Chiharu's admission to the Academy and direct promotion to the third grade had created quite a stir. Much like Kakashi and Itachi before her, she quickly became known as a "genius" and the focus of everyone's attention.
The level of interest she garnered, however, exceeded even what those prodigies had experienced. This was partly because Chiharu wasn't just any genius—she was also the daughter of the Fourth Hokage.
Unlike Naruto when he first entered the Academy, Chiharu responded to the constant attention with gracious smiles, never letting it affect her. In her mind, simply being able to spend each day with her brother, Sasuke, and Hinata was what truly mattered.
Where Naruto possessed a fierce competitive spirit, Chiharu shared more of Minato's temperament—gentle, kind, and naturally adept at building harmonious relationships with her classmates.
In this peaceful and comfortable environment, nearly half a year passed in what felt like the blink of an eye.
In the Hokage's office, Minato sat at his desk, a small scroll in his hand. Though the message contained barely a dozen words, his expression had grown solemn as he studied its contents.
"It seems Shisui is in trouble," Minato said, rising from his chair, his eyes darkening with concern.
"But even if we wanted to abort the mission now, it would be impossible..."
Uchiha Yoruki, standing before him, lowered his gaze slightly. The scroll from Shisui indicated that communication with the village had been temporarily severed—a clear sign that their operation had been compromised.
Minato had long suspected that among the masked man's accomplices was someone specifically tasked with intelligence gathering. This development seemed to confirm his theory.
"What should we do next?" Uchiha Yoruki asked, looking to Minato for guidance. The way Shisui had handled the mission had already exceeded standard ANBU protocols, though there was always flexibility in how specific operations were managed.
One thing was certain: Shisui and his team must now be in grave danger.
"Under normal circumstances, their mission should be terminated immediately," Minato replied. Though he suspected Kirigakure was being manipulated by outside forces, he wouldn't willingly risk Shisui's life to confirm his suspicions.
"But we've lost contact with them. All we can do now is trust in Shisui's abilities and judgment."
"I believe he'll make the right decision," Uchiha Yoruki nodded in agreement. Shisui had always acted with caution and precision. If he hadn't immediately aborted the mission, he must have had his reasons.
For now, all they could do was wait for news. If a truly critical situation arose, Minato could still provide rescue, as Shisui carried one of his Flying Thunder God markers.
"In the meantime," Minato continued, "Shisui's position as captain remains vacant. Someone must take his place." He looked meaningfully at Uchiha Yoruki.
The ANBU commander's expression shifted subtly, as though there was something he hesitated to voice.
Noticing this, Minato smiled reassuringly. "Today, don't overthink the situation. As long as the person you have in mind is qualified for the position of squad leader, that's all that matters."
He had already guessed who Yoruki was considering and understood his concerns.
"Among the current ANBU, the most suitable person to succeed Shisui as captain is Uchiha Itachi," Yoruki finally stated.
Since becoming Hokage, Minato had implemented a series of policies that greatly improved relations between the Uchiha clan and the village. Nevertheless, ANBU remained a highly classified division directly under the Hokage's command, tasked with operations involving the village's most sensitive secrets.
For the sake of balance, it might seem inappropriate for the son of the Uchiha clan leader to serve as an ANBU captain. One had to maintain a certain vigilance, after all. Even though the Uchiha appeared content with their position in the village, radical elements still existed among the clan elders.
Moreover, Uchiha Yoruki still couldn't fully read Fugaku's intentions.
"Thank you," Minato said softly, recognizing the concern in Yoruki's tone.
Though born into the Uchiha clan, Yoruki had transcended clan allegiances, dedicating himself wholly to the village and to Minato as Hokage.
"I've watched Itachi grow up," Minato continued. "Though still young, he's considered by you to be your only worthy successor. His abilities speak for themselves."
At just thirteen years old, Itachi had already developed into an exceptionally talented shinobi. Few in either the Uchiha clan or ANBU could claim to surpass him.
"Even as a child, Itachi's thinking far exceeded his years," Minato observed. "Like you and Shisui, he considers himself a Konoha shinobi first and foremost. We need not question his loyalty."
When Itachi was around seven, some of his insights had genuinely surprised Minato. Even then, his perspective resembled that of a Hokage, considering the village's welfare above all else.
"As for Yoruki, I trust him as well. I've long maintained that we must place our faith in the Uchiha, and my position hasn't changed."
Minato acknowledged that his approach might seem naïve, given the complex history between Konoha's leadership and the Uchiha clan. But that belonged to the past. Starting with him and continuing with the next generation, these prejudices needed to be dismantled.
History, after all, was shaped by human actions. Though as Hokage he could never forget the past, he refused to be imprisoned by it. Together, they would forge a new chapter in Konoha's story.
"I understand," Uchiha Yoruki replied, his respect for Minato evident in his tone.
After discussing a few more details regarding ANBU's recent operations, Yoruki departed from the office.
Once alone, Minato turned to gaze out the window, drawing a deep breath. The masked man had operated in the shadows for years, repeatedly evading capture. Shisui faced no simple task in executing his mission undetected.
Yet Minato believed in his abilities.
Gradually, a smile formed on the Hokage's face as he contemplated the future. A thirteen-year-old ANBU captain—Itachi would be the youngest in Konoha's history. Though already proving himself capable, it would take time for him to fully establish his authority in the position.
The shinobi world had never lacked for prodigies. Not only in Konoha, but across all the hidden villages, exceptional talents continued to emerge.
He'd heard that a few years ago, Ōnoki, the Third Tsuchikage of Iwagakure, had taken on a new disciple—a child of remarkable talent. Yet this apprentice apparently gave Ōnoki little peace, occasionally setting off explosions along Iwagakure's outskirts.
If rumors were true, that boy was even younger than Itachi...