Naruto: I Am Itachi Uchiha!

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"Are you from Sunagakure?"

After falling to the ground, Kuroyuki slowly approached the group in front of him and asked, his voice calm but firm.

"That's right. We are from Sunagakure. You must be Konoha's ANBU, correct? What is it you want?" The leader of the Sunagakure group stepped forward and responded.

Kuroyuki's eyes locked onto him, his expression unchanged. "I am from Konoha's ANBU. You've entered Konoha's territory without permission. Please leave immediately. If you wish to enter Konoha, you must contact the village for authorization first."

Upon hearing Kuroyuki's demand, several hot-tempered Genin clenched their fists, itching for a fight. But a few seasoned Chunin quickly stepped forward to restrain them.

The leading Chunin shot a glare at the younger ninjas before turning back to Kuroyuki with a softer tone. "We didn't enter Konoha without notification. It's just that our message hasn't arrived yet. It should be reaching Konoha soon."

Suddenly, the sound of rustling leaves reached their ears. Another ANBU agent appeared next to Kuroyuki, whispering something in his ear.

After a moment, Kuroyuki glanced at the Sunagakure group once more, his cold gaze unyielding. He then turned to address them.

"Apologies for the confusion. The communication from your village was delayed by a day. Since it hadn't arrived, we had no choice but to act. However, I hope you'll ensure faster communication next time." Kuroyuki's tone was calm but conveyed authority. "The Third Hokage wishes to remind you: Konoha is not a toothless tiger. Its claws are sharp enough to eliminate many, if necessary."

The Sunagakure group quickly bowed in understanding. They had felt the immense pressure of dozens of ANBU, the hidden warriors of Konoha, surrounding them. They understood that provoking Konoha could have led to a major conflict. Fortunately, they had avoided it this time.

Other hidden villages, sensing the presence of Konoha's ANBU, swiftly departed the area, their mission complete. They had gathered the information they needed and did not want to risk being pursued by Konoha.

Kuroyuki nodded once to acknowledge the apology, then turned, signaling his team to leave as well. One by one, the ANBU agents melted into the shadows, leaving the Sunagakure group in quiet relief.

---

"This Sunagakure lot really knows how to push buttons," Shimada Genji muttered as he walked alongside Kuroyuki. Uchiha Itachi and Uchiha Shisui trailed behind them.

"Why are you so afraid of fighting them, Genji? A grown man like you shouldn't be so cowardly," Itachi teased, his voice laced with an edge of amusement.

Genji, slightly embarrassed, pressed his nose with a chuckle. "Cowardly? Not at all! I'm just... valuing life, that's all! It's better to stay alive than be dead, right? Haha..."

Itachi rolled his eyes, unimpressed. "Your acting is as bad as your taste in jokes."

Ignoring the banter, Genji continued acting cheery. Meanwhile, Shisui, walking silently behind them, couldn't help but think to himself about the significance of their mission. He was uneasy about the implications of their encounter with Sunagakure.

But his thoughts kept drifting back to Itachi. What would happen if something goes wrong? What would become of him? The thought bothered Shisui, although he kept it to himself. It was clear that Itachi's recklessness was beginning to cause concern.

---

As they made their way back to the village, they moved swiftly, but without hiding their presence, since this was a routine report rather than a covert mission. However, as they passed other ANBU operatives, they slowed to exchange greetings before resuming their speed.

Itachi found himself amused by the camaraderie. Even though they are elite ninjas, their bond feels stronger than most, doesn't it? He thought. There was something uniquely intriguing about being part of this hidden world. I can't wait to join them, no matter how tough it gets.

Eventually, he walked up to Kuroyuki, his curiosity piqued. "Are there any conditions for joining ANBU?"

Kuroyuki raised an eyebrow, surprised by the question. After all, ANBU wasn't a place for bright-eyed youth, but rather a realm steeped in Konoha's darker, more complex matters. "To join ANBU, you must be loyal to Konoha... and to the Hokage."

A determined smile spread across Itachi's face as he nodded. "That's it? Then I can do that! Haha, joining won't be a problem for me."

Kuroyuki regarded him with rare interest, his lips curling into a faint smile. "Then first, graduate from the ninja academy."

"Of course! Just wait! I will definitely make it in!" Itachi's eyes gleamed with confidence.

---

Behind them, Genji raised an eyebrow. This kid... he really wants to join ANBU? While he didn't voice his concerns, he couldn't help but feel a little amused. He'll probably forget about it once the novelty wears off. He'll aim for Hokage next, I bet.

But in the back of his mind, Genji couldn't help but smile at the youthful dream. I used to think the same thing when I was his age... before I got involved with Danzo-sama.

Meanwhile, Shisui, deep in thought, mulled over the idea of ANBU. Loyalty to Konoha and the Hokage... Could this be a way for me to change the perceptions of the Uchiha?

With a renewed sense of purpose burning in his chest, Shisui made a silent vow: I must change things. I will fight for peace. For Uchiha... and for Konoha.

The four of them continued their journey back to the village, each with their own thoughts, each with a different vision for the future.