January 1st of the 48th year of Konoha arrived in the blink of an eye. Even the Hokage got a rare day off, and the entire village administrative system shut down for the holiday. As Hiruzen's ANBU guard, Taiichi was also given the day free. He could stay home and rest.
Of course, visiting elders on New Year's Day was non-negotiable. Even though most of them were scattered across the continent, that wasn't a problem for him. Shadow clones plus Flying Thunder God let him cover huge distances fast. For once, Taiichi skipped training entirely. Every clone he could spare was sent out—to Tsunade, Jiraiya, Nonoyu, Minato, and Yohei's team. Anyone who mattered to him got a visit.
His own house was no longer the quiet, empty place it used to be. Twenty-two new residents—especially twenty-two women—changed everything. Three women made a play, four roommates made a crowd. After the first awkward adjustment period, the girls had grown comfortable around Taiichi. He didn't obsess over strict rules the way most shinobi did. As long as they did their jobs and didn't cross his lines, he was easy to deal with. The young women had started acting their age again—lively and relaxed.
The house was decorated with lanterns and festive colors. The air smelled of New Year's cheer and a faint calming incense the girls had brought in.
"Mizuki, Grandma Keiko and the orphanage kids are coming this afternoon. How are the preparations?"
"Don't worry, Lord Taiichi. Gifts, snacks, and dinner ingredients are all ready. We're just waiting for them to arrive."
Taiichi nodded, satisfied. Having capable people around really did make life easier.
As one of the village's rising names, Taiichi also received plenty of visitors while he was home. Many shinobi he had fought beside or saved during the war stopped by to pay respects. Most kept it short and polite before leaving him to his day. There was one exception.
Mizuki hurried over with quick, excited steps, her face bright with pride. Taiichi sheathed the short blade he had been cleaning and waited. Whoever this was, it had to be someone important to put that look on her face.
"Lord Taiichi, Uchiha clan head Fugaku has arrived with his wife and son. I've shown them to the reception room."
Fugaku, huh? And he brought his wife and kid. Taiichi's mind turned quickly. This was probably about the promise made back on the ship during the eastern campaign. Itachi was here to become his student.
He walked straight to the reception room. Even on a holiday, the Uchiha clan head deserved proper respect.
Warm sunlight poured through the wide windows. The room looked festive thanks to the girls' decorations. A light, calming scent hung in the air. Uchiha Fugaku, his wife Mikoto, and their young son Itachi sat quietly, sipping tea and eating the snacks Mizuki had served.
Fugaku glanced around. The house was nothing like he had expected. He had pictured Taiichi living alone in a big, empty mansion. Instead he saw familiar faces—the same twenty-two former Mist captives from the eastern front, now moving comfortably through the halls. They looked well cared for. Taiichi clearly knew how to manage people.
Taiichi's cheerful voice reached them before he entered the room.
"Clan Head Fugaku, Lady Mikoto, welcome! Happy New Year!"
He stepped inside and his eyes immediately found the small figure standing quietly behind his parents. Itachi looked even smaller in person.
"This must be Itachi. He's adorable."
"Taiichi," Fugaku said with a respectful bow. Mikoto offered an elegant greeting as well. "Happy New Year. We apologize for disturbing you on a holiday."
Little Itachi bowed along with his parents. His dark eyes were calm and mature beyond his five years. He studied Taiichi with open curiosity, trying to match the legendary figure his father had described with the man standing in front of him.
"Please, sit," Taiichi said warmly. Mizuki brought fresh tea and snacks.
"Having honored guests makes the house feel alive. It adds real joy to the New Year."
He looked at Itachi again. The boy sat perfectly straight on a chair that was still too big for him—his feet didn't even reach the floor.
"Itachi, Happy New Year. Make yourself at home today. No need to be so formal."
Fugaku took a slow sip of tea and glanced at the festive decorations and the busy figures moving through the house.
"Your home has real warmth, Taiichi. I didn't expect that. Your new household members have done good work."
He was clearly referring to the twenty-two women. As someone who had fought on the same front, he knew exactly who they were.
"Yeah. It's nice having people around. Otherwise I probably wouldn't have stayed home today either."
Taiichi smiled. The relaxed atmosphere helped Mikoto loosen up. She gently stroked her son's hair, eyes full of affection.
After a few minutes of small talk, Fugaku set his cup down. His expression turned serious. He looked at Itachi, then back at Taiichi.
"Taiichi, I know today should be for celebration, but I came with my wife and son for a reason. Back on the eastern front, we made an agreement. I'd like to know if that promise still stands."
The mood in the room shifted. Mizuki quietly excused herself, leaving the four of them alone.
Taiichi's smile faded. He already knew what Fugaku meant. His gaze moved to Itachi again, this time more appraising.
"On the ship you asked me to take Itachi as my student. The war moved too fast after that and we never finished the conversation."
"That's the matter," Fugaku said, hope clear in his eyes. "My feelings haven't changed. I understand your current position and status might make this complicated, but I'm asking as a father who wants the best for his child."
