The forest was deep, the fog thick.
The primeval woods along the eastern border of the Land of Fire felt even more secluded beneath the afternoon light. Dense canopies blotted out most of the sky, allowing only scattered flecks of sunlight to filter down onto the thick layer of decaying leaves below.
The air carried the scent of damp earth, the faint sweetness of rotting vegetation—
And a trace of killing intent so subtle it blended almost perfectly with nature.
Uchiha Shisui crouched atop a thick branch several meters above the ground, his figure nearly merging with the shadows of the tree.
The three-tomoe Sharingan in his eyes rotated slowly, capturing every minute disturbance—
Distortions in light.
Irregular shifts in airflow.
Even the unnatural tremor of distant leaves.
Behind him stood three Uchiha ninja, their Sharingan active, alongside a Hyūga shinobi with the Byakugan.
They were spaced out with perfect precision, hidden like silent predators waiting to strike.
Their presence was nearly undetectable.
They're here.
The Hyūga ninja formed a hand sign.
Ten o'clock direction.
Six hundred meters.
Four figures wearing Kirigakure headbands moved cautiously through the forest.
They advanced in a loose reconnaissance formation, using terrain and foliage for cover.
Their movements were light.
Their expressions grave.
Veteran scouts.
Yet beneath the Byakugan's vision, their chakra flow, subtle glances, and every motion were laid bare—clear as ink on paper.
Shisui said nothing.
He responded only with a series of subtle hand signals.
The four behind him understood instantly.
They vanished into position, forming a flawless ambush.
The Mist ninja remained completely unaware.
The squad leader raised a hand, signaling a halt.
His gaze swept the surroundings cautiously.
Something felt… off.
But in a forest like this, silence itself was natural.
Without dōjutsu, he could rely only on instinct.
Am I overthinking it?
Still… better stay cautious.
Too many scouts sent out recently never returned. That's why Lord Jūzō sent me to investigate.
Damn it. If most of the sensor ninja hadn't been taken by Fuguki Suikazan, we wouldn't be this blind.
Just as he prepared to signal the team forward—
"Dōjutsu — Body Flicker!"
"Genjutsu — Sharingan!"
Shisui struck.
His figure dropped from the canopy like a phantom.
His spinning crimson eyes locked instantly onto the Mist captain.
The man's mind buzzed.
His body froze.
The world rippled like disturbed water.
His consciousness began sinking.
At the same moment—
Three Uchiha appeared from three directions.
"Fire Release — Phoenix Flower Claw Crimson!"
"Wind Release — Great Breakthrough!"
"Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique!"
Flaming shuriken surged forward, driven by violent winds.
The real blades multiplied mid-flight, sealing every possible escape route.
"Enemy attack!"
One Mist chunin reacted quickly.
As the genjutsu took hold and the attacks closed in, he attempted to form hand seals—
Water Release: Water Formation Wall.
But the gap in strength could not be bridged.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Blades pierced flesh with dull, final sounds.
One Mist ninja was thrown off balance by the wind technique—flaming shuriken tore through his chest.
Another narrowly avoided the first wave—
Only to have his throat slit by an Uchiha who appeared behind him in an instant.
The last lost all ability to resist, his movements completely predicted by the Sharingan.
From start to finish—
The battle lasted only seconds.
An elite Mist reconnaissance squad was annihilated.
Shisui deactivated his Sharingan and walked toward the Mist captain, still trapped in illusion.
The man's eyes were empty.
Without hesitation, Shisui ended his life with a single, precise strike.
"Clean the traces. Gather anything useful."
His voice was calm.
The Hyūga shinobi moved immediately, efficiently searching bodies for intelligence and tools.
After witnessing the Uchiha's power firsthand, he understood his place clearly.
Just then—
Shisui's gaze sharpened.
He looked deeper into the forest.
Several figures approached at high speed.
Leading them was Uchiha Inabi.
Behind him—Hyūga Hizashi, Byakugan active.
The two squads met in a clearing faintly tinged with blood.
"Inabi-senpai."
Shisui nodded.
"Shisui."
Inabi glanced at the swiftly handled corpses, then at the condition of the team.
A faint smile appeared.
"I received word from the ninja cats."
"With Infinite City and the Mist camp as the center, let's sweep left and right separately."
"We regroup near the Mist camp by evening."
"Agreed."
Shisui had no objections.
With the Byakugan's long-range vision, two elite squads like theirs were unlikely to encounter danger unless they acted recklessly.
Splitting up would maximize efficiency.
Hizashi unfolded a map.
The Hyūga from Shisui's team stepped forward.
They confirmed positions and synchronized timing.
"Oh, right," Inabi added.
"There are bounty hunters killing Mist ninja in the forest."
"Most likely Kakuzu—arranged by the General."
"No need to interfere."
"Understood."
Inabi patted Shisui's shoulder.
Their eyes met.
A silent understanding passed between them.
No further words were needed.
The next moment—
Both squads vanished like arrows loosed from a bow, disappearing into the forest shadows.
—
Outside Infinite City.
Golden-red sunlight pierced through the morning mist, painting the towering walls and layered buildings in warm brilliance.
Before the largest noble estate in the eastern district—
Four luxurious gilded carriages stood in line.
