The assembled ninjas quickly fell silent and formed rows, eyes fixed on him. Sakumo, famed for his legendary swordsmanship, commanded immense respect in Konoha, even more so than the Sannin in some circles.
“Let’s start assigning teams,” Sakumo announced. “You have six days to build teamwork and learn each other’s strengths. After that, meet at the locations marked on your maps.”
A few ninjas moved through the crowd, handing each group a mission list. Fugaku received his and noted his assigned team members and mission details:
_____________________
Mission List: No. 019
- Captain: Fugaku Uchiha
- Team Members: Nozawa Aburame, Maru Sato
- Mission Objective: Enter the Land of Rain and eliminate three enemy ninjas.
- Gathering Point: Mountain forest in the Land of Rain
_____________________
Fugaku noticed the mission’s vague wording—no ranks were listed for their targets. He understood the intent: this wasn’t just about completing a mission but a test. Sakumo wanted each team to build trust through real combat. Each team would set its own standards, deciding whether to target weaker opponents or take on stronger ones.
A ninja wearing dark sunglasses and a hood approached Fugaku. “Captain, I’m Nozawa from the Aburame clan. My specialty is insect manipulation.” Nozawa held out his hand, showing a few kikaichu insects crawling over his palm.
Another figure stepped forward with a polite bow. “Captain, I’m Maru Sato, a Chunin. I’m skilled in Fire Release and kenjutsu.”
Fugaku nodded in acknowledgment. “I’m Fugaku from the Uchiha clan. My strengths are Sharingan-based genjutsu and Fire ninjutsu.”
They each introduced their skills—a necessary part of teamwork. Fugaku handed them the mission list. “Our goal is to reach the Land of Rain and eliminate three enemy ninjas. The strength of our targets isn’t specified.”
The two teammates exchanged glances, clearly understanding the purpose of the mission. Around them, other teams were also preparing, disappearing into the trees one by one. “See you in the Land of Rain, Fugaku,” called Jin, vanishing with his team.
“Let’s move out too,” Fugaku said to Nozawa and Sato. “Once we’re in the Land of Rain, we’ll discuss how to tackle the mission.”
“Understood,” both replied.
The three moved steadily through the forests of the Fire Country, keeping a moderate pace as they assessed one another, aware that this was their first mission together. Fugaku’s focus lingered on Maru, sensing a cautious air about him. His subtle behaviors hinted at experience beyond a typical Chunin. Fugaku suspected Sato might have ANBU experience, given his measured manner.
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Fugaku realized Sato was likely chosen for a reason. Perhaps the Third Hokage wanted someone trusted to observe Fugaku’s loyalty. Three days later, they arrived in the Land of Rain, where a steady drizzle soaked the ground. Fugaku grimaced slightly; missions in constant rain were exhausting, and they might not return to Konoha for some time if tensions led to war.
“The terrain here is tough,” Fugaku noted. “I know of some caves nearby we can use for shelter. Nozawa, can your insects handle this weather?”
Nozawa nodded. “I prepared some insects that are more resilient to rain. I’ll reinforce their defenses tonight.”
“Good,” Fugaku replied.
They found a dry cave nestled into the rocky terrain, marked the area for easy navigation, and set up a fire in the dim cave. Fugaku set a simple trap at the entrance—any intruder would trigger an alert, caught or not. Sitting around the fire, the three discussed their plan.
“Once we’re rested, we’ll scout the area,” Fugaku instructed. “Nozawa, you’ll use your insects to track enemy movements. Sato, watch for traps or ambushes. Our targets could be anyone from Chunin to Jonin, so we need to be cautious.”
Nozawa nodded. “Understood, Captain. I’ll send my tracking insects tomorrow to locate any foreign teams. They’ll return to us, especially if they spot a Jonin squad.”
As night fell, Fugaku mentally reviewed their plan, preparing to move. They advanced through the forest as silent shadows under the cover of night.
Soon, they encountered a small team from the Amegakure. Fugaku struck quickly, downing the first Chunin with ease, leaving the Ame ninja no time to react.
Amegakure Captain’s eyes widened in shock. “It’s the Uchiha from Konoha!” he yelled. “Konoha’s here—retreat!”
But Fugaku was faster, his hands moving in a blur.
Katon: Hōsenka no Jutsu!
Sparks erupted from Fugaku’s mouth, creating a line of flames that blocked the captain’s escape.
Trapped, he spun around, holding kunai in both hands. Fugaku’s Sharingan flared, analyzing his opponent’s moves. Locking eyes, he activated a genjutsu, casting a brief illusion. The Captain’s gaze clouded, his surroundings blurring just long enough for Fugaku to strike.
The Captain’s face showed despair, realizing the true power of the Sharingan. Tales of the Uchiha were common, but facing them in reality was overwhelming.
In his peripheral vision, Fugaku saw Nozawa and Sato battling the remaining Ame ninja, holding their own but unable to end the fight swiftly.
Fugaku knew he had to finish his battle soon. Gathering his energy, he locked his Sharingan onto the Captain and cast another illusion, then dashed forward with his Body Flicker Technique.
“Release!” the Captain shouted, breaking free of the illusion as it took hold. At the same moment, he formed a series of seals.
Ox, monkey, hare, rat, boar, bird…
His hands moved, completing forty-four seals.
Suiton: Suiryūdan no Jutsu!
The rain pooled into a massive water dragon that surged toward Fugaku, who was airborne with nowhere to dodge.
Fugaku responded with his own seals, taking a deep breath. Fire blazed from his mouth, clashing with the water dragon, creating a steamy haze around them.
[Killed a Jonin and gained a moderate amount of pupil power.]
His Sharingan felt renewed, his vision sharper than ever.
Nozawa and Sato had finished off the other Ame Chunin, now surrounding the final Chunin. The lone Rain ninja stood frozen, realizing his squad had fallen. “If you’re after information on the Rain Village, you won’t get it from me,” he spat. “The big nations never care about small countries. In every war, we’re the ones who suffer most.”
Fugaku held his gaze but said nothing. He knew that in war, no side was truly innocent. Power ruled, and survival often meant sacrificing others. As his Sharingan swirled, the Rain ninja’s eyes glazed over. In his last act of defiance, he bit down hard, spitting out blood and part of his tongue, determined not to reveal anything.
[Killed a Chunin and gained a small amount of pupil power.]