Chapter 1: Adopted in the New World
Summary:
After parting his true feelings to Sasuke, Itachi thought that he can finally go to hell despite his good intentions for everything he’s done in life. Rather than get what he expected, Hagoromo decides to reincarnate the Uchiha after seeing his suffering to a world where war cease to exist but intellect is the number one weapon beside physical capabilities and the existence of mysterious power called Ability...
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
/N: Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto. Classroom of the Elite belongs to Shougo Kinugasa. Bungou Stray Dogs belongs to Asagiri Kafka. I don't own three of the series since both of them belongs to their respective owners. Other Anime characters that will appear on this Fic also belong to their respective owners.
Prologue
Adopted in the New World
After the deathly match against Kabuto, Itachi with the assist of his younger brother, Sasuke Uchiha manage to trick and trapped Kabuto by Izanami, a Forbidden Jutsu which trapped him in infinite loop until he repent himself on his effort to change himself to become Orochimaru. After giving little advice to Sasuke and tell him about the history of Izanami, Itachi start to cancel the Reanimation Jutsu as his reanimated body start to glow in bright light, indicating that his soul start to pass on to the afterlife. Before that, he walk closer to Sasuke seemingly try to poke his head while at the same time shows him the truth behind Uchiha Clan Massacre from Itachi's point of view, making the latter stunned in silence.
"There's nothing more that I can tell you. I… Already told you the truth… And it can't be repeated… Ever again…" Itachi walk toward Sasuke as his reanimated body starting to break up. "I… Always lied to you and hope… That you'll forgive me… Always keep you away from the truth with my own hands…" He then raises his right hand to do his usual poking to Sasuke's forehead. "Because I want to keep you out of this. But now, I'm sure… That you can change father… Mother, and the rest… Of the Uchiha as well. If I just open to you from the very beginning… And tell you the truth… I don't need to stand in front of you as a failure. So for this time, I'll tell everything to you." Surprisingly, instead of poking Sasuke's forehead, he gives his younger brother a soft head bump, sees him as equal. His eyes show affection for Sasuke. "You don't ever have to forgive me… Even what'll you do from now on remember this… No matter what, I will love you always." Itachi said with a smile, finally able to tell his true feelings to Sasuke as his soul is leaving his reincarnated body and he goes back to the afterlife.
Or so what it seems…
Itachi can feel his body is lie on soft sand. Opening his eyes, he then stand up to look at the landscape that seemingly an endless desert and night while still dons his reanimated outfit. Thinking of reuniting with Izumi, Shisui, his parents, and Kisame, he then start walking alone in the endless desert until someone is calling him.
"Greetings, older brother of Sasuke."
Surprised at the voice that seemingly belongs to an old man and his knowledge about Sasuke, Itachi glanced behind him to see a being that's floating. He takes the appearance of a tall and pale-skinned man, who had deep wrinkles and a strong jawline in his elderly age. He had spiky, shoulder-length, pale brown hair, with a chin-length, braided lock hanging in front of his left ear. He also sported a goatee, which was short in his younger years and later tapered down to his waist in his old age. He had a pair of horn-like protrusions extending from either side of his forehead and pupil less white eyes. He also had a red Rinnegan-like marking in the centre of his forehead. He wore a white, full-length kimono with a pattern of six black magatama around a high collar, beneath which, he wore a necklace which was also made up of six black magatama. On the back of his kimono was a larger, black Rinnegan marking with a pattern of nine magatama arranged in three rows of three beneath it.
Seeing the majestic appearance and from his knowledge about the history, Itachi can only baffled. "Y-You're… It can't be…"
"As I expected of my son Indra descendant. You manage to know my identity that easily." The being acknowledge with a smile.
Manage to regain his composure quite easily due to his experience, Itachi said in even tone. "So you're the one that known as the god of Shinobi. You're Rikudo Sennin?"
"Please call me Hagoromo, older brother of Indra's reincarnations." The one known as Hagoromo shows bit dislike to his title. "Before we start the conversation, you must be curious why I visit you on the afterlife right? Actually there are two reasons. First, I'd like to tell you what happened to your younger brother Sasuke."
"Sasuke? What happen to him?" Itachi dare to ask since from his tone, Itachi judge that Hagoromo can be trusted.
Thus, Hagoromo tell the aftermath of how Sasuke seeks answer from the previous Hokage of what shall he do forward and he decided to keep Konoha safe and later assist Naruto and the rest of the Shinobi Forces to battle against Obito, Madara, and Kaguya till' Sasuke battling Naruto at the Valley of the End.
Hearing that Sasuke want to repeat the same ways he did in life in order to protect Konoha, Itachi turn solemn till he remembers that Naruto promise him to take care of Sasuke in his stead. "I see. That's truly unexpected to think that the Akatsuki basically dancing on someone's tune from the very start. However… I believe that Naruto will show Sasuke the real path in order to protect Konoha without doing the same ways as I did."
Hagoromo nod. "As the third Hokage said, your wisdom is way beyond your real age and you're not succumbed to the curse that my son passed down to the Uchiha. But young Sasuke already told me how horrible your life is and force to life as a criminal while keeps your village safe. I respect your loyalty despite your know the dark side of your village, Itachi Uchiha." He said in respectful tone.
"I only do what I believe is right at that time… And to keep a certain teachings of a friend alive from my acts. Even so… I fail and realize that I at least must trust another person if I want to be success. Because of it, I don't deserve happiness for everything that I've done." Itachi said in regret, remembering his bad deeds. No matter what reason he did even though Konoha is spared from attack by other hidden villages at that time, he still raise his hands against his own family and clan plus all evil deeds he'd done as a member of the Akatsuki, making him never dies a decent death and used as a reanimated corpse. He even feel he doesn't deserve to heaven after everything he'd done in life.
"And that's the second reason I visit you Itachi Uchiha." Hagoromo smiled with a knowing smirk. "Tell me. Do you want to start over again but not back in time but in another world different from the elemental nations?"
"Another world?" Itachi had a confuse look on his eyes.
"On this world, concept of Chakra from what I observed never exists. The technology is thousand steps ahead from the Elemental Nations. The world also seems peaceful… At least on the surface." Hagoromo explained the other world that he's talking about.
"A world… Without Chakra?" Itachi surprise at this revelation but he got one word that interest him: peace on the surface. "What do you mean that the peace is on the surface? I can surmise in the place of Chakra, there must be some type of power that existed in there." He concluded.
"Your observation is quite remarkable Itachi Uchiha. You’re right. Instead of Chakra, there is something called Ability: Mysterious power that randomly appears on one of ten people." Hagoromo compliment the latter. "Then, I can conclude that you want to receive this gift? If that so-"
"Before that Lord Hagoromo, I want to confirm something." Itachi cut the legendary progenitor of Ninjutsu speech before bring a serious look on his face. "Why'd you choose me instead of other Uchiha? Even my friends, Shisui Uchiha and Izumi Uchiha are better choice than someone like me."
"Because like I said before, you deserve second chance at happiness because your misfortune in life. Plus, this is young Sasuke wish. He said if I ever encounter you in the afterlife, tells him that he already being forgiven." Hagoromo immediately answered.
"I see." Itachi then look down with a smile. 'Thank you Sasuke. Hearing that from you… It finally gives me strength to move on completely from my regrets.' He thought in pride of his younger brother. "Very well then Lord Hagoromo. I'll hear your proposal about reincarnating me on this new world. After that, I'll decide it."
Hagoromo smiled hearing it. "Very well. In this new world I'll reincarnate you back as a baby and you'll be adopted by whoever found you. You also lost your Chakra and the ability to use any Jutsu and that also applies to your Sharingan. But in return, you have three privileges. First, you'll have every memories of your life on the Elemental Nations intact and that will help you to adapt although about the technology you must learn it on your own. Second, the heightened physical ability of yours as former inhabitants of Elemental Nations still exist although is not on the same level. Third, you can keep one technique that you have when you’re still alive in order to blend with the Ability users in that world. So Itachi Uchiha, what's your decision?" He asked.
