---
The gentle glow of sunlight filtered through the Hokage's office window as Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, leaned back in his chair, his expression calm but focused. The tension in the room was palpable as Shikaku Nara stood before him, reading the mission scroll. His sharp eyes flicked over the details, his brow furrowing with concern.
"This isn't a typical mission," Shikaku said, setting the scroll down on Minato's desk. "A Kumo ninja who betrayed his comrades to survive—likely a remnant of the last war—teamed up with bandits? That's no small matter. This is a B-rank mission at the very least, maybe A-rank."
Minato nodded slightly, his gaze distant for a moment as if recalling the battles of the past. "I know. I led the defense during that attack, repelling the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki and the Third Raikage's forces." His voice held a tinge of regret, though his determination never wavered. "The son of the Third Raikage, A, now leads Kumogakure as the Fourth Raikage. He's as formidable as his father."
Shikaku exhaled slowly, crossing his arms. "I understand the need for vigilance, but assigning this mission to fresh genin? They're talented, yes, but they've only just graduated. Itachi, Hattori, and Kido—they haven't even seen real combat yet. This is more than they're ready for."
"They won't be going alone," Minato replied, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Before Shikaku could press further, a knock sounded at the door.
"Enter," Minato called.
The door opened, and Shinku Yūhi stepped inside, flanked by his team. he bowed respectfully. "Lord Hokage."
"Shinku-senpai, thank you for coming," Minato said warmly. He gestured for him to approach. "You and your team will be joining Shikaku's for this mission. Together, you'll form a temporary squad with Shikaku as captain."
Shinku raised an eyebrow but nodded without hesitation. "Understood. My team and I are ready."
Shikaku glanced at the young faces of the combined teams. "This isn't just about completing the mission, is it?"
Minato's expression grew serious. "It's about preparing them for the realities of our world. They've grown up in peace, but they're shinobi of Konoha. They need to understand the weight of their duty and overcome the fear of taking a life when necessary."
The room fell silent, the gravity of his words settling over them. Itachi Uchiha, standing near the back, clenched his fists. His dark eyes flickered with determination, even as unease stirred in his chest.
Minato's gaze softened as it landed on Itachi. "I've also requested assistance from the Hyūga clan. One of their members will join you as a forward scout to ensure the mission's success."
Itachi straightened, meeting Minato's gaze. He understood the Hokage's intention clearly. This was his chance to prove himself—and perhaps, awaken the Sharingan.
Minato rose to his feet, his voice firm yet encouraging. "In the name of the Fourth Hokage, I assign this mission to the combined teams. Your objective is to track down and eliminate the bandits hiding in the Land of Fire. These criminals must be stopped before they cause more harm. Trust in one another and act as a team. Shikaku, the success of this mission rests on your leadership."
"Yes, Lord Hokage," Shikaku replied, his tone resolute.
The young genin and their sensei responded in unison. "Understood!"
As the meeting concluded, Itachi lingered for a moment, his thoughts racing. He didn't fear the mission itself—he feared the burden it might place on his soul. Yet, deep down, he knew this was the path he had chosen. A shinobi's duty was never easy, but it was one he would shoulder with pride.
---
After receiving their orders, the two combined teams dispersed to make preparations for the mission. Though the Land of Fire's tracking units had already pinpointed the general location of the bandits, the targets were constantly on the move, making swift action critical.
Fortunately, most of the bandits weren't trained shinobi, which meant their mobility was limited. Even so, Shikaku estimated that the mission could stretch across several days.
---
At the Uchiha Household
Itachi moved with quiet efficiency, gathering his supplies and tools. His hands moved almost mechanically, but his mind was focused. He was no stranger to the concept of death—yet now, as he prepared to face it directly, it felt heavier than before.
In the kitchen, Mikoto Uchiha stood by the doorway, her hands gripping her apron tightly. She had once been a kunoichi and understood the risks of missions like these. But now, as a mother, the thought of her son walking into danger filled her with unease.
"Itachi," she began softly, her voice trembling ever so slightly. "Are you sure you're ready for this? It's...different out there, facing real enemies."
Itachi paused, looking up at her. His expression was calm, his dark eyes steady. "I understand, Mother. But this is my duty as a shinobi of Konoha. And I'll be with experienced leaders—Shikaku-sensei and Yuhi-sensei. I promise I'll come back safely."
Mikoto's lips pressed into a thin line, but she nodded. "Be careful, Itachi."
From across the room, a cheerful voice broke the tension. "You'll be fine, Brother!" Sasuke bounded into the room, his face lit up with admiration. "You're the best ninja in Konoha—those bandits don't stand a chance!"
Itachi couldn't help but smile faintly at his younger brother's confidence. He knelt down and ruffled Sasuke's hair. "Thank you, Sasuke. I'll do my best."
As he stood, he gave his mother one last reassuring glance before slinging his pack over his shoulder and stepping out the door.
---
At the Village Gates
When Itachi arrived at the gates, Izumi was already there, her backpack slung over her shoulder. She looked tense, her hands fidgeting with the strap of her bag.
"Good morning, Itachi," she greeted, her voice subdued.
"Good morning," Itachi replied, falling into step beside her as they waited for the others to assemble.
The silence between them was heavy. Itachi could sense the unease radiating from her. Izumi's kind and empathetic nature made her ill-suited for the harsh realities of a shinobi's life. Still, she had chosen this path, and there was no turning back now.
"You're nervous," Itachi observed quietly.
Izumi hesitated, then nodded. "A little. It's just...we're going to have to—" She stopped, unable to finish the sentence.
"Take lives," Itachi finished for her. His tone wasn't cold, but it was matter-of-fact. "It's not easy, Izumi. It never is. But these bandits have already harmed innocent people. If we don't stop them, they'll only continue."
Izumi looked down, her grip tightening on the strap of her bag. "I know. I just...wish there was another way."
Itachi glanced at her, his voice softening. "So do I. But as shinobi, we have to make difficult choices. We protect others by carrying this burden ourselves. Remember that."
His words seemed to ease some of her tension, though the worry in her eyes didn't fade completely.
---
As they waited for the rest of the team, Itachi's thoughts turned inward. He had always understood the fragility of life—how fleeting it was in the grand scheme of the world.
Every life is unique, a single spark in the vastness of existence. To extinguish even one was to change the course of countless others.
But Itachi had learned early that a shinobi's duty often required them to make choices between lives. To save the many, they sometimes had to sacrifice the few. It was a cruel paradox, one he had come to accept.
Patience. That was the key. A ninja had to endure—pain, fear, guilt—everything. Because without that patience, they would falter.
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Author's Note: Hope you like it.
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Reviews and powerstones would be greatly appreciated.