The sun hovered lazily above the Hidden Leaf Village, casting a golden hue over the bustling commercial street.
The aroma of grilled meats, roasted chestnuts, and freshly baked taiyaki wafted through the air as civilians meandered through the crowded thoroughfare, shopping and chatting with cheerful smiles.
Children darted between food stalls, laughter ringing in the background, while shinobi patrolled quietly, blending into the crowd.
At the center of the lively chaos stood a meatball shop—famous, revered, and packed to the brim as usual.
The sizzling skewers glistened with savory sauces, and steam rose in lazy curls into the afternoon air.
Among the customers, a rather conspicuous figure devoured her meal with unrestrained delight.
"Mmm! So good!" Mitarashi Anko beamed, her purple trench coat half-open as she leaned in to take another hearty bite.
Her plate was already stacked with empty skewers, and the owner, accustomed to her appetite, simply placed another set before her without even asking.
Beside her, on the bench at the edge of the shop, sat two young shinobi, quiet and striking in appearance.
One was a handsome boy, his dark eyes focused on the distance as if lost in thought.
The other, an attractive girl with glossy black hair tied in a short ponytail, tilted her head toward him with a curious glance.
"You're distracted again, Itachi," Izumi Uchiha said softly, her chopsticks hovering mid-air.
Itachi blinked, then turned to her. "Sorry, Izumi. I'm just… thinking."
Izumi placed her food down, reading his expression carefully. "Did something happen?"
Itachi didn't answer immediately. Instead, his gaze drifted to the edge of the street where the crowd grew thinner.
His mind wandered back to a conversation—one that had shifted the course of his life forever.
---
The heavy doors of the Hokage's office creaked open as Itachi stepped inside, his black Uchiha cloak fluttering behind him.
He dropped to one knee without hesitation.
"Lord Hokage," he said respectfully.
Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled kindly, his face creased with age yet filled with a grandfatherly warmth.
He regarded Itachi like a treasured heir.
"Stand, Itachi. You've grown into a fine young man."
"Thank you, Lord Hokage."
The Third Hokage rose from his seat and paced slowly toward the window, hands clasped behind his back.
"I've observed your growth. Your wisdom, your restraint—they are rare even among seasoned shinobi.
I would like to formally invite you to join the ANBU."
Itachi's eyes widened. "Truly? I'd be honored."
Hiruzen turned to him with a smile. "I believe you'll do great good from within."
But then, Itachi's expression grew tense. "However… my father has also instructed me to accept this position."
The Hokage's eyes narrowed. "I see."
"He wants me to report everything to him… about the ANBU and the inner workings of the village."
A solemn silence followed. Hiruzen exhaled deeply.
"So he plans to use you as a spy."
Itachi lowered his head. "Yes. But I will not betray the village.
I will keep you informed—about the Uchiha's movements, their meetings, their… coup."
Hiruzen's gaze softened again, though a glimmer of sadness remained.
"It's a heavy burden, Itachi. One no boy should bear."
"I must. For peace. For the Will of Fire."
The old Hokage nodded. "Then let it be so. You are officially an ANBU of the Hidden Leaf."
As the conversation turned to deeper philosophies and the vision of the village, Itachi listened intently.
But the weight on his shoulders pressed deeper into his soul.
---
Back at the meatball shop, Itachi let out a long breath.
Izumi, watching his internal conflict, leaned closer. "You're thinking about the clan again, aren't you?"
He nodded slowly. "The clan's actions are dangerous.
They threaten the peace we've built."
"But don't you think we should listen to them too? They feel unheard, forgotten."
Itachi's brows furrowed. "The village must come first. Above clan. Above self."
Izumi stared at him, shocked. For the first time, she realized how far apart their ideals truly were.
The warmth in her eyes dimmed slightly, and her voice faltered.
"You really believe that, don't you?"
Itachi stood up slowly, offering no further words. "I need to go."
He left the shop with a silent grace, his figure disappearing into the crowd.
Izumi sat still, staring into her plate, her thoughts churning.
Far off, hidden in the shadows of a nearby rooftop, a masked figure observed the entire exchange.
A low, amused chuckle escaped his lips.
"So, the prodigy walks the tightrope between loyalty and betrayal.
This will be interesting..."
---
Elsewhere in the village, the tall gates of Konoha opened as a cart rolled in, pulled by two oxen.
Sitting atop it was a boy with snow-white hair, a gentle breeze blowing through his locks.
His sky-blue eyes sparkled with excitement.
"We're finally here!" Gojo grinned, practically bouncing.
His grandfather, a stern but composed man, chuckled. "It's been three years, Gojo. You've grown stronger.
It's time to show them."
As they passed through the village square, Gojo's gaze darted around—so many familiar places, so many memories.
He could almost smell the dango, hear the laughter of children, and feel the pulse of the village.
But his excitement reached a new high when his grandfather leaned over.
"By the way, Gojo… I arranged something for you. Someone who'll help you greatly."
Gojo blinked. "Who?"
His grandfather smiled knowingly. "You'll see."
They pulled up near the Senju compound, and Gojo jumped off the cart, stretching his arms with a sigh of relief.
But when he turned around, his breath caught.
A tall figure stepped out of the shadows, dressed grass-green haori with the kanji for "gamble" (賭, kake) embroidered on the back, inside a red circle.
Beneath the haori, she dons a grey, kimono-style blouse with no sleeves, secured by a wide, dark bluish-grey obi matching her pants. .
Gojo's eyes widened. "You?!"
The person gave a small nod, pulling the boy forward .
"It's been a while, kid."
Gojo stared in shock.
[ To Be Continued ]
---
Author's Note:
Loving the journey so far?
Please support with a Power Stone!
Your votes help this fanfic grow—and as a thank you, there will be bonus chapters for Power Stone milestones!
Got suggestions or wild ideas?
Drop them in the comments—I'd love to include your thoughts as we shape Gojo's path together.
Let's keep pushing forward—no regrets, just pure hype!
– azuredragonx
---