Maple Special Operations Squad

Soon after, a mountain breeze drifted past, carrying a touch of coolness. Uchiha Feng stood atop the mountain behind Konoha, gazing out at the rolling peaks in the distance.

He wore a black robe, its hem swaying gently in the wind, making him seem both mysterious and imposing.

His long hair was parted down the middle and casually draped over his shoulders. Under the sunlight, he looked especially handsome.

His face was identical to Uchiha Itachi's. The only difference was that his clear features lacked tear troughs, instead carrying a hint of youthful vigor and vitality.

Just then, faint footsteps sounded behind him, and a figure appeared at his back like lightning.

She was a short-haired female ninja dressed in a form-fitting shinobi outfit that perfectly outlined her fiery figure, radiating incomparable confidence and charm.

Her features were exquisite and beautiful, while her eyes gleamed with three-tomoe Sharingan, carrying a trace of sharpness and resolve.

She was Uchiha Yanwu, captain of the Maple Special Operations Squad.

Over the past few years, under Uchiha Feng's careful training, this squad had become an elite team that obeyed only his orders and possessed formidable combat strength.

As its captain, Uchiha Yanwu not only possessed outstanding strength, but was also the soul of the Maple Squad.

Uchiha Yanwu frowned slightly and said seriously, "Lord Feng, Orochimaru's danger cannot be underestimated. I sincerely suggest that you keep your distance from him to avoid unnecessary trouble."

Uchiha Feng remained calm, a profound glint in his eyes. "Yanwu, thank you for your concern. But no matter how dangerous Orochimaru is, I am ten thousand times more dangerous than he is."

Hearing this, Uchiha Yanwu froze for a moment. After a while, she carefully asked, "Lord Feng, are there any more missions we need to carry out?"

Uchiha Feng gave a slight nod, his gaze blazing as he stared straight ahead. "Is the Third, Hiruzen Sarutobi, still alive?"

Uchiha Yanwu quickly shook her head, her tone resolute. "Hiruzen Sarutobi has not died yet. Do you need me to deal with him?"

Uchiha Feng slowly shook his head. His voice was calm, yet carried unquestionable resolve. "No need. Just continue monitoring his movements. Unless something unusual happens, there is no need to report to me."

Uchiha Yanwu said seriously, "A delegation from the Hidden Cloud Village of the Land of Lightning will soon arrive in Konoha. Should we monitor them?"

Uchiha Feng paused slightly, his brows tightly furrowed as he asked, "A delegation from the Hidden Cloud Village? What is the purpose of their visit? Why have I heard nothing about this? Could it be..."

Uchiha Yanwu interrupted with a hint of apology. "My sincerest apologies. The Maple Squad has been severely understaffed lately, which delayed the delivery of intelligence. I'm sorry!"

Uchiha Feng gently shook his head, wearing a mild smile as his tone softened. "It's all right. My requirement is for every member of the Maple Squad to reach Kage-level strength within ten years. As for the squad's numbers, there is no need to be overly concerned."

Although the Maple Squad did not have many members at present, Uchiha Feng knew well that mediocre people with weak strength were useless in the world of shinobi. They would be wiser to remain safely sheltered, relying on the protection of others.

The cruelty of the shinobi world needed no explanation. Without great strength, survival would be unimaginably difficult.

Uchiha Feng frowned and asked again, "How is Naruto Uzumaki doing now?"

Uchiha Yanwu pondered for a moment before answering, "Nothing unusual at the moment. Naruto Uzumaki is only three years old. Although he is mischievous and often receives scornful looks from the villagers, he has not accumulated much hatred. Recently, he had an encounter with the eldest daughter of the Hyuga Clan, Hinata Hyuga..."

Uchiha Feng nodded, turning his gaze toward the distance again as though contemplating something. "Then when is the Hidden Cloud Village delegation expected to arrive in Konoha?"

Uchiha Yanwu replied, "In roughly ten days. They will officially arrive in Konoha and sign a peace treaty with Konoha."

Uchiha Feng's brows drew together as he stared at Uchiha Yanwu before him. Although her beauty and graceful figure were captivating, he still asked in an indifferent tone, "Yanwu, is there anything else?"

Uchiha Yanwu fell silent for a moment. Confusion flashed through her eyes before she spoke. "Lord Feng, why did you kill Danzō? Since you had already acted, why not simply finish off the Third Hokage? And what was your reason for cooperating with Orochimaru?"

Uchiha Feng was somewhat surprised by such a blunt question. He had not expected her to raise such sharp doubts.

With a soft sigh, he slowly answered, "Because... I love the Uchiha. I love Hidden Leaf Village..."

Uchiha Yanwu grew even more confused and pressed on, "Then why did you kill Danzō and severely wound Hiruzen Sarutobi? I truly cannot understand any of this!"

These contradictions kept circling in her mind. If he loved Hidden Leaf Village, why would he deal such ruthless blows to its core figures? None of it seemed logical.

Uchiha Feng shook his head slightly, trying to explain with an analogy. "Imagine that countless rats appeared in your household rice jar. What would you do?"

"Of course I'd kill those rats..." Uchiha Yanwu answered somewhat impatiently. "But what does that have to do with loving the village?"

Uchiha Feng immediately felt helpless, faint black lines appearing across his forehead. "You still don't get it???"

"Uh, I really don't!" Uchiha Yanwu covered her forehead in grievance, a trace of innocence showing on her face.

Uchiha Feng sighed and patiently explained, "Let us compare the village to a rice jar, while those who wholeheartedly devote themselves to the village are the rice. Then tell me—which people in the village do you think are the rats?"

Uchiha Yanwu suddenly understood, a bright glint flashing through her eyes. "I understand." Her thoughts surged like a tide, but at that moment, the sound of something slicing through the air rang out. Three sharp shuriken flew toward Uchiha Feng like lightning.

"Watch out!" Uchiha Yanwu's heart tightened. She reacted almost instinctively, hurling the three shuriken in her hand without hesitation.

Her movements were smooth and swift, like a cheetah seizing its prey in an instant.

The two sets of shuriken collided in midair with a ringing clash. Sparks scattered in every direction, forming a blinding shower of light that blocked the sudden attack.

Tension filled the air, as though even time had frozen in that moment.

Uchiha Yanwu burned with rage, her gaze blazing as though it could set the air around her aflame. She shouted, "Who is it? Get out here! How dare you attack Lord Feng—you have a death wish!"

Just then, the distant sky seemed to sink as a powerful gust of wind swept in like a raging tide, bearing down directly upon Yanwu.

"Wind Release—Great Breakthrough!" The voice was filled with boundless hatred as a violent gale rose, carrying sand and leaves as it swept toward them.