Crimson Eyes in a Quirked World

The air was thick with tension as Itachi Uchiha and his brother Sasuke faced Kabuto Yakushi in the dimly lit cavern. The walls echoed with the sound of clashing jutsu, and the ground was scarred from their fierce battle. Kabuto, panting heavily, seemed to be nearing his limit. His once confident demeanor was now replaced with desperation.

"It's no use, Kabuto," Sasuke said, his Sharingan eyes locked onto their opponent. "Your tricks won't work on us."

Kabuto sneered, his snake-like eyes glinting in the dim light. "You underestimate me, Sasuke. I've surpassed Orochimaru. I am the Dragon Sage!"

Kabuto formed a series of hand seals, summoning a massive serpent that lunged at the brothers. Sasuke countered with his Susanoo, the spectral warrior forming a shield to block the attack. The force of the clash sent shockwaves through the cavern.

Itachi watched, his Mangekyo Sharingan analyzing every move. "Sasuke, focus on defense. I'll handle the offense."

Sasuke nodded, reinforcing his Susanoo's defenses. Itachi stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he activated the Amaterasu. Black flames erupted, consuming Kabuto's serpent in an instant. Kabuto hissed in pain, feeling the intense heat.

"You can't defeat me with mere fire!" Kabuto shouted, his body regenerating the damage. He began to weave another set of hand seals, but Itachi was faster.

"Tsukuyomi!" Itachi intoned, catching Kabuto's gaze. The world around Kabuto shifted, plunging him into a nightmarish illusion. He found himself bound, unable to move as countless blades descended upon him.

Inside the genjutsu, Itachi's voice echoed. "Your mind is now my domain. You cannot escape."

Kabuto struggled, but the illusion was too powerful. His mind screamed in agony, and when Itachi finally released him, he was left disoriented and vulnerable.

"Sasuke, now!" Itachi called.

Sasuke's Susanoo drew its blade, slashing at Kabuto with a devastating strike. Kabuto was thrown back, crashing into the cavern wall. Blood trickled from his mouth as he struggled to stand.

"It's over, Kabuto," Itachi said coldly. "Every jutsu has its weakness."

Kabuto's face grew serious. "And this jutsu's weakness," Itachi continued, forming a series of hand signs, "is simply me."

Itachi's voice rang out with finality. "Edo Tensei, release."

Kabuto, enraged, lunged at Itachi. "You bastard!" he screamed. But before he could reach him, Sasuke intervened, striking Kabuto down with a swift slash of his sword.

The jutsu's hold over the resurrected shinobi began to weaken, their souls starting to return to the afterlife. As the light of the Edo Tensei faded, Itachi felt a pull, drawing him into a void. Before fully succumbing to the pull, Itachi turned to Sasuke, knowing this would be their last moment together for a long time.

"Sasuke," Itachi said, his voice softer than usual.

Sasuke's expression softened, but his eyes remained intense. "What is it, Itachi?"

"I want you to know... I'm proud of you," Itachi said, pride evident in his voice. "You've grown into a powerful shinobi. Stronger than I ever was."

Sasuke's eyes widened slightly. "Itachi..."

"It's up to you now," Itachi continued. "Protect the village, find your own path, and live your life to the fullest."

Sasuke nodded, struggling to hold back his emotions. "I will, Itachi. I promise."

Itachi approached Sasuke and placed his hand behind Sasuke's head, pulling him close so their foreheads touched. "You never have to forgive me," Itachi whispered. "From here on out, you do whatever you want. I will always love you."

A rare smile crossed Itachi's lips. "Goodbye, Sasuke. We will meet again."

As the light enveloped him, Itachi's form began to fade. Sasuke watched, his heart heavy but resolute, knowing that his brother's words would guide him in the years to come.

Itachi felt as though he were floating on the surface of water, a tranquil sensation enveloping him. He opened his eyes and found himself in a pitch-dark area with shallow water up to his ankles. The silence was profound, broken only by the faint ripples around his feet.

Sensing a presence behind him, Itachi turned to see a figure sitting in the air as if levitating in a meditative position. The figure had a warm smile and an aura of immense power. It was Hagoromo Otsutsuki, the Sage of Six Paths.

"Welcome, Itachi Uchiha," Hagoromo greeted him, his voice resonating with power. "You have done well to come this far."