Hearing the explanation, Itachi close his eyes in deep thought before look at Hagoromo with convinced expression. For the reason he will be reincarnate as a baby and lost all of his ability, it was reasonable in order to not corrupting the way of the new world works. In fact, despite Itachi considers himself not a very sociable person except to few, in time that problem could be solved. "For the third reason, there's a strange catch. Even though in this world power exists in form of Ability that appears randomly on each person, what reason you allow me to keep one of my Jutsu? Unless… There are those that have dangerous goal in there?" Itachi said, voicing his observation. The third condition is truly strange no matter how many times he heard it.
"True… Someone with the coldness of a demon, a high intellect that probably can challenge the gods and the most important thing is something inside that world that can make those that wield it becomes a god in their own right." Hagoromo replied with somber tone. "Tell me Itachi. Do you believe about something that can change the outcome to your desire?"
“Something akin to Izanagi? No. It must be true onmi-potent devices if even you’re wary of that item.” Itachi guessed which earn grim nod from Hagoromo.
"I will not give you a mission to destroy some shady organization or anything about it. Like it or not, you'll face anyone aiming for that thing in the future and it will probably endanger anyone you will befriend in that world. That's why the third reason is essential so you can defend yourself properly." Hagoromo explained.
Silent for a moment, Itachi then nod in understanding. "I see. If that's the case, I'll accept your proposal, Lord Hagoromo. In order to respect Sasuke's last wish to me." Itachi said, convinced finally to accept Hagoromo's offer. "But for reincarnation, I wish I was found… By a family that can do martial arts. Maybe because at least that way… I still have connections with Konoha. As for the technique that I decide to keep with me…. I prefer that Tsukuyomi is the one that I’ll have. After all, I prefer not to cause extensive physical violence more than necessary."
"No need to worry Itachi. I already planned the location well. As for your Tsukuyomi, I’ll make sure that prolonged use not causing you blindness. However, your eyes will probably get strain from extensive use and must be put to rest after some use." Hagoromo stated with a smile. "Well then, shall we begin?"
Itachi then close his eyes, remembering his past life. From the time he went to war at the age of four, thus build his pacifistic nature and question about the meaning of life. Then forward to the time Sasuke was born and the attack of Kyuubi, making the Uchiha Clan moved to the outer district of Konoha and start to sparks the rebellion. From the time he finish the academy in a year, meeting Shisui Uchiha, watching his teammates killed by mysterious masked man, to the time he dating Izumi Uchiha. Then move forward to the time he become ANBU captain till the Uchiha Clan Massacre and the deeds he'd done as a member of Akatsuki till his death at the hand of Sasuke.
'Hn. This the last time. Thank you Sasuke, I'll honor your last thought about me by finding happiness in this new world.' Itachi inwardly smiled before nod at Hagoromo. "I'm ready."
"Then Itachi Uchiha, close your eyes and I will take care of the rest." Hagoromo stated as Itachi's body is starting to glow. "Take care of yourself in that new world, hero from the shadows Itachi Uchiha. I hope you can find your own happiness." He said while in truth hiding something important. 'And I hope... You can fit with the morality of the new world and manage to change the fate of the inhabitants that lived there...'
Itachi close his eyes as he feels his body starting to shrink and starting to succumb to sleep as he feels all of his Chakra and Jutsu leaving his body except for a small fraction that Hagoromo explained about the third condition. Unbeknownst to him, he already inside baby basket that was put in the roadside of busy city at night.
On the quiet highway of Japan, a husband and his wife is riding back home from the hospital after the latter is giving birth and allowed to return home. The baby is comfortingly cuddled by the wife and has cobalt blue hair while sleeping peacefully on the backseat of the car. The husband is driving the car when he sees something unusual on the left side of the highway. 'What is that?' He thought as he decided to put the car on the left side of the road, which confuse his wife.
"Dear, what's the matter?" The wife ask, confused at his husband actions.
"I think this baby basket is suspicious." The husband replied as he open the door of his car and walk closer to the basket to look what's inside. How shocked he was to see a baby boy with black hair is sleeping peacefully while being covered by a blanket. "A baby?"
The wife, still cuddling her own child, also gets out from the car. "Poor thing. How could the parent just throw this baby away like that?" She asked in concern as a new mother. She then notices a note being embedded on the basket. "My dear, there's some kind of note in the basket."
"A note?" The husband then crouch down, taking the baby as well as the note. He then read it out loud so his wife can hear it. "Please take care of Itachi Uchiha." He read.
"Itachi… Uchiha." The wife uttered with a smile before she look at her husband. "My dear, we can't just leave little Itachi here. Why don't we adopt him?" She suggested.
Hearing his wife suggestion, the husband is in deep thought. "Are you sure? We can just take him to our home and bring him to the closest orphanage. Besides, you already have little Mio. Are you sure you can handle two babies at the same time?" He asked in worry.
"No need to worry my dear. I don't know why but if we put him on the orphanage, I somehow feel bad for him…" The wife said in sympathetic tone before her smile beamed again. "Besides, I think Mio won't mind if she has siblings right?" She asked jokingly as she poked her baby cheek which is revealed to be Mio Ibuki, who later will have a big role in her future life.
The baby Mio just emitting a faint, cute noise as she still asleep.
The husband is silent for a moment before sighing. "I guess there's no way then. I also feel bad if we leave him here or just sent him to orphanage." He then picks up the baby basket as well before putting Itachi on the backseat. The wife also entering the car while putting Mio beside Itachi. Before starting the engine of the car, he glanced at Itachi sleeping form. "From now on, you're member of our family, Itachi Uchiha. No, Itachi Ibuki." He said with a gentle smile before starting the engine, driving them back to their home.
"Well then Itachi, get along with Mio if you're grown up okay?" The wife said with motherly smile as she gently caressing Itachi's head, causing him to smile in his sleep.
Unconsciously, the sleeping Mio roll over her body, facing Itachi's sleeping form.
At the first moment of his reincarnation on the new world, Itachi find a comforting family that cared for him.
Unknown to the parents, a figure was watching them from a tall building close in proximity to the highway. The figure is a tall and slim young man with thin pale face and long messy hair of a purplish black that reaches his shoulders. His eyes are sharp and of a dark purple color. For attire, he wears what appears to be a long-sleeved buttoned white shirt, with light purple cuffs and outlines, and white pants. It is accompanied by a long black coat with a few yellow buttons, reaching his knees, along with white fur. He also wears a white ushanka hat, and long boots of a maroon color. The man smiled before chuckling in quite sinister tone.
“Khu khu khu… Khu khu khu khu khu~” He chuckling, closing his eyes before open it and look toward the car of Ibuki Family. “It seems it will turn out to be interesting… The true Holy War to rid this world from the sins of Ability users… That is.” He declared with rather cryptic tone.
Notes:
So the remake of the first prologue chapter is finally finished. Sorry if it's short and cliché because this is mainly only told how Itachi ends up in the new world and being adopted by Ibuki's Family. Like I said on the premise, I planned the prologue have five chapters before we go to the Canon story-line of Classroom of the Elite. Because of Itachi existence, expect the Canon story-line bye-bye.
On this Remake, I also pressed about Ability more than the old version as I feel the old version show of Ability users are like Plot device. Hope with this, it will not be like that anymore. Oh and if you wonder, Itachi was reincarnated to the mix of Classroom of the Elite and Bungou Stray Dogs world. For Classroom of the Elite timeline, it's already five years since White Room established while on Bungou Stray Dogs timeline; it's been five years since the end of the Great War in Kaminojima Island. Another verse that also existed on this verse but with no plot relevance to the story are Code: Breaker, Talentless Nana, Hidan no Aria, and Akuma no Riddle.
Itachi and Mio have age differences of one week. That means he is older one week than her and she's age one month in this first appearance.
Next prologue chapter we'll time-skip to eight years later when a certain bookworm, archer lover, and bully gyaru in Canon Classroom of the Elite will make their debut. It will also show Itachi and Mio's bond as siblings even though the former is adopted.
See you in the next update!
For note, in this story, I mostly use the given name for most of the characters. For example, Ichinose given name was Honami so in this story, she'll be addressed as Honami.
