Chapter 93

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"Earth Release: Great Earth Demolition Jutsu!"

Outside the barrier, a large group of rock ninjas formed seals together, aligning themselves in specific positions. They mobilized their chakra to perform this large scale earth ninjutsu.

As they pressed their hands to the ground, the land surrounding the barrier began to rise slowly. When it reached about ten meters high, the elevated ground split neatly in half and fell to the left and right sides. This was a common method for Iwa Ninja to handle barriers, as most barriers rely on the earth as their support. While Iwa Ninja might not excel at breaking barriers directly, they are experts at altering the terrain.

As the ground split in half, the weight of the earth itself caused the barrier to fluctuate violently. Its once boxy appearance began to warp under the immense pressure, as if it would break at any moment.

Crack! Crack! Crack!

Like breaking glass, the barrier developed huge cracks, similar to a frozen lake shattering under a heavy boulder.

Then…

Boom! A sharp sound resonated.

"The barrier is broken. Everyone, prepare!"

After witnessing the barrier's destruction, Jonin Akaashi began organizing the rock ninjas for the next phase. They were unaware of the stronghold's internal situation but knew it was dire. Being cautious was always wise.

Before they could enter the stronghold, a violent gust of wind swept across the area, scattering them.

"Damn it! We're too late…" Akaashi shouted, steadying himself and shielding his face from the wind. He realized they had arrived too late.

"This… summoning beast… was this done by the Uchiha team with the bounty on them?"

Looking at the massive bird stirring up the wind and soaring high, Akaashi did not pursue it. Despite his ability to fly using the Light and Heavy Rock Technique taught by Tsuchikage, the speed of a chakra using flying animal was beyond his reach.

"I finally completed this mission. Although it was a bit delayed, it's no big deal," Toshiro thought as he left the ground, sitting on the back of Yamawashi. He looked at the Iwa Ninja below, reflecting on the mission's success. If not for the numerous exploding tags and barrier ninjutsu he employed, completing the mission would have been impossible. The rock ninjas, known for their group tactics, would have overwhelmed the stronghold before he had a chance.

...

A strong wind blew as Toshiro and his team landed at the Uchiha camp before dawn.

"It's time for breakfast! Toshiro… Don't forget your promise!" Yamawashi said impatiently, drooling at the thought of human-cooked delicacies compared to its usual sea fish.

"Got it! Since you're already hungry, why don't you catch the prey? Then we can cook it together." Toshiro suggested, rolling his eyes. Despite his annoyance at the bird's demands, he knew it could barbecue its food. The eagle's massive size, with a wingspan of nearly fifty meters and a height over twenty meters, meant it had an enormous appetite.

Without further complaint, Yamawashi flew off to hunt. Watching it disappear, Toshiro envied its freedom. Unlike the eagle, he had many responsibilities as a human.

"Kirishima, I'll leave the rest to you! I have to see the clan leader," Toshiro said. Although he completed the mission, he exceeded the allotted time. Despite the clan's protection, it was important to report.

He walked toward the largest tent in the camp.

"Excuse me!" Toshiro announced at the tent's entrance, pausing briefly before entering. Inside, Uchiha Fugaku, the young clan leader who succeeded Shigeyama, greeted him. Fugaku, only 25 years old, looked much older due to the stress of prolonged war, clan casualties, and village pressure.

"Toshiro, welcome! You haven't had breakfast yet, have you? Let's have a simple meal here," Fugaku said, forcing a smile despite his fatigue. He had been busy all night and had little time to rest.

"Mikoto, please prepare some breakfast. Toshiro and I have matters to discuss," Fugaku instructed his wife. He understood that Toshiro had important news, though its nature was uncertain.

"Thank you, Mikoto-sama," Toshiro said as he took a seat. He appreciated the hospitality and preferred straightforward interactions. Uchiha Mikoto nodded in greeting before leaving the tent to prepare.

