Just as Itachi and Izumi were casually chatting, a familiar voice called out Itachi's name from a short distance away. Turning toward the sound, they saw a striking figure approaching—a man with distinctive white hair, a mask covering most of his face, leaving only one sharp eye visible.
It was none other than Kakashi Hatake, the renowned ninja often called "Kakashi the Tie" in the Hokage world. His reputation preceded him; known for his exceptional combat skills, Kakashi could hold his ground against the strongest opponents, trading blows with ease. His mastery of the Mangekyo Sharingan granted him the incredible ability to manipulate space remotely, while his teammate Obito's eye allowed for close-range spatial control and intangibility.
Izumi's eyes widened slightly as she whispered under her breath, "Kakashi Hatake..." She had heard tales of his exploits but had never met him in person.
Itachi noticed her interest and gave a subtle nod. "This is my teammate—well, colleague—Kakashi," he said with a slight cough, introducing her to the seasoned ninja. "Kakashi-senpai, this is Izumi Uchiha, my friend."
Kakashi smiled beneath his mask, his single eye crinkling with amusement. "Senpai or captain, either is fine. It's no secret." He then turned to Itachi, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "I didn't realize you, of all people, would have such a beautiful girlfriend."
Itachi's cheeks flushed faintly, and he stammered, "No, no, she's not my girlfriend yet."
Before Kakashi could respond, Izumi gave Itachi a quick pinch on the arm. "Oh? Then what am I, exactly?"
Itachi scratched the back of his head awkwardly, trying to find the right words. "Uh… maybe a future girlfriend?"
Ignoring his embarrassment, Izumi turned to Kakashi with a smile. "Kakashi-senpai, thank you for looking out for Itachi. Let us treat you to dinner."
Kakashi shook his head with a chuckle. "Not at all. It's our responsibility as seniors to watch over the juniors. Actually, I'm meeting some friends for dinner. Why don't you two join us?"
Itachi hesitated. "No, senpai. Izumi and I planned to have some fun after dinner, just the two of us."
Kakashi nodded in understanding, about to encourage them to enjoy their time together, when a voice interrupted from behind him.
"Kakashi! You came so early? Unbelievable! Did you finally get a day off?" It was Kurenai Yuhi, her tone teasing as she approached the group.
The others looked at Izumi and Itachi with curiosity. Kurenai asked, "Kakashi, who are these two?"
Kakashi smiled and introduced, "This is Itachi Uchiha, and this is Izumi Uchiha. They're a couple. Itachi is on my team."
He then gestured to the people behind him. "These are my friends from the same year—Kurenai Yuhi, Asuma Sarutobi, Might Guy, Anko Mitarashi, and Shiranui Genma."
Izumi and Itachi greeted them politely.
Asuma Sarutobi's eyes lingered on Izumi with a curious look. "So you're Izumi Uchiha? I never imagined you'd be such a cute girl. I always thought you'd be more arrogant."
Kakashi raised an eyebrow. "You know her?"
Asuma glanced around, realizing all eyes were on him, and decided to explain. "My father mentioned that Izumi's speed is incredible—comparable even to the Fourth Hokage."
Might Guy's eyes lit up. "Speed-type ninja are rare and precious! Izumi, we should have a match sometime."
Izumi laughed awkwardly. "Really? I was ignorant back then. It's a bit embarrassing to think about now."
Asuma chuckled quietly, careful not to reveal more.
Kakashi smiled. "Well, we won't keep you two any longer." The group bid their farewells, and Izumi and Itachi waved back.
As the group walked away, Izumi turned to Itachi with a questioning look. "Why didn't you join them? It could be good to get to know them. It would broaden your connections—and that could be helpful for your future."
Itachi shook his head. "I don't want to be involved. Clan matters take up enough of my time. I just want to relax and take a stroll with you."
Izumi smiled teasingly. "Is this a sudden date invite? You've really improved."
Itachi chuckled, scratching the back of his head. Izumi rolled her eyes and said, "Alright, let's eat first. Afterward, we'll go for that walk."
He smiled. "What do you want to eat?"
"Anything," Izumi said cheerfully.
Itachi nodded. "Then let's each pick one dish—the one we like most or want to try. That way, we can learn more about each other. I still don't know much about you."
Izumi's big eyes sparkled. "Good idea. Then... I'll have this one."
He looked at the menu, then said, "I'll have that one too."
Just then, the owner's son hurried over, eager to take their order. "Sir, what would you like to eat?"
Izumi smiled warmly. "I'll start with a bowl of miso soup."
The owner's son blinked in surprise. "Ah, sir, we'll prepare it right away!" As he ran off to the kitchen, he muttered under his breath, cursing Izumi silently—and even thought of how challenging it was to serve such a perceptive customer.
