126-130

Chapter 126: The Technique of the Wild Lion’s Mane, Jiraiya’s Request!

Seeing this unforgettable scene from the anime come to life, Shinji’s expression shifted subtly, a wave of nostalgia washing over him.

In his past life, his favorite character from the Naruto series was the carefree and valiant hero standing before him now. Seeing him in person brought a mix of disbelief and joy, as though he’d suddenly met his idol.

Just as he was about to respond, a heavily breathing, rotund ninja ran up from behind Jiraiya.

“Lord Jiraiya, intelligence has arrived from the Root Division.”

“It’s about tomorrow’s operation. Your immediate attention is required!”

Hearing this, Shinji looked up. The young man who had arrived was stout and red-haired, with a body as robust as a wild boar. He wore the Leaf Village forehead protector and an armored vest with a large kanji for “food” (食) printed on it.

At a glance, Shinji immediately recognized him—it was Akimichi Chōza, the “Butterfly” of the current generation’s “Ino–Shika–Chō” trio.

The content of the message made Shinji raise an eyebrow. Intelligence from the Root Division? And tomorrow’s operation?

It reminded him of the mission Aburame Ryōma had mentioned yesterday—a strike deep into the Sand Village’s rear lines.

Could there have been another development?

“Huh?” Jiraiya furrowed his brow upon hearing the news.

He quickly exchanged a few words with Akimichi Chōza in hushed tones. Soon, Chōza’s expression darkened, and with a nod, he turned and ran toward the main tent.

Afterward, Jiraiya turned back to Shinji with an apologetic smile.

“I had planned to spend today teaching you this technique properly, but it looks like there’s no time for that now.”

Jiraiya chuckled helplessly and took a red scroll from his crimson cloak, pressing it to Shinji’s forehead.

“This set of ninja techniques is called—”

“Secret Ninja Art: Wild Lion’s Mane Technique!”

“Kid, don’t let its name down.”

Shinji blinked, momentarily startled. He accepted the scroll from his forehead, feeling a small surge of excitement akin to winning the lottery.

Then, regaining his composure, he looked at Jiraiya with some surprise.

“Lord Jiraiya, why would you give me such a valuable technique?”

Secret ninja arts were typically exclusive to powerful clans and highly prized within the ninja world.

What’s more, Jiraiya had referred to it as a set—implying that the scroll contained not just one technique but an entire suite of them.

The techniques included:

- *Ninja Art: Needle Jizō*

- *Ninja Art: Needle Hell*

- *Secret Ninja Art: Wild Lion’s Mane Technique*

These techniques allowed the user to harden and extend their hair using chakra, transforming it into a forest of needles. Whether for offense with Needle Hell, defense with Needle Jizō, or binding enemies with the Wild Lion’s Mane Technique, these jutsu offered versatility across all combat ranges.

This set of techniques was arguably one of the most comprehensive defensive ninja arts in existence.

While other ninjas in the world also used hair as a weapon, none matched the versatility of Jiraiya’s creations—not the Needle Senbon technique of the Hidden Mist’s Fuguki Suikazan nor the soundwave-based hair attacks of the Sand Village.

Perhaps only Kushina Uzumaki’s Red Hair Summoning technique could outclass Jiraiya’s hair-based ninjutsu.

Most importantly, these techniques had no significant prerequisites. As long as one’s hair was long enough, they could use them effectively.

This set alone could elevate a skilled ninja to the rank of a Special Jōnin.

Looking at the scroll in his hands, Shinji hesitated.

While he was familiar with Jiraiya, he was certain that Jiraiya didn’t know him.

Why would the highest-ranking Konoha officer on the Rain Country border suddenly gift him such a priceless treasure? Something about this felt off.

“This is too valuable. I can’t accept it. Besides, I don’t lack techniques like these,” Shinji said firmly, shaking his head and pushing the scroll back toward Jiraiya.

However, Jiraiya leaned down, pressing a firm hand on Shinji’s unruly hair, locking eyes with him. His deep, somber gaze carried the weight of something unspoken as he spoke gravely.

“Shinji,”

“Consider this a personal request from me.”

“I can tell that Orochimaru values you greatly.”

“When we reunited for a drink not long ago, the excitement in his eyes as he spoke of you... I hadn’t seen that in years.”

Jiraiya paused, his expression darkening with a tinge of sadness.

“The war stole Orochimaru’s parents from him early on. Then he lost his disciple Nawaki, his friend Dan, and his comrade Sakumo Hatake in quick succession.”

“Now, he’s like a kite with a broken string, drifting further and further from the Leaf Village. I don’t know when he might cut ties entirely.”

“I can no longer see the light in his eyes that I once did.”

“But—”

Jiraiya took a deep breath, ruffling Shinji’s hair with a large hand.

“Your presence has brought that light back to him!”

“I know you’re an Uchiha ninja with the Sharingan and an extensive arsenal of techniques. You don’t need this.”

“But this scroll contains the most valuable thing I can offer.”

Jiraiya exhaled deeply and pressed the scroll back against Shinji’s chest, his gaze firm and unwavering.

“I’m asking this as a personal favor!”

“Your teacher, Orochimaru, is very important to me.”

“Consider this an S-rank mission. I’m paying the reward upfront.”

“Please, act as the string that connects his kite. Don’t let him stray any further down the wrong path.”

“So—”

"Shinji, live well!"

Shinji lifted his head, his eyes filled with astonishment.

Through Jiraiya's confirming glance, a sinking feeling settled in his heart.

He had never imagined that Orochimaru truly valued him so much.

Nor had he ever thought he would become part of the intricate bonds unique to the world of Hokage.

When Orochimaru previously mentioned adopting him as a son, Shinji had assumed it was a joke—that Orochimaru merely regarded him as a tool, a simulator from which to extract the answers he sought.

