kaoruko," she introduced herself with a gentle nod, "and my quirk is Bubble." Her voice was soft but assured, like someone who was kind but powerful in her own way.

Then a girl with long, flaming yellowish-green hair stood up, her red-orange eyes gleaming with mischief. Her smirk was playful, but there was something wild behind her gaze. "I'm Moe Kamiji, and my quirk is Blazing Hair," she said, her voice fiery, matching the intensity of her burning locks. There was a spark in her words, her confidence almost tangible as she took her seat.

Keigo Takami, always one for theatrics, stood up with a confident smirk. "Keigo Takami. My quirk is 'Fierce Wings.' I can control the feathers from my wings and use them as projectiles or to carry things."

Finally, it was Itachi's turn. He stood up slowly, feeling the weight of everyone's eyes on him. His posture was calm and composed as he began speaking in his usual soft tone. "Itachi Yaoyorozu. My quirk is... well, Sharingan. I can copy any movement and predict my opponent's next action, as well as cast powerful illusions."

Aizawa, who had been disinterested until now, raised an eyebrow at the mention of Itachi's quirk. Interesting, he thought, noting the potential for a student with such an ability. Still, he said nothing, simply giving a small nod to acknowledge the introduction.

Aizawa stood in front of the class, his gaze cold and detached. "Alright, now that we're done with introductions, everyone get ready to meet me outside on the field for the Quirk Assessment Test." His voice was calm, but firm, leaving no room for argument.

Kaoruko Awata, the bubbly girl with the quirk 'Bubble,' raised her hand hesitantly. "Um, sir? What about the orientation?" she asked, a hint of nervousness in her tone.

Aizawa didn't even flinch. "We don't have time for that. If you're more interested in ceremonies, go join Class 1-B." His blunt response left the class momentarily speechless.

Kaoruko's face flushed with embarrassment, and she quickly dropped the subject. Aizawa sighed, "Get ready, and meet me outside in 10 minutes."

With that, he walked out, leaving the students to scramble for the changing rooms.

In the boys' changing room, the atmosphere was buzzing with nervous energy. As the boys changed into their gym uniforms, casual chatter filled the room. But soon, their attention shifted to Itachi. The room fell silent as they noticed his physique—his slim, yet muscular build, his eight-pack abs, and the clear signs of someone who had trained hard for years.

Tensei Iida, with his disciplined nature, couldn't help but comment. "You must train a lot, Yaoyorozu. Your form is impressive."

Itachi glanced down at himself, then back at Iida, giving a small, polite nod. "Thank you, Iida-san. You also have a strong physique."

Keigo smirked and leaned in with a playful tone. "In a class with more girls than guys… who knows, you might get some extra attention with a body like that."

Itachi sighed, already tired of Keigo's antics. "Keigo, not this again," he muttered, shaking his head.

Keigo smirked even wider, not missing a beat. "Oh, I forgot. You're already—"

Before Keigo could finish his sentence, Itachi's Sharingan activated for a split second, casting a cold, crimson glare at him. Keigo instantly froze, sweat dripping down his forehead. "Never mind," he mumbled, raising his hands in surrender.

The rest of the boys in the room exchanged awkward glances, sweatdropping at the interaction. Itachi deactivated his Sharingan, a hint of a sigh escaping his lips. The light-hearted moment passed, and soon, the boys were ready and headed to the field.

Meanwhile, in the girls' changing room, the conversation flowed as they hurriedly dressed for the test. However, when they overheard the boys talking, the mood shifted.

Yu Takeyama grinned slyly as she slipped on her gym shoes. "Sounds like the boys are already sizing each other up."

Rumi Usagiyama, adjusting her gym costume to fit around her rabbit ears, snorted. "Typical. Can't go five minutes without trying to prove who's got the bigger muscles."

Moe Kamiji, tying up her blazing red hair into a ponytail, chimed in with a grin. "I wonder what Itachi looks like under that shirt, though. With Keigo teasing him like that... I bet he's hiding something."

Rumi's ears twitched at the mention of Itachi's name, but she kept her expression neutral, even though curiosity tugged at her mind. "I'm more interested in seeing what kind of quirk he has."

Yu chuckled, a mischievous glint in her eye. "We'll find out soon enough. If he's as impressive as they say, this quirk test will show it."