"Hagoromo Otsutsuki," Itachi acknowledged with a respectful bow. "Why am I here? Why have you brought me here?"

"I have watched your journey, and I see the potential within you," Hagoromo explained. "So, I decided to give you a new life in another world, a form of reincarnation."

Itachi's eyes widened. "As you said, you watched my journey. So why are you giving me a chance? I should be in hell for what I have done to my family."

Hagoromo smiled warmly. "You did what you did to protect your village, which says a lot about your character. About your actions with your family, yes, they were severe, and I could have sent you to hell. But I cannot waste the potential you have, boy."

Itachi bowed respectfully. "Thank you. So, I will be in the shinobi world, right?"

Hagoromo shook his head. "This time, you will be in another world entirely different from the shinobi world. There are many powerful beings there as well. That's why I offer you a gift—a power Itachi listened intently as Hagoromo continued. "With time, your eyes will evolve naturally, but should someone close to you perish, they will unlock the External Mangekyo Sharingan, a power beyond the Mangekyo."

Itachi felt a surge of gratitude and determination. "I will not waste this chance. Thank you, Hagoromo-sama."

Understanding the gravity of the gift, Itachi nodded. "Thank you, Sage. I will use this power wisely. Itachi approached the Sage of Six Paths, Hagoromo, and asked, "I have something to ask you, Sage."

Hagoromo smiled. "Let me guess—you want to meet your parents?"

Itachi widened his eyes in surprise. "How did you know?"

Hagoromo's smile softened. "I can sense your feelings, my child. I will give you a chance to meet them, but only for a short time. You have ten minutes."

Itachi nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Sage. I will use that time wisely."

Hagoromo waved his hand, creating a portal. Through it stepped Itachi's family and his best friend, Shisui. Mikoto and Fugaku looked at Itachi with wide eyes, and Shisui followed, smiling.

"Hi, Itachi," Shisui greeted.

"Hi," Itachi replied, feeling a sudden wave of emotion. His mother, Mikoto, ran to him, tears streaming down her face as she embraced him tightly.

"My Itachi," she cried.

Itachi hugged her back, tears welling up. "Mother, I'm sorry. Father, I'm sorry."

Fugaku approached and smiled. "It's good to have you back, Itachi."

Itachi froze for a moment. Feeling the tension, Mikoto asked, "What's wrong, Itachi?"

With a pause, Itachi explained, "The Sage of Six Paths, Hagoromo, told me he is giving me a new life."

Mikoto looked at the Sage, who nodded. She cried into Itachi's chest, and Fugaku placed a comforting hand on Itachi's shoulder. "So you've made up your mind?"

"Yes, I have, Father," Itachi replied.

Fugaku smiled proudly. "I am so proud of you, Itachi."

Mikoto broke the hug and said, "Itachi, my boy, whatever you do, I will always love you."

Itachi remembered saying the same words to Sasuke. Smiling through his tears, he said, "I love you too."

Shisui, who had been watching, tried to lighten the mood. "Itachi, you've become a crybaby."

Everyone smiled, and Itachi moved towards Shisui, hugging him. "I'm sorry, my friend."

Shisui laughed. "Don't mind that, bro. Live happily and find many girlfriends."

Mikoto, from behind, scolded, "Hey, don't teach my son such things, you spoiled child!"

They all laughed, and Hagoromo watched with a gentle expression. Itachi looked at the Sage and understood that time was running out. Turning to his family and friend, he said, "Time is over. I have to leave."

As he began to fade, Mikoto called out, "Stay safe, my baby."

Itachi nodded. "Okay, Mother."

Fugaku said, "Stay strong."

Shisui added, "Live your life to the fullest."

Hagoromo smiled, and with a wave of his hand, Itachi felt his consciousness fade again, the voices of his loved ones echoing in his mind.

As Itachi awoke, he opened his eyes to darkness, feeling softness all around him. He tried to speak but couldn't, and he thought, "I think I am in my new mother's womb." He noticed a small opening of light and crawled toward it, thinking how strange it felt, but knowing it was the nature of things. As he emerged into a world so bright, he had to squint until his eyes adjusted.

