Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. Before long, Hitoshi Akihito's fourth birthday approached. Despite being from a civilian family, Hitoshi was keenly aware that his closest friends were not ordinary children. Ino, the confident and bold, was from the Yamanaka clan; Sakura, though not from a clan, was bright and spirited; and even the lazy Shikamaru and the kind-hearted Chōji were heirs to prestigious families. Then there was Naruto, the jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails—a boy whose destiny intertwined with the village's very survival.
Hitoshi had spent weeks subtly convincing his parents to let him throw a small party, ensuring all his friends were invited, including Naruto. His mother, Mayumi, didn't question his choices. As a former medical ninja, she knew the village's darker truths, including Naruto's burden. She simply smiled and helped prepare for the celebration.
A few days before his birthday, Hitoshi and his mother decided to have dinner at Ichiraku Ramen, one of her favorite places from her younger days. As they entered the small shop, the comforting aroma of broth and noodles welcomed them. Hitoshi climbed onto a stool, his small hands barely reaching the counter, while his mother sat beside him, greeting Teuchi with a warm smile.
"The usual, Mayumi-san?" Teuchi asked, already preparing their orders.
"Yes, thank you," she replied, glancing fondly at Hitoshi. "And add a smaller portion for him."
As they waited, Hitoshi's attention drifted. His sharp eyes caught a figure seated at the far end of the counter. A young man with jet-black hair and a calm, composed demeanor. His dark eyes carried a weight far beyond his years, and the crest of the Uchiha clan adorned his back. Uchiha Shisui.
Hitoshi's breath hitched slightly. In his past life, Shisui had been one of his favorite characters. A ninja of immense skill and unwavering loyalty, yet doomed to a tragic fate. He would die by his own hand, betrayed by Danzo, his eyes stolen for the sake of twisted ideals. The thought sent a pang of sorrow through Hitoshi, but he quickly composed himself. A ninja of Shisui's caliber would notice even the faintest hint of prolonged attention.
Don't stare. One glance, no more.
Hitoshi's eyes flicked back to his bowl as the steaming noodles arrived. He picked up his chopsticks and began eating, careful not to let his emotions show. Yet, he couldn't stop the thoughts swirling in his mind. Three years. That's all I have until the Uchiha massacre. If I prepare properly,—Shisui's legacy—can be mine.
Unbeknownst to Hitoshi, Shisui had briefly noticed him as well. The boy's black hair and sharp features bore a resemblance to the Uchiha, sparking a momentary curiosity. But when Shisui's gaze shifted to Mayumi, he dismissed the thought. A civilian mother and child, nothing more.
Shisui finished his noodles and left the shop without another glance. Hitoshi watched him go from the corner of his eye, his mind already racing with plans. According to the anime, Shisui's fall near the waterfall was inevitable. If he prepared properly, he could ensure that a fragment of Shisui's strength lived on.
Hitoshi finished his noodles, thanked Teuchi, and followed his mother out of the shop. As they walked home, he clung to her hand, his mind churning with resolve. He had much to learn and only a short time to prepare.
The day of his birthday arrived, and the Akihito household was filled with cheerful chatter. Ino arrived first, dragging Sakura along, who had been nervous about attending. Shikamaru and Chōji followed, the former looking bored and the latter clutching a small bag of snacks. Lastly came Naruto, his wide grin lighting up the room as he greeted Hitoshi with an enthusiastic, "Happy birthday!"
The celebration was simple but joyous. Mayumi and Akihiro, Hitoshi's father, made sure everyone felt welcome. The children played games, exchanged stories, and enjoyed the food prepared by Mayumi. Hitoshi couldn't help but notice how Naruto's eyes lit up every time someone spoke to him or laughed at his jokes. The boy, so often shunned, was genuinely happy here, and it warmed Hitoshi's heart.
Toward the end of the party, as the guests prepared to leave, Mayumi knelt beside Hitoshi. "Why did you invite Naruto?" she asked softly, her tone curious rather than disapproving.
Hitoshi hesitated, then answered honestly. "Because he's my friend. And everyone deserves to feel like they belong, even just for a little while."
Her eyes softened, and she hugged him gently. "You're a kind boy, Hitoshi. Never lose that."
The evening ended with laughter and smiles as the guests departed, leaving Hitoshi with a deep sense of fulfillment. But as he lay in bed that night, his mind returned to the day's earlier encounter. Uchiha Shisui's tragic fate loomed like a shadow, and the knowledge of what was to come weighed heavily on him.
Three years. I have three years to prepare. I won't let this chance slip through my fingers.
With that thought, he closed his eyes For an Good night sleep.
End of the Chapter.
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