Chapter 6

The protagonist wakes up in the living room. Itachi's eyes widened as he looked up from a dream in which he had saved an orphan boy, and the boy smiled in return. Getting out of bed and adjusting his black t-shirt, Itachi noticed that the time was around noon. He thought about his comrades who might be tracking down Kowaki Kurosuki right now. Also about the time it might take to complete that mission. However, all his not-so-happy thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of the doorbell. Opening it, Itachi saw Kizashi and his wife there. Itachi himself added a smile that they were able to return alive.

-Hello," Itachi began politely after greeting both of them, "I didn't expect you to return from your assignment so quickly.

-The task was easier than we expected," Kizashi said with a smile, "Kakashi and Izumo had connections in the Risa Country, so they quickly figured out that renegade's position. And thanks to the sensor," he shifted his gaze to his wife, "we found out that he was recklessly walking down the main street of that village. When he spotted us, he tried to flee. We quickly split up to keep him from going into the forest, but it wasn't necessary. Kakashi intercepted him there as well. We wanted to send him to the mist village. But we didn't even have to do that, we spotted a large detachment of Mist Shinobi. Imagine, among them was the fourth Mizukage and a three-tailed jinchuriki named Jagura. Having spotted this renegade rascal, he had already personally taken him into custody and thanked us. And it also turned out that they were actually looking for a certain Nukenin who had betrayed the village for some criminal organization. His name is Juzo Biwo.

Itachi remembered the name, for for the first few days in Akatsuki, he was the one who had been his partner. 

-The Mizukage also warned us that their Nukenin are often in Konoha. And that was the end of it. And following Maito Gai's example, we made it home in a day," Kizashi finished.

-Actually, Gaius would only take half a day to get there," Mebuki added with a smile.

A newly awakened Sakura comes running to her mom, with a cry of greeting and hugs her. Kizashi also strokes her daughter's hair and looks at Itachi, adding:

-Sorry if there was a lot of hassle with her that Inner side. You know," Kizashi looked a little embarrassed. 

-I'll be honest, I even enjoyed this day, I definitely wasn't bored. Heh... - Itachi replied with a smile, "Well, I guess my Rank-D assignment here is over. I have to go, good luck to you," he said as he left through the door. 

-No wait, Itachi-san," Sakura hugs Itachi, "I'll miss you. 

-But come on, Sakura... - Sakura added with a smile and ruffled her hair, "I promise I'll see you again," he touched her forehead with two fingers and left.

And she returned to her parents, who watched this beautiful scene and once again embraced her, giving her love ...

***

An hour later, Itachi Uchiha was at the training field. Where Kakashi and Team-7 would someday train. In the meantime, Itachi began to hone his taijutsu, his skills were good, and his experience was also on the higher aspects. But the thirteen year old's body, was not perfect so he started practicing sports to develop it from scratch. Squatting, push-ups and also running on the spot, he started hitting a tree, until he saw Shisui coming from the front of the forest in an ANBU uniform, but without a mask.

-Itachi, since when did you become a fan of Maito Gai's methods? I thought it was him at first," Itachi's partner said with a slight chuckle.

-I'm just trying to hone myself to raise my level," Itachi said as he looked away from his training. Shisui continued, "Maybe we can practice again like before," Itachi finished, adding a smile.

-You want to lose again silly," Shisui said with a jerk and a smile as always, "All right then, so be it.

The fight started, also after both of them activated their sharingans, the taijutsu battle began. Itachi began to parry his blows easily and also landed his own blows. Shisui fought back easily, but considering that the owner of the protagonist-hero had knowledge of both lives, even the fact that he had exterminated his clan and was in Akatsuki, and had been to the Fourth Great World War, he began to use his taijutsu more accurately. He was able to throw a couple of punches at Shisui, even though he was still in his imperfect body. He was still able to kick him so that Shisui flew 2 meters away.

-Impressive Itachi," he said shakily, catching his breath, "I see that you've really stepped up your skill level. So there's no point in holding back," Shisui finished with a smile, activating his mangekyo sharingan which had the shapes of a four-cornered-suriken. Itachi smiled back and activated his mangekyo, Shisui was very surprised as he opened his eyes wide open and added," Itachi where did you get your mangekyo from?

-I'll tell you after practice," Itachi replied with a smile, which made him eager for the fight as well. After that and the fight between Shisui and Itachi began.

The fight lasted for about 15 minutes, Itachi realized that earlier, he had lost to him often. But now it was a different story, During the fight both his intuition and pain reflexes were at their best, also the training fight continued until Itachi hit him with his left hand on his right shoulder. With his right hand with two fingers hit his pain point, near his left knee. Then he kicked him with his foot, causing him to fall to the ground, then Itachi himself fell to one knee from exhaustion. Then he stood up sharply, gathering his second breath. Itachi stood up abruptly, gathering his second breath:

-I think that's enough for today. We've both had a lot to talk about," he added with a smile, "I agree," and held out his hand.

-So tell me how you got your mangekyo. I didn't know that until now," Shisui asked Itachi, standing up from the ground.

-I awakened him in the previous mission. When I tried to protect Kakashi, I was hit by a renegade ANBU. Suddenly, for a moment, almost unconscious, I saw things. As if all the dear ones in the world were dying, my whole clan, I also saw your death as if you were jumping from the river to kill yourself, without one eye.... and leave the other one to me. I joined a criminal organization, seeing how I kill people in cold blood, as if the mercenary and partner was also the same. I also saw how at the end, the adult Sasuke had a rinnegan, he used that power for his own purposes, not peaceful ones... All my thoughts popped up to me at the same time, which gave me incredible pain, which caused me to awaken the mangekyo sharingan. After that, I realized that no negativity would ever hurt me again, because my soul had already honed it all," Itachi said it easily, because it felt even more pleasant to say it without him realizing that he was telling an alternative truth.... It's not to change the first timeline, he first wanted to tell a short lie, then Itachi realized that such an explanation would be better. After all, it is the truth in a way... And Shisui listened to the end with a smile and replied:

-You know. I can understand that, because a hard blow can make you think of other things. I'm sure you've thought about it before, because they can't just appear," he continued, taking out a flask of water from his pouch and taking a sip, "I'm sure about what you just told me. You imagined it, and after that shock, as if you had seen it for real, you certainly believed it, that it would be so.... That's why you awakened the mangekyo-sharingan. But you should know that you are the one who makes your own destiny, and should not make plans for what is to come. Even if it were, I don't doubt that you can change a lot of the flaws of mistakes, and also create a good world, but it's also a great advantage that you have awakened the mangekyo at all," he finishes his speech and holds out a flask of water to Itachi. He accepts it with a smile, as if Itachi's anchor weight had subsided.

Itachi took two sips, also kneading his hands. Shisui takes the flask back and continues:

-If I'm not mistaken the score is 3-3, now that I know how dangerous you are, I'll be ready for practice," Shisui said with a smile, also adding, "At Sasuke's expense. He came to me this morning and wanted to practice," Itachi pays attention and listens to the end of Shisui's speech, "he told me how he saw you with the pink-haired girl in the streets of Konoha. I showed him a couple of kunai and shuriken tricks, he said I was cool at the end, then after a short mission, I came to practice again and met you. I was glad I didn't waste my time," he smiled, Itachi smiled back with his left lip, seeing his friend alive again, they were distracted by someone jumping out of a tree.

-Kakashi Hatake, copy-ninja, you're definitely the one I didn't expect to see," Shisui began with a smile.

-I was here this morning, reading my favorite book. When I didn't notice Itachi practicing in the distance and the way you approached him, then when you started sparring, I decided to put the book down and gain experience by watching your taijutsu with sharingan," he said at the end with a smile, he was also wearing a uniform with a green vest, Jonin's outfit. The three suddenly noticed Chuunin running towards them, and he stopped to talk to Kakashi.

-Kakashi-san, we have a big problem," Chuunin began, joining the three of them.

-Calm down Iruka," Kakashi continued calmly, "and start detailing what happened, Konoha was attacked?