When his vision cleared, he saw a doctor holding him, smiling, and announcing, "It's a boy!" As a newborn, Itachi could now hear voices and observe his surroundings. He noticed the advanced infrastructure of the hospital and thought, "This place, or rather, this world, is more advanced."

The doctor passed him to his mother, and Itachi saw her—she had long black hair and onyx eyes. Lying in bed, she looked at him with a warm, though tired, smile and said, "My baby..." Itachi stared at her, and the nurse beside her remarked, "I think he recognizes you, Miss Yaoyorozu... Look, he's looking right at you—so cute!" Itachi thought to himself, "So, she is my mother... and my surname is Yaoyorozu."

After a moment, the door to the ward opened, and all eyes turned toward a man who entered. He was tall, wearing a black suit with a white shirt and tie. His black hair and onyx eyes matched those of the woman holding Itachi. Itachi looked at him and thought, That must be my father... judging by his appearance, I can tell we're wealthy. His thoughts were confirmed when his mother called out, "Takashi, look, it's a boy."

Takashi's stoic expression softened as he looked at his wife with a warm smile. He walked over to her, took her hand gently, and asked, "How are you feeling, Yana?"

Itachi, observing the exchange, thought, So my mother's name is Yana, and my father's name is Takashi. As he watched them together, he smiled internally, thinking, It's good they have a strong relationship.

Yana looked down at her baby and noticed his small smile. "Look, Takashi, he's smiling!" she exclaimed. Takashi, his father, leaned in and gently took Itachi into his arms. "What should we name him?" he asked Yana, who began to think.

The first word that came to her mind was "Itachi." Takashi noticed the baby's surprised reaction and repeated the name, "Itachi." He smiled and said, "It has a good ring to it... but why Itachi?"

Yana smiled softly and replied, "I don't know. I was going to name him Shin, but it's as if someone whispered 'Itachi' in my mind."

Takashi chuckled and said, "Well, whatever it is, I like the name. Itachi Yaoyorozu… it suits him."

Yana nodded with a smile. "Yes," she agreed.

Takashi then said with pride, "And I know for a fact that he'll become a great hero and inherit our quirks." Yana's smile faltered slightly, but she quickly masked her unease and replied, "Yeah, you're right."

Itachi, meanwhile, was deep in thought, The same name as before... This must be the work of Otsutsuki-sama. The words "quirks" and "hero" caught his attention, and he pondered, Quirks? Hero? What are those? Inherit… it must be some sort of superpower. He then made a mental note, I'll have to check for chakra when I turn four, because I can't sense any chakra from them or the surroundings.

Suddenly, he felt a wave of hunger hit him. Babies communicate by crying, he thought, and with that realization, Itachi began to cry.

Takashi looked at the baby and asked, "Yana, why is he crying?"

Yana smiled softly and said, "I think he's hungry." The nurse, standing nearby, nodded and added, "Yes, it's feeding time."

Yana gently took Itachi into her arms. "He needs his mother's milk," she said, holding him close.

Hearing this, Itachi felt a wave of embarrassment wash over him, but he quickly rationalized, It's necessary for survival. As he was brought closer for breastfeeding, Itachi sweatdropped inwardly but accepted the situation. This is... part of the process, he thought, trying to calm his mind.

After a moment, Takashi said, "I have to leave now," and glanced at the doctor. "So, when will they be discharged?" he asked.

The doctor smiled and replied, "After she feeds the baby, in about three hours, she'll be ready for discharge."

Takashi nodded, then turned to his wife, Yana. "I won't be able to come back, but I'll send a vehicle to pick you up. I've also arranged for a maid to help with taking care of the baby so you can rest."

Yana smiled warmly. "Okay."

Takashi returned her smile, kissed her forehead, and gently patted Itachi's head. "I'll take my leave now," he said before walking out.

Itachi watched him go, then looked up at his mother, thinking with a small smile, This really might be the beginning of my new life… His thoughts briefly flickered to his previous mother, Mikoto Uchiha, and then back to Yana, who was smiling at him.

"My baby," she said softly, looking down at him. "I know you'll inherit our quirk, but... even if you don't, it doesn't matter to me. I will still love you."

Hearing this, Itachi thought, They want me to inherit their powers? There are so many questions…

Afterward, Yana gently placed Itachi in a cradle and began packing her things. A while later, she picked him up, and there was a knock at the ward door.