Chapter 2: A World of Ability Users
Summary:
Itachi was adapted to live on the new world where the technology is more advanced than the Elemental Nations. Meanwhile, Mio was experiencing something a girl on her age shouldn't experience at all...
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
/N: Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto. Classroom of the Elite belongs to Shougo Kinugasa. Bungou Stray Dogs belongs to Asagiri Kafka. I don't own three of the series since both of them belongs to their respective owners. Other Anime characters that will appear on this Fic also belong to their respective owners.
Chapter 2
A World of Ability Users
Eight years have passed since Itachi was found by Ibuki's family and adopted by them, changing his last name from Uchiha to Ibuki.
For the last eight years, Itachi tried his best to adapt to the world he's reincarnated into. It turns out that it's not so different from the Elemental Nations except the technology like smartphone or video games for example that's not exist in his old world that is torn by war. At first, even he had some difficulties on using it but thanks to the guidance of his new parent, he able to master it in short time while maintain his composure in order not look too suspicious to his parents.
His old memories back on the Elemental Nations starting to emerge when he's two years old and with the return of his old memories he realized that his physical body although not as strong as he was before, the terminal illness that crawls on his body is completely gone. That means Itachi didn't need to make his new parent worried about his body condition.
The most worrying thing on Itachi's mind now however, is the mention of the existence of Ability that Hagoromo spoke of before reincarnating him to this world. Although it's not the time to turn paranoid, since he can conclude that the existence of supernatural ability beyond human logic which of course creating the existence of bad groups of Ability users, the thought that he maybe them in the unforeseen future disturb him quite a bit. For that, he ask Mr. Ibuki to allow him to take martial arts lessons during his first grade at elementary schools, a thing that he happily accepts although at first his new mother disagree with it. Aside from martial arts, Itachi also spare as much time as he can to swallow every new knowledge from this world by any books or article he reads on the library, internet, or the newspaper. Once again thanks to his prodigious mind, he swallowed all the knowledge rather quickly. However, because of his old memories and his habit to read, his adoptive parent is shocked of how well-spoken and wide-view Itachi was for his age. It seems what Hiruzen said back then to Sasuke based on the knowledge he got from Hagoromo is not a lie after all.
Speaking of the parent that adopt him, Nusjuro Ibuki which now become his adopted father was a skilled Aikido master with 8th Dan rank and won ten national competitions and in fact his house was dojo for many disciples while Sayo Ibuki despite her meek appearance and gentle attitude is a former practitioner of Capoeira, a Brazilian martial arts style. Despite not train her body for a long time, she still knows some basic moves of it and in fact, her attack still hurt when Itachi was training with her. Deep inside, he was glad that neither of his adopted parents are Ability users so there will be less chance their life will be in danger from the other Ability users. At least that's what he hoped.
Despite his desire to train and gain new knowledge as quick as possible, Itachi realized that he must not make the same mistake as he did in the Elemental Nations. Because of that, despite his extremely tight schedule, he always emptying few hours or one full day in order to socialize and interact with his parents and his friends at elementary school.
Speaking of parents…
"Itachi! Wait for me!" While still on the way of wearing his shoes, Itachi glance behind him to see his new adopted sister, Mio Ibuki running toward their house front door while hold a piece of bread on her mouth. Judging from her messy hair, she must be wake up late. While Itachi keeps his ponytail like the one he has in Elemental Nations, Mio decided to cut her once long cobalt blue hair to short bob style with small ahoge on the top. Overall, Mio is like a younger version of Ms. Ibuki except the latter has chest-length hair.
"Morning Mio. Seems you wake up late once again." Itachi noted with a neutral smile like already used to his adopted sister behavior. "I'm sure you don't have anything leave behind don't you?"
"Of course not! I'm not a little baby anymore jeez! Don't forget that you're younger than me!" Mio replied with a sneer as she picks the bread from her mouth with her right hand while picks up her school shoes from the shoe rack.
"Only a week though yet you seems treat me like your older brother." Itachi joked.
"Itachi! Mio! We shall go now or both of you will late to school." Ms. Ibuki said with a warm smile while she's already inside the car to start it. Due to how busy his husband in maintaining their dojo, Ms. Ibuki take the responsibility to pick up Itachi and Mio to school and being the kind wife she is, she never once blame her husband due to his responsibility.
"All right mother!" Both of them replied at the same time as they entering the car. Ms. Ibuki then starts the engine, driving both of them to their elementary school. Once inside the car, Ms. Ibuki is happily listening to music on the car's radio while both Itachi and Ibuki are conversing with each other.
Speaking of Mio, her previous relationship with Itachi is not as good as the present.
(Flashback – A Year ago)
After their graduation from second grade of elementary school, both Mr. Ibuki and Ms. Ibuki look at Itachi and Mio's school reports. At first, both of them look at Itachi's school report and they were surprised and proud.
"Itachi. Y-You're… permitted to do class acceleration? That means you're fourth grade next year?" His father asked in disbelief. Class acceleration is a program where student, if he or she are deemed to be smart enough, are allowed to skip one grade.
Unknown to others, Mio who heard it since she's on the same class as Itachi have a sad look on her face.
Itachi nod. "Our teacher however said that I must ask my parents' permission to do so. If both of you agree, they request both father and mother to go to school to confirm it." He explained.
"I see." Mr. Ibuki smiled in pride hearing his adopted son's achievements. "As expected of my son. Seems the time you spend on the public library and train alongside me in dojo isn't wasted at all." He said.
"If Itachi doesn't mind, I agree on the class acceleration as well. Just don't force yourself okay?" Ms. Ibuki nod happily in agreement.
"Thank you very much father, mother. I promise I won't disappoint both of you." Itachi bowed his head in gratitude. Despite both of them adopted him, they never persecute him or discriminate him but treat him like he is their own son. However, Itachi sense a pattern here that if it's not fixed, it will strain his relationship with Mio. "However, Mio also manage to gain almost perfect score in all main subjects. You should praise her as well. Our teacher even said to me that she almost become a candidate for class acceleration as well." He said while seriously look at his adopted parent.
Mio widen her eyes in surprise after hearing it, not expecting that Itachi basically ask their parent not to praise him too much.
"I see." As a mother, Ms. Ibuki quickly aware of Itachi's intention of not wanting Mio to feel left behind. "If that's the case, Mio needs to learn harder okay?" She said to her biological daughter tried to lift up her spirit.
Mr. Ibuki sighed. 'Even though he can be considered genius, he's humble and never overestimates his talents and I believe that he will admit if someone is smarter than him. It's rare to see someone genius yet humble like him.' He then smiled at Mio. "Mio. How about we make a bet?"
"A bet?" Mio repeated in surprise as she looks toward Mr. Ibuki.
"If you manage to gain first rank in third grade during the first semester, I'll personally teach you what I know about Capoeira. Even though I'm not practitioner like your mother, I still have knowledge on how it moves." Mr. Ibuki promised.
Hearing it make Ibuki's face bright up. She then smiled in happiness as she nods repeatedly. "Thank you father!" She said happily.
Itachi look at his adopted sister in happiness, glad that he at least manages to turn the sad mood.
At night, Mio suddenly come out from her own bedroom and goes toward Itachi's bedroom that locate on the upper floor. Once reach her adopted brother bedroom, she knocks the door. "Itachi. It's me." She said.
"Come in." Itachi's voice replied from the inside. Mio then enter and see that Itachi's sitting on his chair reading No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai, a recent release that become a boom after it was released just months ago under the writer that surprisingly use the same name as the one that write the book with the same name during the 1900s. Seeing it make Mio sigh.
"Even at a time like this, you still read?" Mio asked in rather plain tone. Seriously, just how addict his adopted brother in books and literature?
"I can't be help. The way this author looks at the way of living is unique so it's not enough if I read it only once. Plus, reading is the window of knowledge." Itachi reasoned before closed the book. "So, what's the reason you come here Mio?"
Hearing Itachi's question make Mio flustered. "I… Uh… Just want to say thank you. You know… For that time." Mio said in intermittent tone while turn her gaze away from Itachi. "Even though you don't need to do that…"
"It's wrong for me to do so?" Itachi tilt his head.
