"These are two trainee instructors. From now on, they will assist me in teaching you."
"Please introduce yourselves."
A young man stepped forward.
"Hello, everyone. I am Iruka. We will spend the days ahead together. I hope I can help you, and if I fall short, please tell me right away."
Another young man moved up.
"Hello, I am Mizuki. Like Iruka, I am a trainee teacher. I hope we can get along and improve together."
Uchiha Itama lifted his head.
Until now, no one in this classroom had left an impression on him. He had not even bothered to remember the names, not even those from larger clans like the Hyuga or Aburame.
That alone proved these students and teachers were ordinary. In the future, none would achieve anything remarkable.
Iruka and Mizuki were different.
Itama remembered them clearly.
One pushed Naruto to steal the Scroll of Seals, giving him the chance to learn Multiple Shadow Clones. That was the start of Naruto's rise.
The other became Naruto's mentor in life, a figure like a father.
At Naruto's wedding, the elder who stood in that role was Iruka.
Not Kakashi.
Soon Itama lowered his gaze again.
They were supporting characters. Their strength would never rise beyond chunin. Common born, no bloodline limits, no secret arts, average talent.
Until the story reached their turns, they had little value to him.
The day's classes ended.
Itama left the school and headed toward the Uchiha compound.
"Itama."
A girl mustered her courage and ran after him.
"What is it?"
He glanced back and frowned.
"Can we get to know each other? I am Yamabuki Yuki."
Yamabuki Yuki held out her hand.
Itama looked her over.
Pretty, and lively, a bright energy about her.
"Not interested."
He withdrew his gaze and walked on, leaving her where she stood.
Yamabuki Yuki froze, eyes going red.
She had gathered all her courage to chase him, but she had not expected this. It felt humiliating, as if everyone were already laughing at her.
She could already imagine what would happen once her classmates heard.
A trace of resentment rose in her chest.
But when she lifted her head to watch Itama's back, it faded.
Even rejected, she felt she still liked him.
"Why?"
"Because I already like someone."
"Who?"
"Her name is Uchiha Izumi."
Itama spotted a familiar figure ahead.
"Izumi, wait up."
Hearing his voice, Uchiha Izumi turned, surprise blooming on her face.
"Itama, what are you doing here?"
"I started school today."
"Oh, I see."
She waited for him to catch up before walking again. "I did not expect you to enter the Academy so soon. But your form of address is wrong."
"You should call me Izumi-nee, not by my name."
Itama shook his head.
"That will not do. You are the woman I will marry. How could I call you big sister."
Izumi let out a helpless laugh.
"That was a childhood joke. I am older, so I am your big sister. With such an age gap, it would not suit you to marry me."
"The little girl behind you is a better match."
Yamabuki Yuki saw Izumi walking at Itama's side and her eyes went blank.
It was like a love that had not begun had already been crushed.
"I like only Izumi."
Itama said, "A man keeps his word. You are only three years older. That is nothing."
"I will marry you."
Izumi looked at him helplessly and could only go along.
"Fine, fine. I will wait for you."
"At least wait until you grow taller."
"You are still too small."
"Your main task is to study hard at the Academy."
Itama took her hand and held it.
"Do not worry. I will."
"Be patient, Izumi. In three years I will be taller than you. Then we will get engaged. I will ask my father to propose to your family."
Izumi's cheeks turned pink. She tried to pull free, but could not.