S-Rank Mission: The Strange Disappearances

"You little brat, you're far too clever for your age."

A faint blush flashed across Oda Misuzu's cheeks. She wanted to pinch Itachi Uchiha's face to punish him a little, only to find that the boy had already run over to their captain.

For Anbu Squad Six to appear here so openly was an extremely rare occurrence in the Uchiha Clan's residential district and autonomous zone.

"What happened?"

Itachi tidied up his appearance slightly, tying back his long hair and using chakra from his face to adhere the scarlet full-moon mask. In that instant, a cold, murderous air settled over him.

"It's an S-rank mission!"

Kakashi spoke gravely. As soon as he finished, the Anbu members beside him all sucked in sharp breaths.

It looked like another major job was waiting for them.

No wonder an entire five-man squad from Squad Six had been dispatched to work together.

Itachi was also slightly stunned, then gave a bitter smile beneath his mask.

As expected, they're even more ruthless than capitalists. I just took the job, and they're already making me do something this dangerous for free. Still, this works out. I've been wanting to see what the Anbu are capable of.

"See for yourselves. This matter will be handled jointly with the Uchiha police force. Since Itachi is in our squad, many things will be much more convenient."

Kakashi handed over the relevant scroll, and Itachi hesitated slightly.

The moment he looked at it, he was shocked.

[Konoha Missing Persons Records]

[Hyuga Clan missing persons: 6]

[Inuzuka Clan missing persons: 3]

[Uchiha Clan missing persons: 4]

[Total missing persons: 67]

There was reason to suspect that a large number of enemy ninja had infiltrated Konoha Village to carry out sabotage!

How was that possible?

This was peacetime. Who would dare challenge Konoha Village of the Land of Fire, the dominant power of the Third Shinobi World War?

Moreover, without exception, the missing were mostly elite genin and chunin. In some smaller nations, people like them would have been enough to become the strongest fighting force—or blades capable of destroying a country.

And the Sharingan of his clan was involved. The Uchiha Clan would never allow outsiders to casually obtain their bloodline limit.

"This is a serious matter. Lord Hokage has expressed great concern. Don't let your guard down."

After warning them, Kakashi formed hand seals and slammed his palm against the ground to perform a summoning. Blood-red cursed-seal barrier markings immediately spread across the ground. With a bang, a pack of ninja hounds appeared and swiftly began searching the area for scents.

[Host, please take note!]

[The Uchiha Clan bound to you has suffered casualties.]

[Deaths: 2. Kidnapped: 2.]

[Prosperity points: -3]

[Your physical condition has dropped to sub-health!!!]

[Please remain alert for unnatural deaths within the Uchiha Clan.]

The system panel suddenly appeared in Itachi's mind. His consciousness wavered, and he felt his body becoming heavy and stiff. Tianye, beside him, noticed that something was wrong with her Anbu companion.

She asked softly, "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell somewhere?"

"No. Let's go look for clues."

Itachi took a deep breath and shook his head. Then, the group's figures suddenly vanished from sight.

Inside the ramen shop, Uncle Ichiraku cheerfully served customers from all walks of life. The daily traffic passing through his shop was astonishing.

But the recent postwar slump had left Uncle Ichiraku looking much more troubled.

After all, once war broke out, livelihoods withered away. Everyone ended up eating grass, and common folk had to tighten their belts just to survive. Who would still be in the mood for ramen?

"Welcome inside, young customer. Sir, what would you like—"

When he saw Itachi's ninja attire, especially the expensive leg wraps and exposed short blade, Uncle Ichiraku, who was usually good at reading people, naturally understood that this was an honored guest he could not afford to offend.

Besides, the Hokage had long issued instructions regarding Anbu members: seeing the Anbu was the same as seeing the Hokage in person.

"I'm only here for a bowl of beef offal ramen. Just treat me like an ordinary person. I didn't have time to change out of these clothes."

Itachi waved a hand and sat down directly.

This S-rank mission had no leads at all. Rather than run around like a headless fly and wear himself out doing grunt work, he might as well enjoy himself here and have some sake.

He was simply slacking off reasonably.

Taverns were the best places for information. It was already pretty restrained of him not to go to drinking houses, hot spring bathhouses, or brothels.

"Coming right up! One fragrant bowl of beef offal ramen!"

The noodle broth came with rich beef offal and scallion aromas. Golden beef fat floated on top, giving off a mouthwatering fragrance, while steam rose from the noodles with an enticing scent. The hearty assortment of toppings and mushrooms, mixed with cumin and spicy seasoning at the side, made one imagine the pleasure of slurping down those smooth, refreshing noodles. It was enough to make the whole body feel blissful.

At the mere sight of it, Itachi's little stomach began to rumble wildly.

"Bring me three more large bowls."

Itachi tossed his money pouch onto the table and patted his stomach, looking utterly satisfied.

He was still growing, so of course he needed to eat more. Besides, a ninja with brains couldn't just think about fighting and killing. Otherwise, he would spend his whole life licking blood off a blade and working himself to the bone.

He needed to understand investment!

"Wouldn't that be a bit much?"

Uncle Ichiraku scratched his head. He had once been a field cook for ninja troops, so he naturally knew how much ninja could eat. If Itachi kept eating like this and got fat, he might not even be able to climb trees to hide anymore.

"Boss, have you seen any of these people recently?"

Itachi laid out a series of lists and intelligence reports before him. Since he had patronized the man's business, Uncle Ichiraku would naturally cooperate accordingly.

The world wasn't just about fighting and killing. It was about connections and favors. Hmm~~~

"I've seen this person. Recently, around here... I remember him. He probably isn't from the Land of Fire. He didn't have that sort of scent. As for the others, I really don't know. Business hasn't been good lately. It seems like nobody likes eating ramen anymore. Sigh..."

Uncle Ichiraku gave an awkward laugh. As Itachi stared at him steadily with those calm eyes, he increasingly felt a panicked sense of exposure rising within him. Could it be...

Was he about to be found out???

"Thank you for your cooperation."

Itachi recorded the information he had gathered onto a scroll, then nodded slightly as he stared thoughtfully at Uncle Ichiraku.

"You said business hasn't been good. Does that mean something is wrong? How about I invest some money and become a shareholder to help you get through this difficult time?"