"Hahaha, brother, don't be angry. Yan was in a hurry and knocked you unconscious." Uchiha Retsu smirked, watching Uchiha Xingya inside the holding cell. He poured a cup of warm sake and slid it towards him.
Uchiha Yan picked up his own cup and said, "I really didn't mean it, Starry Night. I acted too quickly in the moment. Come on, let me make it up to you with a drink."
Uchiha Yang nodded in agreement. "Xingya, you've done a great service to the clan this time. I've already sent the report to the elders. There's no doubt you'll be promoted to squadron leader. From now on, we'll be colleagues. Let's eat."
Uchiha Xingya eyed the three squadron leaders seated before him. They poured drinks, toasted him, and showered him with praise—but all he could think about was how they had set him up as bait. Even so, he took the cup and drank.
The atmosphere was lively, with clinking cups and laughter, but then Uchiha Yang leaned forward, his tone turning serious. "I need to ask you to endure for three more days."
Xingya froze. His grip on the cup tightened.
"I've released news that we captured an Iwagakure spy," Yang continued, "and, at the same time, we 'rescued' a Amegakure spy who was being held hostage. Now, if they think their man is alive, they'll try to rescue him. That means they're coming for you."
Xingya clenched his jaw. These bastards… they're not done using me yet.
Seeing his hesitation, Uchiha En reassured him, "This time is different from before. You're under our direct protection. Your chakra won't be sealed, and no one except Uchiha Bocha, who brings your meals, will be allowed near you. If anyone else approaches, kill them immediately."
Retsu grinned. "Think about it. If this plan works, you'll be the hero of the Uchiha clan. People will whisper your name in awe. 'Do you know Uchiha Xingya? He's our ace, the one who outsmarted Iwa and Ame both.'" He emphasized the last words, grinning mischievously.
Xingya mentally cursed a thousand times over. Uchiha's ace? More like their sacrificial pawn!
Still, he exhaled sharply and relented. "Fine. But only for three days. Not a second longer."
---
A hooded figure stood in a dark alley, facing an old, abandoned well. His voice was low as he muttered, "One of ours was captured. But it's strange—Uchiha caught an Iwagakure operative, and somehow, they found our missing agent, too."
The well remained silent.
The man in the hat turned and left.
The next night, he returned and spoke again, "The Uchiha clan handed over the Iwa-nin, but they said nothing about the Ame-nin. The police force has resumed normal patrols, but Uchiha Yang—he's different. Every day, he lingers in Uchiha Yan's jurisdiction. That's not normal."
A small slip of paper emerged from the well, with a single word written on it: Investigate.
The man ate the paper, took a swig from his sake bottle, and staggered away into the night.
---
"You said three days!" Uchiha Xingya growled, struggling against the restraints binding him to the bed. "My limbs are going numb! Why not just hang me upside down? At least let my feet touch the ground!"
Uchiha Retsu chuckled. "Relax, brother. This time, it's for real. They're coming. Just close your eyes, get some rest, and when you wake up, it'll all be over. Trust me."
Uchiha Yan sighed, rubbing his temples. "It's been more than ten days now… Even I feel bad."
Uchiha Yang, clearly avoiding Xingya's glare, simply coughed into his fist.
---
Two nights later, a deafening explosion rocked the district. A private home burst into flames, sending a pillar of smoke into the sky. The Uchiha patrol squads mobilized instantly, surrounding the building while pretending to maintain normal security.
As the fire cast eerie shadows against the walls, Uchiha Yang smirked. "The guests have arrived. Let's greet them properly."
Flames erupted from inside the house as several figures darted through the inferno. The clash of kunai rang through the night.
Then, a voice roared—"Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique!"
A barrage of fireballs ignited torches around the compound, exposing several figures hidden in the darkness. The Uchiha sprang into action.
Uchiha Mei emerged from the burning building, dragging an unconscious man by the collar. Behind her, Uchiha Xingya staggered out, dragging two lifeless bodies behind him. His face was pale, his hands still shaking from the adrenaline.
It was over.
---
The next evening, the Uchiha gathered for a grand feast in an open courtyard. Laughter and warmth filled the air as food and sake flowed freely.
Raising his cup high, Uchiha Yang declared, "Tonight, we honor Uchiha Xingya. He risked his life, infiltrated the enemy's ranks, and emerged victorious. Thanks to him, we have exposed spies from both Iwa and Ame hiding in our village."
A loud cheer erupted from the gathered Uchiha.
Mei stepped forward, holding a formal scroll. "For your exceptional performance, Uchiha Xingya, you are hereby promoted to squadron leader. You will form and command your own unit immediately."
The crowd roared their approval.
Xingya's face flushed. Just hours ago, he had been cursing his squad leaders. Now, he was grinning ear to ear, half-drunk, and soaking in the applause.
He raised his own cup, his voice slurred but resolute: "For the Uchiha! I'll give my all for our clan!"
---
The next morning, a formal report detailing the Land-Cleansing Operation arrived on the Third Hokage's desk.
Hiruzen Sarutobi leaned back in his chair, taking a slow drag from his pipe as he read.
A few moments later, the office door opened. Koharu Utatane, Homura Mitokado, and Danzo Shimura stepped in.
Hiruzen exhaled a plume of smoke and slid the report forward. "Read this."
Koharu and Homura quickly skimmed the contents. Danzo, however, barely glanced at the report, his eyes locked on Hiruzen instead.
After a long silence, Homura finally spoke. "Danzo, I think you've rested long enough. If we don't tighten security, Konoha will become a sieve for spies."
Koharu frowned. "Even the Uchiha are handling ANBU-level operations now. Especially that Uchiha Xingya… he's young, but too cunning for comfort."
Hiruzen tapped his fingers against his desk before looking at Danzo. "Recall your men from Root. Konoha is not your private chessboard."
Danzo's only response was a scoff. As he turned to leave, he muttered under his breath—
"Uchiha… humph."