Intercepting the Explosion Release Squad, Displaying Strength

[Ding! New A-Rank mission acquired: [Intercept the Explosion Release Unit]]

[Mission Name]: Intercept the Explosion Release Unit (A-Rank)

[Mission Difficulty]: A

[Mission Description]:

Recently, the Iwagakure Explosion Release Unit, led by the captain "Explosion Release: Hunting," has been frequently active along the border of the Land of Earth. They have repeatedly attacked Konoha's logistics supply lines and frontline outposts, causing severe casualties to our forces.

According to frontline intelligence, this unit intends to break through Konoha's blockade and head south to rendezvous with the main Iwagakure force, preparing to launch a new large-scale offensive.

Konoha High Command orders: Dispatch an elite squad to set an ambush in the Qionggu Ridge area on the border of the Land of Earth, block the Explosion Release Unit's southern route, and eliminate as much of their combat strength as possible.

[Mission Requirements]:

Rendezvous with the Konoha elite squad (Captain: Uchiha Fugaku, members: Aburame Shibi, etc.) and complete the defensive setup in the designated ambush area.

Coordinate with the squad in battle to repel or annihilate at least half of the Explosion Release Unit's combat strength.

[Mission Rewards]:

Copper Coin × 5,000,000, Ninja World Recruitment Scroll × 5, Random A-Rank Ninja Fragment × 5, A-Rank Mission Completion Count: +1 (Current 2/7), Gold Coin × 650

"Hmm? Intercept the Explosion Release Unit. Tsk, it seems this mission is most likely Sarutobi Hiruzen's handiwork. So be it. I already have some grudges with Explosion Release: Hunting anyway; it's the perfect chance to let him taste the power of this Susanoo!"

Looking at the mission before him, Uchiha Jun thought to himself.

Ever since he obtained the 'Skeleton Dog,' Uchiha Jun had also picked up the same "cool-guy" habits as Sasuke.

Although he wasn't arrogant enough to go blind from using Mangekyo within two weeks or cast Amaterasu on every stray dog he saw on the road, casually activating Susanoo for daily tasks had become standard procedure.

"Pfft--"

Hm?

Just as he was preparing to call Uchiha Hikari to head to the border of the Land of Earth with him, Uchiha Jun suddenly received intelligence transmitted back from his Shadow Clone.

It was much as he had guessed; this A-Rank mission was indeed commissioned by Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Otherwise, the missions his Shadow Clone would have picked up would have been ordinary assassination or escort tasks.

After all, a mission of this caliber—intercepting the Explosion Release Unit—was already at the pinnacle of A-Rank missions; any slight change could escalate it into an S-Rank mission.

Precisely because of this, such missions usually required an entire squad to execute together.

Considering his own peculiarities, Uchiha Jun preferred not to cooperate whenever possible.

However, this situation was special. Firstly, the mission was commissioned by Sarutobi Hiruzen, and secondly, Uchiha Fugaku would be leading this mission as captain.

Reasonably and emotionally, Uchiha Jun had no grounds to refuse.

"Hikari, come with me to the Land of Earth. I'll see if I can get you an 'identity' through Uchiha Fugaku."

"Mm!"

Deep within the dense forest on the border of the Land of Earth.

This area was located at the junction of the Land of Earth and the Land of Waterfalls, characterized by steep terrain, dense vegetation, and year-round thick fog.

The air was filled with the scent of damp soil and a certain indescribable metallic tang—the lingering traces of war.

A five-man squad of elite Konoha ninja was lurking on a hidden cliff, monitoring an Iwagakure unit resting in the valley below from a vantage point.

"Target confirmed: Explosion Release Unit. Led by elite Jonin, Hunting. Unit composition: three Jonin, nine Chunin, twelve Genin."

The speaker was Uchiha Fugaku.

He crouched behind a boulder at the edge of the cliff, clutching a reconnaissance report recently delivered by Konoha's intelligence department. His tone was steady, his gaze sharp. "According to intelligence, this unit just withdrew from the front lines of the Land of Grass two days ago and is now retreating through this valley toward the heart of the Land of Earth."

