Finally Out of the Novice Village

The residence of the Uchiha Clan Head, Tajima.

"So, little Sosuke has come."

Today's Clan Head was unusually warm, as if the two shared a close bond.

Unfortunately, it was all just a facade. He was certain that Uchiha Tajima, despite his seemingly cheerful smile, was utterly calm inside, without a single ripple.

Otherwise, no matter how busy he was, he wouldn't have ignored a hero who saved the clan's future.

Knowing this well, Sosuke also put on a smile as if meeting a beloved relative: "Mm, I heard you were looking for me, so I came right away."

If you want to play this game, this young master will see it through to the end.

An old fox and a young fox, on this empty viewing platform, testing each other's acting skills.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, feeling the time was right, Tajima picked up an intelligence sheet from the table: "Take a look."

Someone had nearly stolen the clan's home base. Uchiha Tajima wouldn't let them off easily.

After a simple investigation, he successfully locked onto the target. The intelligence sheet recorded this person's information.

Yamanaka Koji, male, 38 years old. Recently held a secret meeting with the Senju Clan, suspected of finalizing this Uchiha Extinction Plan.

From the intelligence, it was inferred that the Senju's sudden withdrawal of troops was likely to provide support for this plan.

"The enemy knows us well, fully exploiting the Uchiha's traits." Tajima sighed. Anyone facing such an opponent would have a headache.

Sosuke silently repeated the name Yamanaka Koji a few times, committing it to memory.

The man who crippled him—if the chance came, he would personally settle that debt.

Placing the intelligence sheet back on the table, Sosuke asked, "What do we do next?"

"Hmph, blood for blood, of course." At this moment, the Clan Head's aura flared, his robes billowing without wind, his eyes flashing with the boldness of a true overlord.

He wouldn't just retaliate; he would use this opportunity to show everyone the consequences of opposing the Uchiha.

The Ino-Shika-Cho had always stood united. Attacking one would inevitably provoke the other two, but Tajima showed no concern.

Those fellows likely chose to act after being swayed by Senju Butsuma, buying into that nonsense about love and peace.

What a pity. In this world, only profit is eternal. The love the Senju displayed was merely their belief that it was the best way to win allies.

The weak always hope the strong will show respect and care about their feelings. The Senju exploited this human psychology.

If their plan succeeded, the Senju would immediately restart the war, joining forces with the Ino-Shika-Cho to encircle the Uchiha.

But now, things were different. Senju Butsuma wouldn't go to great lengths for a clan that couldn't even handle a small matter.

If the Uchiha wanted to fight, let them. The Ino-Shika-Cho were no pushovers. Whether they were wiped out or not, it would weaken the Uchiha to some extent.

Then, the Senju would step in, condemning the Uchiha's cruelty, preaching their ideals of love, and taking over the baton to continue the war.

Tajima, skilled in schemes and stratagems, could easily see through the opponent's plan.

But he couldn't control his clansmen's emotions. Even knowing a trap lay ahead, he had to grit his teeth and jump in with his eyes closed.

Glancing at the naive youth before him, the Clan Head shook his head without elaborating. Perhaps in his mind, even if he explained, Sosuke wouldn't understand.

Picking up another item from the table, Tajima personally placed it in the youth's hands and said earnestly, "This is a manual of ninjutsu insights I wrote myself. Read it slowly at home. I hope it helps you survive on the battlefield."

"Remember, life itself is a vast battlefield. You must constantly overcome yourself, hold fast to your heart, and forge ahead. The future of the Uchiha is in your hands."

With that, Tajima tossed him a third item.

"Uchiha Sosuke!" The Clan Head's tone suddenly turned stern.

"Here!"

"An urgent report from the Western War Zone. The Valley of Hell has seen frequent unrest lately. The clan has decided to send more ninja to suppress it. You will go with them."

I can finally leave the newbie village?

For a moment, Sosuke was so moved that tears welled up in his eyes. Seeing this, the stern-faced Tajima couldn't help but chuckle.

"It seems this kid has really been cooped up at home."

After the battle at the academy, Sosuke had proven his strength. With the clan in need of manpower, Uchiha Tajima decided to send out his three most outstanding youths to gain experience.

His eldest son was sent to the Southern War Zone to lead the extermination campaign against the Ino-Shika-Cho.

His second son, Izuna, was sent to a mine to clear out the rogue ninja and hostile clans that appeared from time to time.

Sosuke was sent to the Western War Zone to guard the Valley of Hell and continue fulfilling the mission entrusted by the Daimyo of the Land of Lightning.

In truth, the Uchiha's mission scope extended far beyond the Land of Fire.

Even the current Daimyo of the distant Land of Lightning would personally commission tasks. The specific mission was to oversee the "Chinoike Clan," a family of criminals exiled to the Valley of Hell.

Everything had been going smoothly until the supposedly penitent criminal clan suddenly showed signs of unrest, as if some were unwilling to continue suffering in that hell.

To strengthen control and give the young Sosuke some experience, this special mission was born.

Seeing him grinning from ear to ear, Tajima said flatly, "Remember, the mission's goal isn't slaughter. The Daimyo wants the Chinoike to languish in that hell for eternity."

"What a cold-hearted bastard."

"Who cares? As long as he pays."

That said, judging by the Clan Head's expression, his impression of that Daimyo of the Land of Lightning was probably just as poor.

No matter how much influence they wielded, in many people's eyes, ninja were nothing more than tools to be summoned and dismissed at will.

The Chinoike Clan had served the Daimyo for generations, and where had it gotten them? They ended up dying a miserable death.

So Tajima always insisted that the Uchiha must never align themselves with any Daimyo, no matter how high the price.

Watching the Youth walk away with light steps, Tajima sat back down in his chair, propping his cheek on one hand as if lost in thought.

The Ino-Shika-Cho were easy enough—if the Uchiha could free up their hands, dealing with those few wouldn't be a problem at all.

But the true instigator was always that rival clan to the east, the Senju of the Forest.

How to handle them—that was the real question Tajima needed to consider.

Having received his first mission, Sosuke was visibly excited.

Leaving the clan meant he would have plenty of opportunities to earn points.

Stationed at the Valley of Hell?

No problem. At worst, he could leave a Shadow Clone behind while his real body went out to find suitable prey.

He was already away from the clan grounds—what was a single order supposed to do to restrain him?

"Valley of Hell, Chinoike Clan... That name feels really familiar."