"N-No! It just you know… I…" Mio stuttered before continuing. "I… Also want father and mother to acknowledge me by my own efforts as well. So… You don't need to do that…" She clench her fist in frustration.
Itachi then stand up from his chair and sit on his bed. "Sit here." He ordered.
Mio just nod and sit beside Itachi.
"Mio, I just want to make sure… Do you ever resent me?" Itachi asked. But after seeing Mio didn't answer, he decided to give a little push. "It's okay though if you ever resent me. I don't mind to be resent by you. After all, I was being adopted in the first place instead being your biological siblings."
Now Mio's feel guilty because Itachi's bringing the fact that he's being adopted. She really didn't want him to say that. Not when he always supports her. "I-I…"
"It's okay Mio. You resent me when I was better than you was natural. Such behavior… It's a process that helps someone mature." Itachi shook his head as he caressing her head. "However, remember this clearly. Although you see me as someone above you, never think of me as a perfect being because there's no one perfect in this world. Instead, you must look for yourself what I can't find in me." He advised.
Mio is stunned hearing Itachi speaking such difficult words for someone his age. She smiled while wiped tears on the corner of her right eye. "T-Thank you…"
Itachi nod, smiling. After knowing that he had a sister despite not blood-related with him, Itachi decided that he'll not do the same thing like he did with Sasuke. He take into consideration that instead keeping Mio's away, he instead will take some time to interacts with her in every aspect despite how busy he is. "Then, how about I show you some moves that I learn from father?" He offered. Ever since he starts his training, Itachi always seen Mio watch him and Mr. Ibuki with interest. It takes not too long to discover that she's fond of martial arts.
Mio gasps in surprise. "R-Really? B-But-"
"For the bet no need to worry. Father never forbids me to train you as well. But never used it for bad thing okay?" Itachi tried to ease Mio's wariness.
"O-Okay!" Mio then lean closer to Itachi before hugging him affectingly. "Thank you, Itachi" She thanked. 'You're the best brother that I ever have.' She thought in silence of it.
(Flashback End)
Now it's Saturday. This time, Itachi take it as a time to rest from his martial arts training and learning for a while to go to his most favorite place: Library. He usually goes there alone since Mio is not fond of reading and even if she does, she usually brings her laptop to watch videos about various martial arts. It seems she really wanted to become martial arts fighters in the future. But for now, she spent her time learning to win her bet to her father.
Itachi inwardly smiled that Mio find her own way in order to prove that she also have something to be proud of. He even admitted that if Mio somehow exist on Elemental Nations, if she has the right training she can be as strong as Naruto's pink-haired teammates in raw strength alone, something that he can only dream of because that is not his forte because of his pacifistic nature.
Currently, Itachi is searching for Pollyana by Eleanor H. Porter, a story about a small girl with a unique philosophy in life called 'The Glad Game', a positive and optimistic attitude that consists of finding something to be glad about in every situation, no matter how bleak it may be. It is quite popular during its first release on 1913 being ranked as the eight best-selling novels in United States at that time, since it represents that's a small light in complete darkness. This intrigue Itachi since the personality of the main character is probably the personality that's essential in order to bring peace on his old world.
Put that thought aside, Itachi still searching for Pollyana on the library bookshelf. When he finally found the book he was looking for, he immediately pick it up and goes to the librarian in order to borrow it when someone suddenly bump into him. Although not a hard one, the bump makes the books that they both carries fall to the floor.
"I-I'm sorry!" A small but cute voice comes from the one that accidentally bump into Itachi. The one that bumps into Itachi was a young girl around his age with long silver hair which the small portions of it is tied by small, black ribbons on each side. The girl hurriedly crouch down and pick up the books that she carried but the books she carries is pick up Itachi's interest.
'The Overcoat and And Then There Were None by Nikolai Gogol and Agatha Christie respectively. This girl reading is amazing for someone of her age.' Itachi thought in amazement as this is the first time he ever finds someone beside him that immerse on novels and with heavy language to be noted. He then decided to bring up the conversation. "It's all right. I should be the one to apologize for not seeing you on the way." He said since he admitted it was his fault for not seeing the young girl.
"It's all right." The young girl later looks up to Itachi, revealing her beautiful violet eyes that express nothing but pure kindness and lonely aura. From that, he can tell that this girl is a bookworm even more than he is. "Here's your book. Sorry for bumping into you earlier. I actually want to return my books in order to borrow Dracula by Bram Stroker. I've heard that books are the one that always be borrowed everyday so I don't want to lose the chance to borrow it this time." She said as she returns the Pollyana to Itachi which the latter pick.
Itachi smiled hearing it. "If that's the case, you don't need to worry. I'm from the mystery novel sections before and I see that Dracula is still on the bookshelf." He inform the girl. "If you don't mind, can I accompany you there?"
The girl shook her head. "No it's okay. You don't need to do that." She politely declined the offer.
"I insist. Consider it as payment for accidentally bump into you earlier." Itachi insisted. He knows that the conversation will go weird if he still didn't know the girl name so he decided to introduce himself. "My name is Itachi Ibuki. What's yours?" He asked.
"My name is Hiyori. Hiyori Shiina. Nice to meet you Itachi." The girl known as Hiyori Shiina introduce herself with a smile.
"Nice to meet you Hiyori. Well then, shall we go to the mystery novels section?" Itachi offered which Hiyori happily nods and both of them later goes to the mystery novels sections.
After accompany Hiyori to borrow Dracula and Itachi borrow Pollyana respectively, both of them decided to go to a cafeteria that's close to the library to have a little chat while waiting for Hiyori's family to fetch her. Itachi, being a man that loved sweets, ordered Dango while Hiyori simply ordered sweet coffee instead. Hiyori ask for her parent permission at first though, which they happily agrees and surprise that their daughter is able to make friends at last.
Hiyori is laughing a bit seeing Itachi's favorite food. "At first, I thought Itachi was someone that favored something meaty due to your physique. I've never thought that you're sweet tooth person." She said.
"I never once said I wasn't fond of Dango." Itachi denied Hiyori's perception. 'Still… To think she knows my physique just by seeing me… Hiyori's perception surely sharp. If she ever exists on the Elemental Nations, she'll become a valuable intelligence division member for every village.' He quickly noted, impressed by this girl sharp intuition that seemingly born from her lonely nature. "I know it sounds rude but a week ago, I saw you on the library alone reading some books Hiyori so I think I know you first before you knew me."
"He he he you can tell it Itachi?" Hiyori smiled, already enjoying Itachi's company. "You see Itachi, I only stay for a month on Nagano before return back to Yokohama since my grandmother is sick. She always talks to me ever since I was four about the wonder of books and because of it, books already like a part of my body." She explained with a nostalgic smile. "Does Itachi also think the same as me?"
Itachi nod. "Although not like you, I found this peculiar hobby of me on my own since my parents is not quite fond of reading. Not only when reading we become immerse in the contents of the book, but also help us to imagine if we on the same situation as the protagonist. That's why I borrow Pollyana in the first place. The main character personality to always find something good on every situation she faces… is admirable."
"I see. It looks like Itachi already read it once right?" Hiyori asked, interested by the topic.
"You're right. But I think it's not wrong if I re-read it." Itachi replied.
"I see." Hiyori chuckling, bring her right hand to close her mouth. "The world surely small isn't it? I never expected I encounter another one like me. I always think that I alone that's immerse on books."
"You don't feel lonely at all? On your own?" Itachi decided to ask.
Hiyori shook her head in denial. "Not really. Like I said before, books already like a part of my body. Although deep inside… I truly want to make friends. But there's no way a bookworm like me can get one right?" She said with a self-deprecating tone.
"You're wrong on that Hiyori. Despite my passive nature, I also have friends. It all depends on how we tried to build bonds on others." Itachi denied Hiyori's words that she can't have any friends. This is come from his personal experience. Sure in Ninja Academy he was passive and never even bothered to talk with others except Izumi, but somehow along the way despite his passive attitude, he got friends along the way like Shisui and his teammates that was killed by Obito. Even though he never bothers to talk to them, it's probably to his inherently kind nature that they bother to talk to him and become his friends.