"Come in," Yana called, and a woman entered. She had blonde hair tied into a ponytail, green eyes, stood about 5'5", and wore glasses along with a maid's outfit.

"Miss Yaoyorozu?" the woman asked.

Yana smiled and nodded. "You must be the maid Takashi appointed."

The woman bowed and nodded again. Yana continued, "Could you help carry some of the things?"

The maid gathered some items, and as she did, she noticed Itachi looking up at her. "He looks so cute!" she exclaimed, before quickly covering her mouth and apologizing.

Yana laughed softly. "No need for apologies. What's your name?"

The maid straightened up and said, "Erika Ichikawa."

Yana smiled warmly. "Well then, Ichikawa-san, let's go."

Erika nodded with a smile, and they both left the hospital. On the way, Erika asked, "What's his name, Miss Yaoyorozu?"

Yana smiled as they walked. "His name is Itachi Yaoyorozu."

Erika blinked. "That's a very unique name."

Yana chuckled. "Yes, my husband had the same reaction, but..." She looked down at Itachi, who seemed calm in her arms. "He likes the name."

Erika nodded, and Itachi, still in his mother's arms, thought, She must be the personal maid Father mentioned. But his mind was still preoccupied with Yana's earlier words. Whatever their quirks are, I don't think they have my power. What will they think if I don't inherit their quirks?

As these thoughts swirled in his mind, they stepped outside the hospital. Itachi's eyes widened as he observed the bustling world around him. Towering buildings reached toward the sky, and people walked by—some looking normal, while others had features like fishmen, horns, or unusual sizes. Some were incredibly tall, while others were unusually short.

This place is so different from my previous life, Itachi thought as they left the hospital together, entering a world full of new possibilities.

The buildings were much taller than those in his old village, and the technology seemed far more advanced. Itachi also noticed various vehicles moving around, ranging from large trucks to small cars.

Yana noticed Itachi's curious gaze and smiled. "What are you looking at, Itachi?" she asked softly.

Erika looked at him as well and smiled. "I think he's observing his surroundings."

Yana chuckled. "My baby is going to be very intelligent."

Just then, their driver arrived. Dressed in a white shirt, pants, and a matching cap, he greeted them politely, "Hello, ma'am, I've come to pick you up."

Yana nodded, and the driver opened the door for her. She carefully sat down with Itachi in her arms, while Erika followed, sitting beside her. Once they were settled, the driver began the journey to their mansion.

Itachi continued to take in the unfamiliar sights, feeling a mixture of curiosity and wonder. This world was completely different from the one he had known. As he glanced around, he noticed Erika trying to get his attention, waving at him with a playful smile. He couldn't help but sweatdrop at her efforts, thinking, I'm still a child, so this is normal. I used to do this with Sasuke when he was small.

When Itachi finally looked at Erika, she smiled and said excitedly, "He looked at me!"

Yana, smiling, responded, "Yes, he did." Itachi then turned to his mother and gave her a small smile, which Yana returned warmly.

A short while later, the driver spoke up, "Ma'am, we've arrived."

Yana nodded as the main gate opened, revealing the mansion. Itachi gazed out the window, astonished. Is this really our home? How many people live here? I knew my family was wealthy, but this much?

The car stopped in the center of the driveway, and the driver once again opened the door for Yana. She carefully took Itachi in her arms as Erika followed behind, carrying their belongings. As they stepped inside, Itachi noticed several staff members bowing respectfully.

The mansion itself was luxurious, with grand halls and intricate decor. There were five maids, one butler, and a chef—all of whom greeted Yana and Itachi with deference.

As Yana and Itachi entered the mansion, the staff warmly welcomed them, saying, "Welcome, Miss Yaoyorozu, and to the new little member." Yana nodded graciously and sat on the sofa, holding Itachi in her arms. The maids, seeing the baby, murmured amongst themselves, "Ah, he's so cute! He looks just like Miss Yaoyorozu."

Some of the maids even brought out toys, trying to get Itachi's attention. He couldn't help but sweatdrop, thinking, I suppose it's normal for them to act this way since I'm just a newborn. Yana smiled at him fondly and said, "He's a little grumpy, isn't he?" The maids giggled at her comment, and as Itachi gave a small smile in response, one of the maids exclaimed, "Ah, he laughed! He's even cuter now!"

