Three months passed in the blink of an eye. On the first day of the new year, the snowfall finally ceased. A vast white landscape lay in silence, serene and peaceful.
"It's New Year's Day… and we're heading out on a mission?" I frowned, clearly frustrated. I had planned to spend the first day of the year with my mother.
Unexpectedly, we received a mission. And it's led by Shisui. It must be an important assignment.
Shisui looked at me, now eight, and then at Itachi. Though I truly looked only eight, my combat strength was such that most Chūnin wouldn't stand a chance—unless they were A‑rank. With a nod, he ruffled my hair and said, "The Uchiha have been informed of your mother's illness. She'll improve. Right now, our top priority is this mission!"
Itachi and I exchanged glances and nodded. Stepping out of the village gates for the first time on a mission, I paused to glance back—I prayed to encounter Orochimaru or Kabuto, or even Tsunade. What luck that would be.
Truth be told, I lied earlier when I said I hadn't wanted to leave home—I was desperate to find those individuals. I glanced up at a utility pole and grinned. I didn't expect Mentor Mintai to come send me off—this teacher truly cared!
"Let's go." With that, Shisui and Itachi vanished in a flash, and I followed.
This mission is primarily reconnaissance: assist Konoha's forces in scoping out the area and determining how many foreign shinobi are present. Though it sounds easy, it's extremely dangerous. Essentially, it's a mission for an ANBU-level shinobi, requiring speed, strength, tracking, and a bit of luck.
I was surprised this was entrusted to the Uchiha…but clearly, Shisui and Itachi have handled such operations before.
Ranked A, it's a pivotal test by Fugaku Uchiha of my capabilities.
Our objective: Yuninja Village—the place Jiraiya favored. Yes, Hidan too originated from there as a rogue ninja! I don't think Hidan has joined the Akatsuki yet, and the rest of them won't come together for years. Sasori and Kisame are still young, and Kisame's likely still in Kirigakure.
So we might meet Hidan on this mission—exciting!
Though physically weak, his immortality jutsu is eerie. If I could steal that… it might cure my mother!
Clenching my fist, I remembered Shisui's hand on my shoulder. He smiled and advised, "Don't worry about your mother out here. Stay alert—this is a mission."
I blinked and asked, "What exactly is our mission this time? Can you tell us now?"
He looked at Itachi and me as darkness deepened over the campfire.
"A jutsu—a technique said to grant immortality. We suspected outsiders may have started investigating, but this was requested by Yuninja Village. So we have legitimate reason to search."
"Immortality jutsu?" Itachi sounded skeptical. Is there such a technique? And why would other ninja villages monitor them?
Shisui chuckled: "Let me teach you some theory. Every jutsu has unique strengths—there's no perfect one. But greater isn't always better. Take taijutsu: every shinobi knows it, yet few master it."
Itachi and I exchanged glances—my heart felt déjà vu. I remembered hearing something similar in another world.
Shisui continued, revealing his Three‑Tomoe Sharingan. Touching his eye, he said, "Even the Sharingan isn't about evolving—it's about proper timing and use."
I nodded—yes, the difference lies in skill.
"Itachi and Sasuke represent extremes: one mastered tactical use, the other overused it and went blind. Our Three‑Tomoe is strong, and the Mangekyō is stronger—my own is genjutsu-focused."
Itachi nodded thoughtfully. I stared at Shisui—curious how powerful his Mangekyō genjutsu must be.
He laughed and patted my head: "Don't fixate on a single art. Others may be sadder than you. Don't cling to jutsu alone. What matters is using the right technique at the right time."
He explained that Draw‑Slash cuts, fire‑style jutsu like mine, lightning, each has its use; wind—and he admitted he didn't excel at every element.
Shisui paused, surprised at my unusual chakra and Sharingan. After a few months, I'm a tactical prodigy—always controlling battles.
I asked Itachi, "Do you think we'll face a fierce fight?"
He stared at the stars and replied softly, "Who knows? But I hope for peace. Shinobi fighting each other always brings headaches."
I almost laughed. Even on a mission, he'd wish for peace! I teased, "Do you think your brother Sasuke is clingy? He always shows up to find you."
Itachi paused then smiled warmly, ruffling my hair: "Honestly, sometimes I find you clingy too. Haha."
He crawled into his sleeping bag, covering himself.
"Am I clingy?" I asked with a helpless grin. "Fine, I'll sleep too!"