Naruto: I, Uchiha, Just Want to Die

Chapter 129: A Night in the Land of Rain – The Surprise Attack Unit!

Bang!

As Uchiha Shinichi was struck down by a single slash and collapsed on his back,

the illusion before Uchiha Ci shattered like a bubble.

At this moment, the tip of the Kusanagi Sword was pointed squarely at Uchiha Shinichi's throat, forcing him to look up at the young man standing before him in humiliation.

The emotions in Shinichi's eyes—resentment and astonishment—were clear, but they seemed to be gradually transforming into something more complex.

Watching this scene, Uchiha Ci couldn't help but feel a momentary illusion that he was looking at Seijiro, whom he had once defeated.

Ci's eyelids twitched, and he immediately sensed something was amiss.

He bore no deep-seated hatred against Shinichi, nor did he want another Uchiha to hold a grudge against him.

With Uchiha Setsuna and Seijiro as cautionary examples, he still hadn't fully recovered from the troubles caused by their schemes.

Having another one to deal with? That would be far too much.

Without hesitation, Uchiha Ci shakily withdrew his sword into its sheath.

Then, he extended a hand toward Shinichi, scratched his head, and spoke sincerely:

"Senior Shinichi, you're very strong."

"I almost lost to you!"

"So, uh… why don't we stand up and talk?"

Uchiha Ci's unexpectedly friendly and dramatic change in attitude—seemingly ahead of his time—left Shinichi dumbfounded.

He stared blankly at Ci, astonished and at a loss.

After a long pause, Shinichi angrily slapped Ci's hand aside, got up on his own, and coldly snorted:

"Hmph, I let you win on purpose."

"Yes, yes, of course."

Ci could only nod like a machine in response and then tried to explain:

"Well, it's not that I was intentionally late, but…"

Before Ci could finish, Shinichi interrupted him, closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and said:

"Strength is the best credential among the Uchiha. You've already proven yourself; that's enough."

"This isn't your fault. I listened to the wrong people and misunderstood you."

"This matter, I'll deal with Yushuu personally."

With that, Shinichi turned his head, his three-tomoe Sharingan locking onto Ci seriously:

"It's clear you're clueless when it comes to genjutsu."

"As your senior, I'll teach you properly."

---

Just then, a commotion came from beyond the dense forest, emanating from the direction of the main camp.

Shinichi frowned slightly and spoke solemnly:

"Tonight, there might be a major operation."

"We'll likely be assigned to the battlefield immediately. Given the urgency, I'll prioritize teaching you techniques you can use in combat."

Without further ado, Shinichi began demonstrating some basic Sharingan techniques hand-in-hand with Ci.

Since Ci had just learned some high-level genjutsu techniques from Shinichi's Sharingan, looking back at the foundational content from a higher vantage point, he suddenly realized—he understood them!

The training session stretched from midday until evening.

As the clouds in the sky turned golden under the setting sun, two new notifications quietly appeared before Ci:

[You have mastered: Demonic Illusion – Shackling Stakes Technique (Beginner, B).]

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

The first was an advanced Sharingan genjutsu, an offensive technique that could quickly incapacitate an opponent, making them feel as though four stakes had pinned their body, rendering them immobile.

The second was a rare type of reflective genjutsu, not exclusive to the Sharingan.

Mirror Heaven and Earth Change allowed one to instantly see through an enemy's genjutsu and reflect it back at them. However, it required high proficiency and acute reflexes, making it difficult to master.

Shinichi explained that while Sunagakure's ninjas were known for their wind and earth release as well as puppet techniques, some of their squads specialized in genjutsu, often operating on the battlefield flanks for support and harassment.

Currently, Sunagakure was far from the weakened state it would be in the future, when the Wind Daimyō cut its military funding.

Its military might was among the strongest of the Five Great Nations, boasting diverse ninja units. In the chaos of war, one could never predict whether they'd face an enemy perfectly equipped to counter their abilities.

---

Evening.

At Konohagakure's camp, the atmosphere was thick with tension.

As Ci and Shinichi entered the camp, a pineapple-haired ninja in a jonin vest approached them.

It was Nara Shikaku, the camp's strategist.

He handed a list and map to Shinichi and solemnly instructed:

"Uchiha Shinichi, this is the roster and route map for tonight's operation."

"The mission will primarily involve the infiltration and reconnaissance units, the special operations team, and the Konoha surprise attack unit under your command."

"This is a rapid assault operation focused on speed, so there won't be any logistical or sensory teams accompanying you."

"A mid-range combat battalion will follow as backup, but don't count on it too much."

"The mission details are classified and will be explained once you've breached Sunagakure's lines."

Hearing this, Ci glanced at Shinichi in surprise.

He hadn't expected his clan senior to hold such a critical role in the Land of Rain's battlefield, being appointed as the leader of Konoha's surprise attack unit.

Shinichi, however, frowned deeply and questioned:

"A special operations team? What is that supposed to be?"

"I've never heard of such a unit before. Nara Shikaku, you'd better give me a reasonable explanation. Otherwise, I won't lead my men on some ill-defined mission."

Though direct, Shinichi wasn't foolish.

Shikaku's formal phrasing boiled down to this:

Shinichi's surprise attack unit was to act as the vanguard, tasked with infiltrating enemy lines.

Without support.

It felt suspiciously like a death mission!

Faced with Shinichi's blunt retort, Shikaku remained calm, lightly patting Shinichi on the shoulder:

"The entire operation's strategy was devised by Lord Orochimaru."

"The special operations team is led personally by Lord Orochimaru and consists of Anbu elites. They're tasked with more critical and dangerous missions. Even if you don't trust me, trust Lord Orochimaru."

Shikaku then glanced briefly at Ci, who stood looking confused. A flicker of astonishment crossed his face.

Shaking his head without elaborating further, he turned and left.

---

After some hesitation, Shinichi unfolded the list and map, carefully examining them.

Moments later, he clenched the documents tightly and sighed deeply.

With Orochimaru—the camp's highest authority—personally leading the operation, Shinichi had no grounds to argue further.

Still, seeing the list, he turned to Ci with a conflicted expression.

Sensing something was off, Ci raised an eyebrow and asked:

"Senior Shinichi, is my name on that list?"

Shinichi exhaled heavily and said quietly:

"Sorry. Yours and Shisui's names are both on it."

"I'll speak to Lord Orochimaru and have your assignment revoked."

Without waiting for Ci's response, Shinichi stormed toward the main tent.

---

Left alone on the camp's street, Ci shook his head.

He knew Shinichi's plea would be futile. The strategy was already decided, and Orochimaru had made it clear earlier:

He intended for Ci to enter the battlefield and face powerful enemies.

This mission was likely Ci's first wartime operation.

---

As the rain began to fall, drenching the camp in its relentless rhythm, Ci gripped the hilt of the Kusanagi Sword.

He strode toward the camp's center with resolute determination.

The fierce battle awaited—tonight!