"I don't know Itachi. I tried to befriend someone but… Most of my classmates in my elementary school didn't like reading at all and even I sometimes mocked as an old lady due to my reading habits. At first I thought that was natural but as time goes… I realized that I only make a world where I was the only one in it. I tried to break it but… I just can't." Hiyori said while look down with a sad frown on her face, surprisingly using words that not fit for her age. That's expected from her heavy choice of novels.
Itachi quickly gets what Hiyori mean. She only wants someone that not ridiculed her hobby or someone that at least shared the same interest on reading books since that is what connected her with her grandmother. He somehow understands her feelings. She must be feeling lonely because no one her age ever shares her passion. "Hiyori. Want to hear an interesting story?" He asked.
Hearing it make Hiyori's smile slightly return. She then nod, agreeing to hear Itachi's story.
"Once, there was a boy with trouble-maker personality. He always makes pranks for people to notice him. But you know what the reason of his personality is? The people… They ostracize him just because he's thought to be the reincarnation of monster and because of it; he's treated like nothing but a bother. They fear him and keep him away, more kind of being bullied. That's why he has a dream: To become the leader of the village and make people that ostracize him forced to acknowledge him for his effort. At first, most of them said that his dream was rubbish and worth of nothing. However, you know what he said? Despite the hardships, abuse, and harsh words from friends and foes alike, he keep determined and never give up and always tried his hardest by stay to his belief. Slowly but surely, the people around him begin to notice him until finally, his dream be come true." Itachi said, basically retelling the short story of Naruto from his point of view. "The point is its okay for you to keep stay in your belief Hiyori. I'm pretty certain that if you keep true to your belief, someday in the future someone will be able to befriend you."
Hiyori is silent for a moment before smiling warmly. "That's… a quite story Itachi. Hearing this young boy struggle… Even though you didn't fully detail it, he must be a good person at heart. To be able to move forward and ignoring the unjust comment from the villagers… I think if on his position, I can't do anything besides cried myself in the bedroom." She said with sympathetic tone toward the boy's story. "I wonder… If I can become like him in the future?" She asked in wonder.
"I'm pretty sure you can. The one you shall do is just acknowledging yourself. Only then a person can be truly strong." Itachi assured her with a warm smile. To be honest, he can't find himself to raise his voice against this kind-heart girl. "I truly was glad meeting you Hiyori. Because till' now, I never have conversation friend around my age that can use difficult words like you did."
"I'm also feels the same Itachi. I'm happy to be able finally find someone that truly shared the same interests in books like me." Hiyori said in grateful tone. "If you not mind, can I ask for your phone number?"
"Sure." Itachi and Hiyori later exchange phone number with each other. After that is finished, Hiyori smartphone suddenly ringing. She later looks at the messages menu of her smartphone.
"Seems… My parents already wait outside of the mall." Hiyori said with a sad tone. This is her last week staying in Nagano before return back to Yokohama. "When I just make my first friend…"
"… It's a goodbye then." Itachi also bit saddened by it. The chance he can meet face to face with Hiyori will become rare and they can only talk through messenger on phone. "No need to worry Hiyori. We can still talk by messenger." He tried to ease her sadness, which of course useless.
"I know that Itachi. It just… Will not like when we talk like this." Hiyori said before suddenly gasps and her happy face suddenly returns. "Oh! I know!" Put her right hands on her backpack, she searches for something until she brings out a novel: Anne of the Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery. "I give this novel to you." She said as she gives it to Itachi.
"But this novel is precious for you isn't it?" Itachi asked.
Hiyori nod. "This novel is the one that grandmother gave me when I was six years old. That's what makes so fond of reading in the first place. She also said that if I make my first friend… I shall lend it to him or her." She explained with nostalgic tone. "Because of it… This novel is the symbol of our friendship Itachi. Please take it. After all, the novel is quite popular among the Japanese. You shall read it."
Itachi immediately shook his head. "I can't. This novel is what connects you to your grandmother and must be your precious items. I have no right to receive it. If we want to be even, I shall give you one of my books as well. Unfortunately, all of it on my house right now."
"But-"
"If you wanted to, how about this? I'll take the novel with me but I'll return it to you when we meet again someday." Itachi suggested. He really didn't want to be given something that someone deem precious in their life despite Hiyori herself insist it. This makes him remember the time Shisui gives him his own right eye and entrust it to him.
Surprisingly, Hiyori nodded happily. "Promise to take care for it okay? And when we someday meet again… Lend me one of your books…" She said with serious tone. After some silence, she then stands up and see that her parents already waiting for her few meters away from the cafeteria. "Seems my parents already arrived."
"So it seems." Itachi also glance to look at Hiyori's parents. Both of them look like school teachers. Her mother especially looks like older Hiyori. "This is a momentarily goodbye then."
Hiyori nod solemnly before making a forced smile. "Goodbye then Itachi! Let's meet again someday!" Hiyori bid her goodbye before running toward her parents. Although not shown on his face, Itachi a bit saddened that the first people that he can call friend is met by accident. But he has faith that he'll see Hiyori again someday instead of talking through smartphone.
As Itachi return back home on his own, he was greeted by Mio who's wearing simple shirt and pants, showcasing her tomboyish nature.
"It's not like usual that you're stay this long at library Itachi." Mio noted before get a glimpse of Itachi's face that seems happy than his usual plain look. "Hee~ seems our usual training nerd and bookworm looks happy? Tell me, did you find another hobby than reading or training martial arts?" She teased while tiptoeing toward Itachi to look at his plain face.
Sighing, Itachi then do what he usually does toward Sasuke in the past. He poking Mio's forehead. "Forgive me Mio. Maybe next time." He said with playful tone as he goes inside the house.
"Aw~ Hey! You didn't tell me yet!" Mio said as she give a chase toward Itachi that already walk upstairs to his bedroom
'Hn. I refrain from saying it because I think… Hiyori will probably fond to befriend you, Mio.' Itachi thought to himself while smiling as he walk while ignoring Mio's voice. 'I just hope… The day of slice of life such as these can lasts forever. Isn't that right… Sasuke?'
Time then quickly skips to the time of the first day of Itachi New Year in grade school. As Itachi accepted the proposal of the class acceleration, he now currently become Fourth Year of grade school while Mio become Third Year of grade school.
Once they arrived on the school, Itachi and Mio separate ways since Itachi's classroom is on the upper floor while Mio is on the ground floor. That's when both of them meet someone on their way. He has a healthy physique and short, dark magenta hair while wearing the same school uniform as Mio and Itachi.
"Itachi. Ibuki." The boy greet both of them with a smile.
Mio just waved her hand.
"Akito. It seems you're on the same class as Mio right?" Itachi asked, revealing the boy name to be Akito Miyake.
"Yup. Class 3-D. No need to worry, I'll keep your cute little sister here safe in your stead." Akito joked.
"A-Akito!" Mio screamed rather embarrassed. Lucky it was Akito as she rather kick another male if they talking like that to her.
"It's okay Mio. He's just joking." Itachi chuckling to himself before turn around to go to the stairs. "Take care of Mio, Akito." He said to him while the latter giving him thumbs up.
When he almost reaches the classroom; Class 4-B, he encounters another student that seemingly another that also manages to do class acceleration program. It was a girl with a shy look and aura with brown hair that tied into dango-shaped bun. She also wears glasses.
Seeing this, Itachi decided to open the conversation. "Good morning. Did you happen to be same class as me in the class acceleration program?" He asked.
The girl makes a squeak sound before at Itachi shyly as her eyes barely look at him. "U-Um… Y-Yes. I-If I not wrong… Y-You're Itachi…Right?" She asked with stuttered tone. "M-My name is Rika Morofuji. P-Please to meet you..."
"I see. You're Morofuji from class 2-C right? I'm Itachi Ibuki from class 2-A. I hope we can get along together for the next year." Itachi introduced himself.
"Y-You're M-Mio's twin sibling right? E-Everyone on my class always talk about how g-genius you are in academics and physical activities." Rika tried to open the conversation despite her meek demeanor.
