With that, Yana kissed his forehead once again, her serious demeanor giving way to her warm and nurturing side. "Now go rest, Itachi. You've trained enough for today."
As Itachi nodded and turned to leave, he felt a quiet sense of satisfaction, not just from his training, but from knowing that his mother trusted him. Still, a small part of him couldn't help but feel the weight of keeping his true abilities hidden. For now, he thought to himself, it's best this way.
Timeskip :
Itachi, now eight years old, sat on the hospital bench, his long black hair framing his slim but toned physique. He wore a black shirt and white pants, his expression calm but his eyes betraying his inner worry. Beside him, Erika, dressed in her usual maid outfit, placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"You don't need to worry, Itachi," Erika said softly, her voice calm and reassuring. "Your mother will be fine. She's strong."
Itachi nodded, though his gaze remained fixed on the hospital door. "I know, Erika. But still... I can't help being concerned."
Just then, the door to the delivery room opened, and the doctor stepped out. Itachi immediately stood up and hurried over. "How is she?" he asked, his usually composed voice filled with rare urgency.
The doctor smiled warmly. "Congratulations, young man. The delivery was successful, and you have a baby sister."
Itachi's eyes widened with happiness. "Can I see my mother?" he asked quickly.
The doctor nodded. "Yes, you can. Both your mother and sister are doing well."
Itachi bowed respectfully. "Thank you, doctor." As he headed inside the room, Erika followed, a quiet smile on her face. The doctor watched them go, remarking quietly, "Such a polite young man."
Inside, Itachi saw his mother lying in bed, looking tired but peaceful, with a small cradle beside her. His gaze softened as he approached. Yana looked up at him with a warm smile.
"Itachi," she greeted him softly, "are you feeling alright? You look worried."
Itachi moved closer to her bed. "I'm fine, Mother. Are you feeling tired?"
Yana chuckled softly. "A little. But I'm okay, just a bit worn out from all the excitement." Her eyes drifted to the cradle where the newborn lay. "Itachi, come meet your sister."
Itachi stepped closer to the cradle and peered inside, seeing the tiny baby wrapped in soft blankets. His usually stoic expression softened as he looked at his sister for the first time. He smiled faintly, and Yana noticed.
"You're going to be a big brother now, Itachi," she said with a proud, loving smile.
Itachi felt something stir in his heart—a sense of responsibility, of care. As he saw her, she reminded him of Sasuke when he was just born. Yana watched him, her eyes full of warmth, before Takashi entered the room.
Takashi, Itachi's father, walked in with his usual stern demeanor. He approached the cradle and looked at his newborn daughter, his face softening slightly. Itachi stepped aside to give him room.
"What should we name her?" Takashi asked, his tone serious but contemplative.
Yana smiled softly, her voice gentle. "How about... Momo?"
Itachi whispered the name to himself, "Momo…" He smiled again, and Erika, standing in the background, noticed the rare glint of happiness in his eyes.
Takashi repeated, "Momo. It has a good ring to it." He looked down at the baby. "She will be called Momo Yaoyorozu."
Yana smiled as Takashi leaned down to kiss her forehead gently. "Rest now," he said quietly.
As Takashi turned to leave, Itachi observed his father with his usual stoic expression. Just as Takashi reached the door, Yana called out, "Takashi… Itachi is here too."
Takashi paused for a moment, his back still turned to them. "I don't like failure," he said bluntly, before walking out.
Itachi didn't react outwardly, but inside, he sighed. He was used to it by now. After a moment of silence, Yana smiled at Itachi and Momo. "She seems to like her big brother already."
Momo giggled softly in her cradle, her tiny hands reaching out. Itachi's heart softened, and he turned to his mother. "May I hold her?"
Yana's smile widened. "Of course, dear."
Erika, standing nearby, carefully helped Itachi lift Momo from the cradle. Itachi held her gently, looking down at her small, innocent face. Momo giggled again, staring up at her big brother with bright, curious eyes.
As he cradled her, Itachi smiled down at Momo and whispered softly, "I will be a good big brother."
Yana watched them with pride, while Erika stood silently by, her expression softening as she saw how much Itachi cared for his newborn sister. "She's in good hands, Lady Yana," Erika said quietly.
The next day was Sunday, and Itachi found himself at the dojo, deep in training as always. His movements were fluid, calculated, and far beyond the level expected of someone his age. Dressed in a simple black gi, his Sharingan activated, spinning with three tomoe, he sparred with his trainer, who was a seasoned martial artist but still struggled to keep up with the young prodigy.
The trainer, visibly impressed yet challenged, moved in with a fast punch aimed at Itachi's chest. Itachi, without hesitation, dodged the strike effortlessly, weaving around his opponent's attacks as though he could predict every movement—because he could. His Sharingan gave him an edge no one else in the dojo had.
As the fight progressed, the trainer's mind raced. This kid… he joined the dojo when he was just five. Now look at him, only eight, and he's not just my equal—he's better. He can fight in every form… even with swords and daggers. This level of skill is insane. The trainer barely had time to process another thought as Itachi performed a swift leg sweep, forcing him to jump to avoid it.