7. Showing talent.

The police force dispersed the crowd.

Minato, Kushina, and Fugaku stood at the front, chatting, while Itachi carried Beiyuan on his shoulder stood behind them. Kakashi followed close behind, creating a harmonious scene.

Under the streetlights, the men, constrained by their identities and personalities, spoke little. During the journey, it was Kushina who dominated the conversation. Her lively and easygoing temperament made this unsurprising, though her words were lighthearted and lacked substance. Among the group, only the well-behaved Itachi listened intently, responding earnestly. After all, little boys have always shown respect to elders and seniors.

"Itachi, are you coming to watch the Hokage inauguration ceremony after the New Year?" Kushina asked.

Itachi glanced at Minato's yellow hair and replied, "I will definitely go."

"Have you learned any new ninjutsu recently? Show me!" Kushina encouraged.

With a solemn expression, Itachi placed Beiyuan down and nodded. "Yes."

He performed a series of hand seals: Tora-I-Ushi-Inu-Mi!

Shadow Clone Technique!

A burst of smoke appeared, and two identical versions of young Itachi stood before the group. Despite not using a simplified seal for the technique, his skill and age were impressive.

"Nani?"

"What?"

"…"

As a father, Fugaku knew Itachi had been learning ninjutsu from the crow. These intelligent ninja beasts were familiar with basic techniques like clones, so there seemed little to learn in advance. Children, however, often exaggerated their abilities. But now…

"Itachi! The Shadow Clone Technique is a B-rank ninjutsu!" Fugaku exclaimed.

"Dad, what's B-rank ninjutsu?" Itachi asked innocently, wide-eyed. Whenever his father found out he'd learned something new, didn't he always say, 'As expected of my son,' with pride?

"You little rascal…" Kushina interjected, playfully pinching his cheek. "Listen, ninjutsu is categorized into five ranks: S, A, B, C, and D."

"S-rank and A-rank include forbidden techniques that demand exceptional talent and chakra. Most ninjas are forbidden from learning them—like Minato's Flying Thunder God and Kakashi's Chidori. That's why B-rank, C-rank, and D-rank techniques are common in battle. B-rank is still advanced, though, and…"

Kushina's words made Beiyuan thoughtful. He realized that his chakra lacked a thunder attribute, making certain techniques inaccessible. However, he could use techniques like the Flying Thunder God, which depended on skill rather than attributes. Even so, it meant he still had no offensive spells.

"If you have mastered enough D-rank ninjutsu, you can graduate from the ninja school, put on the ninja forehead protector, and become a genin."

"If you have mastered enough C-rank ninjutsu, you can take the Chunin exam. After passing the exam, you will be promoted to Chunin and serve as the captain of the wartime ninja team."

"If you have mastered enough B-rank ninjutsu, you can participate in the Jonin assessment. After success, you can be promoted to Jonin or special Jonin, lead a team, and learn forbidden techniques."

"Ninja training must be approached step by step," Minato added. "Without sufficient chakra, attempting advanced ninjutsu can be dangerous."

The little boy bowed. "Thank you for your guidance."

Itachi reflected on how he had recklessly learned techniques from the crow in his arms, often in exchange for ramen. Yet, his chakra reserves grew steadily, improving his refinement and recovery rates. The bond he shared with Beiyuan through chakra communication was undeniably boosting his strength.

Kushina glanced at Kakashi and teased, "Itachi might end up like Kakashi—skipping ninja school altogether!"

"No," Minato replied earnestly. "The lessons at ninja school are irreplaceable. Friendships, fundamental knowledge—those are invaluable."

Blushing slightly, Kushina smiled. "If it weren't for school, we wouldn't have met…"

"…"

Fugaku, Kakashi, Itachi, and Beiyuan watched the couple share a tender moment.

After seeing the group off, Fugaku held his son's hand. With a serious expression, he knelt to look Itachi in the eyes. "The Fourth Hokage is right. Without enough chakra, learning advanced ninjutsu is dangerous."

"Dad…"

"I know you're a genius ninja, and I'm proud of you," Fugaku said, placing a hand on his son's shoulder. "But nothing makes me prouder than seeing you grow up healthy."

"Dad!" Itachi hugged him tightly, with Beiyuan awkwardly squished between them.

"Gah!" the crow squawked in protest.

"Beiyuan, are you okay?" Itachi asked.

Fugaku chuckled. "What a peculiar ninja beast… Wise like a ninja, skilled in ninjutsu, yet unable to form a proper contract. Still, it's brought liveliness to our family."

The thought of an even livelier home crossed Fugaku's mind, especially with Mikoto expecting another child. Tonight's events, however, reminded him of his responsibilities as Uchiha clan leader.

"Itachi, what do you think of the Fourth Hokage?" Fugaku asked.

"He's amazing," Itachi replied.

Fugaku nodded. "Indeed. His strength and reputation as the Yellow Flash are unmatched. And now, as Hokage, he's proven himself responsible… truly admirable."

Rumors in the village painted Minato as a puppet of the Third Hokage, who still held influence. Yet, his leadership had eased tensions between villages. Fugaku couldn't help but respect him.

As the family headed home, Fugaku thought of Mikoto waiting for them with hot pot and sighed. The night may have been eventful, but the bonds within his family only grew stronger.