After hours of traveling through increasingly dense forest, the reserve force reached what Amanai called the main encampment. Muzan's first impression was that "main encampment" was a severe understatement. The forest concealed it remarkably well through deliberate positioning and camouflage techniques, but his enhanced senses detected the true scale. Hundreds of heartbeats spread across what must have been several square miles of territory. Cooking fires carefully shielded to minimize smoke. The metallic scent of weapons being maintained. Countless voices speaking in controlled tones.
Without his transformed perception, Muzan would have walked within fifty feet of the camp without realizing humans occupied the area.
The reserve force didn't push forward to join the main body immediately. They stopped at the camp's outer perimeter and Lord Urashi gathered the squad leaders while the rest began establishing their own section.
"Set up your positions here," Urashi ordered. His voice carried authority that demanded immediate compliance. "No one advances or takes independent action until I return with intelligence about the current tactical situation. Acting without proper information results in unnecessary casualties and compromised operations."
He departed with two personal guards, heading deeper into the camp toward what must have been the command structure at its center.
One of Urashi's senior aides remained behind to coordinate the reserve force's establishment. Muzan worked quickly to set up his assigned tent, choosing a location beneath particularly thick tree cover where the canopy would block the most sunlight. The dark fabric of the tent blended naturally with the shadows underneath the branches. He positioned the entrance facing away from where dawn would break based on his observations of the previous morning's sun angle.
Other Uchiha were still assembling their equipment and establishing defensive positions when Muzan finished his preparations. He slipped inside his tent and secured the entrance flap, then hung a second layer of fabric along the interior to create additional protection against any light that might penetrate the outer layer. He checked for gaps methodically, blocking any space where even thin beams might slip through during the day.
Once satisfied with his precautions, Muzan sat down on the bedroll and settled in to wait. Outside, voices continued coordinating the camp setup and footsteps moved in organized patterns as sentries established their patrol routes.
The hours passed slowly. Muzan felt the temperature gradually rise as morning arrived and the sun climbed higher in the sky. No one disturbed him. The Uchiha had apparently accepted that his tent would remain sealed during daylight hours.
By what Muzan estimated was early afternoon based on the warmth and the angle of the few light beams that penetrated near ground level outside, Lord Urashi returned. His voice carried across the camp as he gathered everyone for a briefing.
"The frontline is holding its current position but barely," Urashi announced. "The Senju deployed larger forces than our intelligence predicted. They've formed alliances with the Sarutobi, Shimura, Nara, Yamanaka, and Akimichi clans for this engagement. Commander Tajima is implementing a rotation system to prevent exhaustion. Some of our forces will reinforce the eastern flank today while others rest and prepare for tomorrow's operations."
He paused and his voice hardened. "I will assume command of the eastern flank effective immediately. The previous commander, Uchiha Hiroashi, was killed in action three days ago. The Senju ambushed his position with overwhelming force. The assault was led by Tobirama Senju, second son of Senju Butsuma. This insult to our clan will be repaid. We will avenge Hiroashi's death a thousandfold. Do you understand?"
A chorus of affirmations rose from the assembled shinobi.
The remainder of the day proceeded with methodical organization. Squadrons received their assignments. Supply lines were established with clear routes back to the main Uchiha territories. Scouts departed to gather fresh intelligence about enemy positions and movements.
This was how shinobi warfare actually functioned, Muzan observed as he listened to the activities outside his tent. Not through dramatic charges or inspiring speeches, but through careful logistics, intelligence gathering, and systematic planning that gave forces the best chance of survival and success.
When evening arrived and the sun finally dropped below the horizon, Muzan emerged from his tent to find the camp fully operational. Cooking fires burned in designated areas that had been cleared of debris to prevent accidental spread. Sentries walked the perimeter in overlapping patterns that ensured no section went unwatched for more than a few minutes.
Toshiro found Muzan near his tent as darkness settled completely over the forest. "You've been assigned to forest flank operations," Toshiro explained. "Night patrol under Amanai-san's command. Most stealth operations happen in the forest sectors where the terrain provides cover for infiltration and assassination teams."
That made tactical sense. The forest flank was where ambush teams would detect threats approaching through the trees, where they would hunt enemy scouts trying to gather intelligence, where assassination squads would operate during darkness, and where they would disrupt enemy movement through contested territory. Such operations required a commander who could analyze situations quickly and adapt plans in real time.
"The forest flank commander is Uchiha Takashi," Toshiro continued. "He's one of our most experienced strategists. You'll report to him through Amanai-san's squad structure."
The patrol assignment began immediately after sunset. Muzan met Toshiro at the forest edge where their designated route started. Amanai was already there, finishing his briefing to another pair of shinobi before they departed into the darkness.
Muzan counted and realized their squad structure consisted of five members with Amanai as the leader. The pair that had just left must have been the other two members of their unit.