Ryuko Tatsuma, who had been quietly adjusting her gym belt, raised an eyebrow at the conversation. "Strength isn't everything," she remarked calmly, her voice level. "It's how you use it—and how you keep your cool under pressure—that shows what kind of hero you are." Her dragon-like intensity flickered behind her eyes for a moment, though her expression remained composed.

The girls exchanged glances, nodding in agreement, though some more eagerly than others to see what their classmates were truly capable of.

Outside, the class gathered, all standing before Aizawa, who waited with his arms crossed. His eyes scanned the group as they approached. "Good. Everyone's here."

His gaze then shifted to Itachi. "Yaoyorozu. Step forward."

Itachi, unfazed by the attention, walked forward with his usual calm demeanor.

"You scored the highest in the entrance exam," Aizawa said, his voice steady. "You'll go first. Throw this ball without using your quirk."

Itachi nodded and accepted the ball. He stood still for a moment, calculating his throw. Without much effort, he tossed it high into the air. The ball sailed smoothly, landing about 68 meters away.

Aizawa glanced at the meter reading. "68 meters. Not bad," he said flatly. "Now, throw it using your quirk."

Itachi picked up the ball again, this time considering his options. Should I use Susanoo? he thought, turning his head slightly to see the eyes of his classmates on him, watching in anticipation. He decided against it, thinking it wasn't the right moment to reveal his full power.

Activating his Sharingan, he focused and threw the ball again. This time, it shot through the air much further, landing around 100 meters away.

Aizawa watched closely, his expression unreadable, but his thoughts were sharp. He's holding back. I can tell.

The teacher narrowed his eyes slightly before speaking again. "Yaoyorozu," he called out, his voice firm. "Don't hold back. Show us everything."

The class, who had been amazed by the previous throw, widened their eyes in shock. Keigo smirked, already knowing what Itachi was capable of.

Itachi hesitated for a moment. How did he know? he wondered, but quickly composed himself. Aizawa handed him the ball once more, his gaze expectant. "Now… don't hold back."

With a nod, Itachi activated his Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan. The air around him seemed to thicken with an intense, almost otherworldly energy. The ground beneath him cracked slightly as the ribcage of his Susanoo began to form, surrounding him in a faint aura of power. A massive skeletal arm extended from the ribcage, gripping the ball in its hand.

The class stood frozen in awe and disbelief. They had never seen anything like it.

Even Aizawa, who had maintained his stoic demeanor throughout the day, found himself intrigued. What kind of power is this? he thought.

With a calm, controlled movement, Itachi threw the ball once more. The sheer force of the Susanoo's arm sent it soaring far beyond what anyone could have expected. The ball vanished into the horizon, leaving a long trail behind it before disappearing from sight entirely.

The class was stunned, their jaws hanging open as they tried to process what they had just witnessed. Aizawa glanced at the meter reading which was 3 km, his thoughts racing. He really was holding back…

Keigo, still smirking, crossed his arms with pride. "That's my best friend for you."

Itachi deactivated the Susanoo and stepped back in line, unfazed by the shocked reactions around him. Inside, however, he felt a quiet satisfaction, knowing that he had just demonstrated a fraction of what he was capable of.

Aizawa remained silent for a moment, gathering his thoughts as he observed the class. Then, he turned back to them, his face as emotionless as ever. "Alright," he began, regaining his composure. "That demonstration was just the beginning. There are other tests you'll face today, and we'll start with the first one—a race. You'll be competing against each other, and your quirks are allowed."

The class nodded in understanding, though there was a mix of confidence and nervousness in their eyes. Yu Takeyama, with her usual boldness, crossed her arms and said, "This should be easy."

Aizawa's eyes narrowed slightly, and a faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "You think it's easy, huh? Well, here's the catch. If I'm not impressed by your performance…" He paused, letting the tension build. "You'll be eliminated."

The words hung in the air like a thunderclap. The students' eyes widened in shock, their expressions quickly turning from confident to anxious.

Anan Kurose, the girl with the Black Hole quirk, stepped forward, a look of disbelief on her face. "You can't do that, sir. That's unfair."

Aizawa's gaze darkened, and he spoke in a calm, yet piercing tone. "Unfair?" His voice was low, but it cut through the silence like a blade. "The world isn't fair. It never has been, and it never will be. We train to protect, to uphold justice, but the truth is, villains don't care about right or wrong. They attack without warning, without reason, and sometimes… they win. That's the reality we face. But even in an unfair world, we still fight. Because giving up means letting them decide our fate. And that's something I refuse to accept."

