"Because Father would never lie to me."
Uchiha Jin's expression was calm.
He watched Nara Kazama, but his mind began to race.
He truly hadn't expected Nara Kazama to be in such a situation.
As for lying?
Impossible!
As a traditional Nara, he wouldn't tell such an easily exposed lie.
After a long silence, he finally spoke softly.
"I can't work hard."
"I can't endure hardship; I'm a good-for-nothing Uchiha, after all."
"If I suddenly became diligent, or even a genius, then some people wouldn't be able to eat."
"As a cannon fodder ninja, I have to live up to the persona of a good-for-nothing!"
"You're a smart person; I imagine I don't need to say more."
Nara Kazama smiled.
Yes.
He didn't need to say too much; he would think for himself.
He understood the Uchiha's situation, and once he understood that point...
He could naturally guess Uchiha Jin's thoughts with a high degree of accuracy.
"You've disguised yourself very successfully!" Nara Kazama said with a smile, "In these past few years at the academy, I never paid any attention to you."
"I was sent by Nara Shikaku; he wanted me to see what kind of person you are."
"If my guess isn't wrong, it should be related to the three deceased Uchiha."
"My Clan Uncle must have his eyes on you."
"However, don't worry."
"The Nara Clan acts cautiously and won't easily attract enemies for the clan, let alone enemies like the Uchiha."
"Even after confirming, he will secretly invest in you."
"The Nara Clan's way of doing things is not to put all their eggs in one basket."
Uchiha Jin's eyes narrowed slightly.
He had indeed guessed correctly; his previous explanation hadn't fooled Nara Shikaku.
This sparked a hint of killing intent within him, but he quickly concealed it.
The Nara Clan had a long heritage; while not comparable to the Uchiha, they were not to be trifled with.
Moreover...
Just as Nara Kazama said, Nara Shikaku didn't bear him ill will; otherwise, he could have exposed him directly in the Hokage Office back then.
"Oh, so that's how it is."
Uchiha Jin took a deep breath, then said nothing more and headed directly towards the frontline camp.
Nara Kazama followed beside him, and after a long while, couldn't help but complain.
"Jin-kun, are you really an Uchiha?" Nara Kazama asked, "In terms of your conduct, you don't resemble an Uchiha at all."
"When you were born in the hospital, was it possible you were swapped with another baby?"
"You're more like a Nara!"
Uchiha Jin's mouth twitched.
He really hadn't expected Nara Kazama to say that.
But thinking about it carefully, it seemed to be true.
After shaking his head helplessly, he spoke in a soft, drawn-out tone.
"You're overthinking it; I have the Sharingan."
"Alright, let's head back."
There was no need to hide such a minor detail.
After all, with Nara Kazama's intelligence, he would be able to guess even if it wasn't said.
Of course, more importantly, he truly had the idea of trying to win over Nara Kazama now.
This guy's strength was not bad; he was definitely a genius.
The key was that he was smart!
With him by his side offering advice, he would be able to walk a steadier path in the future.
Of course.
There was plenty of time; no need to rush.
Meanwhile, on the other side...
Hearing Uchiha Jin's words, he also had an "I knew it" expression... Evening.
The night was inky black, and a full moon hung high.
The frontline camp was quiet; apart from the patrolling ninja, almost no one was moving outside.
Inside Uchiha Jin's squad tent, however, an uninvited guest had arrived.
"Following investigation by the Anbu, Ishikawa Itsuki disobeyed orders, leading to the failure of Team Seven's mission."
"The facts are conclusive and indisputable."
"However, considering the wartime period, