"The Hokage said I'll be able to join the Crown Guard in the future. This mark is the symbol of the Crown Guard, a gift the Hokage gave me in advance."
Itachi excitedly explained the origin of the mark on the back of his neck to his father. To him, being able to join the Crown was the greatest honor imaginable. After all, even Shisui longed to enter that place.
It wasn't just Shisui. Many students at the Academy also dreamed of joining the Crown and becoming the Hokage's strongest Imperial Guards.
Seeing his son so excited and full of longing, Fugaku couldn't bear to say anything more.
There was nothing he could do now. He could only continue to eke out an existence in this village. Would there ever come a day when he could break free of these shackles? Fugaku didn't know. Perhaps only death could sever them.
But the Hokage was only in his teens this year.
Itachi went on, "But the Hokage said that before I officially become a Crown Guard, it's best not to reveal this mark to anyone."
Fugaku forced a smile. "Since the Hokage said so, don't let him down."
Itachi nodded firmly.
He was filled with beautiful expectations for his future. He would become one of the Hokage's most important subordinates, and his father and mother would surely be proud of him.
And he would be able to work alongside Shisui in the future. Nothing could be better than that.
Itachi could hardly wait to begin his path as a ninja.
After night fell, Itachi heard a faint rustling in his sleep. He propped himself up and looked toward the door, only to see a familiar figure.
"Mom, why are you back so late?"
Mikoto slowly came to his side and spoke