The weight of Aizawa's words settled over the class, and for a moment, no one spoke. The harsh reality he presented seemed to resonate with them on a deeper level.

Itachi, who had been standing quietly, broke the silence. "He's right." His voice was calm, yet filled with conviction, drawing the attention of everyone around him. They all turned to look at him, intrigued by his sudden input.

"It's true," Itachi continued, his expression unreadable. "The world's cruelty is a reflection of human nature—hatred, fear, the endless cycle of conflict. We strive for peace, but it often comes at a cost, and sometimes that cost feels unbearable. Yet, in the face of this unfairness, we find our purpose. It's not the fairness of the world that matters; it's the choices we make despite it. Even if we can't change the world completely, our actions can still ripple through it."

His words, though soft, held an undeniable weight. The class stared at him in awe, some nodding slowly, understanding the depth behind his philosophy. Aizawa, though usually unexpressive, raised an eyebrow slightly, impressed. This kid… he thought to himself, recognizing the wisdom beyond Itachi's years.

"You're right," Aizawa said aloud, his tone a little softer than before. "And that's exactly why all of you are here at U.A. High School. To face the reality of the world head-on."

With that, he stepped back, his voice returning to its usual tone of authority. "Now, everyone get to the starting line. You have ten minutes to prove yourselves."

The class nodded, a newfound sense of determination settling over them as they made their way to the starting line. As they walked, Keigo sidled up to Itachi with a teasing grin. "Bro, you really need to stop reading those philosophical books," he joked, nudging him slightly. "You're starting to sound like an old man."

Itachi gave him a sidelong glance, his expression as calm as ever. "Perhaps you should start reading them. They might improve your way of thinking."

Keigo chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his head. "Yeah, yeah, whatever you say, man."

Ryuko Tatsuma, standing nearby, approached them with a calm smile. "You have an interesting mindset," she remarked, her voice carrying a hint of approval.

The group turned to see her, a bit surprised by her quiet approach. Itachi, catching her gaze, offered a small smile in return. "Thank you," he replied, his tone soft but appreciative.

Rumi, walking beside them, grinned mischievously. "Finally! Some action. Time to kick ass!" she said with enthusiasm, stretching her arms as if preparing for battle.

Keigo sweatdropped, eyeing her with a mix of amusement and caution. "Kick ass? Seriously?"

Rumi's grin widened, showing her sharp teeth. "Hell yeah. Let's see what everyone's made of!"

Itachi sighed quietly, his calm demeanor never wavering as he glanced at the lively exchange between Keigo and Rumi. Meanwhile, Yu Takeyama, who had been watching the interaction from a distance, narrowed her eyes at Itachi. Something about him intrigued her, and she couldn't help but wonder what kind of power and secrets he was hiding beneath that stoic exterior.

As the students lined up, the tension in the air was palpable. Each of them stood ready, their quirks primed for the upcoming challenge. Aizawa stood in front of them, clipboard in hand, his sharp gaze scanning the group.

"Remember," Aizawa said, his voice firm. "This isn't just about speed. Show me what you can do with your quirks. Prove that you deserve to be here."

Aizawa divided the class into pairs for the race. "First up," he announced, " Usagiyama and Takami."

Rumi stretched her arms with a confident smirk, looking over at Keigo. "Come on, Takami," she teased. "Let's see if you can keep up."

Keigo grinned back, his wings shifting slightly in anticipation. "Sure thing, Usagiyama. Let's see what you've got."

The two of them stood at the starting line, poised and ready. Aizawa raised his hand. "Go!" he shouted.

Rumi took off like a bullet, her powerful legs propelling her forward at incredible speed. But Keigo, with his signature wings, took to the sky in a flash, flying like a falcon. He soared through the air effortlessly, crossing the finish line before Rumi even had the chance to blink.

Aizawa glanced at the stopwatch. "Takami, 3.54 seconds. Usagiyama, 4.23 seconds."

Rumi reached the finish line a second later, grinning as she caught her breath. "Not bad, bird boy," she said, her tone filled with friendly competitiveness.

Keigo chuckled, landing gracefully beside her. "Not bad yourself, Rabbit."

They both exchanged smirks, their rivalry more playful than serious, and made their way back to the others.

