But a true ninja needs to shed blood.
However, her husband Fugaku said that when Itachi was four, he had already seen the true battlefield and developed his own independent thinking.
Therefore, the combat in missions was insignificant to Itachi. Delaying his graduation was merely hindering his growth and wasting his talent.
Unable to resist her husband's decision, and since Itachi also hoped to grow quickly, her suggestion was buried.
If possible, she didn't like the idea of her child walking down the dangerous path of a ninja.
But as the son of the Clan Leader, Itachi had to bear some responsibilities for the growth of the Uchiha and make efforts for it.
Every time Itachi went on a mission, her heart would ache for a long time.
"It's okay, mom, I'll do my best to accomplish it. If you need anything brought back, I can help."
Itachi turned back and smiled gently at Sasuke, his eyes full of doting.
"Your safe return is the greatest gift for mom."
Hearing Mikoto say this, Itachi was deeply moved.
Compared to his stern father, his mother Mikoto always cared about his safety on many occasions.
This was the difference between his father and mother.
"I'm leaving now. Sasuke, remember to listen to mom and don't cause trouble. I'll bring you a gift when I return."
After saying this, Itachi hurried out to gather at the Konoha gate, with Sasuke's blessing of "safe travel, brother" echoing behind him.
At the Konoha gate, the other three members of the team were also just about to arrive.
Including Itachi, there were three men and one woman in total.
The leader Jonin was Minazuki Yuzuki.
A Jonin with an elegant name; however, his appearance was something Itachi felt quite sorry for.
The headband embedded in short black hair, and eyebrows that looked like brooms, with a pair of tiny, round fish-like eyes below them...
In short, he was a man whose appearance was not his strong suit.
However, appearance and ninja prowess were unrelated.
Minazuki Yuzuki was an outstanding Konoha Jonin who had helped Itachi a lot this year, teaching and guiding him to succeed. Itachi respected this Jonin teacher greatly.
As for the other two, one was named Izumo Tsutama.
His strength was average and his appearance...also average. Older than Itachi, he was just a relatively ordinary Genin.
Itachi clearly sensed the jealousy from the other towards his talent.
The last person was Inari Makoto, considered quite pretty, and Itachi felt her gaze towards him was somewhat unusual, very intense.
He had seen such gazes countless times at the Ninja School before—looks of infatuation.
Though the team leader Jonin and the two members were quirky, Itachi did not dislike such an environment overall.
"Since everyone is here, let's officially begin the mission. This time it's an escort mission, and there might be some minor trouble along the way. But with me, the Jonin, watching over, you three can freely show your skills. Whoever performs the best, I'll have an extra reward for,"
Encouraged Minazuki Yuzuki with a smile.
"Yes, sir,"
Including Itachi, the three nodded.
◎
In a dim room.
Danzo opened his eyes, his icy gaze sweeping to a particular spot. Beside him, Aburame Ryuma also sensed something wrong with the bugs in his body, looking towards the same place.
A figure emerged from the ground, wearing a mask with strange patterns, cloaked entirely in black, and wearing black gloves.
The only exposed part was the right eye, visible through a small hole on the mask,
which revealed a crimson eye exuding a sinister aura, a Three-Tomoe Sharingan.
"Hmph, it seems you're late."
Danzo seemed dissatisfied with the figure's delayed arrival.
"I had some matters to deal with, so I was a bit late."
"This was your request, not something I forced you into, Madara."
Danzo continued with a cold snort, staring icily at the black-clothed ninja in front of him—Madara.
"Heh, the little brat who once trembled under my legendary name has now grown sharp teeth."
Madara spoke with a helpless tone, as if reminiscing about his glorious, invincible days in the Ninja Realm.
Danzo didn't respond, but his eyes reflected his contemptuous intent.
The once all-powerful Uchiha Madara had now learned the tricks of a rat, hiding—what a laughable sight.
Were it not for the necessity of using this old fellow, he would have ordered Root to eliminate him altogether.
Unfortunately, due to the Hyuga Clan issue, the Anbu had him closely surveilled, restricting his influence within the village.
"Once the transaction is complete, leave immediately. I'm under tight surveillance by the Anbu and prefer minimal contact with you for now,"
Danzo said.
Madara remained indifferent. Even under Anbu's surveillance, Danzo had his ways; he merely wished to avoid more interactions and leak more information, using this as an excuse to keep distance.
Danzo harbored heavy vigilance towards him.
However, there was currently no conflict of interest between him and Danzo; on the contrary, they shared a common goal.
An enemy's enemy is an ally, which was why he sought out Danzo.
Still, he was amused by the thought of asking Danzo what it was like to take a dump. Madara mused.