"Based on standard logic, they are likely planning to return to Iwagakure to resupply before being redeployed to the Kannabi Bridge defensive line."

A tall, thin Konoha Jonin—Aburame Shibi—stood behind him. His face was covered by his signature sunglasses, most of his head obscured by his high collar. He added in a flat tone, "However, I always feel that this unit's retreat route is a bit too 'neat,' as if they are deliberately exposing it to us. I think it's necessary to send some bugs over to scout."

Uchiha Fugaku nodded. "I think so too. We need to be cautious with this mission. We are in the shadows while they are in the light; we have plenty of opportunities."

"Gather as much intelligence as possible, and strike to kill when necessary!"

"Shibi, you are in charge of sensing. Deploy Kikaichu within a ten-kilometer radius around us to ensure our position isn't compromised."

As he spoke, his gaze shifted to a figure at the end of the squad.

"Jun, you are in charge of backup. If any main force members fall or lose combat capability, you need to step in immediately."

Uchiha Jun was leaning against a tree trunk. His combat gear had been replaced with the standard dark green Konoha flak jacket, and a ninja sword was strapped to his back—the very Nameless Kusanagi Sword that Orochimaru had given him. With his Konoha forehead protector hanging at his waist, he was closing his eyes, feigning sleep.

Hearing Uchiha Fugaku's voice, he opened his eyes and simply nodded. "Understood."

Uchiha Fugaku looked at Uchiha Jun's calm face, his mind filled with complex thoughts, but he betrayed no extra emotion on the surface.

The meeting ended quickly, and the other Jonin dispersed to hide at nearby observation points.

Only Uchiha Fugaku and Uchiha Jun remained on the cliff.

"Jun, come with me for a moment."

Uchiha Jun followed him through a patch of low-lying shrubs, arriving at a clearing deeper within the dense forest. It was empty and secluded, suitable for conversation.

Uchiha Fugaku stopped in front of a boulder and turned around. His calm, black eyes stared at Uchiha Jun, his tone carrying a rare hint of solemnity: "Jun, I have something to ask you."

"Please speak, Clan Head."

Uchiha Fugaku remained silent for a moment before speaking, his voice low and slow: "...How far can those eyes of yours see now?"

The expression on Uchiha Jun's face did not change, but he silently calculated in his heart.

Uchiha Fugaku is probing me. Given his status and position, asking this question means the pressure he faces from within the clan and from the Hokage faction has increased significantly.

Shimura Danzo?... Right, aside from the Uchiha's Sharingan copying ability, there is no other explanation for being able to use his signature jutsu.

But I used Vacuum Blade earlier... Heh, it seems the Hokage faction is using this as an excuse to further pressure the Uchiha!

Interesting. The situation among Konoha's upper echelons is on the verge of turmoil. With this solo mission, the Daimyo's side certainly won't let it rest. It seems it is time to enter the fray.

Uchiha Jun feigned hesitation for half a second, then raised his eyes to meet Uchiha Fugaku's gaze.

Within those eyes, the originally pitch-black pupils shifted quietly—one, then two.

Three black tomoe, like a fan unfolding in the night, quickly connected and arranged themselves in a perfect triangle, rotating slowly.

Uchiha Fugaku's pupils constricted sharply.

Three-Tomoe Sharingan!

The ocular power displayed by Uchiha Jun left Uchiha Fugaku completely stunned. It was a shock that reached deep into his marrow—this was an Uchiha clansman who, not long ago, was a dead-last student who could barely spit out a Great Fireball.

He had originally assumed Jun lacked the talent for the Sharingan and only possessed outstanding aptitude for Water Release and taijutsu.

He never expected that after executing a few missions, Jun would have awakened the Sharingan!

And it was a Three-Tomoe!

Could it be that the pressure brought on by Orochimaru was too great?

"When did you awaken your eyes?"

Uchiha Fugaku's voice was somewhat unsteady, carrying a rare lack of composure. "Was it during your first mission with Orochimaru, or after you clashed with those Iwa-nin Jonin? Or—"

"During my time at the Ninja Academy. After I broke the limbs of a guy who provoked me, I felt these eyes awakening in my bloodline, as if I were looking at a brand-new world."