"Mm."
"I got back from a mission and happened to catch you."
Uchiha Itachi's voice was calm. He was much taller than he'd been four years ago.
"Haku."
"Long time no see..."
"You're nearly ready to be promoted to Chunin, aren't you?"
Uchiha Itachi greeted Haku. He hadn't interacted with him much,
but he'd heard Haku was highly talented and a rising star.
His Kekkei Genkai, Ice Release, was masterfully refined. He had also graduated from the Ninja Academy at an astonishingly young age, making him a rare genius.
"Senior Itachi."
Haku greeted Uchiha Itachi with a polite nod.
"I'm still a little short on experience for Chunin..."
"But you, Senior Itachi, seem close to being promoted to Jonin."
"Allow me to congratulate you in advance."
Uchiha Itachi nodded.
"With your talent, it won't be long before you become a Jonin either."
"I'll take Sasuke home now."
"Give my regards to Kabuto."
Of Nonō's family, Yakushi Kabuto was actually the one Uchiha Itachi knew best, since they had some overlap in their research.
"Take care, Senior."
Haku said goodbye.
Watching Uchiha Itachi and Sasuke walk away, Naruto couldn't help saying,
"Why did Lord Third take that Ice Face as his student?"
"He's just as arrogant as Uchiha Sasuke."
Naruto had grown up in a sheltered environment and was quite blunt. He was even showing signs of being a little spoiled.
"Senior Itachi is an exceptionally talented ninja..."
"There aren't many people in the village who can compare to him."
"Especially at his age."
Haku smiled as he explained to Naruto.
"Does he have an impressive title like Uncle Kakashi?"
Naruto asked.
He'd heard that when a ninja from another village gave someone a title, it meant that ninja was exceptionally powerful.
For instance, Lord Third's title was Professor of Ninjutsu,