When Itachi decided to travel around the Land of Fire and eventually the entire shinobi world, he prepared thoroughly. He began by purchasing maps of the Land of Fire and several books on geography and culture, planning to read them all before his departure.
In addition, Itachi consulted Nagasawa about knowledgeable individuals within Konoha regarding the shinobi world. Nagasawa directed him to Jiraiya.
That afternoon, after finishing his training, Itachi took the address Nagasawa provided and went to find Jiraiya. Unfortunately, Jiraiya wasn’t ho. Itachi waited twenty minutes before deciding to leave and return the next day at a different ti.
"I should inform Father and Mother about my plans to travel within the Land of Fire today," Itachi thought. He wasn’t worried about Fugaku and Mikoto refusing him, as they had always seen him as responsible and capable.
Of course, if they did refuse, Itachi had a plan. Under Nagasawa’s guidance, he had learned more than just combat skills. He had also learned about diplomacy and persuasion. If necessary, he would ntion that Nagasawa approved of his journey, as Fugaku and Mikoto trusted Nagasawa’s judgnt.
"Indeed, one must always keep learning," Itachi reflected. Previously, he might have simply obeyed Fugaku’s decision without argunt.
As he passed Konoha’s bathhouse, Itachi noticed a familiar figure—an older man with white hair behaving suspiciously near the won’s bathhouse window.
Itachi paused, took out the photograph Nagasawa had given him, and confird the man’s identity. The man before him, peeping at the won’s bathhouse, was none other than Jiraiya, one of the legendary Sannin recomnded by Nagasawa.
Itachi felt a mont of silence. Though he didn’t understand the allure of the female body, he knew that peeping was both unethical and illegal.
He raised his voice, calling out, "Jiraiya-sama, what are you doing?"
Jiraiya, who had been on tiptoe, ready to indulge his curiosity, felt his heart leap into his throat at Itachi’s shout. Instantly, he disappeared from the window and appeared beside Itachi, showcasing his incredible speed as a Sannin.
"Cough, cough," Jiraiya cleared his throat, adopting a righteous tone. "Young man, it’s not polite to shout in public places."
Itachi’s gaze grew more peculiar, and Jiraiya, noticing this, quickly continued, "Don’t misunderstand. I was patrolling the bathhouse to ensure no perverts were lurking around. If I catch one, I’ll show them the power of the Toad Sage Jiraiya!"
Itachi remained silent, thinking that in addition to learning about traveling the shinobi world, he might also learn how to lie convincingly from Jiraiya. It took a special kind of thick skin to make such a statent with a straight face.
Jiraiya, sensing Itachi’s familiarity, finally recognized him as Nagasawa’s student, the prodigious young shinobi who had recently topped the Chūnin Exams.
Having brought Jiraiya back from the brink of committing a cri, Itachi explained his purpose.
"You are the legendary Sannin, Jiraiya-sama," Itachi began. "My teacher, Nagasawa-sensei, ntioned that you have extensive experience traveling the shinobi world. I’m planning to travel and wanted to learn about any important things I should be aware of."
Jiraiya’s expression turned proud. Few things made him prouder than his extensive knowledge of the shinobi world, accumulated over years of wandering.
"Your teacher was right. I do have a lot of experience traveling. But isn’t it a bit early for you to travel the world, given your age? While the world is more peaceful now, there are still dangers lurking," Jiraiya said seriously.
"I plan to start by traveling within the Land of Fire. Only when I’m older will I venture into the wider shinobi world. I’m confident in my abilities within the Land of Fire," Itachi explained.
"Just within the Land of Fire..." Jiraiya considered this. He had seen Itachi’s performance in the Chūnin Exams, and Itachi’s abilities couldn’t be judged by his age alone.
"Nagasawa approved of this?" Jiraiya asked for confirmation.
"Yes," Itachi nodded. Although Nagasawa had initially suggested waiting, he eventually agreed, so saying he approved was not a lie.
"In that case, traveling within the Land of Fire should be fine. Co with , and I’ll explain a few things," Jiraiya said, nodding.
He led Itachi to his ho and provided a detailed rundown of what to be mindful of when traveling.
"I’ve told you almost everything you need to know. Let emphasize three points," Jiraiya concluded.
"First, if you encounter danger, run. Don’t be a hero."
Itachi nodded, understanding the importance of prioritising safety.
"Second, don’t think of yourself as exceptional. You are just one of many."
"Third, every journey has an end. Make sure you return ho safely and don’t make those who care about you worry," Jiraiya said with uncharacteristic seriousness.
"I understand. Thank you, Jiraiya-sama. Your advice is very helpful," Itachi said, bowing.