"Your patrol sector runs north to the river bend approximately two miles from here," Amanai said once the other pair had disappeared into the trees. He traced the route on a rough map drawn on treated leather. "Follow the riverbank east for half a mile, then circle back south to your starting position. The complete circuit should take approximately three hours at proper patrol speed."
He handed Toshiro a small metal whistle. "Watch for signs of enemy passage. Disturbed undergrowth, broken branches at unusual angles, footprints in soft earth near water sources, displaced animals fleeing from human presence. If you encounter enemy scouts, avoid engagement unless you have no alternative. Signal your position and track them instead so we can coordinate a proper response with reinforcements."
Toshiro secured the whistle inside his vest where he could reach it quickly.
"One short blast signals enemy movement detected," Amanai continued. "Two short blasts means you're under active attack and require immediate assistance. Three short blasts means you've discovered something critical that requires the front commander's attention directly."
"How long is our shift?" Muzan asked.
"Four hours from departure to return, including the three-hour patrol and one hour for rest and reporting before the next team takes your sector," Amanai replied. He looked at both of them with an expression that suggested he was measuring their readiness. "Maintain alertness throughout your route. The Senju are aware we reinforced our positions today. They'll send reconnaissance teams to probe our defenses and identify weaknesses they can exploit."
With those final instructions, Muzan and Toshiro departed into the forest. They moved with the careful silence that came from Sharingan-enhanced perception allowing them to see clearly in the darkness and place their feet with precision. Forest patrol was typically reserved for experienced shinobi since rookies missed crucial signs of enemy passage and were easily ambushed by opponents with superior knowledge of the terrain.
However, even relatively inexperienced Uchiha could perform patrol duties competently once they'd awakened their Sharingan. The enhanced visual perception compensated significantly for lack of practical experience.
Muzan had transformed his eyes to match the appearance of an active Sharingan before leaving camp, maintaining the illusion that he possessed the bloodline ability. In reality, his natural senses far exceeded what even a three-tomoe Sharingan could provide, but revealing that truth would raise questions he couldn't afford to answer.
Toshiro led their patrol route, following the path Amanai had outlined. Muzan maintained position a few steps behind and slightly to the side, watching their flanks while Toshiro focused forward. Both of them moved with their supposed Sharingan active, the red glow of their eyes visible in the darkness whenever they turned their heads.
The first hour passed without incident. They checked the expected signs of human passage: ground near game trails where animals typically traveled, low-hanging branches that might catch on clothing or equipment, areas where undergrowth had been disturbed or pushed aside rather than growing naturally. They found nothing that suggested enemy scouts had moved through their sector recently.
"The Senju must have backed off after seeing our reinforcements arrive," Toshiro muttered as they paused near a small stream to listen for unusual sounds. "I expected them to send reconnaissance teams immediately to assess our strength."
Muzan stayed silent since he lacked the tactical knowledge to contribute meaningfully to that analysis. He focused instead on using his actual senses to monitor their surroundings.
They continued deeper into their patrol route, moving more slowly now as they entered territory farther from the Uchiha camp. Toshiro crouched near a large tree to examine disturbed earth while Muzan scanned the area with all his enhanced perception active.
That was when Muzan heard it. A faint sound that didn't belong to the natural forest environment. Metal scraping against wood, subtle but distinct. The sound came from ahead and to their left, perhaps sixty feet distant.
Muzan raised his hand in a signal. Toshiro froze immediately, his body going completely still.
They waited and listened. The sound repeated after several seconds, confirming it wasn't a random animal or wind-blown debris.
Muzan pointed in the direction of the sound. Toshiro nodded and gestured that they should circle wide to approach from a different angle. They moved off their designated patrol route, stepping carefully to avoid making noise on the leaf-covered ground. Every footfall had to be placed precisely to prevent snapping branches or rustling dried leaves.
As they drew closer to the source of the sound, Muzan caught a scent his transformed olfactory senses identified immediately. Human sweat mixed with weapon oil and the distinctive smell of chakra-infused metal. At least one person, possibly more.
He tapped Toshiro's shoulder and pointed to his nose, then indicated the direction of the scent. Toshiro understood the signal and reached for the whistle to alert the camp that they'd found something.
Before Toshiro could bring the whistle to his lips, something invisible slammed into his mind with crushing force. His hand jerked violently and the whistle flew from his grip, disappearing into the undergrowth several feet away. Toshiro's entire body went rigid, his muscles locking as his eyes glazed over with the unfocused stare of someone whose consciousness was being suppressed.
Muzan spun around as a massive figure burst from the trees behind them with shocking speed despite his enormous size. The Akimichi clan member was built like a boulder, standing at least six and a half feet tall with arms as thick as Muzan's torso and a barrel chest that suggested tremendous physical power. He swung one massive fist at Muzan's head with enough force to shatter bone if it connected.
Muzan ducked under the strike but made the motion look clumsy and barely successful rather than the effortless dodge it actually was. He needed to maintain the appearance of being an inexperienced Uchiha rather than revealing his true capabilities. The fist whistled past close enough that he felt the air displacement against his hair.