Aizawa scanned his clipboard. "Next up, Ida and Kamiji."

Tensei Iida and Moe Kamiji stepped up to the starting line. Moe, with her blazing hair, looked confident, but Tensei had the clear advantage of speed. Aizawa raised his hand again. "Go!"

Tensei's engines roared to life as he sped forward, racing past Moe with ease. Moe followed behind, her blazing hair leaving a trail of sparks as she tried to keep up, but it was clear that Tensei had the upper hand. He crossed the finish line in a blur.

"Iida, 3.10 seconds," Aizawa announced. "Kamiji, 5.2 seconds."

Moe arrived a few seconds later, panting but grinning. "You're fast, Iida," she admitted, running her hand through her flaming hair.

Tensei smiled politely. "Thanks, Kamiji. You weren't far behind."

They exchanged nods and returned to the group.

Aizawa then called out the next pair. "Takeyama and Yaoyorozu, you're up."

Yu Takeyama walked to the line with a smug look, glancing over at Itachi. "This is my chance to shine," she said confidently, her tone almost taunting. "Prepare to lose, Yaoyorozu. All eyes are going to be on me."

Itachi gave her a calm, unreadable glance before sighing. "Alright," he said quietly, not rising to her challenge. He took his place at the starting line, his usual composed demeanor unshaken.

Aizawa's hand went up again. "Go!"

Yu immediately activated her quirk, growing into her giant form. With just one massive step, she covered a huge distance, easily putting herself ahead. Itachi, despite his speed, reached the finish line only milliseconds after her, his eyes calm, as if he hadn't even been trying.

Aizawa checked the stopwatch. "Takeyama, 3.21 seconds. Yaoyorozu, 3.34 seconds."

Yu grinned, clearly satisfied with her victory. "Looks like I beat you, Yaoyorozu," she said, her tone dripping with pride. "Told you I'd get the spotlight."

Itachi simply sighed, not particularly fazed by her gloating. He remained composed, his expression unreadable. "Well done," he said, his tone sincere but neutral.

Yu smirked, basking in her victory as they returned to the group. Though Itachi had lost by a fraction of a second, it was clear to those watching that he hadn't given it his all, a fact that didn't escape Aizawa's notice.

After completing the races, Itachi rejoined the rest of the class, quietly standing beside Keigo and Rumi as Aizawa reviewed the results. He stood there, hands in his pockets, observing everyone's expressions as they caught their breath. Aizawa raised his eyes from the clipboard and addressed the class.

"You all did well... I guess," he said in his usual monotone voice. His lack of enthusiasm was typical, but the class could tell it was his way of acknowledging their efforts. "Now we move on to the next tests: long jump."

The class lined up for the next round of challenges, each taking their turn with focused determination. Keigo, with his wings, soared effortlessly over the markers, gliding with ease. Yu, once again using her quirk to grow in size, cleared an impressive distance, her massive stride unmatched. Their scores immediately placed them at the top.

Ryuko Tatsuma, determined not to be left behind, activated her quirk in a controlled burst. Her body partially transformed as scales covered her arms and legs, giving her the strength and agility of a dragon. With a powerful leap, she launched herself into the air, her movements both fierce and precise, earning her a spot tied for first alongside Keigo and Yu.

Itachi and Rumi, despite not using their quirks to their full potential, managed to tie for third place. Rumi, with her powerful legs, pushed herself further than most expected, while Itachi's natural agility allowed him to perform gracefully without exerting much effort.

"Takami, Takeyama, and Tatsuma tied for first," Aizawa noted, his eyes flicking to the clipboard in his hand. "Yaoyorozu and Usagiyama tied for third." He paused for a moment, glancing briefly at the students, his tone as monotone as ever.

Rumi exchanged a glance with Itachi, smirking. "Not bad, Yaoyorozu."

Itachi gave her a small nod, as calm as ever. "You too, Usagiyama."

The next test was side jumping, followed by a long-distance run and a flexibility test. The students were beginning to feel the strain, but each one pushed forward, determined to show what they were capable of. Keigo and Yu continued to stand out, but Itachi and Rumi excelled when it came to endurance. Their long run scores were near the top, with both managing to maintain a steady, impressive pace from start to finish.

"Itachi and Rumi did exceptionally well in the long run and stretching exercises," Aizawa remarked, glancing at them with a hint of approval in his eyes. It was clear that their physical conditioning was top-tier, despite their often understated demeanor.

