"Hiroshi. The Hyuuga clan is one of the most powerful clans in Konoha. Remember this well. You must never slack off if you are to one day become the clan leader " Hiashi spoke with his hands clasped behind his back.
The Ninja Academy loomed before them, a massive structure located directly next to the Hokage office building. Large crowds of children had gathered around the large red gates where various chuunin instructors were busy barking out names and organizing students into groups.
Hiroshi could see large fields lined with target dummies spread out in the distance for students to practice their shurikenjutsu. Some older students could be seen performing taijutsu in practice duels with one another under the watchful gaze of an instructor.
"You won't be disappointed father, I will give it everything I have," Hiroshi promised as he held his gaze steady at the scene before him. The Hyuuga clan had high hopes for Hiroshi. The weight of expectation was a familiar feeling.
He had been trained rigorously by the clan shinobi in the gentle fist taijutsu, already having achieved beginner mastery over the technique, able to strike with poise and grace. Hiroshi's talent in regards to chakra control had far exceeded that of his predecessors, and his gift had not gone unnoticed.
His father went to great lengths to nurture his talent. His strictness had been a constant factor in his upbringing. To Hiroshi he was the clan leader first and his father second.
Hiashi nodded, his expression unreadable. "Good. The Hyuuga name carries weight."
"Yes Father" Hiroshi responded quietly.
Soon, shinobi from various other clans began to appear accompanying their children. It was then that Hiashi spoke up once more.
"Many of these brats will be unable to keep up with the academy's training for long, and eventually drop out. There is, however, one child among these rabble who you should pay close attention to. His talent rivals that of your own" He gestured toward a group nearby.
Hiroshi followed his father's motion, and his heart began to race as he realized who his father wanted him to see.
In all of Naruto, there was one fan-favorite character who suffered one of the most tragic fates, making the greatest and most cruel sacrifice.
They were also the favorite character of Silas in his past life. And seeing him in the flesh brought on quite a severe shock to his current self.
A memory flashed in Hiroshi's mind, a sick Silas sitting in his hospital bed watching on TV the final moments of an older brother with blood-red eyes as he succumbs to his illness and sacrifices himself for his younger brother's revenge.
Itachi Uchiha, at a mere 6 years of age, stood with a gentle expression flanked by two members of the Uchiha clan.
Itachi Uchiha, the one whose talent is rumored to rival that of even the previous Hokage's.
Seeing the calm and smiling Itachi, Hiroshi paused. The tragic fate that awaited that boy. Will his presence be able to change anything? Could he even try?
Hiroshi pondered to himself. His mind spun as he began to consider the possibilities.
It was difficult to remember the specific events that occurred during this period. The main story of Naruto starts about a decade from the current year. By that point, Itachi had already 'betrayed' the leaf and began his work as a double agent in the Akatsuki after slaughtering his clan thanks to Danzo's manipulation.
Hiroshi's recollection of the events before the Uchiha massacre was spotty at best. Itachi graduated within a year of entering Ninja Academy quickly mastering the various skills necessary to achieve genin status quicker than anyone else has before. Hiroshi's talent was great but he realized that it was nothing compared to a true genius among genius' like Itachi.
'And all this without even unlocking the Sharingan yet. Once he does, his strength will progress by leaps and bounds.'
Hiroshi clenched his fists. Confusion welled inside him as his love for the character from his past life clashed with the sense of rivalry he had as the heir of the Hyuuga clan. He had to get stronger. As he was now he would have no power over the direction of the main story.
Seeing the three Uchiha approach the main building, Hiashi motioned for Hiroshi to follow him toward the crowds of children that had begun to be organized into groups.
As they approached, a murmur began to grow among the various students,
"Do you know who those are? Itachi Uchiha and Hiroshi Hyuuga! My father told me they were our generation's most talented kids!"
"Look how white his eyes are. Hyuuga's all have the same white eyes because of their Dojutsu"
"He looks a bit scary…"
Hiroshi frowned. Unfortunately, he had been plagued in both lives by a face that always looked intimidating. It wouldn't help that he was not experienced in interacting with children. His past life had been filled with hospitals and textbooks, not playgrounds and laughter.
"Hiroshi Hyuuga, this way, please. Itachi Uchiha you as well. You will be in my class, 1A."
His attention was caught by the somewhat short-looking man wearing a Konoha flak jacket who then scribbled something on a clipboard. His hair was jet black and tied up in an odd spiky ponytail.
Hiroshi could surmise by the strange hairstyle that the man was likely a member of the Nara clan, feared for their tactical abilities and immense intelligence. Looking past him Hiroshi could see the children of other prominent clans lined up. It seemed like this class had been specially chosen to train future top ninjas.
As Hiroshi walked up to join his class, he watched Itachi also make his way.
His mind raced as he considered what to do. Should he try talking to Itachi? A part of him felt excitement at the thought that he would get to interact with his favorite anime character of all time. Another part of him felt fear. Involving himself with Itachi would complicate things. Eventually, it could put him on Danzo's radar and that was something he wanted to avoid at all costs.
Taking his place in line he was extremely conscious of Itachi lining up behind him.
As Hiroshi debated introducing himself, he realized there was a more pressing problem.
He was incredibly socially awkward.
Both in his past and current life Hiroshi had spent most of his time isolated from other humans. His social skills to be quite frank, were at rock bottom. How do kids even introduce themselves?
Maybe he should practice his smile in front of a mirror first...
However, it seemed that fate would not give him time to contemplate, as he felt someone tap his shoulder lightly from behind.
His pulse quickened. Slowly, he turned around, finding himself face to face with the boy who would one day slaughter his own clan.
"Hello, Hiroshi," Itachi said with a polite smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you."