Each was pulled by powerful black horses.
Their frames were engraved with intricate family crests, gold gleaming under the sun.
Servants in pristine uniforms stood respectfully beside them.
Inside one carriage, the obese noble from the previous night bowed deeply.
"Lord Yakumi, we leave everything to you."
"It is my duty."
Yakumi's voice was calm.
"Depart."
The convoy began moving.
Wheels rolled steadily across the stone road.
Under countless gazes, the procession exited the massive gates of Infinite City and moved toward the highway leading to the Land of Fire's capital.
Their shadows stretched long behind them.
Gradually—
They vanished into dust and sunlight.
—
At the top floor of the Ginza building overlooking the entire city—
Uchiha Anlan stood before a wide window, gently stroking the silver-spotted cat in his arms.
"Ah Yan."
"Notify the merchant guild's regional cats."
"From today onward, shift resource allocation toward Infinite City."
"Understood, Young Master."
Ah Yan raised its head, emerald eyes reflecting the sunlight.
"Funds, materials, craftsmen, and researchers will be redirected."
"A phased plan will be ready within a week."
Anlan nodded.
His gaze shifted to the black cat perched on the windowsill.
"The current forces form the framework of the Volcano Army and Wind Forest Army."
"But as Uchiha reserves and the second defensive line, their numbers must continue expanding."
"There are many refugees and orphans in the current situation."
"Discontent minor ninja clans can also provide recruits."
"And perhaps… we can contact bloodline ninja from Kirigakure."
"Their situation is far worse than Konoha's."
"As you wish, Young Master."
The black cat straightened, tail rising.
"Recruitment channels will expand immediately."
"Training standards will also be strengthened."
"The banners of Volcano and Wind Forest will draw those seeking power—and belonging."
The two ninja cats departed.
Anlan returned to his desk.
Just as he prepared to draw his daily reward—
Mikoto placed a cup of freshly brewed tea beside him.
"Anlan."
Her soft voice broke the silence.
"The Crimson Guard has revealed its strength."
"The Volcano and Wind Forest forces are taking shape."
"Our visible military power has been established."
Anlan already understood.
He nodded.
"Konoha has ANBU."
"Kirigakure has the Hunter-nin."
"Sunagakure, Iwagakure, Kumogakure…"
"All possess hidden forces operating in the shadows."
"It's time for the Uchiha to create our own."
"A unit absolutely loyal."
"Answering only to your command."
"Experts in infiltration, assassination, intelligence, and sabotage."
"They will become the clan's deepest roots."
"The unseen tendrils beneath the surface."
"And the final solution to threats that cannot be dealt with openly."
Mikoto's expression was solemn.
Her tone resolute.
As if declaring an oath.
Seeing this—
Anlan smiled faintly.
"My dear Mikoto… why so serious?"
"Are you planning to join this unit yourself and swear loyalty to the Uchiha crest?"
Before she could respond—
He gently covered her lips.
His fingers brushed her cheek, smoothing the tension between her brows.
"Seeing you think this far for me…"
"Even considering yourself a tool of loyalty…"
"It makes me feel that having you is the greatest fortune of my life."
His gaze softened.
"So don't look like you're heading to war."
"We're planning the future."
"Not writing a farewell letter."
The tension dissolved instantly.
Mikoto blinked.
Her cheeks warmed.
Her shoulders relaxed.
"I'm speaking seriously."
"Don't tease me."
Her tone carried a soft, almost affectionate reprimand.
"I will consider forming such a unit."
"But it cannot be rushed."
The idea reminded Anlan of the Gotei Thirteen from another world—
Originally founded as a force that carried out slaughter in the name of protection.
Later evolving into guardians of order.
With the Qingbai Stone Gate connecting countless worlds, Anlan intended to create something even greater.
An elite force that would stand above dimensions.
But such ambition required time.
"You may have your plans."
"But I want to help as well."
Mikoto produced a scroll.
"This is a list of clan members."
"Many are suitable candidates."
Anlan opened it.
Most names were familiar.
Young Uchiha with clean backgrounds.
But when his gaze landed on one name—
He paused.
"Uchiha Hokane?"
He looked at her.
"…Mikoto, did you just recruit Grandpa Hokane into this?"
"Don't phrase it like that."
She frowned.
"Grandfather has been complaining that he's grown rusty."
"If we're creating a secret unit, we need someone experienced to guide it."
"He's perfect."
"That's not 'selling him.'"
"It's putting him where he belongs."
"If he heard you, he'd be furious."
Anlan fell silent.
Thinking of the clan's elders—
Warriors who had walked through fire and blood in their youth.
Now…
Reduced to quiet old age.
He even wondered if Mikoto was secretly trying to awaken a Mangekyō by turning the old man into "gold coins."
"I'll think about it."
He closed the scroll.
The sun had already climbed high.
"We've been busy all morning."
He looked at her.
"Go rest."
"Check what Big Orange is doing in the kitchen."
"It might be experimenting again."
"Alright."
Mikoto nodded and stood.
"If lunch is ready, I'll send Koromon to call you."
After she left—
Anlan finally drew his daily reward.
And hit the jackpot on the first try.
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