6:00 AM
Before his alarm clock could even ring, Tsukasa slapped the device that had been annoying him all year.
By this time, he was already wearing full combat gear: headband, knee guards, shuriken holsters wrapped around his legs, gloves, leg bindings, a supply pouch at his side, and a ninja tool bag on his back.
He donned the high-collared black jacket bearing the Uchiha clan symbol, stood before his mirror, lifted his hair, pulled down his eyelids, and smirked:
"Now let's see how you'll meet your end!"
[Reference to Sasuke's dramatic pose]
After a moment of self-indulgence, at exactly six o'clock, Tsukasa leaped out his window, perfectly timing his exit with his neighbor Obito doing the same thing.
"Tsukasa, are you going on a mission too?"
Tsukasa nodded coolly, offering a warning: "Don't be late again."
"You're kidding! I, Uchiha Obito, am going to be Hokage someday!"
As he spoke, Obito patted his chest proudly, missed his footing, and plummeted headfirst from the second-floor window.
Tsukasa shook his head slightly, thinking: There goes "Always Late" Obito.
He'd twisted his ankle and bumped his head—to the uninformed, he'd just earned himself a trip home from whatever mission awaited, complete with a medical leave bonus.
A visit to Konoha Hospital for treatment would make him at least an hour late for Team Minato's assembly.
However, Tsukasa was accustomed to such scenes. Ignoring the groaning figure below, he simply smiled and called out:
"Obito, let's meet at the Memorial Stone next time. Don't forget to leave flowers for me."
With that, Tsukasa pushed off from the roof eaves and leaped forward, rushing toward the meeting point.
His steps were filled with eager anticipation.
Obito: "???"
At the Uchiha Clan Compound
"That's everything, Fugaku-senpai." Shisui bowed respectfully to the young man before him, explaining his request.
"Uchiha Tsukasa?" Fugaku's expression remained calm as he nodded slightly, committing the name to memory.
"I believe he could become a bridge between our clan and the village. Fugaku-senpai, please watch over my friend when you reach the Land of Hot Water!"
"I'm grateful for your consideration!"
Fugaku crossed his arms and spoke calmly:
"Very well, Shisui. I'll be departing for the Land of Hot Water slightly after Elder Setsuna. I'll keep an eye on your friend."
"On your end, remember to contact clan members at the camp immediately upon reaching the Land of Rain."
"Also, be aware of a new organization emerging in that region."
Shisui looked up, puzzled: "A new organization?"
Fugaku frowned slightly: "They call themselves Akatsuki. Their ideals are naive, but you might try establishing contact."
"After all, the three leaders of that organization are disciples of Jiraiya-sama, one of the Legendary Sannin."
"They naturally lean toward Konoha's interests."
Shisui nodded thoughtfully, muttering to himself: "Akatsuki?"
8:00 AM - Konoha's Main Gate
Two all-Uchiha teams assembled at the village entrance.
Great Elder Setsuna glanced at the sky, then surveyed the gathered members. He spoke calmly:
"Now that everyone has arrived, the mission begins immediately!"
"Upon reaching our respective destinations, each team leader will review the mission details and assign specific tasks."
"Move out!"
With that, Setsuna took point, gesturing to Tsukasa and Seiichiro beside him, and immediately set out on the road leading from the village.
Under these circumstances, the six members of both teams had no time for lengthy farewells.
Shisui smiled at Tsukasa, struck his chest with his right fist in a gesture of solidarity, and followed his own team.
Tsukasa looked confused by the gesture.
He shook his head, not overthinking it.
Although Shisui had some misunderstandings about his intentions, their missions were completely unrelated.
One team was heading northwest to the Land of Rain, while the other was traveling east across the rolling hills to reach the Land of Hot Water.
There's no way Shisui can interfere with my mission from the Land of Rain, Tsukasa thought. He can't possibly prevent me from meeting my fate in the Land of Hot Water from that distance.
This time, the biggest obstacle to my plan has been eliminated!
The advantage is mine!
Tsukasa's team departed Konoha and maintained a steady pace toward the Land of Hot Water.
A shinobi's travel speed was comparable to a freight train—it would take only one day to cross from Konoha through the hills of the Land of Fire to reach the Land of Hot Water.
None of the three team members were particularly talkative, maintaining silence throughout the journey.
After leaving Konoha and the prosperous heartland of the Land of Fire, the scenery dramatically changed.
Border refugees and displaced people from the Land of Hot Water gradually filled their view, and the landscape shifted from spring's vibrant green to a bleak gray.
Dead branches, bark-stripped tree trunks, and hopeless gazes leaning against them became the most common sights along their route.
They were only halfway to their destination, yet numerous signs of shinobi activity were already visible nearby.
Scattered camping supplies, concealed warning traps, and occasional glimpses of figures observing from the shadows put all three team members on alert.
On the eve of the Third Great Ninja War, the minor nations caught between major powers were the most chaotic regions.
The shinobi of Yugakure could neither protect the Land of Hot Water nor bear the consequences of mission failures. Many would become missing-nin, following the refugee streams into the Land of Fire and ultimately becoming bandits seeking bounties.
As daylight gradually faded and the sun set, crimson light on the horizon dimmed and darkness approached.
Setsuna halted the advancing squad. He produced the mission scroll, spread it across a stone, and spoke in a cold voice:
"Everyone, gather here. Mission briefing begins now."
Tsukasa tensed, knowing the crucial moment was approaching. Whether he could achieve his goal of "dying upon leaving the village" today depended on this briefing.
"This mission's objective is to reach Hell Valley in the Land of Hot Water and reinforce the stationed Uchiha garrison."
"Where do you think the greatest danger lies?"
Setsuna paused before suddenly questioning his two subordinates.
Seiichiro grimaced: "Besides the standard shinobi survival protocols, the most critical threat would be dealing with the Chinoike Clan's counterattack, right? Those maniacs are more dangerous than most."
Tsukasa remained silent, simply nodding in agreement with Seiichiro's assessment.
Moreover, he knew that above these "maniacs" existed true masters!
Oyashiro En—the Chinoike Clan's most formidable member!
This devoted son, a predecessor to Itachi's path, had single-handedly gone on a rampage and slaughtered most of his own clan, driving all Chinoike Clan members except his daughter from the shinobi world.
It was difficult to imagine the level to which his Ketsuryugan had evolved.
Compared to this individual, the Chino who appeared in the original Sasuke storyline wasn't even qualified to carry his equipment.
This was the real heavyweight opponent!
However, Setsuna shook his head, sighed, closed his eyes, and spoke with utmost seriousness:
"You're both wrong."
"The real danger doesn't come from the Chinoike Clan—it comes from above them!"
"What?" Tsukasa was stunned.
What the hell? There are masters above the masters?
End of Chapter 8
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