Their Respective Plans
"Yes, but Shirō signed a contract with Ryūchi Cave before becoming a disciple of Lord White Fang."
"I see."
Meanwhile, Shirō also summoned Gray Snake.
"Gray Snake, I'm troubling you. Go now." After giving instructions, Shirō turned to his team. "Let's move. Gray Snake will notify us if there's anything ahead."
"Okay, let's go." Nakamura nodded, then dashed forward.
"Yes!" the others responded in unison before following behind.
On the way, Shirō adjusted his pace until he was beside Uchiha Tsuki.
"Do you have a younger sister?" Shirō asked casually.
Tsuki frowned, his eyes narrowing. "What do you want?"
"Don't misunderstand. I'm just curious. I haven't heard Miyue mention you. I only learned about you from her friends."
Uchiha Tsuki shot him a sharp look and muttered, "None of your business," before running ahead.
"Tch, finally met a 'normal' Uchiha. Hmph, if you're not interested, then this young master won't bother serving you!" Shirō muttered under his breath.
He had only wanted to strike up a conversation—maybe make a friend. If Tsuki had been as simple-minded as Obito, Shirō would have gained another powerful ally. Unfortunately, not every Uchiha was like that. This one was textbook clan arrogance. Still, considering a girl like Keiko admired him, he couldn't be entirely bad.
Since Tsuki wasn't interested, there was no reason to force it. Genius or not, cheats still had to bow before true authority. With that thought, Shirō felt much lighter.
For several days, the group traveled, resting only when necessary.
It wasn't until they neared the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Hot Water that Shirō suddenly raised his hand.
"Hold. There's fighting ahead."
Nakamura's expression hardened. "Distance?"
"Roughly 1,500 meters," Shirō replied.
"Isshin, Toyota, can you sense it?" Nakamura asked.
The two shook their heads.
"No, it's too far."
"My bugs can't reach that range either."
"I see. Shirō, is the Gray Snake still observing?"
"No, he retreated. The combatants' strength isn't weak, and Gray Snake can't handle that."
Nakamura thought for a moment. "If we go around, we'll lose too much time. Can you see them from here?"
Shirō shook his head. "No. Too many obstructions. If I were about twenty meters higher, I could."
"Hah, that's easy enough. Don't forget, I can use Earth Release. But will you be discovered?"
"Not if I conceal myself," Shirō said calmly, already preparing.
"Alright. Earth Release: Earth Pillar!"
Nakamura slammed his palm down, and a narrow column of earth surged upward. At the same time, Shirō projected a Noble Phantasm—the Invisibility Cloth—and draped it over himself for extra security.
In moments, he stood atop the pillar, peering far into the distance. His clairvoyant gaze locked onto the battlefield.
Two shinobi clashed fiercely. One bore no forehead protector, his movements reminiscent of Kumogakure's style—likely a rogue ninja. A missing-nin would rarely flaunt a forehead protector unless they were strong enough to back it up.
But the other fighter… Shirō narrowed his eyes. The man's skin bore stitch-like marks. When his body split apart, tendrils burst forth, sprouting three grotesque masks.
Shirō's heart dropped. Kakuzu.
Kakuzu—the legendary bounty hunter of Takigakure, who had once fought the First Hokage himself. Shirō recognized the technique instantly: Earth Grudge Fear.
The rogue-nin didn't last long. In a flash, Kakuzu's tendrils tore him apart, his life extinguished without resistance.
Cold sweat ran down Shirō's back. If their squad had stumbled onto that battle… everyone but him would have been annihilated.
He remained still, waiting until Kakuzu vanished from sight before signaling Nakamura.
"Clear. The opponent has left."
Nakamura frowned. "Is that dangerous?"
"Yes. Even if we attacked together, we wouldn't stand a chance," Shirō said honestly.
Tsuki's suspicious gaze fell on him. "You could really see that far?"
Shirō met his look without explanation. "You'll understand when you see the traces yourself. There are signs of Lightning and Fire Release everywhere."
"Enough chatter," Nakamura cut in. "We'll confirm when we arrive. Shirō, summon Gray Snake again. Let's move."
"Understood."
The squad pressed onward, soon arriving at the devastated battlefield. Burn marks scarred the earth. Trees had been blasted apart. Charred remains smoldered, mingled with the smell of blood and ozone.
Everyone was stunned—not just at the destruction, but at how accurately Shirō had described it.
"Holy crap! You're unbelievable!" Taiyi gawked. "With eyesight like that, you're better than the Sharingan in some ways!"
"What nonsense are you spouting?!" Uchiha Tsuki snapped, activating his two-tomoe Sharingan. "Don't compare him to the Sharingan without proof."
"Heh. Two tomoe, is it? You're not the only one." Taiyi's own eyes spun into crimson, revealing a two-tomoe Sharingan of his own.
"What?!" Uchiha Tsuki froze, clearly unprepared for his clanmate's revelation. His careful plan, whatever it had been, had just collapsed.
---
Note 1: Noble Phantasm – Invisibility Cloth
Rank: E
Holder: Gilgamesh, King of Uruk, the oldest Hero King in human history.
Appearance: A simple cloth.
Origin & Ability: Said to be the prototype for all "invisibility" artifacts throughout human history. When draped over an object, it renders it imperceptible to magical or optical detection. However, it does not conceal sound, heat, or scent.