Itachi smiled while closing his eyes, knowing that she's not the type that talk to people that much. "Please there's no need to compliment me like that Morofuji. The fact that you manage to get a slight higher score than me in the main subjects meaning that I still have to learn more." He said. This is not a lie though. Itachi once manage to look Rika score from the school data that the school provided and he's impressed that although the differences is one subject, Rika's manage to get perfect score on three main subjects while Itachi only get perfect score on two main subjects. This is in fact cementing his belief that there are not perfect being and everyone has their plus and minus.
"T-Thank you. W-Why don't we enter the classroom together?" Rika offered with a shy smile.
"Sure. Why not?" Itachi agreed as both of them entering the classroom together.
At the same time on Mio's classroom, the homeroom teacher suddenly clapped his hands.
"All right. Before we begin, there's a transfer student that'll join our class starting today. You can come in." The homeroom teacher said as the new student entering the classroom. She was a girl with shoulder-length light brown hair that's tied into pigtails on each sides and brown eyes. "You can introduce yourself."
The girl nod before begin to speak. "My name is Shiho Manabe. I come from Saitama. Nice to meet all of you." The girl known as Shiho Manabe introduce herself with a smile.
"Manabe here moved from Saitama due to her parents' job as a detective under our current Minister of Defense. I hope all of you can get along with her." The teacher informs the condition of Shiho's reason to transfer before look at her. "Manabe, you can sit on the seat between Miyake and Ibuki."
Shiho just nod, before go to her attendance seat. After that, the learning time goes as usual.
During break time, Shiho is preparing her food box when Mio approach her. "Manabe, right?" She called.
Hearing her name being called, Shiho perks her heads up to look at Mio. "Um… You're Mio Ibuki right?" She asked.
Mio nod with a smile. "Want to go eat together with me and Akito? There's one other person that'll join us on the canteen." She offered.
Feeling bad if she not accepting her invitation, Shiho reluctantly agree. "Okay. Wait a moment." She said as she brings up her food box before stands up from her seat. She then nods at Mio as the latter invite Akito to join as well before goes together to the canteen.
The time then skip to the canteen where Mio, Shiho, and Akito already sit on the table waiting for Itachi's arrival. While waiting for him to arrive, Mio and Akito chatting about various topics with Shiho and the three of them quickly get along with each other.
"So your father truly a detective?" Akito ask with interest.
"Yeah. In fact, he's one of the best! Many cases already cleared by him!" Shiho explained with pride. "My mama on the other hand love to play badminton although she actually work as a nurse so... It just I follow her hobby."
"I see. My father holds a dojo and someday… I also want to open my own dojo like he did." Mio said enthusiastically before noticing Shiho's confused face. "Um… Manabe?"
"S-Sorry!" Shiho said because she realizes what kind of face she is making right now. "I'm not expecting that you're the type that likes martial arts Mio. And… You don't mind if I called you Mio right?"
"It's okay. That means can I call you Shiho?" Mio return the question.
Shiho immediately nod with a smile.
"Mio. Akito. Sorry for the wait." Mio, Akito, and Shiho later look toward Itachi, who also arrive with Rika. "Seems there's new face here. I'm Itachi Ibuki, Mio's twin brother." He introduced himself to Shiho with a formal smile.
Shiho's cheeks flush when she sees Itachi's face. 'H-He's handsome… No! What am I thinking at a time like this!?' She dismissed the thought before introducing herself. "My name is Shiho Manabe. Nice to meet you." She said while tried to maintaining her composure.
"I-I'm Rika Morofuji." Rika then introduced herself with a meek tone. "I-Itachi asked me to come s-so I can k-know his friends."
"No wonder you sound familiar. So you're the other student that manages to get class acceleration program." Akito said with acknowledge tone but when he noticed Shiho and Rika have a slight blush on their face, he then smirk. "Itachi. Seems you're really girls' magnet." Akito decide to joke.
"Heh. That's what special about him." Mio support with a huff. She can say it because whenever she goes together with Itachi on public spaces, there are some girls around their age that keep their eyes on her adoptive brother. "If only he not so dense…"
"N-No!" Rika immediately flustered. "I-I just…"
"Akito! Mio! It's not like that! Look, you make Morofuji becomes a stuttering mess like that!" Shiho quickly denied while using Rika's condition as a shield.
Itachi sighed. Sure that like the time he become Ninja Academy student back on his old world, he also becomes some sort of girls magnet as many of them falls over heels for him mainly due to him being an Uchiha and his face. But of all of them, there's only one person that Itachi truly loves that he even kill her painlessly during the Uchiha Clan Massacre.
A part of him still hesitant to make a girlfriend again because it reminds him so much of Izumi but he realized he mustn't waste this second chance to let one person melt his heart and make him able to make the dream he used to kill Izumi becoming reality. Maybe the time is not now but Itachi pretty certain that time will surely come.
For now, his current priority is to adapt to this whole new world and making friends. And so, Itachi's life on this whole new world continue to spin.
However, on one particular day, all of that'll change.
Few months have passed since the beginning of the new year in grade school for Itachi and Mio.
For Itachi, there's one thing that he thinks about academy. No matter which world, the Elemental Nations or Japan, one thing is the same.
Boring.
That's what Itachi's thinking all the time. Despite many advanced theories that lacks on the Elemental Nations, he's already learnt it from many books that he reads since the age of six. Of course this at first causing the concern of his adoptive parents since he starting to speak something that's not fit for his age like asking the meaning of living, asking why's there battle of any kinds in life, and why'd public opinions really matters in society.
To be honest, these three questions are the one that picks Itachi's curiosity. The first question already answered by his true thought of not wanting to die in order not to make his parents sad and find his reason to live with the birth of Sasuke. For the second one, he really still didn't found the answers since like he said to Sasuke, all humans live bound by what they see as reality even though it's vague, so he maybe also see a fake reality as well. As for the third one, that's answered from his actions as a Shinobi that Shinobi is the one that bears anything necessary to achieve its goal. While at the same time, a Shinobi was also shaped by the goal he or she strived for.
But after reincarnate on this world and lived for eight years, he finds out despite the third is certainly truth, the way of Shinobi is too cruel to be implemented on this world. That's why Itachi decided to change a little thanks to his interaction previously with Naruto and now with his adoptive parents, Mio, Akito, Hiyori, Shiho, and Rika to prove the words that he said to Kabuto back then: The way to forgive oneself of what can't be done alone is through friends that'll support you while at the same time not ignoring what he still can achieve on his own.
It's been three months since the beginning of the new grade on Itachi's elementary school. With Rika's help, Itachi was able to follow and quickly learn the subjects that he's bad at while at the same time also help Rika with the same thing.
Speaking of Rika, she still have her meek and shy attitude due to what she told to Itachi, she's shy to look into people eyes and due to her upbringing that her family always force her to study as something important since her first grade of elementary school, making her took many courses and rarely interacts with anyone.
"See Itachi. The way the first type lever works is where the weight is on the center, while the force and power is on each end of those lever like scissors for example." Rika explained to Itachi since although the latter got good scores on social and math, Itachi is bad as physics science although he's quite skilled at biology from his learning back at Ninja Academy.
"Hm… I see. Thank you very much Rika." Itachi honestly said. Rika's personality truly different when she teaches someone. He bet she'll become good teacher in the future. "By the way, did you want to join us to study together after school? We usually study with just both of us so-"
"U-Um… I'm sorry Itachi. M-My courses schedule are c-currently very tight…" Rika replied in apologetic tone while preparing the book for the next subject, returning to her meek personality once again. The break it's almost over and there are still two more subjects before the learning hour ends.
"I see. Okay then." Itachi decided not to ask any further since it was Rika's privacy. Not long afterwards, the bell ringing again, signaling the beginning of the next subject before the learning hour is over and students are allowed to go home.
After the learning hour is over, Itachi bid goodbye to Rika before go to pick up Mio on her classroom. He's not reach her classroom yet when he sees Mio already come out while chatting with Shiho. It seems both of them becoming quick friends in just three months despite the fact that Mio is a martial arts addict while Shiho from what he sees so far is a kind of gyaru, always known about the newest brand of items from nail polish, necklace, and many others. This is not what he expected considers her family is a police so he thought she's a strict person.