-No... But this news is also worse. Three Nukenin of the Mist have kidnapped Naruto Uzumaki, one of my students in the academy," all three of them made a serious look as they began to listen to Iruka's story:

Flashback

For Naruto, the day was also boring and ordinary. He sat at his seat, in the academy and saw a pensive Sasuke and then when the variable bell rang. Naruto pouted his lips and shifted his gaze to the other, Sasuke did the same in response. Then transferring his gaze to Kiba, he saw him chatting with three from their general class. Naruto became curious about their conversation, so he walked over to them and joined in the conversation.

Naruto's POV

-Hey guys, how's it going?" they look at me with a smile like I'm a clown and a loser, well that's better than hate though.

-I nodded, giving him a thumbs-up and he smiled, and the three of them smiled fake smiles. While holding back the laughter of my gesture.

-So what are you discussing about dattabayo?" I asked.

-We first talked about my older sister, she works at the Konoha hospital, she always came in tired after work, but yesterday she came in positive and upbeat," Kiba began thoughtfully.

-I'm telling you she's definitely met some guy," the black-haired man next to Kiba added with a smile.

-Shut up, Yo, she doesn't have anyone. And if she does, I'll beat him up," Kiba said resentfully, folding his arms across his chest.

-It's a joke," Yo said with a smile, and the other two nodded. I almost laughed, and decided to change the subject to forget about laughing.

-Interesting conversation, - I said smiling with all 20-rooted and 4-molar teeth, -What are you discussing now?

-The ghost of Konoha," said a white-haired man dressed like Shikamaru, but in green. Also wearing a black vest, and his name was Kazuma, he continued, -I heard that this ghost preys on children. When he kills them and makes them his servants... Only other ghosts can stop him, my older brother told me.

-Ah! -Where are the ghosts? Are you serious?" I replied fearfully. They're the ones I'm most afraid of. But Kiba's third friend noticed me and said.

-Naruto, are you scared?" said a red-haired man dressed in black pants. He had a jacket like mine, only red, and his name was Jin." "I thought you wanted to be Hokage," he said with a smile, and then I snapped:

-OF COURSE I'LL BECOME HOKAGE! DATTABAYO. And I'm not afraid of your ghost," they seemed to be amused.... Kiba laughed like a horse, and then I added softly, "Why don't we go there tonight, all four of us meeting at the castle-kikyo.

-Come on," the black-haired man replied, then continued, "and whoever doesn't come is a loser," he said, looking at everyone, and they nodded.

***

Classes at the academy were over. I said goodbye to my friends and made an appointment. As I was getting ready and walking home, it was sunset, so I stopped by an ichiraku ramen and was greeted with a big smile by Teuchi and his daughter Ayame. I didn't have much money so ordered only 3 plates, then Teuchi gave me another plate, with an added portion and added:

-We don't have that kind of free food," he added with a sharp smile, "but that doesn't mean I can't pay for it on my own dime. On the house enjoy Naruto, my favorite customer," I got a childish smile. And Ayame even laughed lightly, well after dinner, I said goodbye to them. As I walked further and the sunset was lower and lower, the orange color turned dark blue. The sun hadn't fully set yet.... On my way home noticing Sakura I decided to walk over and say hello, I also noticed her holding an ice cream cone in her arms. And next to someone tall with long hair, wearing a black shirt, and also holding an ice cream cone. Who's that? Her brother? I'll go over to Sakura and say hello, maybe she'll tell me who he is.

-Hi! Sakura-chan," I said to her with a smile. She pouted her lips in response and looked away from me. Probably still mad that I complimented her and offered to be my girlfriend...

-Hi Naruto-kun," the tall brunette who was walking next to Sakura said to me. He also looked at me with hero eyes. Does he really look at me like that? Not many people looked at me like that, only the third man and Teuchi.

-Hello?", I answered him, and then raised my right eyebrow in curiosity. How does he even know me? Especially looking at me with those eyes..... Maybe he's from further back in time and saw how cool the Hokage I've become. Is that why he's acting like that, or is he just a good person who's different? He also knows better how kind I am. Still, I decided to ask, adding, "Who are you? And I don't think we've met.

