Konoha Security Department
Beneath the red-and-white ping-pong paddle-like family emblem, a group of Uchiha clansmen gathered in the Security Department's main hall, selecting missions.
A handsome young man stood among the crowd, craning his neck to look at the bulletin board filled with mission listings.
Normally, missions were issued from the Mission Assignment Office in the Hokage Building.
But Uchiha Ci was not a registered Konoha ninja.
He was like one of the cannon fodder ninjas hastily assembled by the Five Great Nations during the Fourth Great Ninja War—a ninja belonging to the Uchiha clan.
Although he wore a Konoha forehead protector, it was different.
For instance, most missions were assigned directly by the village to the clan and then posted internally like this.
The emphasis was on participation and doing what one could.
But this clearly didn't meet Uchiha Ci's expectations.
"Dammit, not even a single mission related to the border?" Uchiha Ci was dumbfounded.
At this time, the most dangerous places should be the contested zones between the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind—especially areas like the Land of Rain and the Land of Valleys.
But on the mission board now, there were no missions related to border patrols, cross-border supply escorts, or tracking and assassinating enemy officials.
All were missions that could be completed within the country.
There were even plenty of D-rank missions posted, like finding lost cats, delivering letters, and plowing fields.
Among the C-rank missions he could accept, the most dangerous one was actually driving away a giant wild boar that had escaped from the Forest of Death near the village.
"Dammit, I thought I could finally leave the village and get myself killed," Uchiha Ci muttered, on the verge of tears. "But how is this any different from before?"
Resigned to despair, Uchiha Ci shook his head helplessly and decided to take on the most dangerous C-rank mission available—driving away the wild boar.
Maybe I can treat Brother Boar to an extra meal…
But just then, a slightly youthful hand reached out and took the mission file before he could.
"Sorry, but please leave this mission to me."
A handsome young man wearing a black turtleneck short-sleeve and carrying a short sword smiled at Uchiha Ci.
His distinctive dumpling-shaped nose made Uchiha Ci instantly recognize him—the Uchiha genius whose name had not yet spread far and wide at this time:
Uchiha Shisui.
Uchiha Ci: "..."
Dammit, you're a registered Konoha ninja! Why are you stealing a clan mission from me?
"Sorry, Uchiha Ci," Uchiha Shisui said with a sincere smile. "This mission will help me sharpen my sword skills. I can give you the mission reward, but please let me have this opportunity!"
With such a cheerful and earnest smile, Uchiha Ci had no reason to refuse.
Anyway, it was just a C-rank mission—chances of dying were low. Once the Great Ninja War broke out, there would be plenty of opportunities to die. Uchiha Ci didn't mind this one.
What surprised him was "You know me?"
Of course, he knew Uchiha Shisui.
But he was surprised that the other party knew him.
"Well, we've done D-rank missions together before. Have you forgotten?" Uchiha Shisui smiled and casually lied.
"Maybe…" Uchiha Ci muttered. He had done too many missions and couldn't remember them all.
He wasn't interested in making friends with characters from the original story—even if changing the future might cause the protagonist to fail to save the world, his sin would be great!
Right now, he just wanted to die early and go home.
So he couldn't be bothered to pay attention to the other party and continued scanning the mission board.
Actually, Uchiha Shisui had just found Uchiha Ci's name in the mission log.
And he had been shocked by Uchiha Ci's resume:
Uchiha Ci: Genin, 1 year of ninja experience.
Missions completed: D-rank: 855 times, C-rank: 0 times.
This little-known peer of his was actually a mission maniac—completing an average of 2–3 D-rank missions a day without taking a single day off in a year.
It was absolutely terrifying!
Uchiha Ci didn't know that this record would shock Uchiha Shisui. He had done so many missions just to see if he could die suddenly from overwork.
If he knew that this was why Shisui recognized him, he would definitely twist his own limbs and shout:
"What a sin!"
This also made Uchiha Shisui more convinced that this peer was no ordinary Uchiha.
A genin who could do this—he was truly burning himself out for the village!
For this reason, Uchiha Shisui didn't mind being ignored by Uchiha Ci.
Instead, he took a step closer, almost shoulder to shoulder with him.
"You—what are you doing?!" Uchiha Ci cried out in horror.
I didn't see it—you, Uchiha Shisui, with your thick eyebrows and big eyes, have these kinds of hobbies at such a young age?
Uchiha Shisui only thought this friend was a bit shy, so he smiled understandingly, leaned in, and whispered in his ear:
"Ci-kun, I know what you're thinking."
Uchiha Ci's eyes widened.
You—how do you know I want to cheat the insurance system?
"The Grand Elder will hold a mobilization meeting later. There are two very dangerous missions," Uchiha Shisui said solemnly. "But don't worry, I won't let you take them!"
It was like a devil whispering in his ear. Uchiha Ci shuddered and stared at Uchiha Shisui in horror.
Does this birdman have some kind of mind-reading plug-in?
Trying to steal wool from your buddy?
However, the two missions the other party mentioned made Uchiha Ci's eyes light up.
"What missions?" Uchiha Ci lowered his voice, not wanting others to hear, making the two of them seem like they were engaged in some shady deal.
"So you really are that kind of person!" Uchiha Shisui was momentarily stunned, then looked impressed.
He once again recognized Uchiha Ci in his heart!
And secretly resolved that he would not let Uchiha Ci die on a dangerous mission.
Such talent should serve as a bridge between the village and the Uchiha!
At that moment, an old man with gray hair and a cold half-face mask, wearing only the high-collared black robes of the Uchiha clan and no Konoha forehead protector, climbed to the podium in the security hall.
His hawk-like gaze was so sharp that people dared not look directly at him.
Uchiha Ci was suddenly startled.
The man before him was the only remaining great elder of the Uchiha clan.
Uchiha Setsuna!
As a fierce figure who had once plotted to assassinate the Second Hokage and was still alive and kicking, he was naturally the leader of the Uchiha hawks.
All the Uchiha present turned their eyes to the old man—some with respect, some with hatred, and some with indifference.
"Everyone here must have some idea why you've been summoned," Uchiha Setsuna spoke calmly, his voice echoing through the security hall.
"Good!"
"The war is about to begin!"
"After the disappearance of the Third Kazekage, the entire ninja world has gradually descended into chaos."
"Here in the Land of Fire, border friction is intensifying. The latest news is that small-scale battles have already begun in the Land of Rain."
"And further abroad, Iwagakure and Kirigakure have long-held grudges, and it looks like war is about to break out. The barbarians of Kumogakure are also up to no good, repeatedly attempting to force their way into the Land of Lightning."
"The era of war in the entire ninja world is coming soon!"
"However—" Uchiha Setsuna paused, then said coldly:
"We Uchiha have endured thousands of years of war. A mere child like this is not worthy of the title 'Shinobi'!"
"Now, the battlefield in the Land of Rain and the garrison in Hell Valley of the Land of Valleys require two teams each, composed of upper-, middle-, and lower-level ninjas, to provide support."
"Genin will not be forced to participate. Jōnin and chūnin will make their own decisions. If there are not enough volunteers by the deadline, I will appoint them forcibly."
As soon as he finished speaking, the hall fell silent.
Hearing the two place names mentioned by Uchiha Setsuna, many people turned pale with fear.
Uchiha Ci, standing in the crowd, wanted to raise his hand and volunteer immediately.
He wanted to shout, "It is our duty to restore Uchiha's glory!"
But suddenly, his eyes glazed over, and his entire body trembled uncontrollably.
An emotionless voice sounded in his mind:
[A New Talent Has Been Unlocked.]
[Heart of Steel (SSS)"]