---
The journey back to the Land of Stone was uneventful, the earlier clash with the Iwa-nin ensuring no one dared interfere again. As Itachi Uchiha walked alongside Shikaku Nara and the rest of the team, his sharp gaze flickered toward the horizon. The weight of their mission's success rested lightly on his shoulders, but his mind churned, processing every detail of the fight with Huitu's squad.
"You're quiet, Itachi," Shikaku remarked, his tone casual but probing. He adjusted the strap of his weapon pouch as he walked, his sharp eyes darting briefly to the young Uchiha. "You've been like this ever since we left the Land of Forest."
Itachi turned his head slightly, meeting Shikaku's gaze with an impassive expression. "I was reflecting on the encounter with Huitu," he said, his voice calm, measured. "Their tactics were disciplined, but they underestimated our teamwork."
Shikaku smirked faintly, his hands slipping into his pockets. "That's one way to put it. You neutralized their leader before the rest of us could even engage. If you keep this up, you'll outshine the Hokage someday."
Itachi said nothing, his dark eyes returning to the road ahead. Shikaku's comment wasn't a jest—there was a weight to it that hung in the air, unspoken.
---
Meanwhile, in Iwa Ninja Village, the atmosphere inside the Tsuchikage's office was heavy. Huitu, Kurotsuchi, and Deidara knelt before the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, whose diminutive stature belied the immense authority he wielded. His hands were clasped behind his back as he stood before his desk, his small frame radiating an aura of stern command.
Huitu bowed his head deeply, his voice steady despite the tension in the room. "Lord Tsuchikage, I take full responsibility for the mission's failure. My strategy was flawed, and I—"
"It wasn't his fault alone!" Kurotsuchi interrupted, her voice urgent as she glanced at Onoki. "I failed to anticipate their movements properly. I'll accept whatever punishment you see fit, Grand—" She quickly corrected herself. "Lord Tsuchikage."
Deidara scoffed, rising to his feet with an impatient wave of his hand. "Tch. Enough with this groveling. If you're gonna punish someone, punish me, yeah. I underestimated that Uchiha brat and got caught off guard. I won't make that mistake again!"
Onoki let out a quiet chuckle, his weathered face softening ever so slightly. "You three certainly know how to take responsibility... though I wonder if it's more about pride than accountability." He turned toward Huitu. "We'll address the mission failure later. For now, there's a more pressing matter."
His gaze hardened as he continued. "Huitu, I want you to report to the Daimyo of the Land of Earth. Inform him that Konoha's shinobi have intervened in the Land of Stone's affairs. He must decide how to proceed."
Huitu hesitated, his brows furrowing. "Lord Tsuchikage, do you believe this will de-escalate the situation?"
Onoki's sharp eyes narrowed. "The Daimyo needs to understand that his personal vendettas should not dictate our village's resources. Let him weigh the risks of antagonizing Konoha further. The Land of Fire's involvement signals that their Hokage has taken an interest. A prolonged feud is not worth the loss of our shinobi or our standing."
Huitu nodded solemnly. "Understood, Lord Tsuchikage. I will leave immediately."
Onoki turned his attention to Deidara, whose lips were curved into a slight smirk. "And you, Deidara," he said, his tone sharp. "Let this mission be a lesson. Your arrogance nearly cost us valuable intel."
Deidara shrugged nonchalantly. "Yeah, yeah. I get it, old man. Next time, I'll make sure my art doesn't blow up in my face, yeah."
Onoki sighed, muttering something under his breath about brash youth before speaking again. "Despite your failure, this mission wasn't entirely a loss. It provided us valuable insight into Konoha's next generation."
He paused, his voice lowering. "The Uchiha clan has always been formidable, but this... Itachi Uchiha. He's no ordinary prodigy. First Shisui, now him... their clan continues to be a thorn in our side."
Kurotsuchi frowned. "He's just a kid, though. How can someone so young already be that strong?"
