"Itachi, I have a mission for you," said the Third Hokage when Itachi walked into his office.

"Yes, Hokage-sama." He nodded.

"I know it's been only six months since you became a Chuunin, but I've received a recommendation for your promotion." Itachi looked up at the elder. "The Council and I agree that you're fit to become an Anbu."

Itachi remained calm, but there was something in his gut telling him it was wrong.

The Hokage sat up. "Your father has already been notified. Most of our new members are evaluated within a solo-mission. However, due to your age I will allow you to bring someone with you. Whoever you want, just make sure to pick the right person to complete the mission."

Itachi was slowly downing the Hokage's words. This could be one of his father's sketches, there was probably a whole plan behind his promotion. But yet, he couldn't help but feel a little proud of his achievement.

"This mission... what's it about?"

The Hokage picked a small scroll from his desk.

"The mission is simple. The Feudal Lord of the Fire Country asked for you specifically to take this mission, Itachi. He became interested in you after he saw your match in the Chuunin Exams." The Uchiha smiled slightly. "You are to escort his daughter to the border of the Fire Country. There, shinobi of the Water Country will receive her. The mission is labelled an A-rank. We believe there's a group of B-rank criminals that seek to abduct the girl and then exchange her for a numerous amount of money. Beware."

"How old is she?" Itachi asked.

"Thirteen. She's going to meet the Water Country's Feudal Lord's eldest son. They want to arrange a marriage in order to create peace between both lands." Hiruzen sighed.  "The problem that gathers our attention out of this negotiation is the Village Hidden in the Mist. Lately, we've been hearing a lot of trouble coming from their shinobi." He smoked from his pipe and looked at Itachi. "Remember Itachi, the result of this mission will guarantee your enrollment into Anbu." The boy nodded.

"Yes, Hokage-sama."

* * *

Itachi was heading back home after speaking to the Hokage. The mission had even a lower layer he wasn't supposed to talk about, except the person he chose to bring with him. Now who could that be?

Itachi sighed. For anyone who asked, he was just going on an escort mission to the Land of Water, but he could only reveal the real mission to his partner. Itachi felt something tight in his gut. It was such an important mission, it wasn't someone to be taken lightly. And the one he chose to bring with him couldn't be just anyone either. It had to be someone fit to the job, someone who wouldn't be controlled by cowardice.

He had only two clear options: Hanako or Shisui.

Sasuke suddenly jumped out of a bush and landed right in front of his brother with a kunai in his hand.

"Nii-san! It's time for training!" Itachi sighed. He knew he had to get ready for his mission.

"I'm sorry, Sasuke..."

"No, no, no!" Sasuke shook his head. "You promised! You promised you'd teach me the Shuriken Jutsu! Don't make promises you won't keep!" Sasuke looked up at his brother with inflated cheeks. Itachi only chuckled at his childish attitude and poked him on his forehead.

"I want to train with you, but I have an important mission tomorrow and-"

"Mission, mission...it's like that's the only word you know, Nii-san. Every day's the same. 'I have a mission'..." muttered Sasuke while crossing his arms over his chest, looking at Itachi with a frown. "Hanako-neechan told me the same thing. 'I'm sorry Sasuke, I have a mission'," he spoke with a high-pitched voice, mimicking the girl's, which made Itachi chuckle.

"You seem to have taken a liking to her," he commented with a smirk as he crossed his arms. Sasuke forgot for a moment why he was angry and looked at him with a wide smile.

"Sure!" he exclaimed. "Hanako-neechan is really amazing! She plays with me and teaches me stuff...and she never breaks her promises," he added narrowing his eyes. Itachi shook his head. "What do you think about her, Nii-san?" Itachi raised an eyebrow.

"Why do you ask?"

"Well, whenever I'm with her, she doesn't stop talking about you and asking questions." Itachi was truly surprised by what Sasuke had just said.

"What kind of questions?"

"Like what you like, your favorite color... Yesterday she asked me if you liked any girl." Itachi's eyes widened.

"And what did you say?"

"I told her you were into boys." Itachi's mouth became dry while Sasuke only smiled playfully. "But I'll tell her I was lying if you train with me today."

