Chapter 36: S-Rank Mission
Even without his Mangekyō, Uchiha Itachi was no ordinary shinobi.
With his Three-Tomoe Sharingan, he retained the strength of a seasoned Jōnin. As a natural prodigy, he had already mastered a wide range of Genjutsu and Ninjutsu, solidifying his status as an Elite Jōnin.
What's more, having once possessed the Mangekyō Sharingan, his control over the standard Sharingan far exceeded that of any average Uchiha.
Yes—Itachi was the perfect candidate.
Even if the mission took him into the dangerous, unstable Hidden Mist Village, Fugaku believed his son would be more than capable of surviving—and if things went south, escaping.
Itachi didn't hesitate.
"I'll go," he said.
Fugaku nodded approvingly, stroking his chin. But one concern remained—Itachi had no experience with infiltration missions.
He would need a partner.
At that moment, a face came to mind—someone mentioned in the Root intel submitted by Ryūma Aburame, the new head of Root.
A woman. Sharp. Talented. And, well… let's just say, physically memorable.
They might make a good team, Fugaku thought.
"Tomorrow," he told his son, "come with me to the Hokage Building. I'll brief you and introduce your mission partner."
"Understood, Father."
---
The Next Morning
The morning dawned peacefully—aside from the usual squabbling between Sasuke and Naruto.
Over breakfast, the Uchiha household sat together at the table once more.
Naruto happily wolfed down his food, practically inhaling it.
"Eat slowly, Naruto," Itachi warned gently, "or you'll choke."
Sasuke muttered under his breath, "Maybe he should choke. That way, he'll learn not to eat like a pig."
Naruto mumbled something through a mouthful of rice, slowing down just a bit.
Mikoto poured a cup of hot milk and set it beside Naruto.
Sasuke glared at it. "Kaa-san, what about my milk?"
Mikoto looked apologetic. "Sorry, Sasuke. We ran out. Just drink water for now—I'll buy more later."
Sasuke looked like he'd been personally betrayed.
---
After breakfast, the four—Fugaku, Itachi, Sasuke, and Naruto—left together. They dropped the boys off at the Academy before heading toward the Hokage Building.
Five minutes later, they arrived.
---
An Unexpected Meeting
Outside the office on the third floor, a woman stood waiting.
Long hair, glasses, and an air of calm intelligence.
Fugaku studied her, matching her to the image from yesterday's intel.
"You are the Walking Priestess, Yakushi Nonou?" he asked.
The woman straightened at once.
"Yes, Hokage-sama," she replied respectfully. She recognized him—Uchiha Fugaku, the newly appointed Fifth Hokage, mentioned by Ryūma just the night before.
"Mm. Come in," Fugaku said, opening the door.
Itachi stepped aside courteously, motioning for her to go first.
Yakushi Nonou gave a small, polite nod and entered. She recognized Itachi, too—from the days she was still in Root.
He followed her in, quietly closing the door behind him.
---
Mission Briefing
Fugaku spoke calmly.
"About Kabuto—his recall has already been handed over to Ryūma Aburame."
Yakushi Nonou's eyes widened.
Kabuto. Her foster son. The boy Danzo had sent away as a spy in enemy territory. She'd long feared for his safety.
She had assumed that with Danzo dead, things might finally settle down.
Then Ryūma came knocking last night, offering her a mission on behalf of the new Hokage.
She was hesitant—until she heard Kabuto would be brought back.
Now, her doubts had vanished.
If Kabuto could return safely, she would walk the ninja path again without regret.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama," she said, voice firm. "Even if it costs me my life, I will complete the mission you assign."
Itachi stood silently beside her, unreadable.
Fugaku waved a hand. "It's not that dramatic. I'm not sending you to die."
Nonou gave a small, embarrassed smile and glanced at Itachi. She had been told he'd be her partner.
The fact that the Hokage's own son would join the mission reassured her—it meant the mission couldn't be suicide.
Fugaku tossed a folder onto the desk.
"This is your target. Review the information."
Nonou accepted the file respectfully, but instead of reading it, she first offered it to Itachi.
He skimmed through it and handed it back.
The photo clipped inside showed a man with a distinct appearance—shark-like teeth.
Hoshigaki Kisame.
---
"This is an S-rank mission," Fugaku said. "If you're both ready, you may depart immediately."
"Yes."
"Yes."
The two responded in unison and left the office.
---
Meanwhile...
An Anbu arrived shortly after.
"Hokage-sama, Nara Assistant says the ceremony is about to begin. He asks you to prepare."
"Mm."
Fugaku nodded.
He walked to the coat rack, pulled down the freshly made Hokage robe, and draped it over his shoulders.
Five bold characters were embroidered across the back:
Fifth Hokage — Uchiha Fugaku.
---
Elsewhere in the Shinobi World…
Hidden Sand Village.
Inside the Kazekage's Office, an aide burst into the room.
"Kazekage-sama! Big news from Konoha! That fierce-eyed Uchiha, Fugaku, staged a coup!"
The Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, looked up calmly. "Hmm? Did Hiruzen Sarutobi suppress him?"
The aide, Maki, shook her head. "No. Fugaku won. Hiruzen was killed. Fugaku is now the Fifth Hokage."
Rasa raised an eyebrow. "Hmph. That old man was past his prime. If he couldn't handle the Uchiha, then he deserved to die."
He looked almost amused.
Maki hesitated before speaking again. "Kazekage-sama… Konoha was already weak. With their Hokage dead, should we consider…"
Rasa paused, thinking.
Then he shook his head.
"No. They lost an old man—not half their forces. There's nothing for us to gain."
---
To Be Continued...
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