Naruto: I, Uchiha, Just Want to Die

Chapter 130: The Situation Changes—Stay Away From Me!

The Konoha camp, central plaza.

Bonfires were set up on a platform, crackling and sparking as flames danced and embers flew, lighting up the serious face of Nara Shikaku on the stage. Below him, rows of ninjas displayed various expressions—some fearful, some calm, and others burning with fighting spirit.

Uchiha Ci stood in the front row before the platform, occupying the 16th position.

The front row was reserved for fifteen ninjas dressed in jonin vests, making Ci, who wore a high-collared black robe as a chūnin, stick out like a sore thumb at the end of the line. However, no one paid attention to such details at the moment.

All eyes were focused upward, waiting for Nara Shikaku to explain the mission.

Behind Ci, Uchiha Shinichi stood directly in the second row. Meanwhile, Uchiha Shisui, his face tense, stood further back, his Sharingan glowing faintly with the two-tomoe pattern.

Ci glanced around and noticed that another Uchiha, the special jonin Uchiha Jo, who had joined him, Shisui, and Shinichi on the battlefield of the Land of Rain, was nowhere to be seen.

When Ci saw the two-tomoe Sharingan in Shisui's eyes, he sighed softly. The answer was obvious.

At this moment, after a period of silence, Nara Shikaku raised his hand, glanced at the pocket watch in his hand to check the time, and then took a step forward. Sweeping his gaze across the crowd, he spoke calmly:

"Everyone,

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

"Tonight, we will launch a surprise attack ahead of schedule.

"The plan is divided into three parts:

"First, the close-combat division and short-range combat squads will launch a frontal diversion, creating an opening for the assault team.

"Second, the assault team will infiltrate the Land of Rain and penetrate deep into enemy territory.

"Third, to prevent intelligence leaks, all units are to wait in place at the target location for instructions from the contact personnel.

"The specific tasks have been distributed to the team leaders.

"That's all—

"Detailed instructions will be provided by your team leaders en route.

"There's no time to lose. Move out immediately!"

As his words fell, the fifteen jonin in the front row simultaneously turned to face the ninjas behind them, signaling to their subordinates and quickly leading their teams away.

The abrupt departure left the ninjas confused. Shikaku's briefing was too vague; normally, pre-battle explanations included details on defensive positions and attack directions. However, this seemed more like a small-scale covert operation akin to a village-assigned mission.

Still, the ninjas were accustomed to such arrangements and quickly fell into formation.

Shinichi reacted swiftly, patting Ci on the shoulder to signal him to follow. Under Shinichi's lead, Ci soon left the camp, joining the entire assault unit.

The assault team, consisting of 90 members organized into three-man squads and 30-person mid-size squads, was led by Shinichi, who served as the overall captain.

Following their orders, the team quietly crossed the border of the Land of Rain, moving stealthily under the cover of darkness while the main Konoha forces created a diversion with their loud advance.

Guided by Shinichi, the assault team transformed into shadows, swiftly navigating towards the side of the main battlefield where Konoha and Sunagakure were locked in combat.

Ci initially thought they would wait for the main forces to draw the Sunagakure army's attention before proceeding, as Shikaku had instructed.

However, Shinichi showed no intention of stopping. Instead, he continued advancing from the side.

Over two hours, the team passed through a canyon, a pre-dug underground tunnel, climbed a mountain, crossed a suspension bridge, and descended a cliffside. Eventually, they found themselves behind the Sunagakure encampment, on a desolate expanse of rocky terrain.

Ahead, the lights of a Sunagakure camp shone brightly. In the distance, a few guards stood yawning at their posts.

Beyond them lay the endless desert of the Land of Wind, with winds slicing through the air like knives.

"Strange, isn't it?"

Leaning against a rock, Shinichi smirked at Ci, who wore a bewildered expression.

"I found it strange too," Shinichi admitted, "but now I think I understand what's going on."

Ci frowned. "Shinichi-senpai, stop keeping me in suspense. What's happening? Why did we manage to sneak past the Sunagakure camp so easily and reach their rear?"

After a moment's silence, Shinichi raised his hand and gestured. Shisui and two other squad captains soon joined them.

The five formed a circle as Shinichi unfurled a mission scroll and spoke gravely:

"I know you're all confused, so let me explain our true mission."

Pointing at the map on the scroll, he began:

"First, understand this—

"We are not truly an 'assault' team.

"Our role is bait!"

"Shikaku has the main forces tie up the enemy's attention so that the real assault team, disguised as us, can confuse and mislead Sunagakure."

"The path we took was scouted by Lord Jiraiya."

Shisui blinked in surprise and asked, "But why go to such lengths?"

Shinichi frowned. "It's complicated. Our original mission was to assist the Anbu in destroying enemy supplies tomorrow. But because someone arrived early, the mission was escalated."

Ci's heart skipped a beat. He had a guess as to who Shinichi meant.

Turning to Shinichi, he saw the man speak the name solemnly:

"The Fourth Kazekage, Rasa!"

"What?!"

The other two captains were shocked. "Captain, are you joking? The Fourth Kazekage just took office. Why would he already be on the battlefield?"

Shinichi shook his head, exasperated. "You're asking me? Who am I supposed to ask?"

Ci felt a chill.

Because of his intervention, Pakura of Sunagakure hadn't died, leaving Rasa desperate for merit to solidify his position. This desperation had driven him to the battlefield of the Land of Rain so soon after taking office.

In short, Rasa wanted to rack up achievements.

With this sudden development, Konoha seized the chance to coordinate Jiraiya and Orochimaru in an assassination attempt.

Shinichi exhaled deeply. "In summary, the situation is highly complex and unpredictable.

"For us, the mission remains extremely dangerous."

Pointing to the Sunagakure camp, Shinichi added grimly:

"There are 300 Sunagakure ninjas stationed there. Their ranks are unknown.

"We only have 90 people here, including just three jonin."

"If we fail to stall them or if the Anbu fails in their mission,

"We're all dead!"

After dismissing the other captains, Shinichi turned to Ci and clapped a firm hand on his shoulder.

"Ci, stay with my squad during the operation.

"You're the bridge between our clan and the village. No matter what, you must survive."

Shisui nodded solemnly. "Don't worry, Ci! Shinichi and I will protect you, even at the cost of our lives!"

Ci stared at them in disbelief, his mind racing.

What just happened?

First, his missions were taken away, and now two overly dedicated Uchihas were pledging their lives to protect him.

Am I still in the Land of Rain or the Land of Hot Water?