Onoki's expression grew grave. "Strength isn't always about age. Uchiha Itachi is dangerous, not just because of his power, but because of his mind. Keep your eyes open, all of you. We can't afford to underestimate him—or Konoha."
The room fell silent, the weight of the Tsuchikage's words sinking in. As Huiu and the others departed, Onoki turned toward the window, gazing out at the rugged peaks surrounding the village.
The name "Uchiha Itachi" lingered in the Third Tsuchikage's mind. After the recent events, it was inevitable that the boy would earn his scrutiny.
---
Shikaku's team had escorted Rei safely back to the Land of Stone, where their arrival was met with genuine warmth.
The people of the Land of Stone, known for their resilience and simplicity, greeted them with open arms. The darkened complexion of the locals, weathered by years of mining, spoke of their laborious lives, yet their smiles were earnest. Under such hospitality, Shikaku found himself unable to decline their offer to stay in the capital for a day of rest.
---
As twilight fell, stars speckled the heavens like scattered jewels.
The capital of the Land of Stone lacked the bustle and refinement of Konoha, but its serenity offered a humbling sense of vastness. Standing under the night sky, one could feel the enormity of the world—and their own insignificance within it.
Rei Shilei, now busy orchestrating the logistics of trade with the Land of Forest, left his daughter, Kuroishi Harujiu, to entertain their guests.
"We're almost there," Harujiu said cheerfully, gesturing ahead.
Itachi and the others followed her gaze. In the distance, under the silvery moonlight, the earth shimmered with an eerie red hue.
When they drew closer, they saw it: a massive pit, its walls lined with crystals of blood-red obsidian. The stones gleamed like translucent rubies, their crimson glow amplified under the moonlight.
"Incredible," murmured Aoki Yu, her eyes wide with wonder. "I've never seen anything like this."
Shikaku folded his arms, his expression contemplative. Izumi, meanwhile, gazed at the glowing stones in silent awe.
Itachi, however, remained quiet. His dark eyes reflected the blood-colored light of the obsidian, narrowing slightly as unease coiled in his chest. The sight was undeniably beautiful, yet something about it felt... unnatural.
---
The Land of the Moon
Swish!
A team of Konoha ANBU darted through the dense mountains, their movements a blur in the moonlit night.
The mission had been straightforward—reconnaissance and recovery. Yet, as they traversed the uneven terrain, the ground beneath their feet began to tremble violently.
"An earthquake?" one operative asked, his voice edged with unease.
Before anyone could respond, the rumble escalated into a roar. Massive boulders dislodged from the surrounding cliffs, crashing down toward them like a stone avalanche.
The ANBU reacted instantly, their training kicking in. With swift leaps and precise chakra control, they evaded the onslaught. Rocks smashed into the ground, kicking up dust and debris, but none of the operatives were harmed.
As the chaos settled, the team's sensor ninja stiffened, his eyes widening.
"Enemy attack!" he shouted.
Before the warning could fully register, a massive blade pierced through his back with a sickening crunch. Blood sprayed into the air as the ninja's body slumped, the weapon withdrawing as quickly as it had struck.
The rest of the team turned sharply toward the source.
Shisui Uchiha, the only member of the squad not wearing a mask, froze in place, his Sharingan spinning furiously.
From the shadows, a figure emerged—a man clad in a black cloak adorned with ominous red clouds. The blade that had impaled their comrade wasn't a weapon in his hand but an extension of his body, snaking back into his form as if it were alive.
Shisui's blood-red eyes darkened, his expression grim. "Akatsuki," he muttered, his voice laced with anger and resolve.
The cloaked figure tilted his head, his voice a low, mocking drawl. "Ah, the famed Shisui of the Body Flicker. Let's see if your reputation is deserved."
Shisui didn't hesitate. His Sharingan locked onto the enemy, analyzing every movement. The air grew thick with tension as chakra surged through the night, the promise of battle hanging on the edge of silence.
---
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