As Kizaru's disciple, Itachi had a bit more of the youthful spirit befitting his age than his counterpart in the original timeline.
That was exactly what Kizaru had hoped to see in Itachi.
This genius no longer had to bear the burdens of war or the conflicts between his clan and village—things he should never have had to carry at his age. Thanks to Kizaru's intervention, they had been kept entirely away from him.
Youthful spirit and a vigorous bearing—those were the qualities that belonged to Itachi and the younger generation of the Land of Light.
In a peaceful Land of Light, steadily moving toward a golden age, the younger generation had no need to worry about war or schemes. Kizaru, Tobirama, Hashirama, and the many other powerful figures had built a stage for them. All they had to do was freely display their talents on the stage of the future.
When Kizaru heard Itachi tell Yamato, "I'm ready whenever you are," the smile on his face grew even broader.
Yamato, however, didn't take the words of the child in front of her very seriously.
In her eyes, Itachi might be the genius Kizaru had spoken of, but no matter how talented he was, his strength was limited at his age.
Besides, Yamato herself was no mediocrity. She had her own pride.
"Your name is Uchiha Itachi, right? I'll have a match with you. If I win, you have to do everything you can to help me graduate from this school as soon as possible," Yamato said earnestly.
Itachi didn't look to Kizaru for approval. Facing Yamato's wager, he replied with confidence, "If I win, you have to follow my arrangements for your studies from now on."
"No problem!" Eager to return to Wano Country as soon as possible, Yamato