He shifted his weight forward and drove his palm into the Akimichi's ribs with a strike he carefully calibrated to use considerable force without approaching his actual strength. The impact should have knocked the wind from a normal person's lungs, but the Akimichi barely flinched. Thick layers of muscle and fat acted as natural armor that absorbed the blow without significant effect.
The massive shinobi grinned, revealing teeth that looked too large for his face. "You'll need more than that to hurt me, Uchiha brat."
He threw another punch with his opposite hand. Muzan sidestepped the strike and swept low, targeting the Akimichi's knee with a kick that should have compromised his balance. The big man simply lifted his leg to avoid the sweep, then brought his heel down like a hammer aimed at Muzan's head.
Muzan rolled away from the descending foot, letting it come closer than was actually necessary to make his dodge look desperate rather than controlled. The heel struck the ground where he'd been positioned moments before with enough force to crack the earth and send small rocks flying in all directions.
Behind him, Toshiro's hand was moving toward his weapon pouch. His movements were jerky and unnatural, like a puppet being controlled by invisible strings. Someone else was directing his body while his consciousness remained trapped.
Muzan spotted the controller then. A woman with long blonde hair tied back in a practical style crouched behind a tree approximately thirty feet away. Her hands were pressed together in a seal position, maintaining whatever technique she was using to dominate Toshiro's mind. The Yamanaka clan specialized in mental invasion techniques that allowed them to puppet enemy shinobi.
There was a third opponent as well. A lean man with sharp features and his dark hair tied back in a topknot observed the fight from another concealed position. The Nara clan marking on his vest identified him as the third member of this enemy team.
Three against two, and one of the two was being controlled by the enemy. The tactical situation was poor. If Muzan had been alone and willing to reveal his true capabilities, the fight would have ended in seconds. But Toshiro was watching even while under mental control, and Muzan had already exposed his regenerative healing to the Uchiha. Revealing more of his transformed abilities would raise questions about what exactly he was.
So he maintained the act of being an inexperienced Uchiha struggling against a stronger opponent.
The Akimichi charged forward again, this time building momentum like a bull preparing to gore a target. Muzan waited until the massive body was almost on top of him, then dropped flat to the ground. The Akimichi couldn't stop his momentum in time and crashed into a tree trunk with a impact that shook loose a shower of leaves and small branches.
Muzan rolled to his feet immediately and delivered three rapid strikes to the Akimichi's exposed lower back, targeting the kidneys and spine with carefully measured force. The big man grunted from the impacts but reached backward with surprising speed, his thick fingers closing around Muzan's arm before he could pull away.
The Akimichi lifted Muzan completely off the ground using just one hand, demonstrating the tremendous strength his clan was known for. He slammed Muzan down against the earth with crushing force that would have shattered a normal person's bones and organs.
Muzan let himself be thrown and made sure to gasp convincingly as if the impact had driven the air from his lungs, though his transformed body registered the collision as barely noticeable pressure. He needed Toshiro and any other observers to believe he was taking real damage.
The Akimichi raised his foot to stomp on Muzan's chest with his full weight behind the strike. Muzan twisted at the last moment so the descending foot struck his shoulder instead, then kicked out with both legs and caught the big man's supporting leg with enough force to compromise his balance without revealing inhuman strength.
The Akimichi stumbled sideways and Muzan scrambled to his feet, making the motion look more desperate than it actually was.
Across the small clearing, Toshiro had drawn a kunai from his pouch. His hand trembled as he fought against the mental control, but the blade was slowly rising toward his own throat. The Yamanaka woman's face showed intense concentration as she maintained her technique, forcing Toshiro's body to move against his will.
"Just die quietly," the Yamanaka said. Her voice carried satisfaction at her apparent control over the situation.
Then Toshiro's Sharingan blazed brighter, the tomoe in his eyes spinning faster as he channeled chakra through his bloodline ability. His hand stopped moving toward his throat as veins stood out on his forehead from the strain of resisting the mental invasion.
"No," Toshiro growled through clenched teeth. His entire body shook with effort.
The connection shattered. Toshiro's body returned to his own control as he broke free from the Yamanaka technique through sheer force of will enhanced by his Sharingan's resistance to mental manipulation.
The Nara moved immediately in response to his teammate's technique failing. He stepped out from his concealed position with both hands already forming rapid seals, his fingers moving through the patterns with practiced speed.
"Shadow techniques won't work properly at night," Toshiro said, having recovered his composure quickly after breaking the mental control. "Insufficient ambient light to cast the shadows you need."
"Who said I need my clan jutsu to kill you?" The Nara drew two kunai and closed the distance to Toshiro with speed that suggested significant taijutsu training. He was faster than his lean build implied, and his movements were economical with no wasted motion.
Toshiro blocked the first kunai strike with his