"Facing prejudice in the village is one thing, but even here, on the frontlines fighting for the village, the Uchiha still get singled out," growled Uchiha Byakuya, clearly frustrated. "I think Orochimaru's doing it on purpose. After all, he's the Hokage's student and bound to take his teacher's side."
"Watch your words!" Uchiha Fugaku glared at him sternly. "Don't speak recklessly. Perhaps this is just an ordinary mission, and it simply means there's someone more suited to lead this time."
"But…"
"No buts!" Fugaku cut him off, his tone firm. "Now go and prepare. We're moving out in ten minutes."
"Yes, sir…" Though visibly upset, Byakuya had no choice but to comply and gather the rest of the clan members.
As Fugaku watched his clansmen prepare, he couldn't help but sigh. The resentment among the Uchiha toward the village leadership was only growing. It pained him to think that even out here, risking their lives for the village, the Uchiha were still treated with suspicion.
Not long after, the assembled Uchiha, including Mikoto, gathered at the camp gate. Fugaku simply gave the order to move out. There was no need for speeches; the Uchiha didn't need words of encouragement. They set off from the camp under the watchful and often judgmental gazes of others.
Meanwhile, at the camp entrance, Takuya had been waiting alone for about ten minutes with no sign of his supposed teammates. Frustrated, he couldn't help but mutter to himself, "Damn it, Orochimaru. Are you messing with me?"
As if on cue, an Anbu operative appeared beside him. "Lord Takuya, your teammates have arrived."
Takuya shot him a skeptical look, his irritation evident, though the Anbu member's slightly awkward expression showed he had overheard Takuya's mutterings. Of course, Takuya had known he was nearby—he had cursed Orochimaru on purpose, hoping word would get back to him.
Just as he was about to ask who his teammates were, Takuya spotted a group of shinobi in distinctive purple attire, emblazoned with the Uchiha clan crest, approaching. He turned to the Anbu with a questioning look, pointing toward the group.
The Anbu confirmed with a nod, then promptly left.
"You've got to be kidding me," Takuya muttered, realizing Orochimaru had indeed assigned him a team of Uchiha to work with.
As they reached the entrance, Fugaku halted, and his clansmen followed suit. Standing at the back, Mikoto noticed Takuya waiting near the entrance and seemed momentarily stunned when he motioned for her to come over.
Takuya, seeing her hesitate, thought to himself, Come on, Mikoto, don't just stand there. Get over here.
He approached Fugaku, greeting him with, "I'll be counting on you for this mission, Lord Fugaku."
Fugaku, for his part, had not expected Takuya to be the mission leader. He was as surprised as Takuya had been that Orochimaru would pair them together.
Yet, despite his surprise, Fugaku refrained from showing any displeasure. Instead, he respectfully replied, "It's my duty to support."
The other Uchiha, though initially reluctant, gradually adjusted their expressions. Takuya's reputation and strength were well-known, and despite not being a full Uchiha, he carried their bloodline through his mother, Mikoto. With his close ties to Mikoto and his undeniable skill, seeing him as their team leader didn't feel unreasonable.
One could even argue that he was half an Uchiha, making him something of an insider to the clan. An Uchiha leading an Uchiha team? That makes sense, some of them thought.
"Alright, let's get moving," Takuya instructed. "I'll fill you in on the mission details along the way."
Time was of the essence, and he didn't want to waste a moment more. If they delayed too long, their targets might manage to cross into the Land of Fire, complicating matters significantly.
"Understood," Fugaku said, raising his hand. "Everyone, let's move out."
With that, the group left the camp, heading swiftly for the border of the Land of Bears. Luckily, they weren't in a desperate rush. As long as they arrived at the border before the enemy infiltrated the Land of Fire, they would be on schedule. Orochimaru's mission order specified the Land of Bears, indicating that their targets hadn't yet crossed the border into the Land of Fire.
Within half a day, they reached the border, and Takuya decided they should rest.
"Here, have some," Mikoto offered, handing Takuya a box of homemade baked goods.
Despite the difficulties of cooking in the camp, Mikoto was one of the few who still prepared her own food, though it seemed only Takuya received such special treatment. Takuya took a bite and praised her work.
"As delicious as ever, Mikoto. You really have a knack for this."
She shot him a knowing look. "Please. As picky as you are, you'd never settle for less. Besides, you cook better than me, so what's with the flattery?"
Takuya chuckled, noticing the approving gaze she gave him before she, too, began to eat. Just then, Fugaku approached them, prompting Mikoto to rise respectfully.
"There's no need for formality," Fugaku assured her, maintaining a genial demeanor. But Takuya couldn't help feeling mildly annoyed. Couldn't Fugaku see he was interrupting?
"Care for some, Lord Fugaku?" Takuya offered, extending the box of treats.
"Oh, um… No, thank you," Fugaku replied, waving his hand. "I just took a soldier pill."
Great, Takuya thought, not missing a beat as he put the box away. "By the way, soldier pills aren't exactly good for you if you can avoid them," he advised, directing his attention back to Fugaku. "So, what can I help you with, Lord Fugaku?"
Fugaku hesitated a moment, thinking, Not everyone has the luxury of gourmet meals on the battlefield, Takuya, before collecting himself. Battlefield or not, Takuya's insistence on keeping his standards high was almost admirable, if eccentric.
"Actually, Takuya, I wanted to ask about the mission details. Of course, if it's classified, pretend I wasn't here."
"It's not classified," Takuya replied, motioning for Mikoto to stay seated as she began to rise. "According to the intel, a significant number of enemies entered the Land of Bears via the sea. Their goal is to slip into the Land of Fire. Our job is to intercept and eliminate as many as possible before they reach our territory."
Fugaku, eager for more information, asked, "How many are we dealing with, and when did they arrive?"
_____________Offer_____________
The time is up, but since you are close to 1000 at 900, I will give you two more hours. Good luck!
___________________________
(P)(S): If you're interested, you can read up to chapter 380+ at Patreon com/ Emik01.
____________________________