Time flew by. Three years had passed since the Nine-Tails attacked Konoha. Though the memories of that night remained deeply etched in the villagers' minds, life had long since returned to peace, and the rebuilt Konoha had regained its former prosperity.
But the calm on the surface could not conceal the undercurrents in the shadows. Silently, certain things were changing.
The relationship between the Uchiha Clan and Konoha had grown increasingly tense. As early as two years ago, the Uchiha compound had been moved out of Konoha's central district, faintly giving the sense that they had been isolated.
The Uchiha's Police Force had also been heavily restricted, its authority further curtailed. They had to consult the Hokage before making any decisions.
Communication between the two sides gradually dwindled as well, and everything was moving in the worst possible direction.
Still, these were merely undercurrents. They had no effect on ordinary villagers, especially children, who lived each day free of care.
At the Uchiha compound, inside the clan head's home, Uchiha Itachi stepped through the door after completing a mission. Though he was only eight this year, he had graduated from the Ninja Academy last year and was already able to carry out missions alongside other ninja.
This time, he had worked with the Hokage's Anbu to destroy a ninja organization at the border of the Land of Fire. The mission had taken a month.
The instant he entered, a small figure rushed toward him, snatched away his ninja tool pouch, and said excitedly, "Big brother, I knew you'd be back today! I've been waiting since this morning. Hurry up and tell me about your mission."
Uchiha Itachi smiled at his young brother, a warmth rising in his heart.
At that moment, a beautiful young woman wearing an apron emerged from