Inside the sheltered cave, a sense of calm and warmth enveloped the three individuals. Outside, the chaotic world of multinational Shinobi engaged in ruthless battles in the Land of Rain.
The day passed quietly, transitioning into nightfall. Within the cave, the trio remained still, their focus solely on replenishing their energy with dry rations.
After numerous battles, their teamwork had evolved, fostering an unspoken understanding. With just a few gestures, they could convey their intentions to one another effortlessly.
Fugaku's exceptional performance in battle transformed the perception his two comrades had of him. Gone was the image of the young, reckless, and arrogant Uchiha they originally held. In Fugaku, they now saw a seasoned and deadly warrior with pride, yet devoid of arrogance.
Once again, they consulted their mission list, cross-referencing it with the map provided. The cave was a mere ten kilometers away from the designated meeting point indicated by Hatake Sakumo.
As they waited for the break of dawn, the meeting place was just a short distance away, promising a swift arrival.
Inside the cave, a hushed tranquility settled among the three, their focus shifting to conserving energy and restoring their vitality. In the midst of their gathering, these moments of respite were rare and precious. In times of war, even the simplest act of sleep became a luxury.
With the soothing melody of raindrops outside, Fugaku drifted into a peaceful slumber.
The Land of Rain neighbored a valley within the Land of Fire, concealing a hidden base. It served as Konoha's stronghold in the region, a gathering point for their Vanguard troops.
Within the base, Konohagakure Shinobi moved tirelessly. Some performed logistical duties, while others had already completed their assignments and gathered in advance.
As the early morning arrived, figures dressed in black silently emerged, making their way towards the camp.
Fugaku's team reached the forefront of the camp and entered the central tent, where Hatake Sakumo, along with other Shinobi, awaited the mission report.
"Reporting, Uchiha Fugaku leading the team," Fugaku stated as he stepped inside. "Here is the completed task scroll."
Taking the scroll, Hatake Sakumo passed it to a nearby Konohagakure Shinobi who broke the seal, revealing ten sealed bodies within.
An examiner stepped forward to inspect the corpses. After a brief examination, they provided the details.
"Sakumo-san, they have successfully eliminated four Ame Shinobi and six Iwa Shinobi, including three Jōnin and seven Chūnin."
Satisfied, Hatake Sakumo nodded and said, "Excellent. To possess such strength at the age of thirteen, the Uchiha Clan's reputation is well-deserved. Proceed to the logistics office to collect your tent and necessary supplies."
Fugaku detected a hint of excitement beneath Hatake Sakumo's composed demeanor. It appeared that not much hope was placed on the Uchiha Clan's ability to produce another prodigy, considering their recent decline after Uchiha Madara's departure.
However, only Fugaku knew that the Clan's journey towards revival had already begun.
The logistics office stood clearly marked, making it easy to find. Fugaku and his team were assigned to the tenth tent, matching their team number. It appeared that the tents were organized according to team assignments.
Each team was provided with a specific amount of supplies, including Kunai, Shuriken, Explosive Tags, and various gadgets. Each person received a bottle of medicine, to be used during missions.
These supplies were meant to last for one month, with the option to replenish them the following month.
In the bustling camp, shadows flickered as teams continued to gather and submit their tasks.
Fugaku gazed out from his tent and watched as silhouettes approached the task submission area. He wondered how many Uchiha clan members had survived this mission. While the mission didn't specify the strength of the target to be eliminated, accidents could happen during Shinōbi battles, leading to unexpected deaths.
The Uchiha clansmen selected for the Vanguard army were renowned elites within the Clan, capable of setting aside their arrogance when necessary.
Fugaku wished for none of his clansmen to perish in this simple test task. Dying in the very first mission would be a senseless and meaningless loss of life.
"Fugaku, it's not surprising that you made it through. With your strength, this simple task is nothing difficult," a voice exclaimed.
Fugaku turned to find Uchiha Kon standing right in front of him, wearing a smile on his face.
"It seems you've completed the task a while ago," Fugaku remarked. "Well, my team arrived just a step later than yours."
Kon chuckled. "Haha, I guess luck was on my side. We entered the Land of Rain and encountered a team from Sunagakure who had just finished a battle. It was like finding a free opportunity. My team was the first to submit the task so it is not just one step later, but many steps my young friend."
*Tick mark*
Fugaku nodded a bit annoyed and replied, "Yes, sometimes luck plays a part in one's strength rather than talent or skill."
"Haha, true. Fugaku, I've noticed you've been standing here for a while. Who are you waiting for?" Kon asked curiously ignoring Fugku's childish jab.
"No one in particular," Fugaku answered. "I'm just observing how many Clan members successfully completed the mission. Being selected for the Vanguard team means they're elite members of our family. It would be a shame if any of them died here."
Uchiha Kon nodded and said, "Now that you mention it, our clansmen have performed well this time. It's a shame about the one who died during the assembly mission. Even in death, Uchiha clan members should be remembered as formidable individuals, not to be underestimated in the ninja world."
As darkness fell, Uchiha Kon entered Fugaku's tent and shared what he had just learned.
Out of the 30 teams, 27 returned. The teams that didn't make it back will be treated as missing until their bodies or clues to their deaths are found. Among the 27 teams that returned, 2 failed to complete the mission, and 8 lost their lives in battle.
(A/N: Here is the Formula!! 3*30 - (9+8) = ???)
The Vanguard unit, consisting of 90 members, had 73 assembled and all Uchiha clan members accounted for. There were no reductions in their numbers.
The Uchiha Clan's Sharingan, ranging from one to three tomoe, provides a significant advantage in battles against opponents of similar levels. Its powerful insight and Genjutsu techniques catch enemies off guard effortlessly.
In the morning, the Fugaku squad received a notification to gather at Hatake Sakumo's tent for a new mission.
"It looks like we'll be busy in the future," Sato remarked. "I wonder what kind of tasks we'll be assigned."
Uchiha Fugaku stated, "As members of the Vanguard force, our main tasks are assassination, reconnaissance, and sabotage. We eliminate important officials and personnel from other countries and Hidden Villages, gather enemy intelligence, and destroy critical points and supply routes. These actions will give us leverage in future decisive battles."
Sato and Nozawa nodded, following Uchiha Fugaku out of the tent and making their way to Hatake Sakumo's tent.
"Excuse me, Sakumo-san, Uchiha Fugaku is here to receive a mission," the assistant said.
Hatake Sakumo's tent was occupied by Hatake Sakumo and a few staff members.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please send me Powerstones! I want to be in the top 100 on Webnovel.
"Hey there! Are you a fan of my work? Do you want to read ahead? Then consider becoming a patron on my Patreon page!"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My Patr(e)n Link:
https://www.patr(e)on.com/ikaru5
You can read at least 5+ chapters ahead.
Currently, Chapter 44 is online!!!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------