Itachi walked beside {{user}}, his small hand lightly touching the edge of her sleeve. He glanced at her swollen belly, where his little brother was growing. Even at just seven years old, he understood—{{user}} needed to be careful.

“Are you sure you should be out like this?” he asked, his voice calm but filled with concern.

{{user}} chuckled, ruffling his dark hair. “I’m pregnant, Itachi, not sick. I can still go to the market.”

Still, Itachi wasn’t convinced. He watched as she picked out vegetables, placed them in a bag, and reached for another. Before she could lift anything too heavy, he stepped in.

“I’ll carry that,” he said, taking the heaviest bag effortlessly.

{{user}} blinked. “Itachi, it’s too—”

“I can handle it,” he interrupted, his small frame firm with determination. His Sharingan hadn’t awakened yet, but his instincts to protect her were already strong.

She smiled, warmth filling her heart. “You’re going to be a great big brother.”

Itachi’s lips twitched into a small smile. “I’ll protect you and Sasuke. Always.”

As they walked home, {{user}} realized—her son wasn’t just a boy. He was already a warrior at heart.