Chapter 20

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As an Uchiha who is nearly as old as the original generation and Madara himself, Uchiha Retsu grows increasingly concerned about the future of his clan with each passing year. He has witnessed the strength of the greatest shinobi in the world and understands the immense power of the Mangekyou Sharingan. He even saw firsthand the god-like abilities of Uchiha Madara and how terrifyingly vast his power was.

When comparing the current Uchiha clan to the past, Retsu is disheartened. There is no one even close to Uchiha Madara's level—let alone possessing the kaleidoscope Sharingan. Uchiha Fugaku, the only one still holding potential, seems to have lost his edge. His influence within the clan has diminished, and his strength no longer holds the same meaning it once did.

If this trend continues, Uchiha Retsu fears for the clan's future. He believes that without a powerful figure to lead and restore the clan's former glory, the Uchiha will face an uncertain and dangerous path ahead.

Now, Retsu pins his hopes on the clan's most talented younger members, training them with all his might, especially Haruto, a promising young Uchiha who he believes can shoulder this burden.

Feeling slightly irritated, Retsu waves his hand at Haruto. "Alright, off you go on your mission. Or are you planning to stay for dinner?"

"Sure, Grandpa Retsu! When I return, I'll bring back some local specialties for you!" Haruto replies with a smile.

---

**Konoha Village Gate**

When Haruto arrived at the village gate from the Uchiha district, Kato Dan, Inuzuka Ryo, and Aburame Nami were already waiting.

"Sorry I'm late," Haruto said, scratching his head sheepishly.

"No worries. There's still ten minutes left before the agreed meeting time. We just got here early," Kato Dan replied with a smile. After registering with the Chunin gatekeepers, the team set out.

For Haruto's teammates, this was their first time venturing beyond Konoha's borders, so they were curious about the outside world. Inuzuka Ryo, in particular, could barely contain his excitement, while Nami remained composed but keenly observed their surroundings, occasionally sending out a few insects from her sleeve to explore.

However, the novelty wore off by the time they reached Ironstone Town.

"So, this is Ironstone Town? It doesn't seem that lively," Ryo remarked, holding his dog, Tetsumaru.

"Well, of course it's not like Konoha," Haruto said. "Konoha is the most powerful village in the shinobi world. Its population and economy are on a completely different level compared to a small town like this."

Kato Dan smiled, then redirected their focus. "Alright, you can start acting independently now. I won't intervene unless you face something beyond your abilities. After this mission, I'll evaluate your performance. How well you do might determine if you'll be back to weeding or picking up trash in the next mission!"

With that, Kato Dan strolled away, his hands behind his head, leaving the three Genin to their tasks.

Inuzuka and Nami exchanged glances before looking toward Haruto for guidance.

"First, we need to gather intelligence," Haruto suggested. "Nami, use your insects to map out the terrain around Ironstone Town so we don't run into any surprises. Ryo, investigate the bandit group's leader, Okamoto, and their past activities. See if you can find any unusual occurrences in town recently. As for me, I'll go talk to the noble whose goods were stolen and see if I can get more information."

Ryo, with a confident grin, gave a thumbs-up. "Leave it to Tetsumaru and me! The Inuzuka clan are experts in intelligence and reconnaissance!"

Aburame Nami nodded, and the team split up to begin their respective tasks.

---

**Ironstone Town, Lord's Manor**

"Get lost! Can't you see this is Lord Tobita's manor?" a servant with a broom and a towel wrapped around his head shouted at Haruto, trying to shoo him away. Despite being just a servant, the man's tone was filled with arrogance.

"I am a Konoha shinobi, sent here on an official mission. Inform your lord that I have arrived," Haruto said sternly, activating his Sharingan. The red glow in his eyes was enough to intimidate the servant, even without casting any genjutsu.

The servant swallowed nervously. "O-of course! Right away!" He hurriedly abandoned his broom and ran inside.

Not long after, a plump man dressed in luxurious silks emerged, followed by an entourage.

"Oh my, a ninja master from Konoha! Finally, Ironstone Town can be at peace! I am Yuichi Tobita, the lord of this town. May I ask where your leader is?"

"Kato-sensei had other matters to attend to, so he sent me in his place," Haruto replied calmly, not impressed by the reception he'd received so far.

From the interaction with the servant earlier, Haruto had already formed a poor first impression of the nobles in this town.

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