Return of the Uchiha Prodigy

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"No matter what, the mission must continue," Huitu said firmly, his voice low but resolute.

Deidara smirked, folding his arms. He always believed in the unrivaled power of his explosive art, but even he had to admit the situation was tricky. Killing Rei, the Stone Country's representative, under the protection of a Konoha squad led by Nara Shikaku would require more than just brute force. But if anyone could cause enough destruction to create an opening, it was him.

"Then what's the plan?" Huitu asked, his dark eyes narrowing as he turned to Deidara.

"Tch." Kurotsuchi rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed by Deidara's smug demeanor. "The plan is simple—we eliminate Rei before he finalizes negotiations with the Forest Country. If we wait, we'll lose our chance."

Her tone was sharp, but the urgency in her voice was justified. If the Stone Country managed to secure an alliance with the Forest Country, it would complicate matters for the Earth Country. Normally, smaller nations weren't a concern for the five great ninja villages. However, an alliance backed by Konoha could upset the delicate balance of power.

Assassinating Rei now, before the deal was finalized, was critical. But there was a fine line to tread. If the Iwa-nin blatantly interfered, it could be seen as meddling in the internal affairs of other nations. Worse, Konoha's involvement meant their actions could spark retaliation from the Leaf.

Deidara's smirk widened. "You're overthinking it, Kurotsuchi. My art is all we need. One perfectly timed explosion, and it's all over. Hmm!"

"Your 'art' is flashy, but subtlety matters here," Kurotsuchi shot back, her voice laced with irritation.

Huitu raised a hand, silencing the bickering. "Enough. Right now, a direct attack is meaningless. Shikaku is a strategist. He'll anticipate us trying to intercept them. We need to act before they reach the Forest Country's border."

He let his words hang in the air for a moment before continuing. "The next critical point is the Sea of Trees, a dense forest covering the border. If they make it inside, our chances of success drop to nothing. Didara…" His gaze shifted to the blonde. "What's the maximum range of your most destructive technique?"

Deidara's eyes lit up with excitement, a manic grin spreading across his face. "Finally, someone appreciates the true beauty of my art! Hm!" He stepped forward, his hands resting on his hips. "When the time comes, I'll show those Konoha shinobi what real art is. They won't even know what hit them!"

His sky-blue eyes gleamed with fiery determination, his passion for his explosive creations evident in every word.

Kurotsuchi sighed, muttering under her breath, "Let's just hope your 'art' doesn't blow the mission along with it."

Huitu ignored the jab, focusing instead on the terrain ahead. The clock was ticking, and the margin for error was razor-thin. With the weight of the mission pressing down on them, failure wasn't an option.

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Swish!

The rustling of leaves echoed through the dim forest as Shikaku Nara and his team pressed on. With their client, Rei, in tow, they traveled until the horizon surrendered to darkness. Seeking refuge, they finally stopped in a small cave nestled within the borders of a neighboring country.

"Mr. Rei," Shikaku said, his calm voice breaking the silence. He sat cross-legged at the cave's entrance, his sharp eyes scanning the shadows outside. "By tomorrow morning, we'll enter the Forest Country. We're almost there."

Rei leaned heavily against the cave wall, his face pale from exhaustion. Though not a ninja, he had endured the grueling pace of their journey without complaint. It was evident the representative of the Stone Country had little choice but to push himself beyond his limits.

The man's situation was disheartening. Not only was the Stone Country's economy in shambles, but even their emissary couldn't afford basic accommodations. Though Shikaku's team had discreetly offered to cover his expenses, Rei's pride had kept him from accepting.

"Thank you," Rei said, bowing his head. His voice was tinged with both gratitude and weariness. "Once our country's trade improves, we will repay Konoha in full—both for this mission and for everyone's kindness."

Itachi Uchiha, seated with Izumi and Aoki by the fire, regarded Rei with his usual calm intensity. "There's no need for that," Itachi said, his tone measured. "When the time comes, direct the remaining payment to Hokage-sama."

Rei blinked, startled. "Hokage-sama?" he echoed.

"The Fourth Hokage personally advanced the payment for this mission," Itachi explained. "The village doesn't accept missions with insufficient funds, even for emergencies. This was an exception."

For a moment, Rei was silent, his expression shifting to one of disbelief. "Hokage-sama… paid for us?"

Izumi Uchiha, sitting beside Itachi, nodded. "That's correct. Hokage-sama's decision reflects his faith in the mission's importance." Her eyes softened, a glimmer of respect evident. "He's a compassionate leader."

Rei's eyes widened, his fatigue momentarily forgotten. "To think Hokage-sama would extend such generosity to the Stone Country… and I didn't even know."

Shikaku glanced at Itachi. The boy rarely spoke during missions, but when he did, his words were precise and purposeful. He had shared this information deliberately, ensuring Rei understood the weight of Konoha's actions.

This wasn't just about completing a mission. If Rei succeeded in his negotiations, he would return to the Stone Country with more than just a trade deal. He would carry the knowledge that Konoha, led by the Fourth Hokage, had extended a helping hand in their time of need. Gratitude, even in its simplest form, had a way of spreading.

Shikaku smirked inwardly. Minato's foresight never ceased to amaze him. Accepting this mission, which risked offending Iwagakure, wasn't just about helping the Stone Country—it was a strategic move. Acts of goodwill often traveled faster than swords. Soon, the smaller nations surrounding the Stone Country would hear of Konoha's benevolence.

"Itachi," Shikaku said, his gaze steady on the young Uchiha. "You understood this before we even began the mission, didn't you?"

Itachi met Shikaku's eyes briefly before lowering them to the flames. His expression was unreadable, but Shikaku could see the gears turning in the boy's mind.

Shikaku sighed, his thoughts wandering. Itachi's abilities weren't limited to his prodigious talent in ninjutsu or his sharp intellect. He possessed something rarer—a keen understanding of people and politics. Were it not for his Uchiha lineage, the village elders might have already singled him out as Konoha's next great genius.

But Itachi's clan affiliation complicated everything. Shikaku could already see how certain individuals in Konoha's leadership would view the boy—not as an asset, but as a potential threat.

Minato's voice echoed in Shikaku's memory, a conversation they'd had before the mission.

"I'm willing to give the Uchiha the trust they deserve," Minato had said. "Starting with this child."

Shikaku's lips curved into a faint smile. Trust wasn't something freely given in their world, but Minato's belief in Itachi was genuine. Perhaps, in time, the rest of Konoha would come to see what Minato already did.

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