In the early morning, the Konoha base in the Land of Rain was filled with activity. Shinobi completed missions, logisticians managed supplies, and returning teams submitted their reports.

When Fugaku’s team arrived at the camp, they headed to the main tent where Hatake Sakumo was stationed. "Fugaku Uchiha, reporting with the team," Fugaku said as they entered, handing over their mission scroll.

Sakumo nodded and passed the scroll to another ninja to review. After unsealing it, ten bodies were revealed within—four Rain shinobi and six Iwa shinobi, including three Jonin and seven Chunin.

Sakumo raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "Completing a mission like this at your age is no small feat. The Uchiha name is well-earned. Head to the logistics office for your tents and supplies," he instructed, a hint of respect in his typically calm voice.

Fugaku felt a swell of satisfaction. This mission was only the beginning of what he hoped would be a resurgence for the Uchiha clan. The logistics office was easy to spot, marked with a clear sign. They were assigned a tent, matching their team number, and given a month’s worth of supplies: kunai, shuriken, explosive tags, and military ration pills for energy on missions.

The sound of footsteps filled the air as other teams arrived to report their own missions.

Watching the returning groups, Fugaku scanned for other Uchiha clan members, curious to see how many had survived. While the mission wasn’t meant to be deadly, any mission could take a turn for the worse. The clan members chosen for the vanguard were all highly skilled, and Fugaku hoped none of them would fall on such a routine task.

A familiar voice interrupted his thoughts. "Fugaku, I knew you’d finish the mission," said Jin, grinning. "We’re just a bit ahead of you; we got lucky and found a Sand team that was already worn down. Easiest mission hand-in ever."

"Luck can be part of strength sometimes," Fugaku replied with a nod and a smile.

Jin looked around, noticing Fugaku’s alert gaze. "Waiting on someone?"

"Just checking to see how many of our own made it back. All of the Uchiha here are veterans, and it would be a waste if anyone died in a mission like this," Fugaku replied.

Jin’s smile faded into a more serious look. "You’re right. It’s a shame for anyone to fall in a simple gathering mission. The Uchiha should only fall in battles worthy of their name."

As dusk settled, Jin returned to Fugaku’s tent with some news. "There were 27 teams in total, but only 23 made it back. Two teams failed their mission, and eight shinobi died. So, of the 90 vanguard members, 73 assembled here. Fortunately, every Uchiha completed their mission and returned safely."

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Fugaku nodded, relieved. The Sharingan, with its one-to-three tomoe, gave Uchiha an edge in combat, helping them see through enemy movements and use illusions that often caught foes off guard.

The next morning, Sakumo summoned Fugaku’s team to the main tent, ready to assign their next mission.

Fugaku called out upon arrival, "Sir, Fugaku Uchiha reporting as ordered."

Inside, Hatake Sakumo was waiting with some staff. He nodded and motioned for them to wait. "Hold on; let’s wait for everyone else to arrive before we start."

Fugaku sensed that this mission wasn’t for just a three-person squad but a larger, combined team effort. He wondered how the groups would be organized for this critical operation. Moments later, a young Jonin from the Hyuga clan entered the tent, leading two others. "Team Ning Hyuga, reporting in."

Fugaku watched as the Hyuga Jonin, Ning, stood tall. Ning was a few years older than Fugaku and known as a prodigy within the Hyuga clan, mastering the Gentle Fist technique at an early age. Fugaku couldn’t help but notice the interesting dynamics at play. Both the Uchiha and Hyuga clans were considered the strongest in Konoha, leading to an underlying rivalry. He wondered if Konoha’s leadership had intentionally paired the two clans on this mission to see how they’d work together under pressure.

Two more ninjas entered shortly after. These were Chunin from a fallen team that had been ambushed on a previous mission. They introduced themselves formally, "Yamada Shinji and Maru Koda, reporting in."

Sakumo nodded, looking over each team member. "Now that everyone is here, let’s go over the situation in the Land of Rain. We’ve lost several three-person squads. Fugaku, you’ll lead this team. Ning Hyuga, you’ll serve as vice-captain."

Sakumo handed a mission scroll to Fugaku, who quickly unrolled it. It displayed a map with a marked location—a hidden Sand Village supply base holding vital materials for their forces.

"Your task is to locate and destroy this supply cache, disrupting their supply chain. This will give us a strategic advantage."

Fugaku nodded. This wouldn’t be an easy mission; the stronghold would be well-guarded and possibly resupplied at any time. It would be a serious test, especially with a mixed team.

Back in their tent, Fugaku decided it was time to gauge the team’s abilities. "Before we go in blind, let’s introduce ourselves and share our skills so we can work smoothly together." He began. "I’m Fugaku Uchiha, your captain. I specialize in Fire Style jutsu and Sharingan-based illusions."

Ning stepped forward next. "Ning Hyuga, skilled in Byakugan and Gentle Fist combat."

"Shinji Yamada," one of the new members said. "I’m good with Earth Style and my family’s sword techniques."

"Understood." Fugaku nodded as each member introduced themselves:

- Koda: "Water Style techniques."

- Nozawa, from the Aburame clan: "Insect manipulation."

- Sato: "Fire Style and swordsmanship."

- Dayo Garo: "Earth Style and sealing jutsu."

- Yuan Yemu: "Fire Style and swordsmanship."

With everyone introduced, Fugaku opened the scroll again, showing them the map and their target. "This Sungakure supply point is in the southwest, near the Land of Rivers border. From our current position in the southeast Land of Rain, it’ll take some time to cross over."

He met each ninja’s gaze with a serious look. "Be ready for anything; this mission is a big test for all of us. Get ready to move out in ten minutes."

The rain drizzled down as the Konoha team moved silently through the muddy terrain. Nozawa’s insects buzzed around them, acting as both scouts and early warning systems.