Yana, seeing Itachi smile, called over Erika and said, "Ichikawa-san, please take care of my baby." Erika smiled warmly, bowing respectfully, "Of course, Miss Yaoyorozu. I'll take good care of him."

Erika gently took Itachi into her arms, and as she did, Yana instructed, "Ichikawa-san, can you take him to his room and make sure he sleeps? If he cries, bring him to my room. Understood?"

Before Erika could respond, the butler, Joe, entered the room. He was an older man, around 70, with a kind and respectful demeanor. "Mrs. Yaoyorozu, there was a meeting scheduled, but I've postponed it to next week."

Yana nodded gratefully, "Great job, Joe."

Joe glanced at Itachi and remarked with a smile, "This child looks just like you, Mrs. Yaoyorozu."

Yana smiled softly, "Yes, he does." Joe continued, "I have no doubt that he will elevate the Yaoyorozu name to new heights."

With a proud smile, Yana patted Itachi's head and said, "I know he will." Itachi, now feeling drowsy, thought, This baby's body is so weak and lacks stamina... His eyelids grew heavy as sleep overtook him.

Erika noticed this and said, "Ma'am, may I take him to his room? He seems quite sleepy."

Yana looked at her son, now asleep in Erika's arms, and couldn't help but gush, "Ah, he looks so cute!" Realizing everyone was watching, she cleared her throat and said more calmly, "Ichikawa-san, take him to his room."

Erika nodded and took Itachi to his room, gently placing him in the cradle. She sat in front of him, watching him with a smile.

In the middle of the night, Itachi woke up, feeling hunger gnawing at him. I'm hungry... he thought, realizing there was no one around to help. As a newborn, he knew his only option was to cry for food, and so, reluctantly, he began to cry. Moments later, Erika quickly entered his room. She's fast, Itachi thought, a little surprised at her speed.

With a gentle smile, Erika picked him up and said softly, "You must be hungry, right on time according to my calculations." She cradled him carefully and carried him to Yana's room. After knocking, she heard Yana's voice call, "Come in."

Yana saw Itachi crying and immediately understood. "He's hungry, isn't he?" she asked, her smile warm as always.

"Yes, Miss Yaoyorozu," Erika replied with a respectful bow. "He's hungry."

Yana nodded, reaching out for her son. "Give him to me, I'll feed him."

Erika handed Itachi over, and Yana began to breastfeed him. Not long after, Takashi entered the room, catching sight of Yana feeding Itachi while Erika stood by. With a smile, he said, "Looks like my boy was hungry." Yana looked up at him and returned the smile. "Welcome back, Takashi."

The maid bowed politely and then left the room. Takashi glanced back at his wife and child, then said, "I'll go change." He disappeared into the bathroom, emerging a few minutes later in casual clothes. By this time, Itachi had finished feeding and was lying contentedly in Yana's arms, his hunger satisfied.

As Yana played with Itachi, he simply stared back at her, inwardly thinking, I need to grow up fast... Meanwhile, Takashi approached them, smiling as he took Itachi into his arms. "He looks just like you, Yana."

Yana chuckled softly. "And he'll be just as intelligent as me, too."

Takashi sweatdropped at the comment, but played along. "Sure..." Then, more seriously, he asked, "But do you think he'll inherit your quirk?"

Yana fell silent for a moment. "Is it really the time for that, Takashi? He's just been born," she replied, her tone calm but slightly exasperated.

"I know," Takashi said, handing Itachi back to Yana. "I just want him to be strong and become a hero. To do that, he'll need to inherit our quirks. You understand, right?"

Yana nodded quietly, though her expression had shifted slightly. Itachi could feel the tension in the air, and inwardly sighed. This hunger for power... he thought.

Breaking the silence, Yana called out, "Ichikawa-san."

Erika promptly opened the door, bowing politely as she entered. "Yes, Miss Yaoyorozu?"

Yana handed Itachi over to Erika and said, "He's sleepy now. Take him to his room and put him to bed."

With a nod, Erika took Itachi and carried him back to his room, gently placing him in the cradle. As the night's events replayed in Itachi's mind, his baby body once again surrendered to sleep.