ENDLESS CYCLE

Chapter 13: Konoha -Village Hidden in Leaves

Outskirts of Konoha

Four figures emerged from the shadows as they moved towards the big gate of Konoha.

A now 11-year-old Itama was followed by Souei, now 6, and their fathers Ruto and Suki.

Before they could enter the village, two chunin guards blocked their way, asking who they were.

Then Ruto gave them their nameplates, which made the two chunin guards rattle. It turned out that they were the ones that the Hokage-sama was expecting.

The two chunin guards quickly stepped aside, bowing deeply as they allowed the family to pass. "Our apologies, Ruto-sama, Suki-sama. Please proceed to the Hokage Tower. Sandaime-sama is expecting you."

In the Hokage's office, the conversation continued:

Sandaime: "I still really apologize for what happened to the Uchihas, Suki-san."

Suki: "Pride clouds judgment. The Uchihas let their pride go unchecked, resulting in their annihilation."

Sandaime: "My incompetent self says different. If I had seen their distrust in this village sooner, I could've addressed it earlier. Not all Uchihas were bad, though."

Suki: "If I had not seen Itachi, I would have said otherwise. Let's move forward, Hokage-sama."

Flashback:

Eight years into their stay in Uzushiogakure, Suki and Ruto were faced with a familiar messenger bird from Konoha. After getting the message, they knew that the time had come for the Uchiha murder to happen. With a heavy heart, they bid Ruto goodbye.

As Suki raced through the forests towards Konoha, a familiar figure appeared before him - Itachi Uchiha, his eyes heavy with unshed tears.

"Suki-san," Itachi said, his voice barely a whisper. "I... I've done something terrible."

Suki's heart sank, knowing what this meant. "The clan?"

Itachi nodded, pain etched across his face. "They were planning a coup. Danzo... he gave me no choice. It was either this or watch the entire village burn in civil war."

Suki placed a hand on Itachi's shoulder, understanding the weight of his decision. "You loved the village more than your clan. It's a choice no one should have to make."

"Sasuke... I couldn't... He's alive," Itachi managed.

Suki nodded. "Go. Be the villain Sasuke needs you to be. It's the kindest cruelty you can offer him now."

As Itachi disappeared into the night, Suki turned back towards Uzushiogakure, knowing that history had played out as it must, despite the pain it caused.

End of Flashback

Ruto, sensing the heaviness in the air, stepped forward. "Old man, we're here now. Our ten years are up, and as agreed, we're ready to enroll Itama in the academy."

The Sandaime nodded, grateful for the change in subject. "Yes, of course. Itama-kun, are you prepared to join your peers in the academy?"

Itama stepped forward, bowing respectfully. "Yes, Hokage-sama. I've trained hard in the Uzumaki ways, and I'm eager to learn more here in Konoha."

Suki added, "Itama has shown remarkable skill in chakra control and medical ninjutsu, as well as fuinjutsu. Souei, though young, is already able to detect genjutsu and is making progress in chakra control."

The Sandaime's eyes widened with interest. "Impressive. It seems your time in Uzushiogakure was well spent. Itama-kun, we'll have you take a placement test to determine which class would be most suitable for your skills."