Danger Approaches, Planning for the Future!

Commander's tent.

Orochimaru exuded an indescribable gloom. After quietly listening to his subordinate's entire report, a strange smile finally appeared at the corner of his mouth.

"The ones who ambushed this small transport team were a squad of ten elite Sunagakure ninja?"

"A newly formed Genin squad managed to kill six elite Chunin from Sunagakure?"

"This is—getting more and more interesting!"

He couldn't help but lick his lips, revealing a chilling smile.

Picking up the mission scroll from his desk, Orochimaru began to carefully read the mission briefing, paying special attention to the section detailing Uchiha Jin's squad.

Two minutes later.

Putting down the scroll, Orochimaru's lips revealed a hint of surprise. "There's another Uchiha? And he's in the same squad as Hashirama's son? Old man, what exactly are you trying to do?"

As for this.

Toyama Ryuichi and the other surviving Jonin stood respectfully in place, quietly awaiting Orochimaru's decision.

After a long period of contemplation, Orochimaru spoke, "Takada Fujiwara's squad will be credited with one B-Rank mission."

"Other squad members will be credited with one C-Rank mission. Replenish the missing personnel within three days, and resume task assignments after three days."

"You may go."

After everyone had left, he picked up the mission scroll again and began to examine it carefully.

Orochimaru at this stage might not have been as obsessed with the Sharingan as he would be in the future, as he hadn't yet encountered Itachi, who would cast the Genjutsu "Tsukuyomi" on him. However, Uchiha Jin still managed to attract his attention.

Due to his research on Hashirama Cells, he had inadvertently discovered a few days prior that the Sharingan had an inhibitory effect on Hashirama Cells.

It was precisely because of this that he began to harbor some calculations regarding this emerging Uchiha prodigy.

"He awakened it at just five years old?"

"And it wasn't due to the death of a comrade, but merely the death of a passerby. Another Uchiha prodigy?"

"But it's still a bit hard to understand. The Uchiha clan hasn't discovered this prodigy yet, so how did that old fool Danzo find out first?"

"But—never mind!"

"Interfering prematurely doesn't serve much purpose. Let's wait until this kid is in danger."

Orochimaru's eyes were inscrutable.

Much like Uchiha Jin, even without any evidence, he immediately suspected Danzo of the bizarre ambush by Sunagakure.

However, he had no intention of intervening directly, and was even willing to actively publicize the matter.

A five-year-old Uchiha prodigy. He was very curious about what actions Danzo and the Uchiha clan would take upon hearing this news back in the village, and what his own teacher would think?

Although he had become interested in Uchiha Jin, he had no intention of interfering too much. After all, at this time, he was still aiming to become the Fourth Hokage, and his thoughts had not yet become as insane as they would in the future.

Meanwhile.

Inside Uchiha Jin's squad's tent, the atmosphere was rather tense.

"Without a doubt, the intel was leaked!"

"It's almost certain that the enemy came for us."

"Just as Nara Shikaichi analyzed, Sunagakure wouldn't need to deploy this level of ninja force for such a small transport team."

"It must be related to the bandits we wiped out last time, and it's highly likely that the people behind those bandits are seeking revenge."

"We must save ourselves!"

"Later, Shikaichi, find a way to scout out the power structure of this camp. Find out who the top individuals with command authority are."

"I, an Uchiha, can't do this, and Kakashi is also alone right now. Only you, a Nara Clan member, still have hope."

"However, don't rush!"

"According to the normal procedures for Konohagakure ninja, we should have at least a few days of rest. We must use this time to proactively find ourselves a stable mission as much as possible."

"Otherwise, I fear the enemy behind this will use their influence within Konohagakure to assign us a suicide mission next."

Uchiha Jin spoke eloquently.

Because he knew Danzo's personality and character, especially after learning about Root, he had indeed become quite anxious.

There was no other way!

He knew Danzo's madness.

He had previously pocketed over eight million Ryo from him, and this time he had exposed his Sharingan to protect himself. Given this man's distrust and madness towards the Uchiha, he would definitely try to kill him at all costs.

Furthermore, it was currently wartime, and Danzo was one of Konoha's elders. As long as he was willing, it would be very easy for him to seize this opportunity to kill him.

So, as he said, he had to save himself as soon as possible!

Meanwhile.

After hearing Lin Mo's analysis, Kakashi and Nara Shikaichi's expressions also turned grim.

Especially Kakashi!

Even though Lin Mo hadn't told him the cause of his father's death last time, these two simple missions alone made him deeply feel the darkness within Konohagakure.

Therefore...

He had already begun to vaguely sense the truth behind his father's suicide!

Nara Shikaichi nodded, "I have a clan uncle in the internal affairs department. My relationship with him is passable. I'll find a way to gather some information from him later."

"But I still don't quite understand. Even if we find out who has command authority, what meaning will that have for us?"

"None of us three have any power behind us. Do you think it'll give us the chance to pick our missions?"

Nara Shikaichi asked, somewhat confused, directly stating his thoughts.

And regarding this.

Kakashi seemed lost in thought. After all, he had actually seen his father's inheritance.

However, the problem was.

He wasn't actually too optimistic about that inheritance. After all, when a person dies, their light goes out. He didn't think his father's former subordinates would dare to help him at this critical juncture.

"Jin, do you really believe in that thing?" Kakashi asked, puzzled.

Uchiha Jin took a deep breath, then solemnly nodded, "Whether I believe it or not is meaningless. For us now, we can only take a gamble."

"Let's try!"

"What if it works?"

Uchiha Jin knew very well that if they didn't try, their next mission would be literally a matter of life and death.

So.

He could only try this once!

Hearing this, Kakashi couldn't help but sigh.

And on the other side.

Nara Shikaichi's eyes were full of curiosity, but he didn't continue to ask.

Because it was useless!

Since they didn't want to say, it must involve privacy.

Just then, Takada Fujiwara walked in, "Congratulations to the three of you. Lord Orochimaru has changed the mission to B-Rank!"