But now, this...

Jiraiya patted Shinji on the shoulder. Straightening up, he regained his composure and then laughed heartily:

"Well, of course, kid, don’t put too much pressure on yourself."

"As your senior, it's only natural for me to protect you."

"I’ll take good care of you!"

With that, Jiraiya let out a carefree laugh, brushed past Shinji, and waved casually over his shoulder as he walked away.

The clatter of his wooden sandals echoed across the ground, the sound fading into the breeze. Soon, the street was empty, leaving only Shinji standing there alone.

Shinji stood in the middle of the street, holding the scroll in his hand. After a moment of silence, he sighed softly.

He wasn’t sure what he was feeling at that moment. He just realized that the difficulty of faking his death had inexplicably increased yet again.

“Phew.”

Letting out a deep breath, he tucked the scroll into his chest.

Now that he had received it, he had to give it his all.

He had to fight with everything he had!

And this—

It wasn’t just the answer to a single choice.

Carrying a mindset that had undergone a subtle shift, Shinji shook his head.

For someone who was barely competent as a ninja and physically frail, the only thing he could rely on was fighting on the razor’s edge of death, where his mental fortitude could shine brightest.

If he wanted to fake his death and go home, he had to fight desperately.

If he wanted to save the world and rewrite its tragedies, he also had to fight desperately.

There was no room for holding back, nor for deliberately throwing the fight.

If he didn’t fight, he was a complete failure; if he didn’t fight, he was walking straight into a dead end.

So,

no matter the reason,

the only path before Shinji was to keep moving forward.

Tomorrow’s battle, the assassination of Rasa, the clashes within Iwagakure, the confrontations with tailed beasts—

from Konoha to the Land of Hot Water, from the Land of Hot Water to the Land of Rain, from the Land of Rain to the Land of Earth—

whether he died along the path of endless battles or—

cut through the Third Great Ninja War entirely!

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 127: The War Begins! Genjutsu · Sharingan!*

Before leaving, Jiraiya whispered something to Choza Akimichi.

In the short time after Jiraiya and Shinji finished their conversation and left, the entire atmosphere of the camp suddenly changed.

The ninja gathered in small groups playing cards vanished quietly, leaving scattered cards on the ground.

From various tents, Konoha ninjas began to emerge—some fully equipped, others wrapped in bandages, and a few carrying oversized shuriken. Even the dog squatting at the tent entrance was picked up by its owner and carried off.

In front of the supply depot, a long line had formed. With clanging noises, various ninja tools were being emptied out of sacks, and the sounds of callouts and inventory checks echoed in the air.

In the central clearing of the camp,

young Genin, like little radishes, carried lumber to build a platform.

Though it was still daylight, oil had already been lit in the fire pits surrounding the clearing.

The dense sounds of footsteps, hushed whispers, the rustling of gear being inspected, the crackle of burning wood, and the faint whistle of kunai spinning through the air intertwined.

Various sounds and scenes came together, spreading a solemn and heavy atmosphere throughout the camp.

This made Shinji realize one thing with startling clarity—

*War is imminent!*

Thump! Thump!  

Thump! Thump!  

Thump! Thump!  

His heart began to beat faster under the tension in the air. His blood started to boil.

Even the small Zero-Tails within his abdomen perked up suddenly, sensing the surrounding fear and dark emotions. It wagged its tail and banged against its food bowl, urging its dimwitted host to feed it immediately.

However, the raging winds of war would take a little more time to brew, needing to be heated further until the oil boiled over.

The Root ninjas had not yet arrived, and his soon-to-be comrade-in-arms, Aburame Ryoma, had yet to summon him.

Until then, Shinji still had one more training session to complete.

Even though, given his aptitude, it was unlikely he’d master anything significant in such a short time, he couldn’t afford to miss any chance to become stronger.

With this resolve in mind, Shinji's gaze sharpened.

He moved against the flow of people, brushing past the Konoha ninjas marching forward,

striding decisively out of the Konoha camp.

---

*The forest behind the Konoha camp*

A tranquil forest.

The surroundings were silent.

A crow flapped its wings and perched on a branch, quietly observing Shinji as he walked forward.

Unlike the forests of the Land of Rain, filled with a stench and miasma, this place was dark and eerie in a different way.

Towering trees stretched skyward, their intertwined branches creating a dense canopy that blocked out sunlight.

Even at noon, the area remained cool and shadowy.

Deeper into the forest,

a hundred-meter-wide pond came into view.

At the center of the pond was a large rock, upon which a figure sat cross-legged with eyes closed. Sunlight streamed down, framing the figure in a golden halo.

The man wore the signature Uchiha shirt under a Jonin flak jacket. He was tall, with a stern expression.

This was Uchiha Shinichi, who had been waiting for some time.

As Shinji approached, a line of text suddenly appeared before his eyes:

*[Uchiha Shinichi is extremely dissatisfied with your tardiness. He wants to slam your head into the ground and pee on your face.]*

As the text flashed, the seated Uchiha opened his eyes abruptly. His gaze, filled with irritation, locked onto Shinji.

Three tomoe in his Sharingan spun slowly before he spoke in a cold voice:

“Counting the three hours this morning, you’re a full four hours late.”

“To be honest,” he added,

“Shinji, you’re pissing me off.”

Hearing this, Shinji frowned slightly, bewildered. He glanced at the text again for confirmation.

This was the supposedly strong and kind-hearted person Shisui had mentioned?

If not for the text revealing his crude thoughts,Shinji might have been fooled by his demeanor.

Seeing Shinichi’s stance as if he were about to scold him further, Shinji raised an eyebrow.

He had no patience for pointless words. Calmly activating his Sharingan, he looked directly at Shinichi’s chin, avoiding his eyes.

