Ninja missions were divided into five official ranks: D, C, B, A, and S.
Newly graduated genin were only permitted to accept D-rank missions unless assigned to a higher-ranking squad under special circumstances.
Even though Ryoma was recognized as a prodigy within the Uchiha clan, it was impossible for him to begin with an S-rank mission.
"A C-rank mission," Itachi said, reading from the mission scroll. "Locate the kidnapped noblewoman, Kana, and ensure her safe return."
Ryoma smiled. "Kana. That's a pleasant name."
Itachi glanced at him, expression unreadable, as though unable to see why that detail mattered.
He unrolled a map across a flat stone. "The kidnappers demanded two hundred thousand ryō in ransom. The exchange point is marked here — the valley north of Fire Country's border forests."
Ryoma leaned in. "If they have any experience, that valley is only a drop point, not their true hideout."
Itachi's eyes sharpened. Without hesitation, he marked several routes branching from the valley.
"All possible escape paths," he said. "Their real base will lie along one of these."
They had reached the same conclusion — but Itachi had already gone further, refining the deduction with practiced precision.
Ryoma wasn't surprised. He had only just graduated. Itachi was already a Chūnin renowned even among jōnin.
"Let's move," Itachi said.
Ryoma handed back the map and tapped his forehead. "Already memorized."
Itachi paused briefly. Photographic memory. He accepted it without comment, then leapt into the trees. Ryoma followed, the two moving silently through the Forest of Death's outer edge.
By late morning, they reached the rocky ravine overlooking the target valley.
Itachi halted. A faint crease appeared between his brows.
"We eat first."
Ryoma glanced at him. Itachi was not indulgent — if he suggested resting, it meant he had sensed something.
Sure enough, faint chakra signatures lingered at the edge of perception.
"I'll check the perimeter," Ryoma said, forming a seal to expand his sensory field.
"There are four," Itachi said quietly, already lighting a small controlled cooking flame. "One jōnin-level chakra, three chūnin. ANBU."
Ryoma dispelled his technique. "So the Hokage really is watching closely."
Itachi did not answer immediately. Instead, he skewered a piece of dried meat over the fire.
He was quietly evaluating Ryoma. The boy did not behave like a fresh genin. No panic. No excitement. No hesitation.
Fugaku had insisted Itachi bring certain Uchiha youths under observation for future ANBU recruitment. Itachi had disliked the assignment — but Ryoma was proving unusual.
Ryoma pulled a white rabbit from a storage scroll.
Itachi blinked once.
"Soldier pills taste like regret," Ryoma explained, already roasting the meat.
Itachi let it pass. His concern lay elsewhere.
"A C-rank mission is not worth ANBU surveillance. Their target is you."
Ryoma laughed softly. "You're a prodigy of the Uchiha and already in ANBU consideration. Surely you're more interesting than me."
Itachi shook his head.
"Yesterday, Shisui acted strangely at the Police Force compound. If I were the Hokage, I would investigate anyone who spent unusual time with him afterward."
Even without knowing their conversation, he had traced the pattern.
Ryoma sighed. "Geniuses really are troublesome."
Itachi answered calmly, "Likewise."
For the first time, Ryoma realized Itachi meant it sincerely. Among peers, Itachi had acknowledged him.
He raised an eyebrow. "Mutual admiration achieved."
After a short silence, Ryoma asked, "What will you do about the ANBU following us?"
"Ignore them," Itachi said. "Open conflict would only worsen suspicion."
"But you and Shisui discussed them before we left," Itachi continued. "You already planned something."
Ryoma smiled faintly. "You think too much."
"With your strength alone, you cannot handle four ANBU," Itachi said. "So Shisui is involved. What did you tell him?"
"Nothing important," Ryoma replied. "Only that Konoha is walking toward a dangerous future."
Itachi's composure finally cracked.
"…Explain."
Ryoma shrugged, turning the rabbit over the flame.
"You were sent to the battlefield at four. Tell me — do you like war?"
"No one likes war," Itachi said quietly.
"That's why you seek knowledge and strength," Ryoma said. "To prevent it."
A flicker of surprise crossed Itachi's eyes.
"The Will of Fire," Itachi said. "If everyone protects the village together, peace can last."
Ryoma studied him.
So this was Itachi before everything broke — idealistic, sincere, still believing in the system.
He handed Itachi a roasted leg.
"Then answer one more question," Ryoma said.
"Konoha is approaching a moment where peace may collapse from within. If you had the power to stop that future… would you?"
Itachi looked at the firelight reflecting in the meat's glaze — and did not immediately answer.