As the tests went on, the students began to feel the weight of the day, but there was one final challenge left: the ball throw. Aizawa called for them to line up again.

"Last test: ball throw," he announced, keeping his gaze neutral as he watched them prepare. One by one, they took turns throwing the ball as far as they could using their quirks.

Aizawa called Keigo Takami to the front. As Keigo stepped up, a confident smirk crossed his face. Aizawa handed him a ball and said, "Throw it with your quirk."

With a quick leap, Keigo launched the ball with all his strength. He spread his wings, gaining altitude, and flapped them powerfully to propel the ball even further. It soared through the air, and Aizawa glanced at the measuring device.

"700 meters… not bad," he remarked, his tone neutral.

Keigo returned to the group, grinning. "Not too shabby," he replied. Rumi nodded in approval, and Itachi added with a small smile, "You did great."

"Thanks, bro!" Keigo beamed.

Next, Aizawa called Rumi Usagiyama. She stepped forward with a determined glint in her eyes. After receiving the ball, she smirked and kicked it hard. The ball flew far, and Aizawa checked the meter.

"500 meters," he announced.

"That was a strong kick," Itachi complimented, impressed.

"Thanks!" Rumi grinned, clearly proud of her performance. Tensei nodded enthusiastically, adding, "Yes, Usagiyama-san, you did great!"

Rumi turned, her smile broadening. "Thanks!"

Then, Aizawa called Yu Takeyama. With a confident smile, she approached and received the ball. In an instant, she transformed into her giant form and hurled the ball with incredible force. Aizawa looked at the meter, his brow raised.

"520 meters."

Yu tsked at herself as she walked back to the line, and Keigo said, "You did great!"

"Thank you," she replied, a smile playing on her lips, though she seemed a bit annoyed. Itachi watched her closely, intrigued.

"What's with her problem?" he wondered aloud.

"I think she feels like you're stealing her spotlight," Rumi said, smirking knowingly.

"I can see that," Keigo added, shaking his head in amusement.

Aizawa called Ryuko Tatsuma next. With a confident smile, she approached, accepting the ball from him. In an instant, she transformed into her dragon form, her scales shimmering in the sunlight. As she threw the ball, she arched her back and swung her powerful tail, sending the ball soaring high into the air. Aizawa watched intently as it flew far beyond the expected distance.

When it finally landed, Aizawa checked the meter. "680 meters," he announced, raising an eyebrow in surprise.

Once all the tests were completed, Aizawa faced the class. "You all did great. Now, here are the results: first place is Itachi Yaoyorozu, second is Yu Takeyama, third is Keigo Takami, fourth is Rumi Usagiyama, and fifth is Ryuko Tatsuma. The rest of you—" he continued, reviewing the scores,

The rest of the class listened intently as Aizawa continued, "And no one is going to be eliminated."

Everyone's eyes widened in shock. "What?!"

Itachi sighed, realizing how obvious Aizawa's intention was. "That was pretty obvious; he just wants your 100% efforts."

"Yes," Aizawa confirmed, nodding slightly. "And that's why you're all here."

With a hint of a smile, he added, "Now you can all leave. I think it's lunch time. We'll meet again after the lunch break."

After their test, the group made their way to the cafeteria. Keigo stretched and said with a grin, "I'm starving."

Itachi nodded, his expression calm as usual. "Yes, me too."

Rumi scanned the room and spotted an empty table. "There, seats are available," she pointed out. They all made their way over, trays in hand, and sat down to eat. As they settled in, Rumi glanced at Itachi.

"Your quirk... it's pretty unique," she commented with a smirk.

Itachi looked up from his meal, offering a small smile. "Thank you. Yours is impressive as well."

Rumi leaned back, her smirk widening. "I know."

As they continued to eat, a few more students approached their table: Tensei Iida, Anan Kurose, Ryuko Tatsuma, and Kaoruko Awata. They stopped in front of the group and Tensei asked, "Mind if we sit here?"

Keigo waved them over. "Sure, man! And ladies." He grinned, and they all smiled before taking seats around the table.

Once seated, the conversation shifted to a familiar topic—favorite heroes.

Rumi spoke up first, confidently. "I like Endeavor. His fire quirk is just... cool."

Keigo chuckled. "I used to like him too, but now I'm all about the Wild, Wild Pussycats."

