Mastering the Elements - Chapter - 68

The skies over Konoha were warm and clear when Harry Pottaru and his family returned from their family trip. The magical eagles landed gracefully near the estate gardens, their wide golden wings stirring the petals of blooming plum trees. Everyone dismounted with laughter still clinging to their faces, cheeks sun-kissed and eyes sparkling from days of carefree joy.

Naruto landed with a triumphant hop. “That was amazing!” he shouted, punching the air. “Best. Trip. Ever!”

Midori rolled her eyes but grinned. “You say that after every trip.”

“It’s true every time!” Naruto shot back, and even Hinata giggled softly, clutching a small bundle of wildflowers she'd brought back.

Inside the estate, the usual rhythm of life resumed. Nawaki was in Tsunade’s arms again, cooing happily as Mikoto played with his tiny hands. Harry had already returned to his magical workshop, where complex scrolls glowed with softly pulsing runes. The mood was relaxed, but Naruto, for once, felt a growing itch.

That night, after dinner, as the family gathered in the common room for some tea and stories, Naruto sat silently on the edge of his seat. He kept glancing at his father until Harry finally noticed.

“Something on your mind, Naruto?” Harry asked, lowering his book.

Naruto sat up straighter. “Yeah… actually, I’ve been thinking about something.”

Mikoto looked over, her interest piqued. “Go on, dear.”

Naruto took a deep breath. “I want to graduate early. I mean it. I’ve learned so much more than what the Academy teaches. I’ve mastered jutsus even the teachers can’t do. I can teleport! I think I’m ready to become a genin.”

Silence followed for a moment. Then, Harry set his book down and folded his arms.

“No.”

Naruto blinked. “W-what?”

Harry’s tone was calm but firm. “You’re powerful, yes. But there’s more to being a shinobi than jutsu. A genin doesn’t just throw kunai and use flashy moves—they take missions, engage in combat, and face life-or-death situations. You’re not ready for that.”

Naruto stood up, hurt flashing in his eyes. “You think I can’t do it?”

“I know you can fight, Naruto,” Harry replied gently, “but fighting doesn’t mean understanding the cost. Once you graduate, there’s no going back.”

Tsunade added, “He’s right. You’re still a child. If you step into the real world too early, it might take something from you that we can never give back.”

“I just want to make a difference,” Naruto muttered, looking at the floor. “Like Jiraiya-sensei. Like Itachi. Like you.”

At the mention of Jiraiya, Midori quietly reached over and squeezed his shoulder. Hinata opened her mouth to speak, but then the sound of a bird's screech interrupted the moment.

A hawk flew in through the open window, a scroll tied to its leg. Itachi caught it with practiced grace, unrolled the scroll, and scanned its contents.

“What is it?” Mikoto asked.

Itachi raised an eyebrow. “The Hokage is sending a delegation to Sunagakure. The next Chūnin Exams will be held there.”

Everyone sat up straighter.

“Oh wow,” Naruto said, eyes shining. “Is Itachi nisan going?”

Harry nodded. “As a jonin, yes. And they’re selecting candidates from the top academy classes to observe and assist.”

Midori narrowed her eyes. “Is that an actual mission, or a glorified field trip?”

“A bit of both,” Harry chuckled. “Still dangerous, since it’s foreign territory. Security will be tight.”

“I want to go,” Naruto said immediately.

“No,” Harry said again, not even looking up.

“But—!”

“It’s not a training trip. It’s politics and competition. There will be spies, tension, and possibly sabotage. We don’t know how stable the alliance with Sunagakure really is.”

Tsunade added, “It’s also not a place to send unranked shinobi. Even the genin teams from Konoha need special clearance.”

Naruto crossed his arms, slumping on the couch. “Then what’s the point of all my training if I don’t get to use it anywhere?”

Harry walked over and sat beside him. “The point is that when your time comes, you’ll be more than ready. You’re a seed now, Naruto. Your roots are deep, your potential huge—but if I force you into bloom too early, you’ll snap under pressure.”

Naruto didn’t respond at first, but eventually mumbled, “I still think I could help.”

Harry smiled, resting a hand on his head. “You will. Just not like this. For now, focus on becoming stronger—and wiser.”

Hinata reached out gently. “Naruto-kun, maybe we can work on tactics together? I’ve been practicing scenarios with clone formations.”

“And I’ve been working on a silent kill technique with shadow binding,” Midori added. “We’ll all be stronger by the next exam. Together.”