"Haha, glad to help. The future of Konoha depends on young people like you. Us old folks are nearing our ti," Jiraiya laughed heartily.
After saying goodbye to Jiraiya, Itachi returned ho. After dinner, he washed the dishes and told Fugaku and Mikoto he had sothing to discuss.
Sasuke, who was playing nearby, overheard and followed them to eavesdrop on their conversation.
"I plan to travel within the Land of Fire for a while to broaden my horizons," Itachi announced directly.
"Travel outside the village?" Fugaku frowned. It was good to seek experience, but an eight-year-old traveling alone seed too young.
"Isn’t it a bit early? Wait until you’re at least twelve," Fugaku suggested.
Mikoto added gently, "You’re still too young, Itachi. It could be dangerous. Listen to your father and wait a few more years."
Outside, Sasuke was confused. Traveling within the Land of Fire? Leaving the village? What did that an?
Then it hit him—Itachi was planning to go far away. Sasuke pouted, feeling unhappy. If Itachi left, he wouldn’t see his brother for a long ti. He wouldn’t be able to play or train with him.
So, Sasuke felt relieved when Fugaku and Mikoto rejected Itachi’s idea.
Itachi, however, was prepared for this reaction and remained calm. He had anticipated their concerns and had a plan.
"It should be safe within the Land of Fire. I’m confident in my abilities, especially since there are no other ninja villages here. Besides, Nagasawa-sensei also approved this," Itachi explained.
"Nagasawa-sensei agreed..." Fugaku pondered, showing a hint of emotion. Given Nagasawa’s reliability and strength, he trusted Nagasawa imnsely. If Nagasawa approved, it likely ant Itachi could handle it or that Nagasawa might arrange for protection.
"Alright, you can go. But be extrely careful. Ensure your safety first and foremost," Fugaku finally agreed after careful consideration.
Itachi had proven his capabilities by topping the Chūnin Exams and always behaving maturely. With Nagasawa’s endorsent, Fugaku felt reassured.
Once agreed, Fugaku shared his own experiences and advice, resembling an average concerned parent, giving Itachi various tips for staying safe.
Despite learning from Jiraiya, Itachi listened attentively to his father’s advice.
Outside, Sasuke felt disappointed. He believed his father was supposed to be firm but had quickly agreed when Itachi ntioned Nagasawa’s approval.
Sadly, Sasuke went outside alone, feeling dejected. While he didn’t want his brother to leave, he knew barging in and making a scene would be rude and might upset Itachi.
When Itachi left the room and saw Sasuke’s deanour, he approached him.
"What’s wrong, Sasuke? Did sothing upset you? Can you tell ?" Itachi asked gently.
After a mont’s hesitation, Sasuke, unable to keep his feelings to himself, confessed.
"Brother, can you not go on this journey? Can we explore Konoha together instead?" Sasuke looked at Itachi with hopeful eyes.
Seeing his little brother’s innocent gaze, Itachi felt a twinge of guilt but shook his head.
For Sasuke, Konoha was vast, but for Itachi, it was small. He loved Sasuke and wanted to protect him, but he also aspired for peace and wanted to end the cycle of war.
’I’m sorry, Sasuke. I can’t choose you this ti because I must pursue my ideals,’ Itachi thought silently.
Itachi touched Sasuke’s head and said softly, "I’m sorry, Sasuke. This journey is very important to . I’ll have to leave you for a while."
"But I don’t want you to go..." Sasuke’s voice trembled, his eyes filling with tears.
"I’ll be back soon. I promise to tell you all about my travels and share the stories with you," Itachi reassured him.
"And rember, boys shouldn’t cry easily," he added, gently flicking Sasuke’s forehead.
"Really? You’ll be back soon?" Sasuke wiped his eyes, trying not to cry.
"Yes," Itachi nodded.
Sasuke didn’t know that ’soon’ was subjective. Itachi had learned the art of "benevolent lies."
Hearing Itachi’s promise, Sasuke smiled again, asking Itachi to teach him so training techniques and shuriken throwing thods.
Seeing Sasuke’s pure smile, Itachi felt a pang of guilt. He agreed to Sasuke’s requests to make up for his absence.
In the days that followed, Itachi focused on preparing for his journey. Travelling wasn’t as simple as just walking out; he had to consider all aspects, including food, clothing, shelter, and money.
Luckily, with sealing scrolls, ninjas didn’t face as many logistical issues. Itachi prepared dry food, clean water, and money for ergencies.
Besides preparations, Itachi continued his training and maintained his usual routine. He also had one more task before leaving—passing the special task force’s formal mber assessnt. Once he passed, he could officially take on special missions.
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