Itachi in the Anbu

Konoha

Hokage Building

In the Hokage Office, Naraku a gentle expression, held a Chunin vest and personally handed it to Itachi.

"Itachi, from today onwards, you are Chunin Konoha. You can serve as a squad leader, leading your team on missions—a great responsibility..."

Uchiha Itachi took the green vest from Naraku's hand with great seriousness, lifted it up, and examined it carefully.

"Uncle... Lord Hokage, why does this vest look a bit worn?"

After careful observation, Uchiha Itachi confirmed that the vest was not new.

Naraku's smile slowly faded, replaced by a slightly serious expression, and he said in a deep voice:

"Itachi, this is the Chunin vest I wore when I was promoted to Chunin. It tells the story of a young Uchiha who, through hard work, became Jonin, and eventually became Hokage to protect the village."

"Now I entrust it to you, hoping that you will become Hokage like its previous owner and protect Konoha."

The Fourth Hokage, Naraku his newly learned techniques to use; he remembered Sarutobi Hiruzen Naraku's methods perfectly.

Sarutobi Hiruzen casually try to win over anyone, and his unintentional actions unexpectedly yielded positive results. In the original story, both Shisui and Itachi were completely swayed by him.

The Forehead Protector set was already taken by Sarutobi Hiruzen. Naraku could only use Chunin disguise, which would achieve a similar effect.

Naraku's eldest nephew, the young Uchiha Itachi, carefully put on his Chunin vest, meticulously adjusting the edges, and finally answered solemnly:

"I understand! I will strive to become Hokage, just like you, Lord Hokage, and protect the village."

Naraku hearing this, Naraku smiled and reached out to pat Itachi's head.

"Yes, our Uchiha Clan is one of the founding clans of the village, and we must protect both the clan and the village with all our hearts. The villagers of Konoha are also our family."

Uchiha Itachi had a look of utter despair. His uncle was good in every way, except for one thing: he always liked to pat his head.

"Uncle... Lord Hokage, I've become Chunin, I'm an adult now."

"Hahaha, in my eyes, you'll always be someone who needs protection."

Naraku didn't seem to care, his smile widening as he ruffled Itachi's hair and withdrew his hand.

"Itachi, becoming Chunin doesn't just mean you can become a squad leader; you can also apply to join various departments in Konoha. Is there any department you'd like to join?"

Naraku back in the Hokage's seat, regaining his Hokage's dignity, and softly questioned Itachi.

Upon hearing Naraku's words, Uchiha Itachi recalled the voice of Uchiha Shisui in his mind.

"A true ninja doesn't care about fame, power, or status. They dedicate themselves silently in the shadows, even at the cost of their lives, even if no one knows, they will uphold the ninja way."

Itachi remembered that it was only when he heard Shisui's ninja way and philosophy that he understood what a true ninja was. Now, given the choice, Itachi said without hesitation:

"I want to join the Anbu."

Naraku, intrigued by the words, asked:

"Anbu? Anbu has a tough job. Itachi, can you tell me why you think that?"

The young and slender Uchiha Itachi had two tear troughs on his face, which made his appearance appear somewhat mature. At this moment, he answered very seriously:

"I believe that true ninjas are those who give secretly and dedicate themselves silently, just like Shisui."

"Good, it's very good that you have such thoughts. This is the mindset and ideas of the Hokage. You are only eight years old and you have such awareness. I am very pleased."

Naraku spoke softly, and after a moment's hesitation, continued:

"I agree."

Bang! Bang!

Just as Naraku finished speaking, there was a knock on the door.

"Please come in!"

A young ninja with bright silver hair and a mask strode into the Hokage Office, exuding a lazy air.

"Hatake Kakashi reporting."

Kakashi entered and quietly reported in. After briefly glancing at Uchiha Itachi, he stood in the middle, awaiting his mission.

Kakashi was summoned by Naraku before he received Itachi, and there just happened to be a mission to be assigned.

"Ah, Kakashi, you've arrived. This is a mission; I hope you can complete it successfully."

Naraku picked up a small scroll from a plate on his office desk and tossed it to Kakashi.

Kakashi took the mission scroll and glanced at the mission level on it: A-rank.

"Yes, sir."

Kakashi became even more listless upon seeing the A-rank mission. After giving a soft reply, he shook his head and turned to leave.

Kakashi belongs to the Anbu. The mission issued by Naraku was commissioned by the Daimyo of the Land of Snow to protect the palace.

"Kakashi, wait a moment."

Naraku, somewhat speechless, called out to Kakashi as he saw Kakashi accept the mission and turn to leave.

"Ah?"

Kakashi turned around and faced the Fourth Hokage, Naraku, his eyes filled with a sense of bewilderment.

"Kakashi, this mission is classified and involves diplomacy between nations. Take him to see it."

Naraku, having said this, pointed to Uchiha Itachi standing to the side and continued:

"Uchiha Itachi, a new member of the Anbu, is now a member of your team."

Naraku even skipped the training process, assigning Anbu senior ANBU member to personally lead him.

"Uchiha Itachi? Isn't he too young?"

Kakashi turned around and glanced at the small Itachi.

"Itachi, Kakashi is an elite ninja of the Anbu. From now on, you will be assigned to Kakashi's team, and he will be your superior."

Naraku whispered instructions to Itachi, then whispered to Kakashi:

"Kakashi, you graduated at 5 and Chunin 6, yet you look down on others for being too young. Take Itachi with you on this mission, let's go."

After briefly mentioning Kakashi's genius, Naraku ordered him to leave.

"Hi..."

Kakashi, somewhat exasperated, waved to Uchiha Itachi, then turned and left.

Uchiha Itachi stared blankly at Kakashi's retreating figure, then turned to look at Naraku. Seeing Naraku in affirmation, he quickly jogged to catch up with Kakashi.

The mission issued by Naraku was a guard mission issued by the Daimyo of the Land of Snow. At this time, Naraku guessed that it might be a mission from the Princess of the Land of Snow.

"The Land of Snow mission, that train and those airships set up by the Land of Snow Daimyo are really good, we need to find a way to get them."

Naraku's travels, whether on foot or by summoning a large bird, are rather pathetic.

The technology development in the Shinobi World is too skewed; countries that value technology have far more advanced technological advancements.

However, apart from the Land of Snow, which developed trains and airships, no other country, no matter how advanced its technology, developed any means of transportation.

Ninjas typically travel on foot, no matter where they go.

Nobles and wealthy merchants had carriages or sedan chairs, while ordinary commoners in the Shinobi World mostly did not go out much and, unless there were major upheavals, stayed in one place for their entire lives.

Naraku has been Hokage for over three years, his position is secure, and it's about time he traveled around to various countries, perhaps even co-hosting the Chunin Ninja Exams, to make connections.

However, whenever Naraku thought about transportation or similar things, he would immediately dismiss such thoughts.