Naruto: I Am Itachi Uchiha!

"Itachi-kun, congratulations on your graduation!"

The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, smiled warmly as he addressed the young Uchiha prodigy. His expression, creased like an old parchment, radiated satisfaction. Uchiha Itachi, standing stoically before him, accepted the graduation certificate, ninja ID, and the iconic Konoha forehead protector with measured calm.

The graduation was not an ordinary feat; Itachi had completed the academy in just a year, achieving exceptional results. His quiet brilliance had left both peers and instructors awestruck. Itachi tilted his head slightly, glancing at the assembled shinobi and village officials observing the ceremony from their seats of authority.

"Thank you, Lord Third." His tone was respectful, yet devoid of excessive emotion.

Hiruzen nodded, his estimation of the boy's capabilities rising yet again. Itachi was not only a genius but also carried himself with a maturity far beyond his years. He regarded the boy with a thoughtful expression. "But Itachi," he began, "you understand that the path of a shinobi is not walked alone. Bonds are what sustain us. The Will of Fire burns brightest when shared among comrades."

Itachi's dark eyes, flecked with hints of crimson from the faint activation of his Sharingan, betrayed his inner thoughts. He wanted to dismiss the speech as flowery nonsense but knew better than to voice such sentiments in front of Konoha's political elite. The Uchiha clan's relationship with the village leadership was precarious enough without him adding fuel to the fire.

Maintaining a polite façade, he interjected, "Lord Third, I understand the importance of bonds, but I assure you, I'm capable of handling missions alone. High-intensity assignments will not be an issue."

Hiruzen's expression softened, though his eyes remained sharp. "Your strength is acknowledged, Itachi. I'm also aware that you've accompanied Shisui on dangerous missions outside the village and even assisted in covert ANBU operations. But remember, strength alone isn't enough. Teamwork teaches us invaluable lessons."

Behind his composed demeanor, Itachi bristled. More speeches about teamwork. He allowed his lips to curve into a faint, practiced smile, mirroring the Hokage's. If I weren't Uchiha Itachi, I'd probably roll my eyes right now.

After a moment's pause, Hiruzen added, "I'll assign teammates for you in a few days. It's for your growth."

Suppressing a sigh, Itachi nodded. "As you wish, Lord Third. I'll await your decision."

The Hokage smiled in satisfaction, and with another respectful bow, Itachi turned and left the room. His gait was unhurried, but the moment he passed the threshold, his muscles relaxed. Finally. The pomp and speeches are over.

Leaning against the nearest wall, he looked at the forehead protector in his hand and allowed himself a rare moment of joy. A smile crept across his face, breaking his otherwise stoic mask. A ninja at last. The future is mine.

He tied the protector snugly around his forehead, his Sharingan activating instinctively as he observed the world through its crimson clarity. With his usual dramatic flair, he muttered under his breath, "In front of these eyes, all of you are nothing but—"

"Itachi?"

The familiar voice froze him mid-pose. He turned to see Uchiha Izumi, her face lit with barely suppressed amusement. "Oh, Izumi. Why are you here?" he asked, feigning calmness as he straightened his posture.

"I walked here with you, remember?" she replied with a playful grin.

Itachi rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Right. My mistake."

Izumi crossed her arms, her smile softening. "Aunt Mikoto and the clan head are planning a celebration for you tonight. It's not every day someone graduates from the academy in just one year, you know."

Itachi's brows rose slightly. "A celebration, huh? Guess I'll have to skip my usual training with Shisui today. Fugaku still hasn't forgiven me for knocking him into the pond last week... He's probably waiting to get even."

Izumi's smile faltered, and she gave him a sidelong glance. "So that's why he asked me to bring you back to the compound. He looked way too happy about it."

Itachi chuckled softly. "Don't worry, I can handle Father. But for now, let's head back. I'll stop by the training grounds later to finish working on my Lightning Release."

Izumi nodded, her cheeks tinged pink at the rare display of affection. "Alright. Just don't be late for the celebration, okay?"

"Understood," Itachi replied, patting her head lightly before slipping away through the nearest window.

Izumi watched him disappear, a smile tugging at her lips. That's Itachi for you—always ten steps ahead of everyone else.

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