Chapter 1: Introduction

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~Updated: October 11th 2023~

Fifteen years post the Fourth Great Ninja War, the Hidden Leaf Village stood as a resilient bastion of serenity and renewal. The village, once marred by the ravages of war, had transformed into a harmonious village. With its rebuilt infrastructure, thriving greenery, bustling streets, and some what technological advancement on the entertainment and communications areas, it symbolized a society that had not just rebounded but slightly evolved. As Naruto Uzumaki assumed his role as the Seventh Hokage, the Hokage Monument bore witness to the village's indomitable spirit and its unwavering commitment to preserving the hard-fought peace. Underlying this picturesque facade lay the continued dedication to ensure the new generation of shinobi to train and safeguard their cherished haven, all while passing down the will of fire.

In the heart of the Hidden Leaf Village, within the tranquil yet battle-scarred training grounds, Sakura Uchiha, a seasoned kunoichi, embarked on an intense session of hand-to-hand combat with her son, Itachi.

Her emerald eyes glinted with determination as she commanded, "Rise, Itachi," her lithe form poised for the next exchange.

Itachi, his raven hair tousled and face contorted in agony, managed to pull himself to his feet, his broken right arm hanging limp. Grimacing, he gasped through the pain and beseeched his mother, "I can't bear it any longer! Can we please pause for a respite from our training, Mother?" The fatigue etched across his youthful features conveyed the toll of the rigorous session.

Sakura's gaze shifted to the noon sky, the sun casting a warm glow upon the training grounds. She realized that her responsibilities at the children's hospital awaited her attention. "Very well," she conceded, her tone laced with unwavering determination. "Our training sessions will resume next Saturday morning. Make sure you push yourself harder with your taijutsu."

Her emerald eyes shifted back to Itachi's injured arm, a complex mixture of concern and maternal pride evident in her expression. "I have faith that you can mend it on your own this time," she affirmed before turning away.

As Sakura walked away, a sense of melancholy washed over her. Seeing her son endure pain was never easy, but she understood that it was a fundamental part of his training. It harked back to her own arduous experiences training under the watchful eye of the Fifth Hokage, Lady Tsunade.

Itachi bit down on his lower lip, determination etched across his youthful face. He began to weave hand signs with his remaining left hand, and then, with utmost concentration, he moved it closer to his injured right arm.

Ninja Art: Touch of Sukunahikona

he muttered through gritted teeth, a low groan escaping his lips. Slowly but surely, a soothing warmth coursed through his broken arm, and he felt the bones realign, the damaged tissue mending.

His lips curled into a proud smile as the healing jutsu worked its magic. Itachi rotated his right arm cautiously, amazed at how it had been restored to its pristine condition. "Good as new," he marveled, a sense of accomplishment surging through him. His thoughts drifted, and he couldn't help but consider his mother's strength, a force that seemed to surpass even the legendary Fifth Hokage.

The sound of approaching footsteps caught Itachi's attention, and he turned to see who it was. A voice he knew well called out to him, sending a wave of familiarity through him.

"Itachi!" The voice, familiar and comforting, rang out from the distance.

It was none other than Hanae Uzumaki, a face from his past. They had been classmates at the academy, and she had grown to be a bit more tolerable. More importantly, she was the twin sister of his best friend and the beloved daughter of the Seventh Hokage.

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