"The forces in the south of the Land of Fire are complicated. It's not as chaotic as the north, where a dozen or so mid-sized clans are at each other's throats, but it's not much better. The Fuma, Aburame Clan, and Chiba Clan are the biggest powers there. The Fuma and Chiba were about evenly matched, while the Aburame were slightly weaker. But ever since we taught the Chiba a lesson twenty years ago, they've fallen to the bottom of the three. Who knows how much they've recovered by now? Still, with our strength, we should avoid conflict as much as possible, act quickly, and complete the mission."
Two figures were weaving through the forest when one of them spoke.
Shin glanced at him and replied, not sounding very interested, "Sure, sure. I'm just here to back you up this time. I'll follow your plan. I can't wait to get this over with."
Unlike Shin, who was less than enthusiastic, Madara was brimming with confidence and looked ready to take on the world.
The Uchiha Clan's lands lay not far from the center of the Land of Fire. Their destination, however, was in the southwest, farther away than the place where Shin had hunted the Blood Ninja last time. Even at their pace, it took them three whole days to reach the Uchiha Clan's border.
The two went to meet the Uchiha representative stationed there—the former Third Elder, Uchiha Yutaka. He was the one who had sent word back to the clan about the Hyuga Jonin's whereabouts.
Uchiha Yutaka was taken aback when he saw them, then gave a bitter smile. "Has the clan really gotten so short-handed? I clearly said we needed at least two Jonin."
It never felt good to be looked down on, but this wasn't his