Itachi sweatdropped, glancing at Keigo with a knowing look. "And I can guess why."

Keigo smirked, unashamed. "You know me too well, bro!"

Tensei chimed in, "I've always been a fan of All Might."

Anan and Kaoruko nodded in agreement. "Yeah, All Might is amazing," Kaoruko said, her eyes sparkling.

Ryuko, who had been quietly sipping her drink, suddenly joined in, her voice calm yet firm. "For me, it's Gran Torino. His experience and agility despite his age... it's inspiring."

Everyone nodded thoughtfully at her choice. "That's a good one," Tensei agreed.

Then they all turned to Itachi. "What about you, Itachi? Who's your favorite?" Tensei asked.

Keigo grinned mischievously. "Let me guess... Lady Nagant?"

Rumi raised an eyebrow. "You mean the one who came first in the sports festival a couple of years ago?"

Keigo nodded, still smirking. "Yep."

Itachi sighed, his gaze drifting away for a moment. "I don't have any favorites."

Everyone stared at him, surprised. "Come on, there has to be someone you look up to," Anan pressed.

Itachi thought for a moment before finally replying, "Fine… let's just say All Might."

They all nodded in approval, but Rumi wasn't done. She leaned forward, curiosity piqued. "What's this about Lady Nagant?"

Keigo's grin grew even wider. "Oh, you did well bringing that up, Usagiyama. Tell them, Itachi!"

Ryuko glanced at Itachi with slight amusement. "Now I'm curious too."

Itachi gave Keigo a sharp look, exhaling deeply. "It's not what you think, Usagiyama-san, Tatsuma-san. Just ignore him."

But Rumi smirked, her interest now fully engaged. "Oh no, now I'm really curious."

Itachi sighed again, feeling another headache forming. "She's just my senior… that's all."

Keigo, still pushing his luck, added with a smirk, "Only a senior? That's it?"

Without a word, Itachi's Sharingan activated, and he gave Keigo a cold, warning stare.

Keigo visibly sweated under the gaze. "Yeah, haha, just a senior. Nothing more!" he stammered, raising his hands in defeat.

Ryuko chuckled softly, shaking her head. "You two are something else." And all begin to laugh

Keigo tried to shift the subject. "I think she might be offering internships now. She's got her hero license."

Itachi nodded. "Yes, she does."

Before the conversation could go any further, the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch. They all sighed, gathering their trays.

"Guess we need to get back to class," Rumi said, standing up.

One by one, they left the cafeteria, heading back for the next round of lessons.

After a long, exhausting day of training and classes, the bell finally rang to signal the end of the school day. Itachi, Keigo, and Rumi walked together toward the school exit, a sense of relief washing over them.

"Finally, we're done for the day," Keigo said with a stretch, his wings twitching slightly as he yawned.

Rumi nodded, her usual smirk still in place. "Yeah, it was a solid day. But I'm ready to head home and crash."

Itachi, walking between them, gave a small nod of agreement. His calm demeanor barely hinted at the tiredness he felt. "I think we all are."

As they reached the gates, Keigo waved to them both. "Well, I'm off. See you guys tomorrow."

Rumi added, "Same here. See you around, Itachi."

Itachi nodded once more as they went their separate ways. He walked over to his car, where a driver was already waiting. Climbing in, he took a deep breath, finally relaxing a little as the car pulled away from UA High.

It wasn't long before the car arrived at his home. Yana, his mother, and Momo were already waiting for him when he walked through the door. Yana, who was sitting at the dining table, smiled warmly at her son.

"Welcome home, Itachi," Yana said, looking up from her tea. "How was your day?"

Momo, who was sitting beside her mother, perked up at the question, eager to hear about Itachi's experiences.

Itachi, now fully relaxed after the hectic day, removed his shoes and hung up his bag before walking over to them. "It was fine. We had some tests today, and the results were decent."

Yana tilted her head, studying his face for a moment. "Just decent? Knowing you, I'm sure you did more than 'just fine.'"

Itachi smiled softly, sitting down across from her. "I did well, I suppose. But the others are strong too."

Momo, with a curious look on her face, leaned forward. "Did you make any new friends? How are the other students?"

He nodded thoughtfully. "I've been spending time with Keigo and Rumi. They're both strong and... interesting in their own ways."

Momo giggled. "I bet you won."

Itachi chuckled lightly. "Not all of them."

