Within the Land of Fire.
Deep in the dense forest, a four-person Konoha Ninja squad moved swiftly through the trees. This was the most common type of mission squad in Konoha these days: one senior Jonin leading three young Genin.
"Captain Fugaku, there's something I've always wondered. Why would someone like you, a member of the Uchiha Clan, lead a squad on missions?"
At the back of the squad, a curious boy wearing a blue headband and dark glasses asked the question. The three Genin accompanying Uchiha Fugaku were all the same age. The boy who had spoken was only twelve or thirteen, but he'd already been a Genin for some time.
"Ebisu, you've been wondering about that for a long time, haven't you?"
"It's no secret. The village is short on fighting strength right now. Even though I'm an Uchiha, I can't just sit around in the village and do nothing at a time like this."
"For now, I'm only acting as your Jonin instructor, taking you on a few simple missions. Before long, I'll be heading to the front lines in the Land of Lightning with that unit."
Uchiha Fugaku seemed to be in a good mood as he answered with a smile.
He'd already received his orders. The Hokage had assigned him to Uzumaki Kuming's unit, and once this mission was complete, he'd join up with them and head to the front lines. Fugaku had been looking forward to seeing his old friend again after so long.
"Ebisu, stop thinking about all that. It's an honor for us to go on a mission with Lord Fugaku!"
"Lord Fugaku is a powerful ninja who helped kill the Four-Tails Jinchuriki on the Land of Earth battlefield."
"Guy, didn't your father take part in that battle too? They're heroes of