Naruto-(Crimson Eyes in a Quirked World)

But Itachi was faster. In the blink of an eye, he leaped upward and delivered a sharp kick to the trainer's torso, sending him stumbling backward with a gasp of surprise. The other students watching around the mat were left speechless, their eyes wide with awe and, for some, jealousy.

The trainer fell back, catching himself with his hands, but Itachi had already landed gracefully, his eyes still glowing red with his Sharingan. The dojo was silent, every eye on Itachi as he extended a hand to his trainer.

The trainer, breathing heavily, stood up and wiped sweat from his brow, but there was no resentment in his expression—only pride. He took Itachi's hand, standing up fully. "You're truly something else, Itachi," he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "A prodigy, without a doubt. The best student I will ever have."

The trainer placed a proud hand on Itachi's shoulder. "Mark my words—you're going to become a great hero."

Itachi, ever stoic, bowed with respect. "Thank you, Sensei."

The trainer sweatdropped, seeing how unflappable Itachi was, despite all the praise. "Still as serious as ever…" he muttered under his breath, before turning to the other students, who were whispering among themselves.

"He's just a kid, and yet…"

"Did you see that kick?"

"How can anyone be that good at eight years old?"

Jealousy and murmurs of awe filled the air as the students muttered amongst themselves, unable to believe what they had just witnessed. Some of them had been training longer than Itachi, but none had reached even a fraction of his skill level.

The trainer raised a hand, silencing the room. "Remember, everyone," he said, his tone firm. "Itachi has earned every bit of this through hard work and discipline. Let his progress inspire you to do better, not tear you down."

Itachi, as usual, paid little mind to the whispers. He turned away from the crowd and resumed his stance, ready for whatever came next.

Itachi's trainer watched him carefully as their session came to an end. "Well, Itachi," the trainer said with a hint of pride in his voice, "there's not much more I can teach you."

Itachi, as respectful as ever, bowed deeply. "Thank you for teaching me everything, Sensei."

The trainer smiled warmly, seeing the seriousness in Itachi's demeanor, as always. "You don't have to be so serious all the time, Itachi. I get that discipline is important in a fight, but… try to enjoy yourself too."

Itachi gave a rare, small smile in return. "I'll keep that in mind, Sensei. Thank you."

The trainer nodded, pleased. "You've got a great future ahead of you, kid. Don't forget that."

With that, Itachi picked up his bag and bowed one last time. "Thank you for everything, Sensei," he said again before turning to leave.

As he walked to the car waiting for him outside, Itachi glanced out the window with a faint sense of satisfaction. Now that his dojo training was complete, he could spend more time with his sister, Momo, and that thought filled him with warmth. The road ahead seemed clear, and he was eager to get home.

Once he arrived, he spotted Erika waiting for him at the entrance, dressed in her usual maid attire, a welcoming smile on her face. "Welcome back, Itachi."

"Hello, Erika," he replied calmly, returning her smile with a slight nod as he stepped inside.

"So, today was your last day at the dojo, right?" Erika asked as she walked beside him.

Itachi nodded. "Yeah, it was. Sensei said he's taught me everything he could."

Erika smiled softly. "That's wonderful. You've worked hard."

"Where's Momo?" Itachi asked.

"She's with your mother," Erika replied, still smiling as she gestured toward the hallway.

After freshening up in his room, Itachi made his way to his mother's room. As he stepped inside, he saw his mother, Yana, sitting on the bed with baby Momo in her arms, a bright smile lighting up her face. Momo, noticing Itachi's presence, giggled and kicked her tiny feet in delight.

Yana looked up at him, her expression softening even more. "You're back, dear."

Itachi nodded, smiling gently as he approached them. "Yes, I'm back."

Yana looked at her son's lean, strong figure, and she couldn't hide her pride. "Look at you… you've become so strong, Itachi."

Itachi smiled modestly, moving closer to Momo, who continued to giggle as she saw her big brother. "She's so happy."

Yana chuckled, her eyes filled with warmth. "Of course she is. Her big brother is here now."

Itachi leaned in, letting Momo's tiny fingers reach for him as she gurgled in joy. He smiled softly before turning his attention back to his mother.

"So, Itachi," Yana began, "how's elementary school?"

"It's fine," Itachi replied, his tone flat but honest. "But studies are boring, and the persistence is still there."

ch 17 end

Yana laughed softly, clearly understanding his complaint. "You mean your friend?"

Itachi sighed, nodding. "Yeah. Keigo. He's persistent, annoying… but he's a nice guy."

Yana smiled softly. "It's good that you've made a friend."

Itachi sighed again. "I suppose."

After a moment, Yana teased, "So, Itachi, my handsome boy… I've heard that all the girls are fond of you."

Itachi immediately knew who had spilled that information. He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Erika told you, didn't she? She always spills the beans…"

Yana laughed gently, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Well, it was pretty obvious. My baby is very handsome."

Itachi sighed again, shaking his head. "It's trouble, Mother. I like my personal space. But the girls keep trying to talk to me, and I politely decline. I don't understand why Keigo got so angry."

Yana sweatdropped, chuckling softly as she thought to herself, Oh my…

"Keigo's probably just protective of you," Yana offered, amused by the situation.

Itachi, however, remained stoic, already resigned to the fact that dealing with his excitable friend—and the attention he received—was part of his life now. "He'll calm down eventually," Itachi muttered.

Yana smiled, feeling grateful for this peaceful moment with her son and newborn daughter. It was rare to see Itachi at ease, and she cherished it.

"Itachi," she said softly, "you're growing into a wonderful young man. Just remember to take a breath and enjoy these moments, too".