{open} It was a beautiful morning.

[youngesthokage]

He was in a wonderful mood. He'd gotten in later than intended due to the rather long talk with his mother, which had been oddly easier with this one than the one from home ever was anymore, and by the time he'd made it home is good mood had returned and he'd settled right to bed.

Morning, on the other hand, had brought the flowers and he found himself looking out the window in curious fascination at them, mussed from sleep and somewhat bewildered.

Since when did snow bring flowers?

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[itachi_san]

"I pay attention!" he insisted. He fidgeted and scratched his head. "I just... get distracted... You can focus on stuff longer than I can."

[youngesthokage]

"See? So it's not all, it's not like the other bits."

[itachi_san]

Itachi shook his head. "Isamu, Minoru's giving you a compliment."

He glanced between both his boys.

"You both were so quick to point out all the things that made me different from your father. But it doesn't make me better or worse than him. He can do some things better than I can. And I can do some things better than he can. You have just as many things that make you different. And each of you has things that you do better."

[youngesthokage]

Isamu turned around to look at his brother, then moved over and hugged him.

[itachi_san]

"I'll stop calling you bad names if you'll stop doing it to me." Minoru whispered as he hugged him back.

Itachi had to smile at that.

[youngesthokage]

He huffed and leaned on him. "Fine."

[itachi_san]

Hopefully, that kind of agreement would last more than a few hours, Itachi thought to himself.

"Now... how are we going to celebrate today, hm?"

[youngesthokage]

"...Jutsu!"

[itachi_san]

Minoru didn't even have to think about it.

"Yeah! Teach us new jutsu!!"

[youngesthokage]

Isamu turned a little and beamed up at his mom.

Itachi, meanwhile, started laughing again.

[itachi_san]

"Well, I got exactly what I wanted, didn't I." Itachi laughed a little, shaking his head. "But all right. I think I have an idea. Minoru, I'd like you to go outside and practice on your own for a little while. Tree climbing. Take the highest tree, and go up and down it five times. After each set, you may make one small fireball. I will come get you when we're ready."

Minoru jumped up and ran into the yard so fast, he nearly tripped over his own feet.

Then he turned to his partner, waiting for the last of the laughing to stop.

"Isamu's really been struggling with fire. I think, maybe he'd be more comfortable with your primary element. Show him the signs for a wind wave, see if he can get a small one blowing..." he poked Isamu in the forehead and started to make his way outside (mainly to make sure nothing burned to the ground today). "Come out and join us when you're ready. I think the boys will really like this one."

[youngesthokage]

He blinked, then just shook his head and set about teaching his eldest what had been requested of him. He did a bit better than fire, it was true, but still far from excellent.

Either way, the boy was giddy to actually have it do -anything- so when they headed out he was rather bouncy.

[itachi_san]

Itachi gave his partner a wink when he saw him come out of the house. Surely, he'd figured out what Itachi was planning on doing. A little lesson in teamwork was in order.

"What do you think? Enough of a gust for a collaboration jutsu?" he smiled. The look on Isamu's face sure suggested it would be.

[youngesthokage]

He nodded, smiling at his partner. "Yes, just enough I think."

Isamu bounded forward to stand by his brother.

[itachi_san]

Itachi was relieved to hear that.

He asked Minoru to show a fireball, and the boy made the biggest one that he could. It was nothing like the fireballs an adult Uchiha would be known for, but it was pretty well done for someone that young.

"Now... Isamu, stand right behind your brother's shoulder. And I when I give the signal, both of you do your signs together. Minoru, for your fireball... Isamu, what you just learned... All right?"

[youngesthokage]

Isamu nodded, planting himself behind his brother to do as told, watching his mother closely.

[itachi_san]

Itachi stood behind them both, one hand on each shoulder.

"Are you ready? ... Hand signs go!"

[youngesthokage]

Isaumu put as much into it at he could, which wasn't anywhere near what his brother could do, but it was definitely an air puff.

[itachi_san]

But it was enough to make a difference. Air feeds fire. And it made Minoru's fireball grow.

"Woah! Did you see that?!" he screamed. "It was super big!!"

[youngesthokage]

Seeing Isamu's almost shy smile brought one of his own to his lips. "I did see. Wind feeds fire."

[itachi_san]

"Do it again! Do it again and blow harder! I'm gonna make a really really big one this time."

[youngesthokage]

"Ah ah, while impressive, the back yard is not the place to do it. Maybe yo two should go get Otouto and drag him into the celebrations? He can show you the best practice area."

[itachi_san]

"Okay!" Minoru shouted, grabbing his brother's hand and running inside.

Itachi just laughed.

"Hopefully, that will get them to work together a little more. And fight a little less." he walked over to the Hokage, and took his hand as well.

[youngesthokage]

He brought his hand to his lips and kissed it. "For a little while at the very least mm?"

[itachi_san]

Itachi smiled warmly.

"You know, there's quite a bit of you I've never really seen..." he hinted playfully. His black eyes took in all that they could, but even with sharingan, he had to imagine what was underneath. "I think, later, we should remedy that."