Naruto looked between them and finally gave a nod, his pride soothed by their support.

Later that night, as Harry stood in his study gazing at the scroll from the Hokage, he couldn’t help but think about the dangers still out there. The world may have known some peace, but the shadows always returned. Sunagakure was a place of heat and hidden motives—he could feel it.

He summoned a messenger owl.

“Itachi will accompany the delegation to Suna. Quietly. As an ANBU.”

The bird flew off.

.

The sun hung low in the sky, casting warm orange hues across the rooftops of Konoha. At the Pottaru estate, the atmosphere was unusually quiet. Nawaki had been put to bed early, and even Naruto seemed subdued, fidgeting with a kunai as he waited for his father to return from the Hokage’s office.

The door creaked open.

“Nisan?” Naruto stood quickly. But it wasn’t just his brother. It was Harry beside him—and between them stood a figure clad in dark, matte armor and a long, navy cloak. His face was hidden behind a sleek white mask with delicate weasel-like markings painted in red.

Naruto blinked. “Is that…?”

Harry nodded, his expression unreadable. “Itachi’s new assignment. From today, he’ll be operating under the codename ‘Weasel.’ Officially, he’s now part of the Anbu Black Ops.”

“What!?” Naruto’s eyes widened. “Anbu? That’s… that’s serious business!”

Itachi removed his mask, revealing a calm face. “Yes. It’s a cover to keep me protected. After what happened in Amegakure, there’s now a bounty on my head.”

Naruto looked at Harry, confused. “But why? Why does wearing a mask help?”

Harry sighed and moved to sit. “Because it hides his identity. No one targets an unknown Anbu—they target the name and face of Itachi Pottaru. Especially now that he's in the bingo book as an S-rank threat.”

Naruto gaped. “S-rank!? That’s like Kakashi-level!”

Itachi lowered his eyes. “I didn’t want the title. But during a mission in the Rain Country, I had to eliminate an entire ambush team from Amegakure. They were elite Anbu. Word got out.”

Harry continued grimly, “And a bounty that size brings not just enemy shinobi, but assassins, bounty hunters, and mercenaries. If Itachi went to Sunagakure without cover, there would be blood in the sand—and innocent genin might be caught in the crossfire.”

Mikoto, who had been quiet until now, placed a gentle hand on Itachi’s shoulder. “I still remember when you were barely walking. Now you wear a mask to hide from the world. Just… stay safe.”

Itachi gave a small nod. “I’ll be fine, Mother. I’ve trained for this.”

Harry added, “The Hokage approved a custom Anbu uniform. Itachi’s build is small, but it’s reinforced—stitched with chakra threads and lined with defensive seals. I will enchant his mask myself.”

Naruto looked at the mask again with new respect. “That’s kind of cool… But also kind of sad.”

Then his expression lit up. “Wait! That means you’re going to Sunagakure, right?”

Itachi nodded.

“Then take me with you!” Naruto exclaimed, eyes sparkling with excitement. “Come on! I have to see the Chūnin Exams again! Please!”

Harry chuckled, but the Hokage’s voice echoed in his mind. “Naruto is not authorized to leave the village without mission orders.”

“You know the rules, Naruto,” Harry said carefully.

“But rules are meant to be bent!” Naruto grinned. “I mean, the last time I watched the exam I was seven. I’m older now! Stronger! And I won’t cause trouble. I promise!”

“You promised not to eat six ramen bowls in one sitting last week,” Midori called from the hallway.

“That was different!” Naruto yelled back, flustered.

Harry shook his head, trying not to smile. “You’d need permission from the Hokage himself.”

“I’ll ask him!” Naruto shouted and darted toward the door.

Harry’s eyes widened. “Naruto—wait!”

But it was too late.


The Third Hokage sighed deeply, his pipe nearly slipping from his fingers. Across his desk stood Naruto, animated and intense, giving a heartfelt speech.

“I know it’s dangerous. But this is what shinobi life is! I’m not a civilian! I’ve trained every day! I’ve got Flying Thunder God, Shadow Clone mastery, taijutsu drills, and my chakra control’s not that bad anymore. Come on, old man—I mean, Hokage-sama—just give me a chance!”

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at him with narrowed eyes. “You’re asking to leave the village, cross into Wind Country, and attend one of the most politically sensitive events of the year. As a guest.”

Naruto nodded. “Exactly!”

