Chapter 3 - Preparation (1/2)

”A shinigami...” Itachi thought for a moment before responding. ”I'll think about it.”

”Well you certainly have the talent and skill to become one.” Ryuji said.

”If you are interested, then come by to the academy near district one for your entrance exams.”

”What will the exam cover?” Itachi asked.

”Don't worry, it's a simple test of your reiatsu quantity and control” Ryuji replied.

”Is reiatsu the energy I feel inside my body?”

”Yes, reiatsu is the spiritual energy circulating in your body. With enough control, you can channel it and create techniques like the one you saw me use earlier. Of course, we mainly use our zanpakuto to fight as it is our main method of fighting.” Ryuji said as he pointed to his sword.

”I see, thank you for saving me, I will consider it.” Itachi said before turning around to head back.

” Wait, if you are interested, the exam will be held about 45 days from today.” Ryuji said.

Itachi turned around for a moment and acknowledged Ryuji's statement with a nod before making his way back to the district.

”Becoming a shinigami...even after death the weak still struggle to find peace.” Itachi pondered before finally arriving back to Itsukis house.

”Hey!, You're back! Are you alright!!” Itsuki ran forward seeing Itachi arriving with his haggard appearance.

Itachi nodded before saying ”What about you?”

”Yeah I'm fine, thanks to you. What happened to that hollow? Did you kill it?!” Itsuki asked.

”No. A shinigami found me and dispatched of the hollow.” Itachi replied.

”Wow you held off a hollow and got to see a shinigami fight!” Itsuki said with awe in his eyes.

”I heard that the entrance exam is happening in a month and a half. I've been preparing for a long time so I can pass it!” Itsuki proclaims with a determined look on his face.

”Why do you want to become a shinigami?” Itachi asked

”I want to be able to protect people who can't protect themselves. Many souls are killed by hollows and I watched some of my own friends be killed. When I become a shinigami, I will be able to protect. ” Itsuki said resolutely.

”It seems even after death, the weak still struggle to find peace...” Itachi thought as he looked at the boy's determined face.

”Why don't you join me?” Itsuki said snapping Itachi out of his thoughts.

”Yeah, the fact that you were able to live against that hollow shows that you have the spiritual strength to attempt the examination”. Itsuki states looking expectantly at Itachi, awaiting an answer.

Itachi thought for a moment. ”Even in the afterlife, perfection doesn't exist. I was born into this world again. My life did not end even after I died. I won't lose faith in the person I've become before my death as I realized who I truly was. This may be but a pipe dream but like a nameless shinobi who protects peace from within its shadow, I will become a shinigami who protects peace.” Itachi ends his train of thought and replies to Itsuki.

”I will take the exam as well, but there are things I must clarify beforehand. I will meet you at the testing location in 45 days.”

”Okay, I will leave ahead tomorrow, let's just get some rest for today!” Itsuki said before leading Itachi into the house.

”Sorry I know there isn't much room but try to just find an area to lie down” Itsuki looked apologetic to his savior, but like most of the children in these districts, he was very poor and Itachi understood that. Itachi simply nodded and found a corner to rest. He rested his back against the wall and closed his eyes to rest.

”A lot happened today, and I am still able to use the Sharingan... Does that I am able to use my ninjutsu as well? I will find out tomorrow.” The weariness of the day took over his body, as he instantly fell asleep.

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Itachi woke up the next day, and noticed Itsuki packing his few belongings into a sack. He had some food left which he ended up passing most of it over to the kids in the house.

Itsuki turned to the corner to see Itachi awake. He walked over to Itachi and handed him a little bit of the bread.

”I know you have strong soul, and you should be able to hold on for a while, but here is some food anyway.

Itachi didn't stand on ceremony as he accepted the gift. ”Thank you.” Itachi said with a slight smile.

Itachi stayed until Itsuki faded into the distance. Once he was gone, he looked at the kids and bid them farewell before making his way to the forest.