The midday sun was pale, almost cold.
The snow that had fallen the day before had blanketed Konoha in a pristine white coat.
The first reports from the conflict with Kumo had just arrived from the front.
Both sides had suffered losses, and the initial wave of clashes had ended in a temporary withdrawal of forces.
The four high-ranking officials were actively adjusting their strategy.
Once the discussions ended, they prepared to go for lunch.
"Hiruzen..." Danzō stopped the Hokage.
"I reviewed the list of candidates for this year's chūnin exams... Uchiha Itachi's name still isn't on it."
"That surprised me too," Hiruzen admitted, returning to the table.
Itachi had completed the academy in just four months—a record since Konoha's founding.
Yet after years as a genin, he still hadn't had the chance to take the chūnin exam.
It made no sense.
"A genin must be recommended by their sensei to participate in the exam..."
Danzō spoke slowly, savoring each word.
"Itachi's sensei is probably jealous of his talent. That's why he keeps rejecting his application..."
Before Hiruzen could object, Danzō pulled a folder from his robe.
"I have proof. This isn't the first time he's acted this way..."
A twisted smile curled on Danzō's lips as he saw the shock on Hiruzen's face.
"High-ranking officials can directly nominate a genin for the exam..."
He then proposed that Itachi be exempted from needing his sensei's approval.
Hiruzen flipped through the folder, his frown deepening.
Root's investigations were always thorough.
"I didn't think you'd defend the Uchiha like this..." he murmured, puzzled.
Danzō chuckled.
"I just think wasting such talent would be an unacceptable loss for the village..."
Itachi...
A perfect tool for my ambitions.
By gradually drawing him into the shadows, he could use him to deal with the "Uchiha problem" once and for all.
"Then it's settled. Itachi will take the chūnin exam next week."
---
Hyūga Estate
"Well, I'm heading home! See ya~!"
Naruto waved to the Hyūga, even refusing to stay for lunch.
"My place is a mess... I've got to clean up before I have guests..."
Hyūga Aoba felt a bad premonition creeping in.
The clan leader had just left for the front with other members.
In these dangerous times, even if they couldn't defend Konoha, they had to at least protect their own domain.
Cough...
Hyūga Uzuki brought a hand to her mouth.
"With the snow melting, it's even colder... Go home quickly, or you might get sick."
Naruto seemed genuinely concerned, apparently unaware that her cough betrayed a decline in her health.
I really need to find a way to heal her...
"Naruto-kun~..."
Hinata watched his back as he walked away, her heart tightening.
Maybe I could visit him tomorrow... using New Year's wishes as an excuse...
Uzuki, sensing her daughter's feelings, turned to Aoba.
"Once you're done with your tasks, go help Naruto-kun tidy up his place."
Aoba paled.
No... Not that...
His still-aching bruises reminded him of the previous day's events.
"Is something wrong?"
"N-No, ma'am... I was just thinking about what cleaning tools to bring..."
She knew no one would believe her if she spoke.
Naruto was now a benefactor of the Hyūga — untouchable.
My future... looks grim...
---
On a distant rooftop
"Finally, Naruto's left the Hyūga..."
Mitarashi Anko lowered her binoculars, relieved.
She had spent New Year's watching over him, alone in the cold.
Hayate was at the front, as were Kakashi and the others.
The Hokage's order was clear: protect Naruto, especially in times of war.
She leapt from rooftop to rooftop, quietly following the boy.
---
Naruto's Apartment
Crunch, crunch.
Snow crunched beneath his feet.
As he neared his building, a familiar voice called out.
"Hey! Uzumaki Naruto!"
He looked up.
Sako, dressed in a winter coat, was waiting at his door, a gift box in hand.
Her cheeks were rosy from the cold, her breath forming little white clouds.
"Where were you at noon?!"
She came down the stairs, her little black boots clacking against the steps.
Her scarf fluttered in the snowy wind.
Naruto stared at her silently.
"Well? Aren't you going to say something?!"
She had no idea how adorable she looked.
In the shadows, Itachi observed the scene, his expression dark.
My little sister... and that Naruto...
An indescribable feeling twisted in his gut.