Chapter 2: A Growing Resolve
Under the blazing afternoon sun, a normally peaceful Konoha was interrupted by a fight—one that filled the streets with an unspoken tension.
The Uchiha officer's three-tomoe Sharingan roared to life with a scarlet hue thicker than blood. He maintained this state throughout the spy's retreat, attempting to scour the spy's very soul itself. He watched every move, every twitch the enemy made, ready to react in a split second.
Ren, on the other hand, was terrified. All his resolve scattered. He didn't even realize what was going on.
His mind froze during the first few moments of the violent encounter. Instinct made him thrash around for a while, but when he realised it was useless, he stopped resisting.
Instead, he began staring intently at the Uchiha officer, hopes burning more fiercely than any Fire Release.
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(Ren POV)
Why is he so strong?! I can't get out!
Am I going to… die… like Mom? What would Kei do? Will Oba-san really care?
No… I can't die now! I have made too many promises. I can't stop now; Mom will be too sad if I did.
Think—THINK. What would a ninja do?
They stay calm. Yes… they don't get angry, and they're patient. So I must wait for the right time too.
Mom always said that if I am in trouble, I need to think as hard as possible. She even told me that if I can't think hard enough, then think about cakes. They are so sweet, and so... so soft.
Mom, I just wish that you were here!
Okay, now think! What is going on? What is on my neck? I can't see it; this monster is too strong, I can't bend my neck.
It's something sharp and it's on my neck. A kunai! So if I move, he'll hurt me. I need help; I am too weak to defeat this monster.
"Muhh!" shouted Ren, as he tried to scream for help, but it was immediately muffled by the spy's humongous hand.
No! He covered my mouth. I can't shout for help. No! Is that Uchiha uncle the only one who can help me out? I can't spot anyone else.
"What do you want?" the Uchiha said.
Wait… that Uchiha uncle doesn't sound evil! Dad told me they love fighting and don't care about anyone.
"A secure retreat until outside the village," said my captor. He sounds scared… is that Uchiha uncle scary?
Have I… what is that word? … Hostage—yes! Have I become a hostage now?
What if that Uchiha uncle says no?
What should I do!?
"Okay," replied the Uchiha.
WAIT WHAT. He actually said YES?!
Dad was totally wrong. There's no way the Uchiha are evil.
They were the good guys all along.
Someone must be spreading rumours. Some nasty-looking pirate, probably. I can already feel it.
I need to try something… I think I should look around for something sharp. What about that stone?
Suddenly the spy and the Uchiha moved, whizzing across the buildings and walls with tremendous ease. Remarkably, the trio were unaffected as they navigated their way to the village entrance.
Peace finally returned to the street; the tension that once existed vanished like the leaves in the wind. All that was left was the unsettled dust of the past.
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(Kumogakure Spy)
The chances of me returning back to the village were abysmal. I knew this the moment I was handed this assignment.
My family needed me, but the village even more so. I knew that even if I didn't return, the village would support my family in my stead.
As I ran towards the Konoha village entrance, the pang of anxiety in my chest only flared up. I knew my return was unlikely; thankfully the secretly placed intel isn't something he will notice.
Finally, the village entrance. Still, the kid I grabbed is awfully quiet. Wait a minute, this isn't a child in fear! Kids his age would usually be crying. Is this kid dumb or confused?
My demand for secure retreat was only for placing intel. I am sure I won't make it—looks like even the Uchiha knows.
Sigh! Even if he is a child, I can't leave loose ends.
Looks like the Pure Land is in sight for me, and I am taking the kid with me!
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Finally, after running for several minutes, the trio reached their destination. The gates were huge and ordinary; nonetheless, they commanded respect not due to their beauty, but through what lay beyond and within them.
The gate was busy due to traffic of merchants and ninjas alike passing through, but an Uchiha with his crimson eyes glowing prompted the guards to become more careful, but they didn't attack; instead, they let them pass.
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(Uchiha POV)
Finally, we have reached the gates. My Sharingan should have alerted them.
He's gotten his end of the deal. Now how is it going to play out? Regardless, the child is holding up better than I thought he would.
He is a civilian, looking at the lack of any clan signs—perhaps a descendant of a civilian ninja. This demeanor of his isn't bad. He has the makings of a ninja, all right, I will give him that.
But this criminal—he isn't acting right. A spy wouldn't show such an expression, especially when they know they might not make it out alive.
So it seems like he is going to end himself— and perhaps even the child with him. But not under my watch.
He's let his guard down; that dazed expression of his can't escape my Sharingan. Even if he's been avoiding my eyes all this time, I have my own methods.