Uchiha Mikoto, on the front lines, was not dressed like the housewife depicted in the original series. Her shoulder-length hair was tied into a ponytail. She wore a Konoha forehead protector, a green ninja vest, and a ninja sword slung around her waist. This attire gave her a serious appearance, quite different from her gentle and virtuous portrayal in the original story.

"Hope your mission went well," Fugaku asked Toshiro as soon as Mikoto left. He was aware of the mission Toshiro and the others had undertaken.

Before embarking on the mission, Toshiro had informed his clan about it. He didn't care about keeping it a secret, as sharing mission details was a common practice among clan ninjas, not just the Uchiha.

"The mission went relatively smoothly, with no irreparable casualties," Toshiro reported.

"That's good news," Fugaku responded, visibly relieved. Since assuming the role of clan leader, the increasing pressure from the village has led to a significant rise in casualties in the clan. Although they were all striving to end the war, the Uchiha clan bore a heavy burden.

"Even though the mission was successful and no casualties occurred, there is still something..." Toshiro paused, gauging Fugaku's reaction. He was concerned about his new clan leader's stance.

"You don't need to worry. The absence of casualties is the best news. If there are any issues, I'll take care of them," Fugaku assured him. As the new leader of the Uchiha clan, he had faced the brutal realities of war. As long as there were no significant casualties, he could manage the situation.

"The mission took longer than expected. There might be some complaints from the village," Toshiro continued, explaining the mission details to Fugaku, who had an understanding of the mission but was unaware of the extended duration.

"I understand. I will explain the situation to the village," Fugaku said. As a member of the Konoha Police Force and a captain, he had some influence, unlike those on the mission team.

Seeing Fugaku's reassuring attitude, Toshiro felt relieved. It seemed that the new patriarch was competent and protective of his clan members.

"I am impressed by your strength, Toshiro. Many in the clan thought your mission might fail with significant casualties. I didn't expect you all to return safely. This is unexpected but certainly a cause for celebration," Fugaku said, his face showing relief. Toshiro, being his uncle's disciple, was closely connected to their clan. His strength was good news for the clan in these troubled times.

However, Fugaku's expression changed, and Toshiro sensed something amiss.

"Did something bad happen?" Toshiro asked, anticipating unwelcome news.

"Uchiha Satoshi has died," Fugaku revealed.

Toshiro's expression stiffened upon hearing the news, taking a moment to process it. "Did Satoshi-sensei also die in battle?" he asked after a long pause, his voice filled with sorrow and lamentation. He sat quietly, reflecting on his memories with his sensei, who had taught him and his teammates a lot.

Although they hadn't spent much time together, the memories were unforgettable. Satoshi's sincere teachings, gentle guidance, and extra care left a lasting impression on Toshiro. The news of his death was a significant emotional blow.

"With Satoshi-sensei's strength, how could he suddenly die in battle?" Toshiro asked, wanting to understand the circumstances.

Fugaku closed his eyes for a long moment before answering, "It's my fault. In the battle the day before yesterday, to save me..."

Fugaku explained that during the previous battle, he had recklessly ventured far into enemy territory because of the casualties among his clan members. Satoshi risked his life to protect him, allowing him to escape, but succumbed to his injuries upon returning to the camp.

"Is that so..." Toshiro murmured, lost in thought. Although saddened by Satoshi's death, he remained composed, having witnessed similar tragedies on the battlefield.

"Who is the killer?" Toshiro asked, determined to seek revenge for his sensei.

"The elite Iwa ninja responsible was killed on the spot," Fugaku responded. Despite avenging Satoshi's death immediately, Fugaku did not feel any less hurt.

Toshiro felt a pang of disappointment, wishing he could have avenged his sensei personally. Nonetheless, he resolved to honor Satoshi's memory and continue supporting his clan.

The Spring of Konoha's 46th Year

Inside the Hokage Building, Sarutobi Hiruzen made an important announcement: "In recognition of Uchiha Toshiro's outstanding performance on the battlefield of Grass Country, I hereby issue a Jonin promotion and commend him."

