Two days later, within the borders of the Land of Birds.
"Finally here." Anko stretched lazily as she stepped down from the carriage.
In front of them lay a vast and stunningly beautiful lake.
As the rumors had said, it was breathtaking at first sight.
The Land of Birds was just a small nation—its territory would be equivalent to a single city in the Land of Fire.
The entire country was situated around the lake, surrounded by lush, dense forests.
With limited military power, it had long maintained neutrality, focusing heavily on tourism, which spared it from the ravages of war.
As evening approached, the shimmering ripples on the lake reflected the golden light, and the air was filled with a gentle, fragrant warmth—softened by the tranquil dusk.
Rin took a deep breath. "What a lovely place."
Away from the troubles of the village and those she didn't wish to see, all she wanted now was to relax and enjoy herself here.
Seeing the vast, beautiful lake improved Obito's mood considerably.
Even though he couldn't go on a one-on-one date with Rin, he figured this was still a pretty good trip.
"See, Rin? I wasn't lying to you."
The three of them delivered their client to the destination, received the mission report, and collected the remainder of their payment.
"Let's go shopping!" Anko said enthusiastically.
Rin chuckled. "We need to find a place to stay first."
Anko turned to Obito. "Obito, why don't you go find us a place to stay?"
Naturally, Obito was unwilling and silently cursed Anko.
Rin sighed helplessly. "Let's all go together. Why dump this task on Obito alone?"
Hearing this, Obito was deeply moved.
Rin was just so kind and considerate!
The three of them found an inn with lake-view rooms and booked two adjacent rooms.
As Obito stood in his room, gazing at the beautiful scenery of the lake outside, he couldn't help but feel regretful.
If it were just him and Rin here, what a perfect opportunity that would be!
Maybe Rin would be deeply moved by the setting and accept his feelings!
Looking at Anko standing beside Rin, Obito found her incredibly annoying.
He silently hoped this tomboy would have some tact and create space for him and Rin.
After placing their belongings in the rooms, the three of them went out to explore the town.
They arrived at the shopping street, where Rin and Anko excitedly browsed through various shops.
Obito trailed behind them, sluggishly carrying their bags.
He realized that accompanying girls on a shopping trip was an utterly foolish task.
He watched as Rin and Anko entered a clothing store, carefully selecting and trying on different outfits, praising how good each looked on the other, only to walk out without buying anything.
As night fell, colorful lanterns lit up the shopping street.
Local residents and tourists alike thronged the lively street, creating a bustling and vibrant atmosphere full of warmth and energy.
Meanwhile, on the quieter side of the lake where the residential area lay, people had already gone to bed, slipping into peaceful dreams.
Amid the dense crowd, several pairs of eyes were fixed on the three of them.
"There's an extra target. Should we take them all out?"
"The other one is Mitarashi Anko, one of the Crown Guards. She was once the Fourth Hokage's student and is a Jonin."
"That little girl is a Jonin too?"
"...She was only recently promoted, and her strength is still unclear."
"Don't be careless. The Crown Guards are an elite group around the Hokage, currently only four members. Hatake Kakashi is one of them."
Hatake Kakashi was currently regarded as Konoha's most renowned prodigy.
His father was the White Fang, his teacher the Yellow Flash, and despite his young age, he had already become a Jonin.
"Wait for the right opportunity. It's best if we can lure Mitarashi Anko away."
.......
Konoha Village, at the Uchiha Clan Leader's residence.
In the living room, Itachi sat nervously, watching his father across from him.
Fugaku held a report card in his hand.
This report card was special—it detailed the results of a solo test Itachi had taken at the ninja academy.
The test was set at the level of the graduation class.
After reading it, Fugaku looked at his son. "So you're saying your teacher wants you to graduate early?"
"Yes," Itachi responded. "The principal also hopes you can visit the school tomorrow to discuss it… Tou-san, do you think I should graduate early?"
Fugaku set down the report card, crossed his arms, and smirked.
"Why not? Since the school went through such lengths, it shows they recognize your talent and think staying at the academy would be a waste of time."
He felt a surge of pride and satisfaction.
How could he not be pleased with his son's exceptional results?
The last genius of this level in the village was Kakashi, who became a Jonin at just twelve years old.
Since then, Kakashi had set the benchmark for the word "genius."
His son, Itachi, was bound to become a ninja even greater than Kakashi!
One day, he would inherit Fugaku's mantle and lead the Uchiha to greater prosperity.
"I'll meet with your principal tomorrow," Fugaku said.
Itachi smiled, sensing his father's joy.
Fugaku suddenly hardened his expression.
"Don't get cocky. Early graduation isn't rare. Don't think you're exceptional just yet. You're still only a prospective ninja. Even among Genin, there are plenty of strong individuals."
Itachi quickly lowered his head. "Yes, Tou-san. I will work even harder!"
Fugaku nodded lightly, embodying the image of a strict father perfectly.
"Tou-san," Itachi cautiously spoke up again.
"Hmm?"
"Kaa-san isn't back yet, is she?"
"She went out today with Aunt Kushina and Aunt Ayari."
"Are we still going to have dinner?" Itachi asked.
"..."
Gurgle~
At that moment, Itachi's stomach growled loudly.
Fugaku remained silent for a moment, then stood up and said, "Let's go. I'll take you to Uncle Hachida's house for dinner."
Meanwhile, Mikoto was at an izakaya with Kushina and Ayari, completely drunk.
Ayari, her eyes bleary with intoxication, asked, "Mikoto, aren't you going home? What about Fugaku and Itachi? Does Fugaku even know how to cook?"
Mikoto, feeling dizzy and unsteady, leaned heavily on the low table in front of her.
"Fugaku... hic... whatever. Skipping a meal won't kill him."
Kushina, slumped over the table, burst into laughter.
Ayari also chuckled. "Mikoto, you're amazing! I wish I could be like you. If that guy ever dares to mess with me, I'd starve him and not cook for him."
Mikoto squinted at her. "You can't cook?"
Ayari shook her head. "My sister and Akiri do all the cooking at home. When I cook, it tastes so bad even Spi won't eat it."
Mikoto rubbed her forehead, then suddenly laughed. "If he really dares to mess with you, just don't let him into your bed."
Ayari sighed helplessly, letting out a bitter laugh. "That'd make him ecstatic."
Mikoto looked puzzled. "Wait, you two aren't having relationship problems, are you? Is he... incapable in that department?"
Since it was just the three of them in the private room, their conversation had no limits.
"No, he's great... I mean..."
Ayari, also quite drunk, shook her head and wobbled unsteadily. "If I don't let him sleep in my bed, he'll probably go climb into my sister's bed instead."
Mikoto: "..."
Kushina, still slumped on the table, was now laughing even harder.
--------------
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