As dawn approached—
Uchiha Akira, now acting as the temporary team leader, led Hyuga Koji and Uzuki Sena into a Konoha reinforcement unit.
To their surprise, the one leading the squad was none other than Uchiha Fugaku—the current head of the Uchiha clan.
After listening to Akira's account of the previous night's encounter and the battle that followed—
Fugaku's impression of him changed noticeably.
"Since we've met, return to the unit, Akira."
"As for you two—you can either continue forward with us to the frontlines…"
"Or head back and regroup with the rear forces. They're less than two kilometers behind us."
Fugaku addressed Hyuga Koji and Uzuki Sena.
The two exchanged glances—
Then chose to return and regroup.
Before leaving, they both approached Akira.
"Even if it sounds unnecessary… thank you for saving us."
Hyuga Koji spoke sincerely.
"Me too. Thank you, Akira."
Uzuki Sena looked into his eyes, her clear gaze carrying unspoken emotion.
"Stay alive."
Akira's reply was simple.
After parting ways—
He was assigned to a new squad with three other Uchiha.
Separated from the main force, they headed toward another battlefield zone.
His teammates were Uchiha Tekka, Uchiha Inabi, and Uchiha Yashiro.
All three were in their early twenties—
Already Jonin-level ninja.
Each had awakened the two-tomoe Sharingan.
However—
Seeing Fugaku assign them to team up with an unknown like Akira—
They showed clear disdain.
"So you drove off the Seven Ninja Swordsmen by yourself?"
Uchiha Yashiro asked skeptically.
"How many tomoe does your Sharingan have?"
Uchiha Inabi questioned bluntly.
Sensing their tone, Akira answered calmly:
"I haven't awakened it yet."
"As for driving them off… just luck."
"I'll be relying on you all from here on."
The three exchanged glances—
Their eyes filled with contempt.
Still, they were all Uchiha—and on the battlefield.
So they held back.
"We're heading straight to the frontlines."
"Stay close and don't try to act tough."
"If we encounter strong enemies, leave them to us."
"I'll be leading this squad. You should know who I am, so I won't bother introducing myself."
"Move out."
Uchiha Tekka spoke decisively.
Akira didn't argue.
They moved at full speed.
By the time the sun rose fully—
They reached the eastern border of the Land of Fire.
"Beyond the forest lies the sea."
"Our mission is to strike the enemy's landing port."
"Destroy their ships and cut off the Hidden Mist's supply lines."
Tekka repeated the objective.
The others nodded.
"Stick close, kid. Don't overestimate yourself."
Inabi lightly patted Akira's shoulder.
But just as he finished—
Yashiro suddenly dropped from the tree, signaling caution.
"A Mist squad just landed. They're heading this way."
Everyone tensed instantly.
All four leapt into the trees, concealing themselves.
Akira expanded his perception—
Instantly detecting the enemy's exact location and numbers.
A four-man squad.
One leader, three subordinates.
They were advancing rapidly from the shoreline into the forest—
Heading straight toward them.
Judging by sound—
They were still over a kilometer away.
Quietly, Akira reached into his pouch—
And took out four kunai.
"Should we set a trap and blow them up?"
Yashiro suggested.
"No time."
Inabi shook his head.
Tekka added:
"One of them is likely a Jonin leader. The other three are unknown."
"Stay sharp."
Just then—
The enemy entered the forest.
And in that very instant—
Four kunai shot out.
Three struck like lightning—
Instantly hitting their targets and dropping them.
The fourth—
Was barely deflected by the squad leader.
The sudden turn of events stunned Tekka and the others.
They stared at Akira in disbelief.
Only after a few seconds did they recover.
"So he really is Jonin-level…"
Suppressing their shock, they turned their focus to the last enemy.
The Mist Jonin had already located them.
Raising his blade defensively, he called out:
"Impressive kunai."
"You're no ordinary ninja… who attacked just now?"
"A sneak attack? Heh…"
Akira stepped forward, meeting his gaze.
"That wasn't a sneak attack."
"It was me—Uchiha Akira."
He pointed his thumb at himself.
"Uchiha Akira?"
The enemy's pupils shrank slightly.
His gaze shifted toward the three figures behind Akira—
Three Jonin. One Chunin.
After assessing their strength—
Cold sweat formed on his brow.
Still—
He didn't take Akira too seriously.
How strong could a mere Chunin be?
He assumed the attack had come from one of the others.
"The Uchiha clan… the Hidden Mist will remember this."
"We'll meet again."
Realizing he was outmatched—
He threw down a smoke bomb.
Bang!
A cloud of thick smoke erupted.
Using the cover, he turned to flee.
"Cunning bastard!"
Tekka immediately gave chase.
But from within the smoke—
Three shuriken shot out.
Fortunately, he reacted in time.
Otherwise, he would have been killed instantly.
Just as the enemy was about to escape—
A muffled groan came from within the smoke.
Then—
Akira casually threw two more kunai forward.