Izumi's voice stopped him. "If there's anything extra in the soup that shouldn't be there, I won't be polite, you know. Don't underestimate a ninja."
The owner's son's face broke into a wide grin. "How could I? You're so funny!"
Izumi nodded with satisfaction. "I heard from my subordinates that this place has great food, especially the free miso soup—it has a unique flavor. We should both give it a try."
"It really is good?" Itachi asked, eyes bright with anticipation.
The owner's son almost tripped as he rushed back, steadying himself and saying awkwardly, "Actually, the miso soup hasn't been free for a long time."
"Oh? Well then, we'll pay. He'll cover it anyway." Izumi nudged Itachi playfully.
"It's only right that I pay," Itachi replied with a smile.
The owner's son shook his head firmly. "Quan-sama has worked hard maintaining public order on this street. That's why this place is so beautiful now. I cannot accept payment for this meal."
Izumi smiled kindly but firmly. "We must pay as usual. If someone says the Uchiha Clan eats without paying, it would damage our reputation, wouldn't it, Itachi?"
"It would," Itachi agreed.
The owner's son hurried back to the kitchen, telling the chef to prepare their dishes carefully.
Itachi looked at Izumi thoughtfully. "They seem to respect you a lot. Other residents aren't usually this courteous toward the Uchiha Police Force."
Izumi smiled confidently. "That's because we've worked hard to coexist peacefully with the villagers
Uchiha Itachi sighed quietly, a faint smile playing on his lips as he looked at Izumi. "I didn't expect you to do so well," he admitted sincerely.
Izumi returned the smile confidently. "Of course. After all, I'm the woman who's going to be Hokage one day!"
Itachi raised an eyebrow, amused. "You want to become Hokage?"
Izumi feigned indignation and folded her arms. "Hm? Is that not allowed?"
"It is," Itachi quickly reassured her, bowing his head slightly in apology. "I just didn't realize you really meant it."
"That's right," Izumi said proudly. "I want to see if I can really become Hokage, not just someone's woman."
With a playful smile, she suddenly leaned over closer. Itachi's gaze fell on her delicate face — so youthful, yet so determined — and his heart skipped a beat.
"I said before I wanted to be the Hokage's woman," Izumi teased softly, "so tell me: will I become Hokage, or will I become the Hokage's woman?"
Itachi looked genuinely confused. "Is there really a difference?"
Izumi rolled her eyes dramatically. "You're so annoying! You're usually so smart, so why are you being silly now?"
Before Itachi could respond, a waitress set down a steaming bowl of miso soup and a few other dishes on their table.
"Quick, try it. Is it good?" Izumi asked eagerly.
Itachi took a careful sip and nodded. "Not bad."
Izumi's smile brightened even more. "Right? A lot of people say this place makes good food. So it shouldn't be wrong."
As they prepared to eat, Itachi suddenly noticed Izumi shooting him a resentful glare from the side.
"Hmm?" he looked at her questioningly.
Izumi pouted, pointing at the food beside her and then at her mouth. She wanted him to feed her.
Itachi immediately understood, picked up a piece of food, and gently placed it into her waiting mouth.
Izumi nodded in satisfaction, then cheekily picked up a bite of the dish Itachi had ordered. "Open your mouth," she demanded.
He smiled and obeyed, and she carefully fed him in return.
The two of them finished their meal this way — feeding one another, sharing laughs and shy glances.
When Itachi paid the bill, he pulled Izumi gently to her feet.
"Where are we going now?" he asked.
Izumi looked up at him with a playful glint in her eye. "Let's do some shopping. Buy some things."
Itachi's brows furrowed slightly. "Is it okay for you to skip patrol?"
Izumi shrugged nonchalantly. "It's fine. We'll just shop in the area I'm responsible for. No harm done."
"What do we need to buy?" Itachi asked, curious.
Izumi grinned. "I want to buy you some new clothes. You always wear the same few outfits. At our age, we should change our style often. Otherwise, when we grow up, we'll just keep wearing those same boring clothes."
Itachi nodded thoughtfully. "That makes sense. Alright, let's go."
Hand in hand, they walked down the street.
This was the first time the merchants had ever seen Izumi holding hands with a boy. Curious faces peeked out from behind counters and doorways, whispering among themselves.
"That young man is quite handsome, too," one woman commented.
"Yes, he is," another agreed.
Both Izumi and Itachi felt their cheeks flush slightly at the attention, but Itachi squeezed Izumi's hand gently and refused to let go.
Izumi glared playfully at him. He smiled apologetically, but didn't release his grip.
When they reached the clothing store, Izumi tugged Itachi's hand. "Let go. You're making me sweat. If you don't, I won't be able to pick things out."