“What exactly do you want?”Shinji asked flatly.

“If it’s a fight you want, fine—I’ll take you on!”

Placing his hand on the hilt of the Grasscutter sword at his waist,Shinji partially unsheathed it, signaling his readiness for battle.

However,

instead of being provoked, Shinichi simply shook his head and sneered.

“I have to admit, you’re lucky,” he said coldly.

“A twist of fate kept you from entering Hell Valley.”

“That’s why you’ve fallen into this delusion, making you think you have what it takes to provoke a Uchiha with a Three Tomoe Sharingan.”

He paused for a moment, then let out a cold snort. Suddenly, his Sharingan widened, and he said disdainfully:

“Before I teach you ninjutsu, I think I should teach you how to speak to your seniors properly!”

“I’ll let you make the first move,”

“Shinji,”

“Come at me with everything you’ve got. If you can make me move, I’ll admit defeat!”

Hearing this, Shinji frowned slightly, placing one hand on the hilt of his sword.

Instinctively, he sensed that something wasn’t quite right, though he couldn’t pinpoint exactly what.

From the moment he arrived, he had intentionally avoided making eye contact with the other’s Three Tomoe Sharingan.

Logically speaking, he shouldn’t have fallen into a genjutsu.

But the other’s confidence was undeniable.

Could it be that he was a rare prodigy of the Uchiha clan?

The thought unsettled Shinji slightly.

Still, since the other had openly asked for a fight, Shinji had no choice but to give it his all to meet the challenge.

Without another word,

Shinji raised his hands—

one gripping his heart, the other his abdomen, with his fingers digging into his skin.

Underneath one hand, a brilliant white flame ignited.

Underneath the other, a dark ouroboros pattern swirled counterclockwise beneath his fingertips.

In an instant:

Fire Release: Chakra Mode, Forbidden Jutsu: Physical Regeneration, Zero Tail: Darkness Awakening, and Immortality—all activated at once!

The silent forest erupted in a fierce storm of flames!

A blazing sun suddenly rose from the ground,

And within that sun, a pitch-black cocoon of light trembled faintly.

It resembled an enormous Sharingan devoid of tomoe.

From the center of this sun-like eye, a boy slowly tore through the black cocoon.

He stepped out, holding a flowing flame longsword, his expression calm and indifferent.

He was tall and lean, with strikingly handsome features. His waist-length black hair danced wildly,

and an aura of unique intensity surrounded him.

Cool-headed, blazing, savage—

a mixture of majesty and brilliance that made it impossible to look away.

The next moment,

the boy raised the sword in his hand, aiming it at Uchiha Shinichi, who sat calmly in the middle of the pond.

With a steady voice, he uttered the name of his move:

“Kanna~!”

Boom!

The flowing flame longsword expanded with the wind, transforming rapidly into a colossal blazing sword!

With a single swing, it spanned half the pond, surging swiftly toward Uchiha Shinichi at its center.

The forty-meter-long flaming sword burst into existence!

The shockwave alone toppled a ring of nearby trees.

Yet after launching the attack, Shinji frowned slightly.

“A shadow clone? No... there wasn’t even any smoke.”

Something felt off about the strike. The sword had passed right through Uchiha Shinichi without hitting anything.

Then, Shinji carefully sensed his body’s condition.

His expression twisted slightly as he let out a frustrated breath, muttering in irritation:

“Damn it, I’ve fallen into a genjutsu again!”

The burning sensation and searing pain that should have come from Fire Release: Chakra Mode were nowhere to be felt.

And under the Zero Tail’s Darkness Chakra Mode, his mental state shouldn’t have been this calm.

Which could only mean—

he was under a genjutsu.

Shinji frowned deeply, struggling to figure out what had gone wrong.

When had he fallen into the genjutsu?

Meanwhile, in the real world,

sitting at the center of the pond, Uchiha Shinichi maintained his hand seals, sustaining the illusion.

He swallowed hard,

his eyes piercing through reality to observe the events within the genjutsu world. His expression twisted with unease.

Sweat poured from his forehead and back.

Staring at the seemingly ordinary boy standing at the edge of the pond,

Uchiha Shinichi couldn’t help but feel a mix of absurdity and creeping dread.

This kid clearly had no idea that he’d been caught in a genjutsu the moment he first saw the pond.

Which meant that the terrifying, overwhelming attacks that followed—

the kind that left no room for resistance—

Could it be…

That he really could do those things?!

Uchiha Shinichi gasped for breath, his eyes filled with disbelief.

He had planned to use the genjutsu world to give Shinji a thorough lesson in shuriken techniques, Fire Release, and the proper use of the Sharingan.

At the end, he would smugly reveal to the bewildered boy that it had all been an illusion.

But now, the script had gone completely off the rails, as if it had rewritten itself into a genetic anomaly.

“You’ve got to be kidding me!”

“How could he possibly be this strong?!”

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 128: This Is the Real Genjutsu (Not Really)!

Standing still, Shinji let out a heavy sigh.

His gaze fell upon the pool of water in front of him.

After some thought, he roughly pieced together how he fell into the genjutsu.

The Sharingan's genjutsu, besides being cast through direct eye contact, also has a unique casting method.

*Genjutsu: Bubble.*

This is a special genjutsu that only Uchiha clan members proficient in genjutsu can use.

In the original story, the future Uchiha Itachi used this technique to embed genjutsu into external objects, hypnotizing his enemies.

After forming the seals, as long as the enemy saw his finger, they would fall into the trap.

Building on that, advanced users could even embed the genjutsu into objects other than their fingers, such as crows, clones, or even the surrounding environment.

Using this technique, Uchiha Shinichi created a visual overlap by reflecting his Sharingan in the water’s surface and catching Shinji off guard.

