A Hundred Steps Ahead

What Makes Us Different?

CHAPTER 18: What Makes Us Different?

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"Is something on your mind, Sasuke?" Itachi asked his little brother as he tried to enjoy his afternoon tea.

Across the table, Sasuke was frowning. It wasn't far to say that the boy was always annoyed or scowling, but Itachi could sense that something was bothering his only sibling. Sasuke's shoulders were dropped down rather than his usual arrogant stance, his eyebrows were furrowed, and, dare he say it, the boy was pouting.

When he saw the younger hesitate, he decided to prod once more. "Sasuke?" he asked with a slight tilt of his head.

"None..." Sasuke pursed his lips in thought, "None of us were promoted to Chuunin except for Team 10." He said with downcast eyes.

"Yes, and?"

"Did we fail as a shinobi?" Sasuke looked at Itachi, "Did I fail if I couldn't even get past Genin?"

Ah, so that's what this was.

Truthfully, Itachi couldn't relate to what Sasuke was feeling. He was at the top of his class. Excelled in his own field. Got promoted years ahead of his peers and became one of the youngest ANBU in Konoha's history. He was the prodigy of his batch. The man to beat.

Obviously, that wasn't the case every time. Through time, he met others who were on par with him. People who could probably give him a run for his money. People like Hatake Kakashi, Namikaze Minato, and Uchiha Shisui just to name a few were probably enough to make him feel uncomfortable if they were to fight against one another.

Deep in his bones, Itachi knew that there will always be someone stronger than him. Maybe not now, or maybe not even for the next five years, but someday, someone stronger will appear. The younger generation may not be as tough or 'cold-hearted' as the older generation, but they make up for it with determination and sheer perseverance.

"I think," Itachi started with a soft tone, his eyes made sure to look at his younger brother's, "that every one of us has a different path when it comes to becoming the Shinobi we wish we are." He spoke.

"But I failed to pass a measly exam."

At this, Itachi smiled. "So, you learn from it, yes? Every failure we face is a lesson we should take into mind. Consequently, every success we achieve is a stepping stone towards the future we dream."

Sasuke snorted, a habit that was very un-Uchiha-like. Maybe hanging out with Naruto was starting to rub into him. "As if you, the mighty Uchiha Itachi, ever failed in something." He crossed his arms with a soft pout on his face, "You're a living legend just like Kakashi – sensei. You're the youngest ANBU Captain, I doubt you failed an exam in your life."

"Well, I may have failed something once." The Uchiha heir let out a wry smile.

"You?!"

"Yes. Me."

"What? How come I've never heard about this?"

"It's not my proudest moment." Itachi sipped the last of his tea before pouring himself a new cup. "But, alas, I have failed in something."

Sasuke leaned across the table, eyes wide with curiosity at learning something so human about his prodigious brother. "Well? Tell me, aniki."

Said brother let out a chuckle, "I failed Kakashi – senpai's little initiation test when I first entered ANBU under his team."