"Oh," Itachi said, loosening his hold awkwardly.
Izumi immediately began pulling him through the racks. "Look at this white and red Tang suit! Doesn't it look good?"
"I've never worn white before," Itachi said hesitantly.
"Just try it!" Izumi insisted. "And this black and red one — try that too. And this jacket!"
Itachi disappeared into the dressing room and soon emerged in a variety of outfits.
Each time, Izumi and the shop owner nodded approvingly.
"You're handsome, so everything looks good on you," the shop owner said with a smile.
Itachi glanced at himself in the mirror wearing the black and red Tang suit. "I think this one suits me best."
Izumi beamed. "Don't worry, you look great in it!"
After a moment, Itachi spoke up again. "You know, you don't have to just buy clothes for me. I want to buy something for you, too."
Izumi blinked in surprise. "Me?"
Itachi nodded and smiled. "Yes. Owner, can you recommend some clothes for her?"
The female shop owner's eyes lit up. "I've been wanting to find some clothes for this little sister for a long time. She's so pretty but never dresses up!"
She picked out a long white dress and held it up. "How about this?"
Itachi looked expectantly at Izumi. Though a little embarrassed, she nodded and went to try it on.
When she came out, they both gasped in unison.
Her long black hair and porcelain skin contrasted beautifully against the pure white gown. She looked like an ethereal spirit, graceful and sacred.
Izumi twirled and glanced at Itachi, asking, "Do I look good?"
"You look amazing," Itachi said, eyes locked on her.
Izumi giggled. "You're such a silly boy, staring like that."
Itachi smiled awkwardly but couldn't take his eyes off her.
The shop owner brought out a few more outfits for Izumi to try.
A deep red short dress revealed Izumi's long, slender legs. Though still young, her figure was blossoming — the dress only emphasized her beauty and grace.
She changed again into a loose white high-neck hoodie and black skinny pants. This casual, stylish look made her seem lively and modern.
Noticing Itachi spacing out, Izumi whispered something to the shop owner. The woman smiled and excused herself.
Curious, Itachi asked, "What did you tell her?"
Izumi grinned. "You'll find out soon enough."
Shortly after, the shop owner returned carrying a bundle of clothes.
Izumi smiled and said, "Come on, try these on."
---
They spent the rest of the afternoon trying on clothes, laughing, and teasing each other.
For the first time, Itachi felt truly relaxed. With Izumi by his side, everything felt brighter and more hopeful.
As they walked home hand in hand, the sun began to set behind the village mountains.
Izumi looked up at Itachi, her eyes shining. "Do you think I can really become Hokage someday?"
Itachi smiled and squeezed her hand gently. "If anyone can, it's you."
Izumi smiled back, her determination stronger than ever
Uchiha Itachi and Uchiha Izumi stepped out of the clothing store, carefully storing their new clothes inside a storage scroll. The couple's matching red outfits caught the attention of several passersby, and Itachi felt a wave of self-consciousness as he noticed their curious glances.
He awkwardly glanced around and muttered, "I didn't expect there to be clothes like this..."
Izumi grinned mischievously. "It's just couples' wear. What's wrong? Are you scared? Or maybe you're reluctant to be my boyfriend?"
Instantly flustered, Itachi's face turned a deep shade of red as he lowered his gaze and quickly answered, "No! I am willing."
Izumi gently grabbed his arm, wrapping both her slender arms around it, resting her head on his shoulder. Their matching outfits each bore half of a heart, which came together perfectly when Izumi held his arm close, forming a complete heart shape.
Itachi could feel the softness of her touch and was drawn in by her unique, faintly sweet scent — the unmistakable scent of a girl. This was the first time in his life he had been hugged by a girl like this, especially out here in public. His heart beat rapidly as he nervously met Izumi's eyes, and an unshakable resolve grew within him: I must give Izumi happiness. I must make her my wife.
Hand in hand, the two left the bustling street behind and arrived at a peaceful park, where the sight of blooming flowers and gentle flowing water eased their spirits. They strolled quietly, enjoying the serenity.
Suddenly, Izumi stopped in her tracks.
Itachi looked at her, concerned. "What's wrong?"
Without warning, Izumi released his arm and said bluntly, "I'm tired of walking."
He blinked in surprise. "But you're a ninja."
She gave him a sly smile and rolled her eyes. "You actually believe that?"
Opening her arms wide, she added, "I want you to carry me on your back."
Itachi's heart thudded wildly as he looked at the expectant girl before him. With a nervous smile, he turned his back to her and squatted down.
Moments later, he felt her soft body settle onto his back. Izumi wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck, giggling as she said, "This way, I won't get tired. But you have to carry me like this all the way."