-My name is Itachi. I know you because I've heard a lot about you from the Third Hokage, so that's how he knows me... He knows the Third Hokage's grandfather too? The only thing I know about him is that he knows him, and his name is Itachi.

-Ha! -Yes, that's right. I'm Naruto Uzumaki. And I think he probably also told you that I'll be Hokage one day. You'll see, dattabayo," I said with a thumbs-up and my trademark smile. I always respond to positivity with positivity. And he deserves it.

-I don't doubt that, Heh... - he said confidently, does he really believe in me? Finally someone believes in me, or is he just being polite? No!, I won't allow such thoughts, he believes in me and even gave me his newly bought chocolate ice cream. How glad I am, and Sakura was looking at us the whole time and eating the ice cream smiling. Then tugging his hand she said:

-It's getting dark, Itachi-san. It's the end of the sunset," Sakura said, looking up at him with emerald eyes.

-Well, we should go, take care of yourself Naruto-kun," I nodded positively and walked away. And seeing them in the distance I waved goodbye. Even Sakura turned around and smiled at me for a moment. I guess she realized that Itachi's positivity had worked on me too, heh.....

***

I'm home now, licking my fingers, because there are still traces of the chocolate ice cream. It was kind of a great day, I had ramen, and I got a dessert of ice cream from Itachi. What could possibly go wrong?" I smile as I fall back on the bed. I think about today for a long time, and then I look at the clock and see that it's 00:00, Oh no, I'm late for zamak-kikyo. But the important thing is that I know where it is.

I take the fox mask that a vendor once threw at me, calling me a demon. I also took the long black cloak that the third Hokage had given me. I take the long black cloak given to me by the third Hokage. I leave through the window, and still quickly go to the place where I'm supposed to be. Jumping on the rooftops, I continue on my way. And a couple minutes later, I'm there, and I see that no one's here yet. Hah!, I knew that story that Kazuma's older brother said was just fiction, there's no ghost, although there's still no ghost. But it's a great view of the stars, you can look at them forever, and think about a lot of things and the meaning of life, I think I'm starting to understand the third one.

It's been five hours, where are they? So I'm the only one who's not a loser. Haha, I'll tease you tomorrow, and then lying on top, standing on the porch, I see. I see four awake and sleepy people coming up on the penultimate roof, so they were asleep and not in a hurry, and I've been standing here all night. Well, that's good, too. that there were stars and moon, or I would have left. Now I take out my cloak and fox mask, I put them on, I jump and make scary noises and they run away. So much so that only their heels were glistening, all four of them even held hands. And that made me scream with a ghost moan while laughing at the same time, which made them get even more scared. Then reaching the exit, at the gate in Konoha, we walked out of Konoha. And those sentries were sleeping and snoring heavily, like both of them were lazy and hadn't shaved in a while. But I didn't pay much attention to them, so I kept chasing them, and in the forest they met Iruka sensei, and said that the fox demon had returned. I was watching the tree and noticed how scared he got, and sensei ordered them to run. So they went home, I jumped down from the tree, then met Iruka sensei face to face. He was scared but clutching his kunai, and then I took off my mask and he calmed down.

-NARUTO!, what does that mean?, you even scared me almost to death," he said angrily.

-Hahaha!, they deserved it, they ditched me when we wanted to meet the spirit, but there was no spirit. But at least there was me." Then it started to dawn and I could see Iruka sensei's face in detail, he looked at me with a different look and different eyes. That look was exactly the same... Like those people in Konoha who looked at me like I was an outcast... And then I added - Why! - he squinted his eyes at my answer, I also continued - Why... You look at me like I'm a monster and a demon, what did I do? I'm just a kid," my tears started flowing and I ran off deep into the woods. He ran after me calling my name, and at the end he caught me by the hand and said looking into my eyes.

-I didn't look at you with contempt, it was pity. I understand what you're going through. - I didn't look at you with disdain, but with pity, because I understand what it's like to be you.

And an enemy wearing an ANBU-like mask came out of the forest. And Iruka-sensei looked at me and said:

-Naruto, run! I'll hold them off," I wanted to help, but I was stunned. But he looked at me and repeated the word "Run!" and I said: "No! I'll fight."

