"Gen-nii, why are you here?"
The boy came running, stopping in front of Uchiha Gen with a bright smile.
"Tonight we're having dinner at Kushina-nee's house. Your mother and little brother are already there. I came to pick you up."
"Oh, I see. What about Father?"
"I imagine Mikoto-nee went home to cook for the Clan Head."
"Yes, Mother would definitely do that."
Gen turned to the little girls trailing behind Itachi and greeted them with a warm smile.
"Hello, everyone."
The girls froze for a second, cheeks flushing red.
Wow, he's so handsome.
Gen's looks were already striking, but what truly caught them was his calm, composed air, an effortless confidence that years of experience had carved into him.
Against a group of young girls, it was practically devastating.
"H-Hello…"
After stammering out greetings with Hinata-like shyness, the girls broke into giggles and fled in a flustered little stampede.
Gen chuckled. "Haha… that was pretty cute." He looked down at Itachi. "You're really popular with girls, aren't you?"
Itachi's ears reddened. He shook his head quickly. "Girls are meaningless. They only affect the speed and accuracy of my shuriken."
Gen: "…"
Where have I heard that before?
"You're still young. When you grow up, you'll understand the wonders of girls." He waved it off with a smirk. "Anyway, let's go."
"Mm."
As they walked, Gen asked casually, "Shisui isn't around lately, right?"
"Shisui-nii went on a mission. He's been gone three days."
Gen nodded. That explained why neither Shisui nor Kakashi had answered his summons with their crows and dogs. Too bad for them they'd miss Kushina's cooking tonight.
He hadn't tasted it before, but Mikoto's cooking was always excellent.
"So, how's school?"
"It's alright, but I feel like there's no challenge. Next year… I don't think I'll be learning anything useful there anymore."
Gen did a quick calculation. Next year—that would be when Itachi graduated early in the original timeline.
"And what will you do if you can't learn anything new?"
"Apply for early graduation. Learn from real missions."
"Early graduation isn't necessarily good. You'll only be seven. You should actually enjoy school more while you can. Once you graduate, there's no going back, missions, danger, and constant responsibility. Think carefully before you rush."
Itachi hesitated, his small face flickering with doubt. But soon his eyes firmed again. "I want to help Father and the clan sooner. And… I want to fight alongside you and Shisui-nii."
Gen sighed lightly. "Alright. If that's your choice, I won't argue. But you've got a long way to go before you can fight beside us. You'll have to work hard."
"I know. I'll work hard!"
Gen smiled, pleased by his resolve.
Then... poof!
A puff of white smoke appeared as he unsealed a black scroll patterned with red, handing it to Itachi.
"Here. For you."
Itachi's eyes widened. "What is it, Gen-nii?"
"Open it and see."
Unfurling the scroll, the boy's eyes immediately lit up. Across the top: Exploding Flame Bullet. Below it, the chakra formula, circulation diagrams, and careful notes.
"This is amazing…" Itachi whispered.
"A Fire Release I created myself. If your comprehension is high, you can master the full B-rank version. If not, there's a simplified C-rank form."
"What Fire Release have you learned so far?"
"I know the Fireball Technique and the Great Fireball Technique."
Gen nodded.
The first was D-rank, the second C-rank. He remembered the story, how Fugaku had been disappointed in Sasuke for struggling where Itachi had once mastered fire release at the same age.
"Then start with the simplified version. This jutsu is dangerous if you misfire, it could scorch your throat. Best to practice with an adult nearby."
"Got it."
"But… why are you giving me this, Gen-nii?"
Gen smiled faintly. "Consider it an early graduation gift. Just in case something makes me forget later."
Itachi's heart skipped. "You really believe I can graduate early?"
"Of course. You're exceptional. At your age, neither I nor Shisui were at your level."
Itachi's expression softened with emotion. His small hands tightened around the scroll. "I won't let you down. I'll live up to your expectations, Gen-nii."
He hesitated, then added wistfully, "But even if I graduate next year, I'll still be behind Kakashi-senpai. He graduated at five, became Chunin at six… nobody will ever surpass that."
Gen chuckled. "That was a different time. Kakashi's childhood fell in the deadliest years of the Third Shinobi War. Konoha was bleeding for soldiers; even children had to fight. In peacetime, the graduation age will only get older and that's a good thing. Don't compare yourself to him. You're just as brilliant in your own right."
"I see…" Itachi said quietly, eyes shining.
"By the way, why are we eating at Kushina-nee's tonight?"
"To celebrate. She finally found some of her lost clansmen."
"I know of the Uzumaki," Itachi said. "Father and Mother told me. A once-great family."
"Exactly."
They talked as they walked, and before long arrived at Kushina's home. Anna Uzumaki opened the door with a smile and welcomed them in.
Itachi hurried to the living room where Sasuke was playing with Naruto and Karin. The moment Sasuke saw his brother, he abandoned his friends, arms outstretched for a hug.
In the kitchen, Kushina and Mikoto were busy with dishes while Anna watched the children. The smell of food drifted through the air, laughter bouncing from room to room, it was warm, homely, alive.
"Gen, where are Shisui and Kakashi?"
Kushina, wearing a green apron and brandishing a spatula, peeked out.
"Couldn't find them—they must be out on missions."
"A shame. Tonight's meal is extravagant."
"Need a hand?"
"I know you can cook, but you're a guest. Sit and relax."
"Alright then."
Gen grinned and helped himself to some satsumas and melon seeds, settling into a chair to watch the kids.
Sasuke clung to Itachi, while Naruto and Karin eventually tired of playing house and toddled over. Karin held up her arms, demanding a hug.
Gen placed her on his lap, ruffling one child's hair and teasing another's cheek. The small circle of laughter and play warmed even him.
Ten minutes later, the food was ready.
Anna laid the dishes out; the table filled with color and aroma. Cups and chopsticks were set, drinks poured. Everyone gathered, lifted their glasses together, and the banquet began.
Kushina especially glowed during such lively gatherings, her smile never once faded.