The Squad
Early morning mist drifted over the forests outside Konoha. Several shadowy figures flickered through the trees, halting at a forest clearing just beyond the village's perimeter.
Uchiha Fugaku arrived shortly after, flanked by several Uchiha shinobi. The clearing was already filled with Konoha ninja from various clans—particularly the Hyuga, Inuzuka, and Aburame, clans renowned for their sensory and tracking capabilities.
With the Amegakure frontlines embroiled in a three-way conflict, reconnaissance units would prove vital. Intelligence on enemy movement could prevent ambushes and reduce casualties—especially with Hanzo of the Salamander, the infamous "Demi-God", leading the Rain ninja.
Ninja continued to arrive, most of them seasoned Chūnin and a few Jōnin. Even the proud Uchiha kept their pride in check. This wasn't about clans. These were Konoha's elites, handpicked to form the initial vanguard for the coming escalation in the Second Shinobi World War.
"There's more here than I expected," Uchiha Kin remarked, standing beside Fugaku.
"The situation must be worse than the council let on."
Fugaku nodded, voice calm. "Hanzo's reputation isn't exaggerated. He's already repelled multiple invasions from Iwagakure and Sunagakure. If we don't act decisively, the Land of Rain might shift the balance of this war."
At that moment, a new presence entered the clearing.
A tall man with long white hair tied back, a short tanto on his back, and a flak vest that bore the scars of countless missions. The sharp, controlled chakra signature confirmed his identity.
Hatake Sakumo—the White Fang of Konoha—had arrived.
At once, the gathered ninja straightened. Conversations died down. Even the Uchiha stiffened slightly out of instinctive respect.
Sakumo's reputation had eclipsed even the Sannin's. His blade style, an evolution of his clan's technique, was said to cut down entire battalions. Among the younger shinobi, he was a living legend.
"Listen up," Sakumo's voice rang out across the clearing. "From now, you're squads. You'll have six days for intra-squad coordination. After that, assemble at the rendezvous on your map."
With a flicker, Anbu agents in standard issue animal masks appeared and distributed sealed scrolls to each ninja.
Fugaku caught the scroll tossed his way and unfurled it.
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Mission Order – Squad No. 013
Squad Leader: Uchiha Fugaku (Jōnin)
Operatives: Aburame Nozawa (Chūnin), Sato Maru (Chūnin)
Objective: Infiltrate the Land of Rain, eliminate three enemy combatants.
Rendezvous Point: Northern Amegakure mountain range (marked in red).
Notes: Threat level undefined. Prioritize squad cohesion and field evaluation.
---
Fugaku narrowed his eyes. The ambiguity wasn't accidental.
This was Sakumo's method of evaluating leadership and teamwork under combat stress—a pseudo-selection trial for future special ops.
He turned as two ninja approached.
"I'm Aburame Nozawa," said the taller of the two. His eyes hidden behind tinted lenses, a quiet hum of Kikaichū buzzed under his sleeve. "My focus is long-range reconnaissance and chakra disruption via insects."
"Sato Maru," the other introduced himself. "Chūnin rank. I specialize in mid-range Fire Release and kenjutsu."
Fugaku nodded. "Uchiha Fugaku. My expertise is in genjutsu and high-intensity Fire Release. Let's not waste words—we'll sync properly once we're in the field."
They shared a quick glance at the scroll. Both subordinates' faces darkened slightly at the vague objective. They understood. This wasn't just a mission—it was a proving ground.
All around them, squads were already dispersing into the trees.
"See you at the rendezvous, Fugaku," Uchiha Kin called as his squad vanished into the canopy.
Fugaku turned to his team. "Let's move. We'll coordinate our approach once we cross into Rain territory."
"Yes, sir."
---
Their pace was deliberate, not rushed. This wasn't just travel—it was observation. Fugaku noted that Sato Maru was constantly surveying the terrain, subtly checking the group's perimeter even during rest breaks.
'He moves like someone with covert operations training,' Fugaku thought. 'Possibly Anbu. Probably sent by Hiruzen to evaluate me.'
It would make sense. As the heir of the Uchiha clan, and one who had shown early signs of tactical brilliance, Fugaku's loyalties would be a matter of concern for the Hokage.
It took them three days to reach the border. The drizzle started the moment they entered the Land of Rain—ceaseless and cold.
"The terrain here is treacherous," Fugaku said. "Let's find shelter before we begin recon. I know a cave I used during my last mission—should be close."
They found it. A small cave hidden by jagged rocks and thick moss. It had been marked discreetly, and Fugaku checked the hidden tag he'd left. It hadn't been disturbed.
Inside, they lit a fire with chakra-coated tinder and sat around the faint glow.
"I'll place a seal trap at the entrance," Fugaku muttered, fingers weaving hand signs.
Once done, he turned back to his team.
"We have three days to complete this. Taking down Chūnin squads won't prove anything. Our target is at least a foreign Jōnin unit. It'll show our strength and weaken the enemy."
He looked at Nozawa.
"Can your insects operate in this weather?"
"They're sensitive to water, but I've cultivated a rain-hardened swarm. I anticipated the deployment. They'll be slower, but functional."
"Good. I want a scan radius of at least two kilometers by sunrise. Prioritize locating squads with strong chakra signatures. We'll decide how to approach based on their movement patterns."
Both teammates nodded without hesitation. Despite the brief time they'd spent together, a mutual understanding had formed.
They were shinobi of Konoha's vanguard, and this was the calm before the storm.