After Uchiha Yang delivered the gifts, he arrived at Konoha's gate, where a small team of four Uchihas awaited him. The members—Uchiha Duten, Uchiha Retsu, Uchiha En, and Uchiha Starry Night—formed a temporary squad with Yang. Their mission was twofold: first, they would head to the Land of Grass to complete an assignment, and then they would proceed to the Land of Craftsmen to commission the forging of new weapons.
The reason Uchiha Yang gifted his sword to his younger brother, Uchiha Fugaku, was that he had recently realized that the weapon could no longer keep up with his combat style. The blade felt unresponsive when he channeled chakra through it, making it clear that it was time for an upgrade.
After consulting with various experts, including the weapon specialists of the Uchiha Clan, Yang learned that as a shinobi grew in skill, their weaponry needed to evolve alongside them. Moreover, since he had grown taller, his current blade felt too short for fluid combat. With the approval of his mentor, Uchiha Mei, he decided to pass the sword down to his younger brother, signifying a form of inheritance. However, Yang refused to go into battle unarmed. Borrowing a blade from his mentor, he took on a mission to deliver an important letter to the Land of Grass. Secretly, he also planned to search for the legendary Kusanagi Blade. This lead came from a trusted source—his uncle had obtained the information through dealings with Orochimaru, making it highly credible.
Thus, the temporary team was formed. As they neared the Land of Fire's border, Uchiha Duten leaned in and whispered, "All personnel are in position." He then gave Yang a knowing glance.
Uchiha Starry Night felt an ominous chill down his spine. While the others had joined the team voluntarily, he had been dragged into it against his will. For some reason, he felt as if he was about to be betrayed again. He sighed, hoping this mission would proceed without incident.
After confirming their plans, the team submitted their travel permits at the gate and departed Konoha, heading toward the Land of Grass. They traveled for three days without issue until they finally arrived at a bridge near the Fire Country's border, where a Konoha outpost was stationed. Deciding to rest for the night, they approached the sentry post.
Three Konoha shinobi stepped forward, blocking their path. The leader spoke up. "State your business."
Uchiha Yang remained unfazed—border patrols had every reason to be vigilant. Stepping forward, he said, "We are Konoha shinobi, traveling to the Land of Grass on a mission." He tossed them the mission scroll for verification.
The patrol captain inspected the document, then nodded and returned it. "You may rest nearby, but there is no room within the post. We can provide food if needed." With that, he turned and headed back inside.
However, another patrol ninja scoffed, glaring at the Uchiha group. "Uchiha? I thought you guys never left the village, hiding like cowards behind your precious Sharingan. Maybe you're not even real Uchiha—could be enemy spies. That mission scroll could be forged."
Yang smirked at the blatant provocation. So, this is how it's going to be? He stepped forward and sneered, "Have you ever seen the Hokage patrolling the border? No, because capable people handle important matters, while small errands are left to expendable pawns. If you think we're enemy shinobi, don't just run your mouth—come and prove it."
The sentry post immediately fell into tense silence. The captain turned sharply and reprimanded his subordinate, "Enough! Hokage-approved documents cannot be forged. They're Konoha shinobi, just like us. Return to your post." He then addressed Yang. "You may rest nearby, but stay clear of the outpost. If you need supplies, send someone to retrieve them."
At that moment, a squad of masked shinobi materialized from the shadows. Judging by their attire, they were from Root.
A masked Root member stepped forward. "Uchiha Yang, Uchiha Retsu, Uchiha En, and Uchiha Starry Night—you are suspected of involvement in the assassination of Elder Koharu. Danzo-sama requests that you return to the village to assist in the investigation."
Uchiha Starry Night was completely dumbfounded. The other three had some idea of what was happening, but he had no clue why he was being implicated.
Meanwhile, Uchiha Duten frowned. Wait a second. There are five people in our squad. Why are they taking four of them? He scowled. What about me? Am I not even worth suspecting? Who do they think they are, ignoring me like this?
Yang let out a dry laugh. "Danzo? That old snake? Yeah, not happening."
Beside him, Uchiha Retsu smirked. "He suspects us? Well, I suspect him. Maybe he and Mitokado Homura had some twisted love triangle with Koharu, and he killed her in a fit of rage. How about we take him to the Uchiha Police Force for questioning instead?"
The Root shinobi tensed and reached for their weapons. "If you refuse to cooperate, don't blame us for using force."
The sentry captain blew his whistle, and eight more Konoha border guards emerged from the outpost. "Are you seriously planning to spill Konoha blood over this?" he demanded.
Uchiha Retsu smirked. "Captain, let's be real here. You're either with us or against us. Sitting on the fence isn't an option."
One of the border patrol guards scoffed. "The Uchiha have always been on the verge of betraying the village. Now, you're refusing to comply with Anbu orders? You really think your clan's influence will protect you forever?"
Another guard sneered. "I've had enough of you Uchiha bastards. Let's see how tough you really are."
Yang laughed coldly. "You don't like us? Then stop looking at us. After all… dead men don't see anything." He activated his Sharingan.
Uchiha Duten subtly signaled, and more than twenty Uchiha warriors appeared from the shadows, their Sharingan gleaming in the darkness.
Uchiha Retsu cracked his knuckles. "Heh… let's begin."
—
In the Hokage's office, Mitokado Homura turned to Danzo. "How is the investigation progressing?"
Danzo, standing with arms crossed, responded, "There is no concrete evidence, but I suspect the Uchiha Clan is involved."
Homura sighed. "If there's no proof, stop making baseless accusations. The village is working to repair relations with Uchiha. Your paranoia could ruin everything."
Danzo frowned. "Three Uchiha—Yang, Retsu, and En—left the village frequently before Koharu's death. Afterward, they stopped leaving entirely. Suspicious, don't you think? And Uchiha Starry Night has been wandering the streets, supposedly recruiting teammates, but possibly scouting for something else. I've already sent for them."
Hiruzen Sarutobi slammed his hand on the desk. "Danzo, do you understand what you're doing?! Jiraiya has already taken Uchiha Fugaku as a disciple—the future head of the Uchiha Clan! This is our chance to integrate Uchiha fully into Konoha, just like we did with Uchiha Kagami. Are you trying to sabotage that?"
Danzo's expression darkened. "I am doing what you are too weak to do. The Uchiha are producing too many geniuses at once. One Fugaku is enough. The rest are dangerous."
Hiruzen exhaled sharply. "Withdraw your men. Now."
Danzo turned to leave but paused at the door. "Fine. I'll obey… but by the time the withdrawal order arrives, they'll already be dead."
With that, he exited the office.