-Seduction Technique," I folded the seals and turned into an attractive blonde girl. But their attack continued with the kunai. I was thinking how my technique didn't work, then I realized that they were Nukenina girls, and Iruka sensei was a little distracted by my technique and added "This is not the time to fool around, run" and hitting his kunai in the sword from the opponent he kicked her with all his kunai that she flew away for 5 meters, at the same time reflecting the shuriken attacks of the second one with his kunai. Probably because of his training on Chuunin, he has that kind of experience and that's why he became him, but then... Suddenly, a third one appears from behind and strikes him with the handle of his kunai in the back of the head and Iruka sensei loses consciousness. I screamed - Iruka sensei - but I was knocked out too...

The end of Naruto's POV

-Take him, we'll take the jinchuriki with us. Let the other one stay here, he won't get in our way," said the leader of the kidnapping group.

End - Flashback

-It was roughly like this... - Iruka finished.

-I see, thanks for the story Iruka. But why were you looking for me?" continued Hatake Kakashi, surprised.

-As soon as I came to my senses, I realized that you had returned, Kakashi-san. That's why I was looking for you, because you're a good tracker," Iruka finished.

-I'd go if no one else was around. But I think they're a more interesting option, Shisui and Itachi are more experienced than me," Kakashi said tiredly, adding, "And after returning from the mission to track down the renegade fogman, I haven't gotten enough strength yet. I didn't even get much sleep, but I also just changed into Jonin's outfit.

-I see Kakashi, then we're moving out right now, let's go Itachi," Shisui replied, the latter nodded.

-Then I'll report to Hokage-sama that you've already gone on a Rank-B mission. He's sure to call it that himself, this mission...'' - After Iruka's words, Itachi and Shisui nodded. They immediately vanished into thin air, ending up at the spot Iruka had described.

-Itachi I found the trail, they went that way. They look like inexperienced Chuunin-level Nukenins, we'll find them quickly," Shisui said while looking for fresh footprints.

-There are a lot of battlefield tracks, the main one being the one that stretches farther in that direction," Itachi pointed his finger toward the north. Shisui nodded and headed that way, following Itachi.

Itachi's POV

Now I realize that there's a bit of a change here too. I'm sure in the first timeline, Kakashi was released from the hospital by an experienced irienin. who treated him for half a day after the fight with that renegade. And he was also in the place where he was reading the book. Probably when Iruka came to him, he went along with him on the mission despite his fatigue. And they saved Naruto, although Naruto was unconscious and did not see Kakashi, not even thanking him.... After all, he doesn't officially meet Kakashi until the beginning of Team 7. But in this timeline, I decided to train, and ended up at the place where I met Shisui. When I told Sasuke that I didn't have time for him, he saw me with Sakura and I guess he thought I had found a replacement for him. So he asked Shisui to train him, and he postponed his morning practice and helped Sasuke throw kunai. He came here late and met me. And that's when the event came true. Although I think we should do it exactly according to the timeline, or we'll get in trouble.

Jumping from tree to tree, we find fresher tracks, inexperienced Nukenins. Shisui started the conversation:

-You know, Itachi, you shouldn't use mangekyo too often," Shisui began, telling me what I already knew. But I pretended to hear it for the first time. If you turn on mangekyo in battle and use nothing but taijutsu or your own ninjutsu nature, then mangekyo will enhance your reflexes and your reactions and intuition will become much better and clearer. The side effect will only be fatigue, like in our training today. But if you use techniques like kamui or amaterasu, or strong genjutsu at the tsukuyomi level. Then your eyes will slowly go blind. That's a much worse side effect, but if you transplant eyes from someone in a clan, if they have the same mangekyo. You can create an eternal sharingan mangekyo, your eye won't go blind no matter how many times you use kamui, amaterasu, tsukuyomi, or even Uchiha Madara's technique called susanoo. I rarely use my kamui myself, I even used green susanoo once. And my eye started to bleed. I was blind for five minutes. The first time I did it. So be careful, because your body's not used to it yet.

