The night persisted.
Qingchuan slept soundly, completely unaware of the unfolding events.
What should have been a simple transfer due to school age requirements had unexpectedly drawn the attention of the Hokage himself.
Sarutobi Hiruzen neither refused nor agreed to Orochimaru's request.
With a simple "Understood," Orochimaru departed immediately.
Between master and apprentice, excessive explanations were unnecessary.
The Third Hokage couldn't make hasty decisions regarding Uchiha matters, even for a young girl.
The night deepened.
Hiruzen continued working through stacks of documents.
Orochimaru's request wasn't urgent, yet carried complications...
Informing Uchiha Fugaku about transferring a young Uchiha girl into the academy early was unavoidable.
The clan leader's approval needed to be sought.
......
As dawn's first light emerged,
Itachi Uchiha sprang from bed, washed swiftly, and waited eagerly at the dining table.
He'd promised Haruko about the early enrollment.
Having waited in vain for his father's return last night,
This morning would be his only chance.
Admittedly nervous,
This marked Itachi's first formal request to his father -
Not for himself, but for another.
Fugaku's reactions remained unpredictable.
But a promise must be kept.
This was a man's vow!
Soon,
Mikoto served breakfast as the family of four gathered.
Itachi ate hurriedly, then sat in tense silence.
Fugaku immediately noticed.
"Is something troubling you, Itachi?"
"Yes, Father." The boy straightened.
"My... friend wishes to enroll early. She needs clan authorization."
Itachi carefully delivered his rehearsed speech.
"Haruko's parents are deceased. Without family elders..."
"I humbly request your approval."
Determination steeled his voice.
Mikoto discreetly carried Sasuke away, leaving father and son alone.
Fugaku studied his heir with complex emotions -
Sternness, concern, and... burgeoning pride.
His son showed discerning judgment.
Fugaku recalled his own youthful pursuit of Mikoto, overcoming countless rivals...
The Haruko girl had left favorable impressions -
Refined demeanor, promising beauty.
If her talents matched, suitors would swarm like bees to honey.
His son displayed foresight matching his own.
Good!
The boy was maturing!
Only one concern remained -
Itachi's training mustn't suffer.
For an Uchiha heir, strength was non-negotiable.
"How's your Great Fireball practice progressing?"
Fugaku deflected, testing priorities.
"Mastered, Father." Itachi lowered his head, heart sinking.
All his carefully prepared arguments seemed ignored.
Was training all Father cared about?
"Leave Haruko's enrollment to me. Focus on training."
Fugaku's lingering concern vanished, satisfied with Itachi's answer.
His son excelled at everything except deception.
"I'll personally discuss this with the Hokage."
Patting Itachi's head,
Fugaku's chest swelled with paternal pride.
Such a gifted son truly brought joy...
Itachi stood stunned.
"Father... agreed?"
......
Noon found the Hokage Tower office
shrouded in tobacco haze.
Hiruzen puffed his pipe, frowning at two documents -
Haruko Uchiha's sparse file from ANBU's overnight investigation,
And the weightier document beside it:
An enrollment application personally delivered by Uchiha Fugaku himself.
Even Itachi's enrollment hadn't warranted such personal attention from the clan leader.
"A girl compelling joint appeals from Orochimaru and Fugaku..."
Hiruzen murmured, sucking empty air from his exhausted pipe.
After prolonged contemplation,
He finally stamped the application with his personal seal.