"Thank you, Hokage-sama! I will definitely live up to your expectations and work hard for Konoha's victory!" Toshiro said, accepting the Jonin vest with a look of gratitude on his face. Internally, however, he harbored some complaints. Despite countless high-risk missions over the years, he has remained an ordinary Chunin. Although a Chunin could lead a team on missions, the squad he led was no ordinary mission team but a reconnaissance squadron composed of Uchiha members. This assignment being assigned to a Chunin seemed quite outrageous.

"Toshiro! I can call you that, can't I?" Hiruzen inquired.

"It's my pleasure, Hokage-sama!" Toshiro responded, maintaining a polite demeanor despite his internal grievances. He was well-versed in maintaining appearances, a skill honed from past experiences.

Sarutobi Hiruzen, clad in a white robe and Hokage hat, took a deep breath and exhaled, enveloping himself in a cloud of smoke before speaking again. "I have read about your performance on the battlefield in the grass country. I hope you will continue your efforts and better implement the Will of Fire to protect the village and its people."

"Yes! I will definitely fulfill your trust!" Toshiro replied earnestly.

"Very well. You may leave now," Hiruzen said.

"Thank you, Hokage-sama!" Toshiro nodded to the other senior officials present in the office, ensuring no one could accuse him of rudeness, and then exited the room.

Once Toshiro left, the atmosphere in the office shifted. "Hmph… Hiruzen! You should not appoint a fourteen-year-old Uchiha as a Jonin. This contradicts our policy of suppressing the Uchiha. That kid's previous behavior doesn't suggest he believes in the Will of Fire. By doing this, you're giving the Uchiha another chance to gain fame," said Shimura Danzo, the so-called Darkness of Konoha, clearly displeased.

"A fourteen-year-old Jonin is a significant achievement that will elevate the Uchiha's reputation, especially in these wartime conditions," Danzo continued. "Our sensei, the Nidaime Hokage, spent his life fighting against the Uchiha. We must follow his example."

"And what about Uchiha Obito? You had Jiraiya's disciple take that brat under his wing. Are you planning to dismantle sensei's policies entirely?" Danzo added, casting a glance at his two companions.

"Yes, Hiruzen, you are too lenient with the Uchiha. Don't forget what our sensei said: All Uchiha are inherently evil!" Koharu Utatane chimed in, directly addressing the core issue. Her attitude towards the Uchiha mirrored Danzo's, rooted in their sensei's teachings.

Mitokado Homura, the fourth person present, remained silent. Seeing his friends' expectant looks, he adjusted his glasses and offered his opinion cautiously. "I think we should monitor the situation and discuss it further."

"Hmph!!" Danzo and Koharu were clearly dissatisfied with Homura's noncommittal response.

Sarutobi Hiruzen, however, was pleased with Homura's answer. "Koharu, Danzo, this appointment is to some extent an effort to appease the Uchiha. We are at war, and we need their strength. As for Obito, he embodies the Will of Fire and can serve as a bridge to improve our relations with the Uchiha."

Sarutobi explained his decision to assign Uchiha Obito to Namikaze Minato, recognizing the significance of Minato from the Hokage's line of disciples accepting an Uchiha as a disciple.

"Now is the time when we need the Uchiha clan's help. Without some hope, it would be difficult to mobilize them. Uchiha Obito is the most suitable candidate I could find," Sarutobi continued. "As for Toshiro Uchiha, although he speaks favorably, we must remain cautious. He is not as easily influenced as Obito."

"Forget Uchiha Obito. As Minato's disciple, he poses no real threat. But Toshiro is different. His mission experience makes him an inappropriate choice for a young Jonin," Danzo argued, concerned about the implications of Toshiro's promotion.

"Don't worry. I have other plans to suppress him…" Sarutobi assured them, hinting at further strategies to manage the situation.

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