In that moment,Shinji had already fallen into the opponent’s genjutsu.

But understanding it was one thing—breaking free was another.

The saying "if you encounter an Uchiha one-on-one, you must flee" has persisted in the ninja world because of the inescapable nature of their visual genjutsu.

Unlike non-ocular genjutsu, which can be broken by disrupting one’s chakra flow, Sharingan ocular genjutsu requires external help to disrupt the flow.

Take the time when Shinji left the village and encountered the three-man team from the Hidden Cloud. Even after recognizing the danger he posed, they always maintained a two-person formation to support their comrade, Uchiha Setsuna, in case anyone fell into an unexpected genjutsu.

At this moment,

If Shinji wanted to turn the tide, he needed external help.

And luckily, he had a partner.

Soon, Shinji’s gaze fell upon his own stomach.

"Jinchuriki of tailed beasts can resist genjutsu by working with their tailed beast. I should count as a half-tailed beast Jinchuriki, so..."

Shinji's eyes glinted mischievously as he slapped his stomach and shouted:

"Hey, dumb snake! Time to eat!"

The words had barely left his mouth—

"Cheep~?"

From within his stomach, the little Zero-Tails raised its head in confusion, swishing its tail and scratching its head, puzzled.

It wondered: What was this idiot of a host yelling about? There’s no food here!

Sensing the chakra movement in his stomach, Shinji’s brow twitched slightly, thinking there might be hope.

He coughed and connected his chakra, gently transmitting his thoughts to the little Zero-Tails inside:

"Listen, Zero, you’re a mature tailed beast now."

"You need to learn to take initiative. Help your master activate the second stage, and I’ll have more motivation to feed you."

"Got it?"

The hollow eyes of the Zero-Tails’ mask blinked before it raised its tiny head in shock.

Looking at the shameless chakra of its host, it thought:

Ever since I settled in this birdbrain’s body, aside from that one time in the cave, this idiot has never trained me. Every time, he just drains me dry when he needs something, completely ignoring my feelings!

*Hah! Spit!*

This guy is the scummiest of scum!

And now, he has the audacity to ask me for chakra?

To take the initiative, no less?

Is this something a person would say?

Seeing the little Zero-Tails’ uncooperative demeanor, Shinji’s forehead darkened with frustration.

After a moment’s hesitation, he begrudgingly raised a single finger.

"If you manage this, I’ll take you on daily walks around the medical camps!"

Hearing this offer, the Zero-Tails’ four red antenna-like hairs immediately shot up like radio signals.

"Cheep! Cheep?"

"Of course it’s true!"

The little Zero-Tails rested its chin on its tail, pondering for a moment before crossing its tail and body into an "X" shape.

"Cheep!"

Shinji’s eyes widened in disbelief as he vigorously shook his head:

"No way! Ten extra times is too much! And that’s a four! You illiterate!"

Hearing this, the Zero-Tails burst into a tantrum, flailing its tail furiously and letting out an adorable but frustrated squeak: "Cheep!"

"Once a day, with two extra times max! Take it or leave it! I refuse to believe Uchiha Shinichi has the guts to kill me!"

Shinji stood firm, shaking his head. He had too many scrolls to memorize already—where would he find time to walk a tailed beast twice a day?

Seriously, does any sane person walk their dog twice a day?

After much haggling,

Shinji and the little Zero-Tails finally struck a deal.

In this chakra-linked space, where time seemed to stand still, the negotiations lasted half a day.

But in the outside world,

Only a single second had passed.

And in that fleeting second—

*The situation shifted dramatically!*

Outside—

Shinji stood dazed at the edge of the pond, his eyes vacant and his posture frozen as if he were a fish laid on a chopping board, awaiting the butcher’s knife.

However, in the next moment,

a surge of fierce and violent black chakra erupted from within his body.

The ground beneath his feet began to swirl with wind, growing larger and wilder with each passing second.

The gusts whipped up Shinji’s black robe, revealing his toned abdomen.

On it, a jet-black pattern resembling an ouroboros snake emerged, turning with a distinct creaking sound.

Uchiha Shinichi, who had been maintaining his genjutsu, suddenly paled,

staring at the boy before him in disbelief.

His genjutsu had clearly taken effect, and the opponent was completely isolated with no outside help.

Yet at this moment, another force was surging up within the boy’s body. If this continued,

his genjutsu might be disrupted!

Frowning deeply, Uchiha Shinichi clenched his molars and narrowed his gaze with a sinister gleam.

“The abilities within a genjutsu world can be fabricated through sheer will!”

“This must be some trick by this brat!”

“There’s no way he’s this strong!”

Determined to uphold his dignity as a senior, Uchiha Shinichi stood abruptly, his eyes dark and malevolent as they locked onto Shinji.

He didn’t need to kill him—just severely injuring him would suffice as a lesson to the younger generation!

With a flick of his hand, a kunai landed in his palm.

Uchiha Shinichi leaped onto the water’s surface and charged straight at Shinji in a sudden burst of speed.

However,

the seemingly vacant Shinji standing by the pond quietly curled the corners of his lips into a faint smile.

Thanks to his combat instincts, he immediately sensed a surge of malice heading straight for him.

And this was the moment Shinji had been waiting for!

Lacking formal training, Shinji didn’t even know how to break a genjutsu himself.

How could Zero-Tail, with even less knowledge, manage to dispel it?

The only reason he activated Zero-Tail was to create the illusion that he could break the genjutsu, forcing Uchiha Shinichi to act.

As long as his opponent harbored malice toward him,

he would fall right into Shinji’s trap!

At this moment,

it was *Genjutsu vs. Deception!*

Shinji confidently declared,

*This… is the true genjutsu, as fleeting and illusory as a moonlit reflection on water!*

In the genjutsu world,

Shinji closed his eyes, ignoring the distortion of his five senses.