That word explains a lot, because my body really isn't used to this. I have to be careful, though... When I watched Kakashi from the other side of heaven through the crystal ball the Sage gave me. I saw Kakashi had both mangekyo-sharinagin kamui. But he wasn't of the Uchiha clan, nor could he use susanoo. But still he could, only because the Sage's power helped create a bond between Kakashi and Obito. He was able to recreate the same blue susanoo as the Sage himself. Still, if Kakashi had transplanted both of Obito's eyes. He'd be like Obito when he was still in Akatsuki. But he'd be much stronger with two eyes.

-Is Itachi thinking again?", Shisui interrupted his thoughts, "I see you're not surprised.

-I knew about that, but I didn't think it was true. Thanks for the clarification, though, Shisui, I'll take that under advisement," I added with a smile. He smiled, too.

-With my kamui, I can only send other objects to another dimension. But I can't send my own body to another dimension. My body doesn't synchronize well with the kamui," Shisui said sadly, then continued, "but in our clan, among the Uchiha, there was once someone who could transfer his body to another dimension. There was once someone who could transport his body to another dimension, he was like a ghost when kunai flew at him. He had a very cheerful and optimistic personality. And his name was Tobi Uchiha," I paid attention to Shisui's explanation. Is he really talking about the masked Obito who is now in Akatsuki? I continued to listen to him. "By the way, did you know that Kakashi's former partner, who died in the Third Great War. And whose name was Obito Uchiha, is Tobi's grandson, - now everything is falling into place... It's clear who Obito's been impersonating all this time, although Obito's disguise is pretty good.

-Shisui look, it's them, -I noticed the Nukenins on foot. On a path near the forest, carrying a blond boy on their backs, I suddenly remembered my dream from this morning. When I slept at Sakura's house, I had a dream that I was rescuing a boy. Is it de-ja-view? Heh...? Distracted from our thoughts, we went downstairs and they noticed us and paid attention. Taking the kunai out of the pouch.

-So what's itachi, you or me? Or put them down together," Shisui replied with a smile, looking at them blankly.

-Don't underestimate Shisui's opponent. I pulled out my wakizashi, unsealing the scroll.

-Fools, there are only two of you and three of us," said the opponent with a female voice. That made Shisui not only calm, but also laugh. She continued, "We'll be paid well by Akatsuki for this boy, go away if you want to live," and now it was clear why they were his kidnappers. It's all about the reward and the money...

-I've never heard of this Akatsuki of yours. But one thing I know for sure, we won't leave without him," Shisui finished confidently.

We activated our sharingans so we wouldn't have to deal with them. I knocked one of them out before they could blink, hitting him in the face with my vakizashi. Shisui took care of the second one. I went to the third, and used genjutsu to knock her to her knees. Meanwhile, Shisui and his opponent were dealt with, and then we took off their masks, they were the Nukenin and the renegade Mist, with the rank of Chuunin. And the one Shisui finished with was already of the rank of Jonin, we tied them up by the tree, with strong chains made of chakra that will dissipate in two days. Shisui summoned a hawk, writing a message about the location of the bound criminals, as well as the exact coordinates. And sent the falcon to the Mizukage's residence.

-I estimate that they will arrive here in nine hours. They're always punctual," I added mentally as I finished speaking, "Then they'll dispel the chains with their seal methods and take them away.

-I guess the mission is over. Shisui, let's take Naruto and go back to Konoha," I said, sitting Naruto on my back as he slept. Naruto continued to sleep peacefully.

-And what shall we call this assignment?" with a positive attitude, Shisui clarified.

-Itachi and Shisui, -the mission to rescue Naruto. I think that sounds pretty interesting, heh... - I gave the speech with a smile, from beginning to end.

-Great name Itachi, now let's go," Shisui finished.

The end of Itachi's POV

It was noon, the two heroic Uchiichi still continued to go tree to tree as well. Naruto continued to sleep on Itachi's back. Shisui took out his flask periodically, giving Itachi and he smilingly replied and drank as well. and it was noon, and their goal was to return to Konoha, and they were close.