He turned to look at his son with open pride. "Itachi has excellent talent. He needs a guide with broad vision and real strength. More than that, I hope his connection to you will help strengthen the bond between the Uchiha clan and the village's Will of Fire."
Taiichi's pupils tightened slightly. Fugaku was making a statement—choosing a side and trying to ease the long-standing tension between his clan and the village leadership.
Fugaku wasn't finished. "You mentioned your teaching methods might be… unconventional. The Uchiha clan trusts your judgment completely. No matter how you choose to train Itachi, we will not interfere or object."
Taiichi stared at Fugaku for a long moment. Handing his own son over to an outsider with that level of trust took serious resolve. Mikoto's hand tightened on her sleeve. She had expected this, but it still hurt to hear it said out loud.
The room went quiet. Taiichi slowly looked away from Fugaku. He didn't answer right away. His fingers tapped lightly on the edge of his teacup as his thoughts turned to the future.
In the original timeline Itachi had become a tragic figure, caught between the village and his clan. Taiichi hadn't agreed with the choices he made. But this world was already different. Danzo was dead. The Uchiha still had a pair of Mangekyo Sharingan. And Taiichi himself was here.
He looked at the boy again. Itachi's eyes were still pure, but the early signs of maturity were already there. Without the right guidance…
The opportunity was right in front of him. Fugaku had given him full freedom. There was no reason to hesitate. Raising a well-known student was something most top shinobi hoped for.
Taiichi lifted his head and met each of their eyes in turn—Fugaku, Mikoto, and finally Itachi.
"Clan Head Fugaku, Lady Mikoto, I don't make promises lightly. I've seen Itachi's behavior and character today. Since you're willing to entrust him to me, I accept. Itachi will be my student."
Relief and excitement flooded Fugaku's face. Mikoto's eyes filled with happy tears as she gripped her husband's arm. Itachi sat up straighter, sensing the weight of the moment even if he didn't fully understand it yet.
"Taiichi—Teacher!" Fugaku stood and bowed deeply. "The Uchiha clan is deeply grateful. Itachi is fortunate to study under you."
Mikoto bowed as well.
Taiichi raised a hand. "No need for that. Itachi, from today on you're my disciple. I'll teach you according to my own methods and understanding. I expect you to work hard."
Itachi nodded seriously, his young voice clear. "Yes, Teacher Taiichi."
Taiichi called for Mizuki. When she appeared he sent her to fetch a scroll from the study—the one on the first shelf of the large bookcase. While she was gone he spoke with Itachi about his current training and understanding of ninjutsu. The boy answered clearly and logically, like a tiny adult.
Mizuki returned with a thick scroll about a foot long. Taiichi took it and placed it in Itachi's small arms. The sight of the serious little boy hugging the big scroll was oddly charming.
"Today is busy for everyone," Taiichi said to Fugaku. "I know your clan has its own New Year matters to handle, so I won't keep you. This scroll contains some basic training insights suitable for Itachi's current level. Take him home and have him study it. Come back in three days for his first proper lesson."
Fugaku nodded, pride and relief clear on his face. Itachi clutched the scroll and said in a bright voice, "Thank you, Teacher."
Even in their short time together, the boy already felt comfortable around Taiichi. Something about the natural energy that clung to Taiichi's presence felt calming.
The Uchiha family left with full hearts. Taiichi stood in the doorway and watched them go, thoughts churning. Taking Itachi as his student wasn't just about teaching a talented child. It was a major move on the board—connecting him more deeply to the Uchiha clan and to Konoha's future power structure. A challenge, and an opportunity.
He turned back inside. Mizuki followed close behind. After living together for a while she had stopped being so overly cautious when no one else was around.
"Lord Taiichi is truly impressive. Even the Uchiha clan head brought his own son to ask you to teach him."
The girl's eyes were full of admiration. If even a powerful clan like the Uchiha came begging for Taiichi's guidance, then the fact that she and the other women received daily lessons from him felt like an incredible luxury.
Taiichi glanced back at her. He wasn't sure how much of her devotion came from the curse seal and how much was genuine, but right now she seemed completely dedicated to running the household.
"Itachi's only five. Right now we're just laying foundations. You and the others can't slack off on your own training either. Strength is the root of everything."
He kept walking while he spoke. Most of the twenty-two women had already been placed in the hospital thanks to his influence and Hiruzen's approval. The hospital really had been short-staffed, so they had been absorbed without much trouble. It was a small but useful help.
The rest of the morning passed quietly. After the Uchiha family left, no other visitors came. Taiichi finally had time for his daily training.
Around three in the afternoon, a loud group of children arrived with Grandma Keiko leading the way. The moment they saw Taiichi they started shouting.
"Big brother Taiichi!"
"Brother, brother! We brought you New Year gifts!"
They hadn't come empty-handed. Each child carried something they had made themselves—paper cranes, paper flowers, handwritten cards, or little snacks they had saved. Within minutes Taiichi's hands, neck, and pockets were full of small presents. He laughed out loud. Only around these kids could he drop every guard and just be himself.
He led everyone into the inner courtyard. Shadow clones appeared to play with the energetic children while Taiichi sat with Grandma Keiko in the pavilion and chatted.