He raised his foot and kicked a rock from the ground, then bit down on it hard with his teeth. Flipping backward, he pushed off the air with both hands, launching himself upward.

He treated his hands as feet, his mouth as his right hand, his legs as another set of hands and core strength, and the rock as the Kusanagi sword.

Completely twisting the laws of physics,

he ran across the sky with his hands pressing against the air,

then swung the rock fiercely toward a white cloud floating above!

He hadn’t yet located the true position of his enemy’s heart,

but that didn’t matter—this was enough!

In the real world,

as Shinji closed his eyes in the genjutsu realm and moved purely on instinct,

the Shinji by the pond blinked his vacant eyes, then drew the Kusanagi sword from his waist.

With a swift leap into the air, he spun midair to evade Uchiha Shinichi’s thrust. Landing with one hand on the ground to halt his momentum, he countered with a quick slash and charged forward.

He kicked the kunai out of Uchiha Shinichi’s hand with a powerful strike, followed by a palm strike to the jaw,

forcing Shinichi’s head to snap back violently.

Then, with a scorpion-tail kick, Shinji launched Shinichi into the air!

Immediately, Shinji jumped high and followed up with a spinning upward slash.

The blade tore through the air. In Shinichi’s astonished and disbelieving gaze,

Shinji reversed the sword, striking with the blunt edge instead.

With one decisive swing,

he sent Shinichi crashing to the ground!

*Clang!*

*[You fiercely counterattacked Uchiha Shinichi, who intended to humiliate you. He has been utterly defeated and left powerless to refute.]*

*[Due to the intensity of your counterattack, a critical hit was achieved.]*

*[You have obtained a random skill from your opponent: Genjutsu · Sharingan (requires Sharingan, power increases with ocular strength, currently B, proficient).]*

*[The skill has critically upgraded. Current level: Genjutsu · Sharingan (B+, mastery).]*

*[Your Steel Will has increased.]*

*(End of Chapter)*

*Chapter 129: A Night in the Land of Rain, the Surprise Attack Squad!*

Bang!

As Uchiha Shinichi was struck down by a sword and fell flat on his back, the illusion before Uchiha Shinji eyes shattered like a bubble.

At this moment, the tip of the Kusanagi sword was pointed at Shinichi’s throat, forcing him to look up at the boy before him with humiliation. His eyes were filled with a mix of resentment and astonishment, which seemed to be gradually shifting into another, more complex emotion.

Witnessing this scene, Uchiha Shinji couldn’t help but feel a pang of déjà vu, as if he were looking at Seiichiro, whom he had defeated in the past. His eyelid twitched, and a sense of foreboding crept in.

There was no deep-seated grudge between him and Shinichi, and Shinji certainly didn’t want to end up being resented by yet another Uchiha. With the cautionary tales of Uchiha Setsuna and Seiichiro fresh in his mind, he still couldn’t shake off the memory of their antics. The idea of adding another one to the list was simply unbearable.

Quickly, Shinji trembled as he sheathed his sword. Then, extending a hand toward Shinichi, he scratched his head and said sincerely:

“Senior Shinichi, you’re really strong.”

“I almost lost to you!”

“Um, how about we talk this over after you get up?”

Faced with Shinji advanced-level "face-changing" tactic, a skill seemingly twenty years ahead of its time, Shinichi was momentarily stunned. He stared blankly at Ji, unable to respond right away.

After a long pause, Shinichi slapped Shinji hand away and got up on his own, grumbling:

“Hmph, I was holding back on purpose.”

“Yes, yes, of course.”

Ji, seeing no other option, nodded profusely like a machine. He then tried to explain:

“Actually, I wasn’t deliberately late, and—”

Before Shinji could finish, Shinichi interrupted him, took a deep breath, and said:

“In the Uchiha clan, strength is the best proof of worth. You’ve demonstrated that, and it’s enough.”

“This isn’t your fault. I was misled by the words of a scoundrel and misunderstood you.”

“I’ll settle this score with Yoshihide.”

With that, Shinichi turned his head and looked seriously at Shinji with his three-tomoe Sharingan:

“It’s clear that you’re clueless about illusions.”

“As your senior, I’ll teach you properly.”

Just then, a commotion erupted outside the dense forest, coming from the direction of the main camp.

Shinichi frowned slightly and spoke gravely:

“Tonight, there might be a major operation.”

“We’ll likely be deployed to the battlefield immediately. In light of this, I’ll prioritize teaching you techniques that you can use right away.”

He wasted no more time and began to demonstrate basic Sharingan techniques to Shinji , step by step.

Thanks to the proficiency Shinji had just acquired in the Genjutsu: Sharingan from Shinichi, he could now view these basics from a top-down perspective.

Ji blinked in astonishment, realizing that he could actually understand them!

The impromptu lesson stretched from noon until evening.

By the time the flowing clouds in the sky were dyed golden by the setting sun, two new lines of text silently appeared before Shinji eyes:

*[You have learned: Demonic Illusion: Shackles of Binding (Beginner, B).]*

*[You have learned: Genjutsu: Mirror Heaven and Earth Change (Beginner, B).]*

The first technique, Shackles of Binding, was an advanced application of the Genjutsu: Sharingan. It was an offensive illusion that quickly rendered the opponent immobile, making them feel as though their body was pinned by four iron spikes.

The second, Mirror Heaven and Earth Change, was a rare counter-genjutsu technique not exclusive to the Sharingan. It allowed the user to reflect illusions back onto the opponent. However, this required high proficiency and sharp reflexes, making it difficult to master.

According to Shinichi, while most shinobi from the Hidden Sand specialized in Wind and Earth Release or puppet techniques, some were skilled in genjutsu. These illusion experts often operated in small squads, providing support and disruption on the battlefield.

