I thought I could raise a Hokage!!!

After the Fourth Hokage officially took office, the village became livelier than ever.

First, Hatake Kakashi joined the Anbu. Though he stumbled at first, his exceptional mission completion rate and ruthless efficiency quickly earned him a fearsome reputation—Cold-blooded Kakashi.

The once-renowned geniuses were now growing up, while a new generation of talents continued to emerge. Even Kakashi, once considered the pinnacle of genius, was now just another name among them.

Uchiha Shisui, on a support mission, had fiercely battled a group of Kirigakure ninjas attempting to invade the coast. His overwhelming speed and skill left a lasting impression on the enemy forces, earning him the name Shunshin Shisui.

Beyond them, other young talents were also rising to prominence—Taijutsu specialist Might Guy, illusionist Kurenai Yuhi, the Third Hokage's second son Asuma Sarutobi, and the ever-present toothpick-chewing Genma Shiranui.

With the Fourth Hokage leading the charge and the older generation, including the Third Hokage, still active, Konoha was thriving.

Meanwhile, within the village…

The news of a five-year-old awakening the Sharingan was still causing a stir. Though most people didn't understand that the activation of the Sharingan wasn't directly tied to age, it didn't stop them from gossiping.

"If this were during the war," some villagers speculated, "Uchiha Itachi would be even greater than Kakashi!"

For the Uchiha clan, hearing such remarks was bittersweet. Should they feel proud? Or was it just another sign of the growing divide between them and the village?

And the so-called genius of the Uchiha? He was currently helping a crow wash a mat.

Because summer had arrived.

"Sharingan, activate!"

The little boy carefully inspected every crevice for dirt using his red eyes, nodded in satisfaction, and cheerfully announced, "It's very clean!"

The crow, eating an ice cream nearby, let out a skeptical caw.

'This is what you're using the Sharingan for?? A few NEETS just vomitted blood.'

"Beiyuan, hurry up!" Itachi wiped his hands dry and retrieved two cylindrical lunch boxes from the house. "We're going to the hospital today to bring food to my parents."

The crow immediately flew onto Itachi's shoulder.

Uchiha Mikoto was about to give birth and had been admitted to the hospital early for delivery. With Fugaku busy, Itachi had to take on household responsibilities and hospital visits—a common practice in the shinobi world. Nothing was more important than welcoming a new life into the family.

And the child in Mikoto's belly… was him.

When Itachi and Beiyuan arrived at the hospital, a group of excited nurses rushed over to share the news.

"Early this morning, Mikoto-sama gave birth safely!"

Immediately, the nurses began arguing.

"I heard it's a boy! He'll definitely be as cute as Itachi!"

"What are you talking about? I peeked into Mikoto-sama's room—it's a girl! And she's beautiful!"

"But—"

"Are you sure—"

"Affirmative!"

"...They're arguing again..." Itachi muttered. He knew better than to get involved. These nurses had completely lost their sense of reason. So, ignoring the chaos, he carried the lunch boxes and walked straight to the ward.

As for Beiyuan… for some reason, he enjoyed watching the spectacle of the nurses bickering.

He wasn't the only one. The moment the nurses finally got their answer from a doctor and dispersed, Beiyuan flapped his wings and followed Itachi to the ward. He had already guessed the truth—there was no rush.

Inside the hospital room, Uchiha Fugaku was holding the newborn baby, his face as stern as ever. Yet his words, spoken in his usual cold tone, were directed at Itachi.

"...Daily training must not be skipped."

"...We'll head to the training ground in the afternoon, but don't overexert yourself."

"...As expected of my son. You've endured training for so long."

Though he tried to maintain a strict demeanor, Fugaku couldn't hide his pride.

Beiyuan landed lightly on Fugaku's shoulder, his red eyes observing the sleeping infant—Uchiha Itachi's little brother.

"Itachi," Fugaku finally said, "come meet your younger brother."

The little boy's face lit up with joy. "Beiyuan, I have a little brother!" He gently touched the baby's tiny hand and declared, "His name is Sasuke. Uchiha Sasuke!"

"...Gah..."

Beiyuan let out an unenthusiastic caw. He had been curious about Uchiha Sasuke… but now he had a new concern.

His pup had a new dog.

Would he still get to play with Itachi in the future?

Mikoto, watching the exchange, smiled warmly. "Beiyuan will have another playmate in the future!"

"...The house will be much livelier now..."

Sasuke Uchiha, wrapped snugly in a blanket, looked as delicate and beautiful as a doll in a New Year's painting. No wonder the nurses had mistaken him for a girl.

The Uchiha family certainly had strong genes.

Fugaku, however, had no intention of easing up on Itachi's training just because of Sasuke's birth. His eldest son was already on the path to greatness—why divert his attention now?

As expected, the moment lunch was over, Fugaku ordered Itachi out of the hospital, making sure he wouldn't miss his afternoon ninjutsu practice.

Itachi hesitated for only a moment before gently touching Sasuke's cheek and stepping away.

Mikoto, holding the baby in her arms, suddenly murmured, "...Fugaku-kun, do you think we don't pay enough attention to Itachi?"

Fugaku, watching his son leave, shook his head. "...Maybe we're too strict with him. We'll make it up to him, slowly."

...What kind of parents were these…?

Only Beiyuan, still perched on Itachi's shoulder, remained fully aware of what was happening.

"...Gah?"

Murphy's Law states that when you think someone is about to take your place, fate will make sure they do.

For example, among the children playing near the training ground…

"Uchiha Itachi!"

A young girl suddenly ran up, stopping in front of him. "I heard we're the same age. Do you want to play together?"

"...Who are you?"

"My name is Izumi! We met before—on New Year's Eve!"

She had long hair, a small teary mole under her eye, and despite her nervousness, she puffed out her chest in an attempt to appear confident. In the ninja world, bravery was a necessity—especially for a girl.

If you weren't brave, you might as well resign yourself to being single forever.

Beiyuan curiously observed the unexpected meeting between childhood sweethearts. But then Izumi's gaze shifted to the crow.

"Is this your crow? He looks… weird."

She hesitated, clearly wanting to say more but holding back.

"Gah!"

Beiyuan was furious. I know my style doesn't fit, but did you have to say it out loud?!

Itachi quickly reassured his feathered companion. "He's my friend. Sorry, but I'm heading to the training ground now."

"You already have access to the training grounds? As expected of Konoha's most talked-about genius…"

Some things were better left unsaid. Compliments, when spoken publicly, had a way of turning into challenges.

Predictably, the other children around them took offense.

"Hey, Uchiha Itachi! You think you can just walk away like that?!"

"Yeah, don't ignore us!"

"Izumi, stop talking to him!"

"He even has a scary crow with him!"

Beiyuan: "…"

'I came here to have fun, not to be bullied by a bunch of kids!'