Three days later, the mission to release the Three-Tails in the Land of Fire began.
This time, Uesugi Shinji led a ten-man squad on his own. Neither of his usual teammates was involved.
Kisame, gravely wounded, was still recovering in a hospital bed, while Rin had been temporarily reassigned by the Mizukage to a patrol mission. In truth, Uchiha Madara had arranged for Rin to be sent away to keep her keen observational skills from uncovering anything suspicious and disrupting his plans.
Before setting out from camp, Uesugi Shinji met the other squad assigned to support him. Its leader was none other than his former superior, Suikazan Fuguki.
Ninja missions often used a vanguard squad and a support squad to handle unexpected situations.
"Shinji, I never thought you'd be standing on equal footing with me after such a short time. We'll have to work together more often from now on." Suikazan Fuguki's ugly face twisted into a false smile.
Uesugi Shinji's expression remained unchanged, but he grew slightly wary. He'd known a squad would be assigned to support him, but he hadn't expected Suikazan Fuguki to lead it.
Uesugi Shinji had long sensed that Suikazan Fuguki resented him. The fat man was no saint, either. The village had made him head of the Assassination Squad for a reason: he was devious and ruthless.
"Then I look forward to working with you."
Uesugi Shinji replied flatly, then organized his squad and prepared to leave. His nature made him seem aloof and difficult to approach to outsiders.
Broad-minded people wouldn't take it to heart, but someone as narrow-minded as Suikazan Fuguki would hold a grudge.
Watching Uesugi Shinji and his squad leave, a murderous glint flashed in his eyes. He sneered inwardly. Still acting so arrogant with death at your doorstep!
After