Hiruzen removed his hat slowly. “You remind me too much of your father. Minato would’ve argued the same way… and probably broken half my rules doing it.”

Naruto grinned. “So that’s a yes?”

The Hokage sighed, rubbing his temples. “I’ll allow it under two conditions. First: you stay with the chunin delegation at all times. Second: you obey all the shinobis without question.”

“Deal!” Naruto said without hesitation, grinning from ear to ear.


When Naruto burst into the room shouting, “I GOT THE OKAY!” the entire family paused.

“Don’t tell me…” Harry said.

“Hokage said yes! I’m going to Sunagakure!” Naruto danced in circles. “And I’m gonna be the best guest Konoha ever sent!”

“Please don’t embarrass us,” Itachi murmured under his breath.

Tsunade, who was holding Nawaki, raised a brow. “You’re going to the middle of the desert, and your excitement is because…?”

“Because it’s the Chūnin Exams!” Naruto replied. “It’s going to be super cool!”

Harry shook his head, amused but secretly proud. “Pack light. Desert weather is harsh.”

“And take your training scrolls,” Mikoto added. “You’re not skipping study just because it’s a trip.”

Midori poked him. “Bring me something from Sunagakure!”

Hinata blushed. “Please be careful, Naruto-kun.”

Harry turned away with a faint sigh.

Plenty, he thought.

But he’d be there to make sure nothing did.



The morning air in Konoha was crisp and still, touched with the subtle warmth of early spring. It was the kind of morning that promised change, the sort that lingered on the edges of history. Today, a small but elite delegation of shinobi would be leaving the safety of the Leaf Village, bound for the windswept deserts of Sunagakure for the Chūnin Exams.

Standing before the open gates was Harry Pottaru, arms crossed as he watched the shinobi gather. He held Nawaki in one arm, the child happily chewing on a toy kunai made of soft rubber. Beside Harry stood Mikoto, graceful as ever, her hair tied back, a gentle smile on her face. Behind them, Midori and Hinata whispered excitedly, both girls casting longing glances at the departing shinobi.

"Do you really have to go alone, Naruto?" Hinata asked, voice tinged with disappointment.

Naruto adjusted the strap on his backpack and turned to grin at her. "It’s just for a little while. And besides, I promised I wouldn’t do anything reckless. Dad made me swear it in front of everyone."

"He made you sign a blood-sealed vow," Midori added dryly. "That wasn’t just a promise. That was a contract."

"Tch, details," Naruto waved it off.

Harry stepped forward, his expression shifting into a more serious one. "Naruto, remember what I told you. You’re there as an observer. Not a participant. If anything happens—"

"I teleport back to the estate," Naruto recited. "Don’t get involved, don’t go near Itachi, and don’t act like I know him. He’s undercover."

Harry nodded. "Good. And the kunai with the seal?"

"Planted right in my room before I left. I double-checked."

Mikoto stepped in and hugged him. "Be safe. And write to us if anything interesting happens."

Naruto returned the hug tightly. "I will."

From the crowd of shinobi, a voice called out, "We’re ready to depart."

Naruto turned and jogged to join the formation.

The traveling party was composed of three Genin teams, none of which included Naruto's usual peers. These were older students, a year or two ahead in age, each carefully selected by the village council. The Jonin leaders were all experienced veterans:

Team Raikiri, led by Jonin Daigo Shiranui, a lightning release specialist with a scar across his cheek and a calm but commanding aura.

Team Lotus, under Jonin Satomi Uehara, a genjutsu mistress and former ANBU with piercing lavender eyes and a reputation for training fierce kunoichi.

Team Obsidian, headed by Jonin Toru Ishigaki, a stone-faced taijutsu master who barely spoke more than five words at a time.


The Genin under their command were promising, but none had Naruto's peculiar... fame. Or notoriety.

The Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, stood near the front with his six elite guards, each masked in distinct ANBU porcelain. Among them, Naruto immediately spotted a figure shorter than the rest, clad in the custom-sized ANBU uniform tailored just for him. The weasel mask gleamed faintly in the sunlight.

Itachi.

Naruto smiled briefly to himself but said nothing. He remembered his vow.

The gates opened slowly with a deep creak, and the column of shinobi began their march. Villagers watched from a distance, some cheering, others merely observing. The Pottaru family stood tall among them, waving silently.

As they passed through the gate, Naruto felt a twinge of anticipation tighten in his chest. This was more than just a journey.

This was his first step into the wider shinobi world.