"Izumi, wake up! It's time to eat!"
The cheerful voice of her mother, Uchiha Hazuki, floated in from the living room, pulling Izumi from the depths of her warm slumber. She cracked one eye open, checked the clock on the wall, and groaned.
"Mom… don't wake me up so early tomorrow," Izumi mumbled, her voice muffled by the pillow.
The sound of the bedroom door sliding open was followed by her mother's amused voice. "How can that be? Aren't you a ninja? How can a ninja be so lazy? Ninja are supposed to be diligent, punctual, and disciplined!"
"Ninja are people too," Izumi countered, pulling the blanket over her head and curling up again. "Even shinobi need sleep."
Without warning, Hazuki reached forward, yanking the blanket away in one swift motion. Izumi squeaked at the sudden chill and found herself being gently but firmly pulled upright by her mother.
Hazuki smiled warmly at her disheveled daughter. "Come on. You'll feel better after breakfast."
Defeated, Izumi shuffled out of bed and made her way to the dining area. The smell of miso soup and grilled fish greeted her, making her stomach growl despite her protests.
As she sat down, Hazuki glanced at her with a playful glint in her eye. "Izumi, do you have someone you like?"
Izumi paused mid-bite and stared at her mother in disbelief. "How old do you think I am? Why are you rushing me into that sort of thing?"
Hazuki chuckled. "You don't know. Back in my day, some children had already started developing feelings by your age. A few years later, they'd be married. Missions were the perfect place for romance to spark."
"That's because your time was a period of war," Izumi replied, rolling her eyes. "People had to grow up faster. Things are different now—we're living in a time of peace."
Hazuki nodded in agreement, then leaned closer, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "Speaking of which… how are things between you and Itachi? Still talking?"
"Eh? Him?" Izumi thought for a moment before answering. "Whenever I talk to him, he always looks very serious. It's kind of funny. But every time I mention the Uchiha Clan, he gets this… disappointed look, like he's silently judging me."
She straightened her posture, mimicking a cold and aloof expression. "'Izumi, you're just like the rest of them—always putting the clan first.'" She even tilted her head down slightly to copy his downcast gaze, nailing the air of disapproval.
Hazuki burst into laughter. "So he's that kind of person? Geniuses do tend to have their quirks. But I think you might be exaggerating a little."
"Nope!" Izumi declared, crossing her arms. "That's exactly how he looks. I'm sure of it!"
Hazuki raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you tell me before that you didn't like that about him? If that's the case, why keep talking to him?"
"Because it's interesting," Izumi admitted with a shrug. "Also, the clan leader told me to. He said Itachi might get lonely if no one talks to him."
"Oh, so that's it." Hazuki smirked knowingly. "The clan leader has helped you before, so I suppose it's only right for you to repay the favor. Well, it's up to you." Her tone suddenly shifted to playful again. "By the way, how are the boys on your team?"
Izumi's eyes narrowed. "Mom…"
"What? I'm just concerned. What if my daughter gets abducted?"
"Ah-ha! You didn't say that just now!"
"That was just a test!" Hazuki said, laughing.
Izumi sighed. "Don't worry. One's a commoner, the other's from the Akimichi Clan. Both are… well, average in talent."
"Oh, I see." Hazuki's voice softened. "By the way, Izumi…"
"Hm? What's wrong?" Izumi asked, noticing the sudden seriousness.
"When you're a little older," Hazuki said slowly, "I'll give you a gift."
Izumi perked up instantly. "A gift? What kind of gift?"
Her mother crossed her arms, a faint smile on her lips. "Your father has a family fortune, and as a member of the Uchiha Clan, I have my own as well. Naturally, it'll be something special."
Izumi's eyes lit up. "Really?! When will you give it to me?"
"When you're a bit older," Hazuki replied, clearly enjoying the suspense. "Don't ask again. A little mystery makes it more exciting."
"Fine. But I'll be waiting," Izumi said with a grin.
---
Later that day, Izumi was at home practicing her talismans when a sharp knock sounded at the door. A messenger relayed her new mission assignment.
> That was fast…
She quickly packed her gear and headed for the Hokage's Office to meet her teacher and teammates.
When she arrived at the waiting area, the others were already there.
"Ah, you're the last one again, Izumi!" Yamamoto Kawa complained, his tone more impatient than harsh. "Hurry up!"
Izumi hid a smirk.
> Yep… his attitude's different now. Before, he barked orders at me like I was his subordinate. Now he's more cautious. As expected—strength changes everything.
---
Inside the Hokage's Office, the Third Hokage greeted them with his usual calm presence.
"Today's mission," Hiruzen began, "is to exterminate a group of bandits."
Yamamoto Kawa's eyes lit up. "Finally! No more boring errands—"
"Cough!" Muraki interrupted, glancing sharply at him.
Realizing where he was, Kawa froze. "Ah! Hokage-sama, I didn't mean— I was just… excited."
Hiruzen chuckled, clearly not offended. "It's fine. Many new ninja feel the same way. After a string of routine tasks, it's natural to be eager for a challenge. Just remember—perform well."
Kawa straightened his back and saluted. "Yes, Hokage-sama!"
The Hokage turned to Muraki. "Guide them well. Make sure no accidents occur."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
His gaze then shifted to Izumi, Kawa, and Akido Jiro. "Remember—the mission is extermination, not capture."
"Yes!" all three responded in unison.
"The enemies are nothing more than common bandits who've taken control of a mountain," Hiruzen continued. "I expect you to finish this quickly."
From the corner of the room, the mission's client spoke up. "Can so many children really take care of them?"
Hiruzen smiled. "You came to us because you trust Konoha's strength, did you not? Though they're young, these are fully trained shinobi. And they have an adult leader with them."
The client still looked unsure, but nodded. "Alright. I've heard that a skilled ninja can defeat hundreds of ordinary men. I'll trust you to deal with those bandits."
Muraki stepped forward. "Rest assured—we will take care of them."
"Good," Hiruzen said with finality. "You may go."
"Yes!" the team responded.
---
This mission was different from their previous ones. There would be no delivering parcels, no chasing stray pets, no mediating petty disputes. This was combat—real, dangerous combat against human opponents.
Izumi could feel the faint hum of anticipation in her chest.
Bandits might not be the most challenging enemies, but they were still unpredictable. And unlike sparring in the Academy or missions in the village, this would require decisive strikes—holding back could mean injury or worse.
She tightened her grip on her pack's strap as they exited the Hokage's Office.
> Time to see how the team really performs under pressure.
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