Better Safe than Sorry

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Every action has a purpose. On the surface, it seems like these bandits are targeting the Fujiwara Mountain mines. However, they lack the means to refine the ore or the roads to transport it, making it nothing more than useless stones. Risking their lives to provoke the Uchiha clan for something so insignificant… Do you think there are bandits this foolish in the world?" Xuan rested his chin on his hand, a mysterious smile gracing his lips.

Uchiha Masaru was speechless. He realized that this child before him wasn't just monstrously strong but also possessed intellect far beyond ordinary comprehension.

For a long time, Masaru hadn't noticed anything odd about the bandits. Now, after Xuan's explanation, he realized that the bandits seemed uninterested in the ore itself. They focused on ambushing transport caravans and blocking trade routes but didn't bother much with the ore.

"What is their objective then?"

At this point, Uchiha Masaru completely lowered himself, genuinely respecting Xuan. Initially, Masaru's reverence stemmed from Xuan's strength and his possession of the three-tomoe Sharingan. Now, he was in awe of his intellect as well.

"Whenever something seems abnormal, there's always more to it. No one deliberately seeks death—especially a group of outlaws. They value their lives more than most and are far more cunning than people imagine..."

Xuan narrowed his eyes, a habit he had when pondering deeply.

"Someone's fishing," he said softly.

"What?"

"A textbook bait-and-lure strategy," Xuan chuckled. "I'm suddenly very interested in the mastermind behind these bandits."

"Sir, are you saying someone is behind these bandits?" Uchiha Masaru exclaimed. He found it hard to believe. The Uchiha stronghold was nearby—who would dare plot against them? It would be akin to pulling a tiger's whiskers.

Xuan merely chuckled without answering and instructed, "The night has fallen—perfect for killing and arson. Head out and investigate. Now that my arrival is known, these bandits are bound to act soon. Report back only if something unusual happens."

His tone was casual, not commanding, but it carried a natural authority. Masaru and the other four genin exchanged glances. None found his orders inappropriate. In this world, the strong naturally led the weak—it was an accepted fact.

"Oh, and take that unconscious fool outside. Looking at him irritates me," Xuan added as they prepared to leave.

Once alone, Xuan reclined on a tatami mat in the inner room, pondering quietly. After some time, he stepped outside, rolling up his Uchiha robe to reveal his arms. Two scrolls were tightly bound around them—sealing scrolls specifically for ninja tools. Through unique sealing techniques, they stored kunai and shuriken, making them easily accessible during combat.

Unlike the large scrolls used by the future Senju Hashirama or TenTen, these were custom-made miniature versions meant only for small weapons.

With a swift flick of his hand, numerous engraved kunai appeared, scattering across the area. Some landed in the grass, others embedded into tree trunks. After meticulously setting up his traps, Xuan returned to the house, placing one kunai inside as well. Only then did he calmly wait for the others.

His belief was simple: "Preparation is key. The more precautions you take, the better your chances of survival in this world."

It didn't take long for Uchiha Masaru and his team to return. They immediately reported, "They've appeared—around the Raw Ore Cave. About thirty of them."

Xuan stood up. "Mark the cave's location on the map for me."

Masaru pointed to a spot on the map. Xuan memorized it, instructed them to stay put, and disappeared into the night, leaping across the trees with remarkable speed.

Relying on his memory, he swiftly reached the Raw Ore Cave. Using the trees as cover, he observed the situation. With the night being dark, visibility was limited, so Xuan activated his Sharingan.

A faint scent of blood lingered in the cave, accompanied by noisy chatter. Two carts loaded with crude ore were being guarded by 32 bandits as they prepared to haul it away.

Xuan silently observed, making no move to intervene. "As expected, this is all a setup. The bandits never targeted the mines directly before, yet the moment I arrive, they put on this show. Their impatience is almost comical. Also, those carts—most of the load is unprocessed stone, not ore. If they were after resources, this level of sloppiness is unprofessional at best. Still, let's see who's behind this."

Despite knowing it was a trap, Xuan trailed the bandits from a distance. He had marked the area with Flying Thunder God seals earlier, ensuring he could escape within a ten-mile radius if needed.

The wagons rumbled along the rugged mountain path for an hour before stopping at a newly built camp. The dampness of the wooden barricades indicated it had been constructed recently.

The bandits entered the camp, carelessly dumping the ore. No one seemed concerned about the cargo.

"Ding! Mission triggered: Eliminate the bandits and uncover the mastermind. Reward: 1000 points. Failure: Points deducted. If insufficient, termination follows!"

The system's voice echoed in Xuan's mind, prompting him to curse under his breath. "Always meddling, huh? I wanted to observe longer."

Having no extra points to spare, he had no choice but to act.

"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!"

Without hesitation, he unleashed the signature Uchiha technique. A massive fireball roared toward the 30-plus bandits.

Boom!

Only two bandits managed to dodge in time. The rest were instantly incinerated.

"Enemy attack! We're under attack—ahh!"

Xuan calmly drew a kunai from behind, his tone icy. "Instead of calling for help, you should focus on saving yourselves."

Dozens of people rushed out from the camp. Xuan estimated there were just over a hundred of them. Judging by their rusty swords and tattered clothing, he was momentarily taken aback.

"They… really are just bandits?"

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