Uchiha Itachi sighed quietly, a faint smile playing on his lips as he looked at Izumi. "I didn't expect you to do so well," he admitted sincerely.
Izumi returned the smile confidently. "Of course. After all, I'm the woman who's going to be Hokage one day!"
Itachi raised an eyebrow, amused. "You want to become Hokage?"
Izumi feigned indignation and folded her arms. "Hm? Is that not allowed?"
"It is," Itachi quickly reassured her, bowing his head slightly in apology. "I just didn't realize you really meant it."
"That's right," Izumi said proudly. "I want to see if I can really become Hokage, not just someone's woman."
With a playful smile, she suddenly leaned over closer. Itachi's gaze fell on her delicate face — so youthful, yet so determined — and his heart skipped a beat.
"I said before I wanted to be the Hokage's woman," Izumi teased softly, "so tell me: will I become Hokage, or will I become the Hokage's woman?"
Itachi looked genuinely confused. "Is there really a difference?"
Izumi rolled her eyes dramatically. "You're so annoying! You're usually so smart, so why are you being silly now?"
Before Itachi could respond, a waitress set down a steaming bowl of miso soup and a few other dishes on their table.
"Quick, try it. Is it good?" Izumi asked eagerly.
Itachi took a careful sip and nodded. "Not bad."
Izumi's smile brightened even more. "Right? A lot of people say this place makes good food. So it shouldn't be wrong."
As they prepared to eat, Itachi suddenly noticed Izumi shooting him a resentful glare from the side.
"Hmm?" he looked at her questioningly.
Izumi pouted, pointing at the food beside her and then at her mouth. She wanted him to feed her.
Itachi immediately understood, picked up a piece of food, and gently placed it into her waiting mouth.
Izumi nodded in satisfaction, then cheekily picked up a bite of the dish Itachi had ordered. "Open your mouth," she demanded.
He smiled and obeyed, and she carefully fed him in return.
The two of them finished their meal this way — feeding one another, sharing laughs and shy glances.
When Itachi paid the bill, he pulled Izumi gently to her feet.
"Where are we going now?" he asked.
Izumi looked up at him with a playful glint in her eye. "Let's do some shopping. Buy some things."
Itachi's brows furrowed slightly. "Is it okay for you to skip patrol?"
Izumi shrugged nonchalantly. "It's fine. We'll just shop in the area I'm responsible for. No harm done."
"What do we need to buy?" Itachi asked, curious.
Izumi grinned. "I want to buy you some new clothes. You always wear the same few outfits. At our age, we should change our style often. Otherwise, when we grow up, we'll just keep wearing those same boring clothes."
Itachi nodded thoughtfully. "That makes sense. Alright, let's go."
Hand in hand, they walked down the street.
This was the first time the merchants had ever seen Izumi holding hands with a boy. Curious faces peeked out from behind counters and doorways, whispering among themselves.
"That young man is quite handsome, too," one woman commented.
"Yes, he is," another agreed.
Both Izumi and Itachi felt their cheeks flush slightly at the attention, but Itachi squeezed Izumi's hand gently and refused to let go.
Izumi glared playfully at him. He smiled apologetically, but didn't release his grip.
When they reached the clothing store, Izumi tugged Itachi's hand. "Let go. You're making me sweat. If you don't, I won't be able to pick things out."
"Oh," Itachi said, loosening his hold awkwardly.
Izumi immediately began pulling him through the racks. "Look at this white and red Tang suit! Doesn't it look good?"
"I've never worn white before," Itachi said hesitantly.
"Just try it!" Izumi insisted. "And this black and red one — try that too. And this jacket!"
Itachi disappeared into the dressing room and soon emerged in a variety of outfits.
Each time, Izumi and the shop owner nodded approvingly.
"You're handsome, so everything looks good on you," the shop owner said with a smile.
Itachi glanced at himself in the mirror wearing the black and red Tang suit. "I think this one suits me best."
Izumi beamed. "Don't worry, you look great in it!"
After a moment, Itachi spoke up again. "You know, you don't have to just buy clothes for me. I want to buy something for you, too."
Izumi blinked in surprise. "Me?"
Itachi nodded and smiled. "Yes. Owner, can you recommend some clothes for her?"
The female shop owner's eyes lit up. "I've been wanting to find some clothes for this little sister for a long time. She's so pretty but never dresses up!"
She picked out a long white dress and held it up. "How about this?"
Itachi looked expectantly at Izumi. Though a little embarrassed, she nodded and went to try it on.
When she came out, they both gasped in unison.
Her long black hair and porcelain skin contrasted beautifully against the pure white gown. She looked like an ethereal spirit, graceful and sacred.
Izumi twirled and glanced at Itachi, asking, "Do I look good?"
"You look amazing," Itachi said, eyes locked on her.
Izumi giggled. "You're such a silly boy, staring like that."
Itachi smiled awkwardly but couldn't take his eyes off her.
The shop owner brought out a few more outfits for Izumi to try.
A deep red short dress revealed Izumi's long, slender legs. Though still young, her figure was blossoming — the dress only emphasized her beauty and grace.
She changed again into a loose white high-neck hoodie and black skinny pants. This casual, stylish look made her seem lively and modern.
Noticing Itachi spacing out, Izumi whispered something to the shop owner. The woman smiled and excused herself.
Curious, Itachi asked, "What did you tell her?"
Izumi grinned. "You'll find out soon enough."
Shortly after, the shop owner returned carrying a bundle of clothes.
Izumi smiled and said, "Come on, try these on."
---
They spent the rest of the afternoon trying on clothes, laughing, and teasing each other.
For the first time, Itachi felt truly relaxed. With Izumi by his side, everything felt brighter and more hopeful.
As they walked home hand in hand, the sun began to set behind the village mountains.
Izumi looked up at Itachi, her eyes shining. "Do you think I can really become Hokage someday?"
Itachi smiled and squeezed her hand gently. "If anyone can, it's you."
Izumi smiled back, her determination stronger than ever.
---
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