Unlike the weakened Hidden Sand Village of the future, crippled by the Daimyo of the Land of Wind slashing its military budget, the current Hidden Sand boasted formidable military strength, with a complete arsenal of ninja skills. On the battlefield, where swords and kunai knew no mercy, one could never be sure when they might encounter a ninja perfectly countering their abilities.

---

*Evening, at the Leaf Camp*

The Leaf Camp was enveloped in a heavy atmosphere.

As Uchiha Shinji and Shinichi entered the camp, a pineapple-haired ninja in a Jonin vest approached them.

It was none other than Nara Shikaku, who served as the strategist of the camp.

With a serious expression, Shikaku handed a list to Shinichi and solemnly said:

“Uchiha Shinichi, here’s the list of tonight’s operation and the route map.”

“This operation tonight will primarily be carried out by the infiltration and reconnaissance unit, the special operations squad, and the Konoha raid unit under your command.”

“Additionally, this is a blitz operation aimed at a swift attack, so we won’t be bringing the logistics or sensory units.”

“The mid-range combat unit will act as a backup measure, advancing in intervals to cover the rear, but don’t place too much reliance on them.”

“The mission details are classified. A ninja will brief you once you’ve penetrated the Sand Village’s defenses.”

Upon hearing this, Shinji cast a slightly startled glance at Uchiha Shinichi, who stood beside him.

He hadn’t expected that this senior clansman of his would take on such a crucial role on the battlefield of the Land of Rain, being appointed as the leader of Konoha’s raid unit.

At this moment, however, Uchiha Shinichi frowned deeply, raised his head, and asked:

“Special operations squad?”

“What kind of nonsense is that?”

“I’ve never even heard of such a unit before. Shikaku Nara, you’d better give me a reasonable explanation, or there’s no way I’m taking my subordinates on such a ridiculous mission.”

Though Uchiha Shinichi was straightforward, he wasn’t foolish.

Shikaku Nara’s words were formal, but in layman’s terms, it was clear:

They wanted Shinichi’s raid unit to serve as the vanguard, executing a perilous mission deep in enemy territory—without any support.

It was practically a death sentence!

Despite Shinichi’s rebuke, Shikaku Nara’s expression remained unchanged. He calmly patted Shinichi on the shoulder and said:

“The entire operation’s strategy was formulated by Lord Orochimaru.”

“The special operations squad is a team personally led by Lord Orochimaru himself, composed of elite members from the Anbu. Their mission is even more critical and dangerous. If you don’t trust me, at least trust Lord Orochimaru.”

“Moreover—”

Shikaku Nara glanced briefly at Shinji, who looked somewhat bewildered. His gaze flickered with a hint of surprise.

He shook his head slightly, refraining from elaborating further, then turned and walked away.

Uchiha Shinichi remained silent for a moment before unfolding the roster and map in his hands, studying them carefully.

After a while, he tightened his grip on the roster and sighed deeply.

As one of the Sannin and the highest authority in the border camp, Orochimaru was personally leading the charge. Shinichi really had no grounds to argue further.

However, as he looked at the names on the roster, he turned to face Shinji in silence, finding it difficult to speak.

Sensing that something was off, Shinji raised an eyebrow slightly and asked:

“Shinichi-senpai, is my name on that roster?”

Shinichi exhaled heavily and replied quietly:

“Unfortunately, yes.”

“Both you and Shisui are on the list.”

“I’ll go find Lord Orochimaru and have your name removed from the mission.”

Before Shinji could respond, Shinichi turned abruptly and strode toward the main tent in the camp’s center, practically storming through.

Left alone on the camp street, Shinji shook his head.

Shinichi’s efforts to plead with Orochimaru would be futile. The strategy was already decided, and there was no way it would change for just one person. Orochimaru’s earlier words made it clear:

He intended for Shinji to enter the battlefield and face off against powerful enemies.

This mission was likely to beShinji’s first taste of war.

Shinji glanced around.

The street was filled with ninjas, their expressions grim.

Some were organizing their gear; others were meditating or mentally preparing themselves. A few even crouched over wooden crates, scribbling what seemed like farewell letters with brushes.

The entire camp felt shrouded in a heavy gloom. Every face bore the weight of impending battle.

Ci frowned slightly.

This wasn’t normal.

From his clan training, Shinji knew some basics about ninja warfare.

During the great ninja wars, Konoha typically divided its forces into specialized units based on their abilities.

For example, Uchiha ninjas, known for their powerful offensive capabilities, were usually assigned to raid units—essentially the vanguard.

Other divisions included the intelligence unit (Yamanaka Clan), infiltration and reconnaissance units (Root and Anbu), mid-range combat units (skilled with weapons), close-combat units (typically cannon fodder), combat close-to-mid-range units (the main force composed of elite ninjas), medical and logistics units (academy students, medical ninjas, and sealing ninjas), and sensory units (Hyuga Clan and sensory ninjas).

Yet now, something seemed off.

For instance, not far from Shinji, a member of the Sarutobi Clan stood in front of a tent, taking deep breaths to calm himself.

This ninja should’ve been assigned to the combat close-to-mid-range division and wouldn’t be part of tonight’s mission.

But the Sarutobi member was clearly preparing for battle.

What was he expecting? What orders had he received?

And which battlefield was he heading to?

Was there another operation besides the missions for the raid unit and Orochimaru’s special operations squad tonight?

Ci had no answers.

No one from the Root had contacted him either.

It was as if Ryoma Aburame’s earlier mention of a mission to singlehandedly take on a hundred enemies had been deliberately forgotten.

So what was going on thatShinji wasn’t aware of?