Itachi sighed tiredly. "Sasuke..."

"Come on, Nii-san! We barely spend any time together now..." Sasuke mumbled while glancing at the ground with a sad expression. Itachi smiled resignedly.

"Fine, let's go."

* * *

Itachi took Sasuke to their own personal training spot. It was a simple target practice, but he made sure to put all the targets in annoying places. In fact, Sasuke chose the most annoying places he could imagine. He even hid a target behind a boulder. Still, Itachi didn't have a problem with it.

"Amazing Nii-san! You even got a bull's-eye on the target behind the rock!" Sasuke exclaimed before getting into stance with two kunai in his hands. "Alright! I can do it too!"

"Sasuke, let's head home in a minute," Itachi told him, making him childishly inflate his cheeks.

"But you said you'd teach me a new Shuriken Jutsu!"

"I have a bit of an important mission tomorrow, so I have to prepare," he reminded his little brother.

"Nii-san, you liar..." Itachi smiled at his attitude and motioned for him to come closer. When Sasuke saw him, he quickly ran towards him.

"Forgive me, Sasuke. Next time, okay?" Itachi poked him on his forehead, making him stumble back. Sasuke looked at him with furrowed brows before he grinned mischievously.

"Watch me, Nii-san!" Itachi widened his eyes when he saw his little brother running towards the targets.

"Hey! Don't get too hasty or..." Itachi flinched when he heard Sasuke's ankle crack, and he fell to the ground.

"Ow...It hurts..."

"Come on," Itachi sighed when he came to stand beside him. "I'll carry you."

* * *

When they were on their way back to the Uchiha Compound, Sasuke let out a soft chuckle.

"Why is it that the one who hurt his leg is laughing?" Itachi raised an eyebrow at his little brother. "Could it be that you did that on purpose, so I'd piggy back you home?"

"It's not that! I'm just happy about starting at the Academy tomorrow." Sasuke defended himself. "Now I might be able to finally catch up to you a little." Itachi frowned as he looked at the ground. He had so much in his mind at the moment, he barely had any time to hang out with Sasuke anymore, but it was like it was the only thing he wanted.

They continued their path in silence, before Sasuke spoke again. "You can put me down, Nii-san," he muttered, making Itachi turn to look at him.

"You shouldn't push yourself," Itachi said to him, but didn't receive an answer. Sasuke had zoned out. "What's the matter?"

"Isn't here where Dad works?" he asked, pointing at a building. Itachi followed his finger until his eyes came across a big building with the Uchiha crest at its top.

"Oh? That's the Konoha Police Department," Itachi said.

"I've always wondered... Why does the mark of the Police have the Uchiha family crest on it?" Sasuke asked.

"You noticed?" Itachi looked at him again.

"Of course!" Sasuke replied as if it were the most obvious thing.

"Hm..." The older Uchiha turned to look back at the building. "To put it simply, the ancestors of the Uchiha Clan were the ones who organized and founded the Village's Police Force. That's why the Uchiha crest is on its symbol," he started to say. "The Uchiha Clan has always protected the public order in Konoha. Because of this, the Uchiha crest is also a sign of pride for the family. We've been reduced in comparison to the first ages, but even now, almost every member is part of the main police force and protect the village's security." Itachi looked sideways at his little brother. "That's because a ninja who makes mistakes can only be stopped by a better ninja."

"I knew Dad was amazing!" Sasuke exclaimed with wide eyes, making Itachi chuckle. "Are you going to join as well?" Sasuke's question took him off guard.

"I don't think so," he muttered with a shrug, while resuming their way back.

"You should!" Itachi looked at his brother from over his shoulder. "When I grow up, I will also join. Dad will come tomorrow to the Academy Ceremony. The first step towards my dream!"

"Sure." Itachi smiled at that.

When they reached the Compound, Itachi noticed that his father was waiting for them at the gate. "You're late," he said. "What were you doing?"

"Dad..." Sasuke muttered, slightly frightened.

"I need to speak to you now. Come quickly." Itachi narrowed his eyes at the seriousness of his voice.