Yana smiled softly at the interaction between her two children. "It's good to hear that you're getting along with others, Itachi."

Itachi's eyes softened, appreciating his mother's words. "Thank you, mother."

Yana smiled warmly at her children, "Now, the food's ready. Let's eat, okay?"

Itachi nodded quietly, and Momo's face lit up as she exclaimed, "I'm so hungry!"

They made their way to the dining table. As they sat down, Momo turned to Itachi with an excited glint in her eyes. "Brother, you know I can make a lot of things now, right?"

Itachi raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Really? That's great. I know my sister is intelligent."

Momo puffed out her chest proudly and grinned. "Watch this!" She focused for a moment, her hands moving with precision, and in front of him appeared a perfectly formed metal kunai.

Itachi's eyes widened in surprise. He wasn't expecting her to make something so detailed. "Wow… it's perfect, Momo."

Momo beamed, enjoying his reaction. "Look, brother, I made it sharp too!"

Itachi inspected the kunai closely and gave a nod of approval. "It's sharp and perfectly balanced. You've done an incredible job, Momo." He ruffled her hair with pride. "My sister is very smart."

Momo smirked playfully, satisfied with his praise. "I know I am."

Yana, watching the interaction between her children, chuckled softly. "I have no doubt that my children are brilliant… just like me."

Itachi sweatdropped at that. "Yeah, sure…" he muttered under his breath, unable to help himself.

Yana's eyebrow arched as she looked at him. "What was that, Itachi?"

Quickly composing himself, he gave a small smile. "Nothing, Mother… of course, you're smart."

Yana crossed her arms and nodded confidently. "I know."

Momo giggled, and even Itachi couldn't help but laugh a little. The warmth of home filled the room as they all shared their meal, a welcome respite from the day's challenges.

After dinner, Itachi retreated to his room, grateful for the quiet moment. He sat at his desk, about to reflect on the day, when a notification pinged on his phone. Glancing down, he saw a message from Kaina.

For a brief moment, his expression softened, and a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. He opened the message,

Kaina:
Hey Itachi, how was your day? [smiling emoji]

Itachi:
It was fine. A lot of tests at UA today.

Kaina:
Oh, really? Sounds tough… I was doing my internship today. Busy as always, you know… [sweatdrop emoji]

Itachi:
You must be doing well. You're good at what you do.

Kaina:
Thanks... That means a lot coming from you. [Flushed Face]

Kaina:
Maybe… we could meet sometime? You know, if you're not too busy. [Face Without Mouth]

Itachi:
We can meet. Let me know when you're free.

Kaina:
Sure! I'll let you know. [Smiling face]

Kaina:
Did you make friends other than that loudmouth?

Itachi:
Yes.

Kaina:
Good. Enjoy these high school days.

Kaina:
By the way, in a few months, I'm going to open my own agency… with the help of the Hero Public Safety Commission.

Itachi:
Wow. That's great. It's so nice to hear.

Kaina:
Thank you. Ah… I'll be a pro hero soon. And I'm waiting for you. [Smiling face]

Itachi:
Yes.

Kaina:
We'll talk soon.

Itachi:
Take care, Kaina.

Kaina:
You too, Itachi. Talk soon. [Smiling face]

Kaina sat at her workplace, staring at her phone with a flushed face. Every conversation with him makes me so flustered... she thought, trying to calm her racing heart. She shook her head, reminding herself, Not now… I have to go on patrol.

Just as she stood up, she heard a voice behind her. "Ohhh, Lady Nagant, who are you talking to?"

Startled, Kaina quickly hid her phone and turned to see Gunhead standing there, his white mask with four holes in a square formation obscuring his face, the bottom left one just a regular circle. He was giving her a teasing look, striking a playful pose.

"Was it a boy you were talking to?" he teased.

Kaina's face turned even redder. "No, no… No!" she stammered, trying to maintain her composure. "I was just looking at the location for my patrol, that's all." She hurried past him, avoiding eye contact, her heart still pounding.

As she walked away, her thoughts raced. What am I doing... she thought, her face still warm with embarrassment.

Meanwhile, at the mansion, Itachi placed his phone down, a small smile tugging at his lips. He felt a quiet sense of warmth. It's great... he thought. She's going to be a pro hero soon. He couldn't help but feel proud of her achievement, especially with the Hero Public Safety Commission backing her own agency. He smiled again, thinking, She's really something.