He then decided to greet them. "Mio. Let's go home while waiting for mother to arrive." He said with a smile. "Did Shiho also waiting for her parent?"
Mio shook her head. "Shiho's parents currently work overnight while tomorrow is weekend. Can she stay overnight in our house? She already asks permission from her father though." Mio asked with happy tone because beside Akito, none of her friends ever sleep overnight on their house.
"I see. Then we will ask permission from mother first when she already arrived although I'm allowed it." Itachi replied with firm tone.
"S-Sorry for the inconvenience Itachi." Shiho slightly bow her head in apology. "It's just… I actually never stay overnight on a friend house before…"
"No need to worry. We're okay having another friend beside Akito come to our house." Itachi assured her.
Shen then beamed a smile after hearing it. "Thank you."
"But first, I already ask mother to escort me to a pet store. You know that already don't you Mio?" Itachi revealed. One of the common occurrences of the Shinobi is to have summoned animal or pets in order to help them with various things. Having one is what Itachi wants especially on the time the so-kind mysterious organization that is spoken by Hagoromo making their move in order to spy on them.
"I remember that. Do you think I'm dumb or something?" Mio replied with a teasing tone. "Why'd you even need a pet in the first place?"
"Hn. I have my own reasons." Itachi hummed as he turn around and walk to the school gate to look for Ms. Ibuki car.
Shiho chuckling to herself. "Although I already know it three months ago thanks to Akito's blabbering, Itachi can't talk easily with a women doesn't he?"
"What'd you expect from a girl's magnet that's so dense?" Mio joked. "Well, he not so dense against me though…" She said with a smile. 'Because… I can't hope for better brother than him.' She thought to herself.
"Well… You're his sister so there's no way he act like that against you." Shiho argue before sigh. "Having siblings surely bothersome huh? I never have one so I never know the feeling of bickering with your siblings…" She said in slight jealous tone. Manabe is only a single child and she although know that her parent love her, rarely gets any attention from them due to her father job as a detective.
"Shiho! Mio! mother is coming! Let's go." Itachi called them from afar while already in front of the backseat door of Ms. Ibuki's car.
"Sorry for the inconvenience Ms. Ibuki." Shiho said in apology as Ms. Ibuki is driving the car to the pet store. She along with Mio sitting on the back while Itachi is sitting on the front.
"It's okay Manabe. Itachi and Mio rarely have friends that go to their house beside Akito so I'm glad." Ms. Ibuki tries to ease her worries. "How long you will stay?"
"Maybe till' tomorrow before my father escort me back." Shiho replied.
"I see." Ms. Ibuki nod while driving. "Itachi. What kind of pet that you want to buy exactly? You know that father already have schools of Amur Carps back on the house garden. Even though you can take care of it, you must do it by yourself since both of usare already busy enough with dojo activities and you know that Mio-"
"Mother! Please don't say that in front of Shiho!" Mio said with embarrassment. Despite her love for martial arts and always look as the boy-girl type on her class, Mio has rather embarrassing side and that's her fear of animals of any kind, even harmless one.
"Oh my… Seems my mouth is slipped. Forgive me Mio!" Ms. Ibuki said with a giggle. Mio just pout while Shiho laugh, never expecting that she can make such kind of face.
"Mother, don't tease Mio too much." Itachi remind his mother. "As for the pet that I want to buy, I want a bird." This is also one thing that Itachi wants, since in his previous life, he uses crow for various purposes.
"A bird?" The topic brings up Shiho's interest. "If that so, maybe I can help you choose one. My father is known to be a bird lover despite working as a police. I sometimes accompany him to the pet store and I also fond of bird as well so I maybe can help you to choose one that you like." She offered with a smile.
Itachi then glanced at her with a nod. "I would love to. Thank you Shiho. " He said simply.
"Welcome! Can I help you?" The pet store owner asked as both Itachi and Shiho are entering. Mio and Ms. Ibuki are waiting inside the car due to the former fear of animal.
"My friends here want to see a bird as his pet." Shiho replied.
"The bird section is on the right side of the store. I'll accompany both of you there." The pet store owner directed both of them which they follow.
As they arrive on the bird section, the pet store owner is waiting while Itachi accompanied by Shiho searching the pet that Itachi desire. The former Uchiha really can't help but amazed by so many colors of many different kinds of bird that offered by the pet store.
However, there's always one animal that always holds a special place on his heart. Looking at the birds that being sold, Itachi set his sight on a juvenile bird with black plumage and some green and purple sheen with black feet, bill, and legs. "This bird is some kind of crow am I right?" He asked the pet store owner.
The pet store owner nod with a formal smile. "Yes. That's a juvenile male carrion crow (Corvus corone). He's currently around three months of age, already fledgling two months ago. Despite its look, it's an omnivore so you shouldn't worry." He informed.
"I see." Itachi thanked before once again observing the crow. Crows is Itachi's favored animal and in fact it was this animal that saved him from the thought of suicide back on the Elemental Nations. After that, he starts using the crow for various purposes. One even he used to put Shisui's eyes before entrust it to Naruto. "Seems this one not from the bird farmer." He stated.
Meanwhile, Shiho didn't expected Itachi's choice. She at first thought the former goes in order to search for singing bird species but he instead choose a bird that many of the Japanese being associated with the legendary Tengu. Even she finds it strange since carrion crow doesn't have beautiful color or voice. Even she is terrified whenever she heard the voice when she was four years old. She afraid that the bird will attack her. "A-Are you sure Itachi? That kind of bird was not fit to be a pet you know." She tried to persuade Itachi in order for him to look for other kinds of bird that's available on the pet store.
Itachi however nod, surprising her. "Since I was a little, I always fond of crows. I don't know why but… Crows are like my best partner that I can make deep connections with." He said with a bit of truth about his past, since flock of crows basically helps him to find the meaning of life when he was four years old. "I see that you scared of crows, Shiho?" He asked, quickly see through her.
'H-He knows!' Shiho thought in shock. Is she really that easy to read!?
"No need to worry. All animals, if we take care of them with proper care and love, they'll return it to their owner with the same kindness." Itachi said.
"You're right. I found this crow two months ago below a tree close to the pet store. It seems his mother abandoned him so I decided to take care of him till' now. As you can see, no one till' now wants to adopt him because…" The pet store owner trailed off.
"Seems you also fond of this crow." Itachi quickly guessed. He can tell that this pet store owner really values this bird very much. "If that's the case, I shall search for another-"
"You can take it. I really want him to find a suitable owner that'll care for him no matter what. Seems he already finds it." The pet store owner cut off, meaning that he'll give the crow to Itachi for free.
Itachi shook his head. "I'll take the crow, however I won't just take it for free. I'll pay like every normal customer since it was the rule." He stated as he pick up his wallet.
Seeing the act, Shiho can't help but impressed by Itachi. Despite literally given the crow for free, he still respecting the pet store owner act of take care for the bird. 'Itachi… You're truly…'
The pet store owner just sighed. Seems the young boy really want to do this. "Okay then young boy." He has no choice but to respect Itachi's humble personality. "Wait for a moment here whiles I readying the package for the bird." He said as he goes to the back office, looking for a box to pack the bird safely.
When the pet store owner already gone, Shiho smiled at Itachi. "You don't need to do that Itachi. He really happy that you want to take care of him." She said.
"But still, it feels wrong if I not do that since no matter what, he opens this store in order to search for money in order to support his family. I at least want to help even a little." Itachi replied with matter-of-fact tone.
Shiho giggling hearing it. "As I expected, even though you're dense with girls, you're truly kind-hearted." She said without any lies. "By the way, since most people gives their animal a name. Which name shall you give him?"
"Name huh?" Itachi pondered for a while while looking at the crow. Since he was a male, he decided to name it on his best friend back in the Elemental Nations. "Shisui. That's a good name for him." He said with certainty.
"Shisui huh?" Shiho uttered before speak up. "That's quite good name. How'd you get that so fast?"
"By luck." Itachi lied.
{Kaaaw!} Suddenly, the crow is cawing, making Shiho's tensed. It seems that her fear toward crow's cawing still exist till now.