With a shy but determined voice, Itachi replied, "I can carry you like this for the rest of my life."
Izumi laughed and patted his head. "You're quite the smooth talker. How many girls have you deceived with that line?"
"None," Itachi said earnestly. "You're the first."
His large hand found its way to her smooth, tender thigh, and he exclaimed, "Wow! This feels so different from my hand — so soft and elastic!"
His gentle rubbing made Izumi squirm and exclaim sharply, "Hey! Your hand! Don't move it back and forth!"
Realizing his mistake, Itachi quickly withdrew his hand, but in the process, his fingers brushed against an even softer spot. Unable to resist, his hands squeezed there a few times.
"Ah!" Izumi slapped his head lightly. "How did your hand end up on my butt? You pervert!"
Flustered, Itachi hurriedly moved his hand to a safer spot.
Izumi smiled teasingly. "That's better. If you mess around again, I'll hit you."
Itachi nodded solemnly, "Mm."
The girl wiggled excitedly on his back, shouting playfully, "Oh oh oh! Giddy up! Giddy up! Giddy up!" as if riding a horse.
Itachi carried Izumi slowly along the riverbank, savoring every moment. He wished time would freeze, so this day could last forever.
Suddenly, Izumi leaned close to his ear, her warm breath brushing against his skin as she whispered, "Do my legs feel good?"
Itachi didn't hesitate. "Mm, very good — very smooth, very soft, and elastic."
Raising an eyebrow, Izumi smacked him on the head again. "Pervert! Who talks like that?"
Realizing his faux pas, Itachi quickly corrected himself, "Oh… then not good."
She huffed but patted him lightly on the head once more. "Not good? Say that again!"
Itachi turned his head with a playful, resentful look, causing Izumi to smile. "Alright, alright. I was just teasing you."
After circling the park once, Itachi gently set Izumi down on a bench. She patted her own thigh, inviting him, "Come, lie here. Consider this my reward for carrying me."
Obediently, Itachi lay down and rested his head on Izumi's lap. He looked up nervously at the girl who seemed to shine brighter than the sun itself.
Everything about today felt like a dream — a beautiful, impossible dream. The lively, mysterious girl before him captivated his heart and eyes. From the moment he was born until now, he had never experienced such joy. It was surreal, almost too good to be true.
But amidst the sweetness, a dark thought struck him: the command from Konoha's high-ranking officials to observe both Izumi and the Uchiha clan. His mind became tangled with guilt — it felt like a betrayal of the girl lying gently above him.
Breaking the silence, Izumi smiled softly and said, "Itachi, you know about the deal between me and your father, right?"
Itachi was silent, unsure how to respond. He avoided her gaze and looked ahead, quietly admitting, "I know a little. You want to become Hokage, and he needs your help with the clan's coup."
Izumi reached down and stroked his hair gently. "Yes, but your father also told me there's a condition. Do you know what it is?"
Itachi looked up at her with curious eyes. "What?"
She whispered into his ear, "Your father wants me to marry you."
Shock flashed across Itachi's face. "What?"
Izumi continued, "After hearing that, I agreed. I want to create a village where the Uchiha and the rest of the villagers can live peacefully together."
Itachi thought for a moment and asked, "So that's why you've been acting this way towards me today?"
She smiled and caressed his cheek. "Silly, haven't we practically been a couple all along? You've just never been proactive, so I, as the girl, had to take the lead. You can be cunning sometimes, but today, you've been a little more forward."
Trying to shift the conversation, Itachi asked seriously, "Is a coup really the only way?"
Izumi gave a bitter smile and said, "The village has already killed Uchiha Shisui, who wanted peace. You should know that. They can't tolerate the Uchiha anymore. They definitely intend to wipe out our clan. We will all die if we don't resist."
"Isn't there another way?" Itachi pressed.
She shook her head. "Originally, it wasn't this bad. The Third Hokage only needed to communicate properly with the clans. But Danzo Shimura and his Root organization fear the power of the Uchiha. They have even learned Izanagi and have been constantly collecting Uchiha Sharingan eyes."
Izumi's voice grew colder. "The Third Hokage and his group refuse to communicate. One side says good things, the other says bad. What are we supposed to do?"
She revealed a painful truth. "I found out that my mother was constantly harmed by Root at the hospital, all to frame the Uchiha and drive a wedge between me and my clan."
"Itachi, the Uchiha's strength is more than enough to change Konoha completely. There's no reason to fear us."
She looked him square in the eyes. "Now, your father Fugaku, the clan head, has also grown assertive. The Third Hokage and his followers have begun to back down. As long as they continue to retreat, we will not have to stage a coup. So the final decision rests with them, not us."