Just then, a deep voice snapped Shinji back to the present:

“Shinji,”

“Report to the raid unit at the camp center immediately and take your position!”

“Your assigned position is the sixteenth spot in the first row!”

As the voice faded,

A blinding flash of white lightning split the sky.

*Boom!*

Thunder roared, and the clouds churned violently, pressing low over the camp.

The entire sky seemed to transform into a monstrous, devouring face, poised to swallow Shinji whole.

Moments later,

Rain, as fine as needles, began to fall. It pattered heavily on the tents, echoing with dull, rhythmic thuds.

Taking a deep breath, Shinji pushed aside his stray thoughts.

Gripping the hilt of his Kusanagi blade firmly, he stepped resolutely toward the camp center.

Tonight, the fierce battle would begin!

(End of Chapter)    

Chapter 130: Sudden Turn of Events – Don’t Come Any Closer!

In the central square of the Konoha camp,

Bonfires burned brightly atop raised platforms, crackling and sparking, filling the air with the sound of smoldering embers.

The flames illuminated the solemn face of Shikaku Nara, who stood on the platform, as well as the varied expressions of the ninja gathered below—some fearful, some calm, and others brimming with fighting spirit.

Standing in the first row, sixteenth in line, was Shinji.

The first row consisted of fifteen ninja, all clad in jonin vests.

Amid them, Shinji, dressed in a high-collared black robe as a chunin, seemed slightly out of place at the very end of the line.

Yet, at this moment, no one paid attention to such details.

All eyes were fixed on Shikaku Nara, waiting intently for him to explain the mission from the high platform.

Behind Shinji , in the second row, Uchiha Shinichi stood nearby. Directly behind him was Uchiha Shisui, whose expression was tense as his two-tomoe Sharingan gleamed faintly in his eyes.

Ji noticed another Uchiha who had accompanied them to the battlefield in the Land of Rain—Special Jonin Uchiha Suke.

However, Suke’s figure was no longer visible in the crowd.

Glancing at Shisui’s activated Sharingan, Shinji fell silent for a moment, letting out a soft sigh.

The answer was already clear.

At this moment,

After a period of silence, Shikaku Nara raised his hand and glanced at the pocket watch in his palm, adjusting the time before stepping forward.

He surveyed the ninja below with calm eyes and began to speak:

“Ladies and gentlemen,

“Due to unforeseen circumstances, I will be explaining the mission in place of Lord Jiraiya.”

“Tonight, we will launch a preemptive strike.”

“The entire operation is divided into three parts:

“First, the close-combat division and short-range combat squads will act as a frontal diversion, drawing the enemy away and creating a path for the assault force.

“Second, the assault force will infiltrate vertically through the Land of Rain, advancing deep into enemy territory.

“Third, to prevent information leaks, once the objective is reached, all units are to remain in position and await orders from the designated contact.

“Detailed tasks for each unit have already been distributed to the respective team leaders.

“That concludes the briefing.

“Team leaders will provide further details en route.

“Time is of the essence. Move out immediately!”

With those words,

The fifteen jonin in the first row turned in unison, facing the ninja behind them. They made hand signals to gather their subordinates and quickly led their teams away.

This sudden movement left the gathered ninja confused.

Shikaku Nara’s explanation had been far too vague. Normally, before a battle of this scale, a detailed plan outlining defensive positions and attack directions would be provided.

Yet, this felt more like a small-scale covert mission typical of assignments taken at the village’s request.

Fortunately, the ninja were familiar with this mode of operation and quickly fell into formation.

Uchiha Shinichi reacted swiftly, patting Shinji on the shoulder and signaling him to follow.

Under Shinichi’s lead, Shinji left the camp, followed closely by the entire assault force.

This force of 90 ninja was divided into squads of three, forming mid-size units of 30. Shinichi served as the overall commander.

Once the mission was issued, the group quickly departed the camp, crossing the border of the Land of Rain. Taking advantage of the cover provided by the larger Konoha army’s movements,

The assault force slipped into the shadows of the night. Led by Shinichi, they swiftly approached the main battlefield between Konoha and Sunagakure.

Ji initially thought they would wait for the main forces to engage Sunagakure’s army, creating an opportunity for their unit to act as Shikaku Nara had outlined.

However,

Shinichi pressed on without hesitation, leading the team further along the flanks.

After two hours,

They silently passed through a canyon, crossed a pre-dug tunnel, scaled a mountain, and traversed a suspension bridge over another gorge. They even descended sheer cliff walls.

Finally, they found themselves behind Sunagakure’s lines—

An expanse of desolate badlands.

Looking back, they could see the brightly lit Sunagakure camp in the distance, with drowsy sentries standing guard.

Looking ahead, the barren desert of the Land of Wind stretched out before them, filled with whirling sandstorms and winds sharp as blades.

“Does this feel strange to you?”

Leaning against a rock on the badlands, Shinichi let out a snicker and glanced at Shinji , whose face showed clear confusion.

“To be honest, it feels strange to me too,” he said.

“But I think I’ve figured out what’s going on.”

Ji’s brow furrowed as he asked, “Shinichi-senpai, stop beating around the bush. What’s really happening?”

“Why was it so easy for us to pass through Sunagakure’s lines and reach their rear?”

Shinichi paused before signaling with his hand.

Shortly after, Shisui and the two mid-unit commanders from the assault force gathered around.

The five of them formed a small circle as Shinichi spread out the mission scroll. He spoke gravely:

“I know you’re all confused, so I’ll explain the real mission now.”

Pointing to the map on the scroll, he said heavily:

“First, you need to understand one thing about this operation—

“We’re not really an ‘assault’ force.”

“Our true purpose is to act as bait!”

"Nara Shika stayed behind with the main force to pin down the enemy's core units. This was to allow the real 'raiding' squad to disguise themselves under our banner, confusing the Sand Village and misleading their judgment."