Itachi smiled. Seemingly the crow like the name he gave him. 'Shisui. This is my form to remember you as my best friend and as an older brother that I never have.' He thought as both he and Shiho still waiting for the pet store owner.
On Mio's side, she actually waited inside the car with Ms. Ibuki but later on she also ask permission to come outside as she want to look at the closest sport store that located not far from the pet store where Itachi and Shiho are currently inside.
'Not long from now, it will be Itachi's birthday right? I wonder what I shall give him for?' Mio thought in curiosity as Itachi is such a book nerd it was hard to find a present that's not book-based. However, Mio is determined that with what she have in mind, the present will make Itachi happy.
However, when she passing through a narrow corridor, she was see something terrifying for a girl her age.
On the narrow corridor, a man wearing a cloak was seen threatening a police with a handgun.
"P-Please… At least spare my life… I-I have a young son…" The police said in fear as the handgun was pointed at his forehead.
"It seems… The Ability that you had can't free me from the chain of sins." The cloaked man said as he kill the police by point blank range shoot to his forehead. The police body then falls to the ground as blood pouring from the back of his head.
The horrid scene make Mio gasp in fear and try told hold herself from screaming. However, the sound of her gasp alone is enough to make the cloaked man realizing there's someone watching and glanced to behind.
"A child?" The cloaked man said as he turn around and walk toward Mio, making her trembling in fear.
'I-I need to get out of here!' Mio quickly thought as she tried to run toward her mother's car. However, the cloaked man is faster than her as he quickly grab hold of her right hand and with amazing strength, throw her to the corridor before she can even scream for help, making her fall to the dead body of the policeman that the cloaked man just shoot.
"Hey, little girl. Don't you think its evil?" The cloaked man asked as he walking toward Mio's downed form. Because of her fall on the body of the policeman, she was relatively unharmed. "I… I only want to be free from the chains of sins. Leader and the others… They manage to do it well… Yet I was leave behind. Where did I do wrong compare to them? All of them… Manage to have glorious death compare to me… That was on the scout back then. Did I was cursed by god so I can't have glorious end like one of them? I can't accept it… That's why." After reaching Mio, he grab her by the collar of her school shirt and lift her up to the air, making her flinch in pain. "Tell me, little girl. If I kill you, can I be targeted by the Ability user that can free me from this chains of sins?" He asked rather mysteriously.
"W-What are you-" Mio struggled to answer as she too afraid to do so. 'I-Itachi! S-Shiho! Mother! P-Please!' She pleaded on her mind, hoping that either one of them see the current scene and will save her.
"You seems plead for help from your family. If that's the case, killing you here will make me able to join my colleagues in the other world. I not have any grudge against you…" The cloaked man then readying his handgun and aiming it at Mio's forehead. "…. But for me to be able to meet my colleagues on the other side, you must die." He stated as he preparing to pull the trigger.
"N-No…." Mio uttered in fear as she can see the weapon that kills the policeman just a moments ago now was directed at her. However, she can feel that her body suddenly becomes heated up as she suddenly screamed. "LET GO!" She screamed as all of a sudden, something emerge from her chest and rip through her clothes. Faster before the cloaked man could pull his trigger, that something which is revealed to be her own ribs extended from her chest and impale the cloaked man in the center of his body in quick succession.
"Guhak!" The cloaked man coughed up blood as he can see this is the end of the road for him. 'T-This little girl… She's an Ability user!?' He thought in shock as he release his grip on Mio, making her fall to the corpse of the policeman and make her look at the wounded cloaked man that fall backward to the ground.
"W-What's happened!?" She stammered before seeing the gruesome scenes of her own ribs emerge from her chest. Feeling truly afraid and shocked by what she just saw, instead of screaming she pass out in shock.
On the cloaked men side, he's fighting to stay awake before someone approach the narrow hallway. "W-Who's-"
"Aah~ To think among all people that I met during punishment from the director… I've met a remnant of my old past." The man said with later melancholic tone. His appearance alone make the cloaked man shocked.
"Y-You're-"
"Hello, member of Mimic. No, that's incorrect. Perhaps I shall say former member of Mimic, Thomas Brown." The man said as his full appearance is revealed. He is a young man with mildly wavy, short, dark brown hair and narrow dark brown eyes. His bangs frame his face, while some are gathered at the center of his forehead. He is quite tall and slim in terms of physique. For his attire, he wears a long sand-colored trench coat, the belt of which he leaves untied. Under it is a black vest over a striped dress shirt that is light blue in hue. He wears a bolo tie, which is held by a brown ribbon and a turquoise pendant. He also dons beige pants, dark brown shoes, and has bandages wrapped around his entire body; only his face, hands, and feet are left uncovered.
"I-Is it revenge that you want?" The cloaked man, now revealed to be Thomas wondered weakly as blood pouring from his wounds.
"That's a rather rude accusation. I come here because of the case of murder of various innocent Ability users for two years straight. Who would've ever thought it was the work of a former member of Mimic?" The man said with mysterious smile as he pick up a small handgun from his coat pocket. "You… Just want to die didn't you? Why'd you do such killing spree?" He demanded while point the handgun toward Thomas forehead.
"T-To search those… T-That can free us from the chains of s-sins…"
"For that reason? Seems your leader and you shared the same mindset. The fact that you're going to use innocent children for that cause." The man said with disgust as he prepare to pull the trigger. "You and the entire member of Mimic… Really fit to be the residents of Hell." He said with hollow tone.
"I-Is that s-so…" Thomas panted before smiled. "W-Well… T-That's what I deserved…" He said weakly. "Thank you… For freeing me…"
The man mood becomes sour as he still smiling. "Give my regards to that man when you arrive there." He said before pulling the trigger, killing Thomas for good. "Forgive me, Odasaku…" He said with apologetic tone before look toward Mio. "But… Saving this young girl… Is something that you'll do, right?" He then walk toward Mio, pick up her body as all of a sudden, the bone that emerge from her chest is disappearing without a trace, leaving no traces of injury. "Now then, maybe I shall return her to her parents."
"Mio still not return yet mother?" Itachi wondered as he alongside Shiho already return to the car while Shisui is silently perch on his cage. The three of them are currently on the outside of the car.
Ms. Ibuki shook her head. "She said that she want to buy something on the sport store but… It's strange that she not return quickly." She said with worried tone.
"Let me search for her Ms. Ibuki!" Shiho said. However, the previous man beat her to it.
"Excuse me." Itachi, Shiho, and Ms. Ibuki then turn to look at the same man that killed Thomas was walking toward them while carrying the unconscious body of Mio that showing holes that created by the bones that emerge from her body. "It seems I must give you some explanation." He said with mysterious smile.
Detective
Osamu Dazai
Ability: No Longer Human
Notes:
With this the second chapter is done. There're many change in comparison to the old version.
One review that I truly took to heart is to make Itachi know few Classroom of the Elite characters. Since the Classroom of the Elite chemistry form from interacting and socializing with new people, in here have Itachi only known few Classroom of the Elite chars Pre-Canon (Akito Miyake, Hiyori Shiina, Rika Morofuji, and Shiho Manabe). Of course there'll be some cameo of Classroom of the Elite characters Pre-Canon but mostly there won't be any important relationship in the future.
And Like the previous versions, some Classroom of the Elite characters will not act like their Canon self.
In turn, Itachi will meet some of Bungou Stray Dogs, as on this remake I replace the Middle Grade Martial Arts Tournament with the most confusing plot in Bungou Stray Dogs: Dead Apple. When on this part there are some Classroom of the Elite characters that awaken their Ability where on this scene, Itachi will have an accidental eye contact with a certain rat.
I decide to make Mio awaken her Ability early on and as you can see… Her awakening is not pretty as I doubt any Bungou Stray Dogs have a normal awakening of their Ability. She'll go through many development of accepting her Ability as a part of her own the same as Atsushi. That's the reason I decided to put Dead Apple conflict to the story. It will also make Itachi have some development about the grey morality of Ability users.
See you in the next update.
darkstel on Chapter 1 Mon 18 Aug 2025 11:31AM UTC
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Hyaenodon on Chapter 1 Mon 18 Aug 2025 11:50AM UTC
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