The New Year's bells rang.
Midnight struck, marking the arrival of a new year.
All across Konoha, lights sparkled and laughter echoed.
The Hyūga were celebrating too.
That night, soba and traditional dishes were being enjoyed.
In the great hall, Naruto sat at the seat of honor near the elders of the main clan.
Hinata, at his side, her face blushing, served him food and poured drinks like a devoted wife.
Hiashi and Uzuki wore satisfied smiles.
Even Hizashi, seated lower, looked less somber. Young Neji watched Naruto with curiosity.
Everyone was joyful.
Mouth full, Naruto was thinking about the future.
I've saved the Hyūga... perfect.
This is the first major step.
His wish upon arriving in this world — to change tragedies — had begun to come true.
The Hyūga crisis was averted. Hizashi was alive, finally understanding the meaning of family ties.
Neji would not grow up in hatred, but become a loving brother to Hinata.
Too good~.
His eyes landed on Uzuki.
She gave him a graceful smile.
Dressed in her new gown, she radiated elegance.
Hinata's mother… after Hanabi's birth, her health will quickly decline...
So...
I have to save her too.
And I have to save... the Uchiha clan.
Because their situation would only worsen.
In the original story, they were wiped out.
But Naruto had already made contact with Uchiha Shisui. A good start.
No matter the cost, I will save the Uchiha.
And most importantly...
— Sako's mother.
---
At the Uchiha residence.
Sako was celebrating the New Year with her family.
The table was filled with delicious dishes prepared by her mother.
Yet, despite the festive atmosphere, Sako felt strangely empty.
Her father hadn't gone to the front like Shisui. Her family was complete.
So why this feeling?
"Sako, is something wrong?"
Itachi, ever observant, noticed her unease.
"No~, it's nothing... Here, eat this."
She served him a dish, forcing a smile.
Then she finally understood the reason for her melancholy.
Uzumaki Naruto... is he feeling lonely tonight?
---
Dawn breaks.
Even before sunrise, Hiruzen Sarutobi left his family and headed to the Hokage's office.
Snow blanketed the world, giving the illusion of an early day.
"Koharu, Homura, Danzō... Happy New Year."
The four elders gathered one last time to confirm the decisions made the day before.
Then Konoha contacted Kumo.
The discussions about the Hyūga incident were tense.
This time, Konoha refused to yield, firmly condemning Kumo's actions.
Hand over Hiashi's body? Impossible.
Hand over Naruto? Out of the question!
The Raikage A, enraged, threatened:
Konoha will taste the fists of Kumo!
In other words... war.
But Konoha, prepared, had already deployed troops to the borders.
The negotiations failed.
The news spread like wildfire.
War... had begun.
---
A crowd of Konoha ninjas moved toward the front lines.
Not only fighters, but also logistical support:
Medics, equipment carriers... their role was crucial for sustaining the troops.
On this first morning of the new year,
Uchiha Fugaku was preparing to leave for the front.
"Be careful, Fugaku..."
Under his wife's worried gaze, he nodded, his stern face graver than ever.
"This war... might change our clan's fate."
For Fugaku, this was a golden opportunity.
Though the Third Great Ninja War had only recently ended, the Uchiha had suffered humiliation after humiliation.
Their relationship with the village had deteriorated to a critical point.
This border conflict, though limited, was a chance to redirect tensions.
Or so he believed.
"Father..."
Itachi, standing in a corner of the hallway,
first looked toward his sister's room, where sleepy murmurs echoed.
Then he turned his attention to his parents.
As a genin, he wasn't yet allowed to take part in the war.
So he had to wait...
His hope? To pass the chūnin exam this year.
Unlike previous years, when his sensei had always refused to let him try.
Once Fugaku had left, Itachi approached his mother to reassure her...
When suddenly, a figure burst in.
His sensei.
After a brief greeting and New Year's wishes,
he announced, "Itachi, we have a mission."
The war had been approved by the Hokage and the Fire Daimyō.
To organize logistical and financial support,
the daimyō himself would come to Konoha to discuss.
"Our mission is to escort the daimyō from the capital to here."
Itachi's eyes lit up.
A prestigious mission — perfect to prove his worth.
With this, no one could deny him the chūnin exam.
"Mother, I'm leaving."
Without even eating breakfast, Itachi followed his sensei,
his mind already set on his rise to greatness.