"And the route we're taking was scouted by Lord Jiraiya—a hidden path he discovered."

Uchiha Shisui paused upon hearing this, his face momentarily stunned. Unable to hold back, he asked:

"But... why go through all this trouble?"

Uchiha Shinichi furrowed his brow slightly.

"This is a bit complicated. Initially, our mission was to cooperate with the ANBU elite tomorrow in an operation to destroy enemy supplies."

"But because someone arrived ahead of schedule, this mission was upgraded."

Shinji's expression shifted. A possibility crossed his mind, and he felt a slight tremor in his heart.

He turned to look at Uchiha Shinichi, who then spoke the name in a deep, serious tone:

"Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage!"

"What?!"

The two captains standing nearby were visibly shocked and asked in disbelief:

"Captain, you can't be serious! The Fourth Kazekage just assumed his position—why would he show up on the battlefield so soon?"

Uchiha Shinichi shook his head and replied dryly:

"You're asking me? Who should I ask then?"

Hearing this, Shinji's heart sank.

Because of his interference, Pakura from the Sand Village had survived.

Rasa was now in a "forced to take action" situation. To solidify his status as the Fourth Kazekage, he desperately needed military achievements. This urgency drove him to rush to the battlefield in the Land of Rain just days after taking office.

In simpler terms, the man wanted to pad his resume with war accomplishments.

The intelligence about his arrival came suddenly. Combined with the original plan to assassinate Rasa, the opportunity to strike when he was alone was too tempting—especially since it avoided venturing into the more dangerous Land of Earth.

Of course, with Jiraiya and Orochimaru already present, Konoha couldn’t resist pushing them to carry out this mission.

Uchiha Shinichi let out a heavy sigh and said gravely:

"That's the situation, plain and simple."

"The battlefield is in chaos right now, and it's impossible to predict how this will unfold."

"But for this operation, one thing is clear: we're facing a three-pronged battle."

"First, the original supply destruction mission must proceed. This task will be handled jointly by us and the infiltration reconnaissance team."

"We're responsible for pinning down the Sand forces at this border camp, buying time for the reconnaissance team and the ANBU elites to destroy the supplies."

"Second, the diversion on the main battlefield to tie down the Sand Village’s main forces, creating an opening for the true 'raid' team."

"Finally, the 'raid' team will launch a real surprise attack—assassinating Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage, who has rushed to the battlefield!"

After Uchiha Shinichi outlined the battlefield situation, everyone present felt a jolt of shock.

Assassinate the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa?

Just hearing it was enough to understand the significance of this mission.

Shinji was also stunned. Something felt off to him.

Wait a minute, isn’t that supposed to be my mission?

He suddenly felt a surreal sense of absurdity, as if someone had stolen his job. His voice sharpened as he quickly asked:

"Hold on, Senior Shinichi. Assassinating the Kazekage? Who’s going to carry that out?"

Uchiha Shinichi couldn’t help but laugh. Noticing Shinji expression, he chuckled and said:

"Do you think it’s going to be you?"

"Obviously, it’ll be handled by Lord Orochimaru, Lord Jiraiya, and his disciple."

"The special operations team they form is the true 'raid' squad for this mission!"

Shinji felt his heart skip a beat.

It was as if something important had slipped through his fingers.

A strike team made up of Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Minato Namikaze—just how terrifying would that be?

Did Rasa even stand a chance of surviving this?

Shinji's face twisted slightly, leaving him momentarily speechless.

At this point, Uchiha Shinichi’s smile faded. His face turned somber as he addressed the group:

"We can’t predict the outcomes on the other two fronts."

"For now, we can only focus on doing what’s required of us."

"And let me be clear—our mission is incredibly dangerous!"

Pointing toward the Sand camp in the distance, his face darkened as he continued:

"Shortly, an ANBU member will come to inform us of the attack time."

"All I know for now is this—"

"There are 300 Sand ninjas in that camp. We can’t determine how many are Jonin, Chunin, or Genin."

"And on our side? We have only 90 men."

"Among them, just three Jonin."

"If we fail to hold them off until the mission is complete, or if the ANBU elites fail to destroy the supplies..."

Uchiha Shinichi’s expression twisted as he said heavily:

"We’ll all die!"

After finishing, he exhaled deeply, motioning for the two captains to leave.

Once it was just Uchiha Shisui and Shinji remaining, Shinichi gritted his teeth, his gaze tinged with inner struggle.

Finally, he turned and slapped Ji on the shoulder, speaking in a solemn tone:

"Ji, from now on, stay with me. Follow my squad's lead."

“From now on, you are the bridge between our clan and the village.”

“To put it bluntly, it doesn’t matter if everyone else here dies, because they aren’t even related to us by blood.”

Uchiha Shinichi cast a serious glance at Shinji and said in a deep voice:

“But—”

“You’re the only one who can’t!”

“As long as you’re here, the clan and the village will one day achieve reconciliation, and that has always been the wish of our faction!”

“Right now, you have some strength, but you haven’t fully matured yet.”

“So leave the dangerous missions to the senior members.”

Shisui, standing nearby, nodded upon hearing this. His gaze became resolute, as if he had made an important decision. He lifted his small face and spoke firmly to Shinji:

“Don’t worry,Shinji!”

“Shinichi and I will both protect you!”

“Even if it costs us our lives, we won’t hesitate!”

Hearing this, Shinji couldn’t help but feel a jolt of shock, staring at the two of them in utter terror.

Things were changing far too quickly!

What on earth was happening?

In just one night, not only had two missions been forcibly taken from me, but now two severely overzealous Uchihas are saying they want to protect me?

Am I in the Land of Rain, or the Land of Hot Springs?

(End of Chapter)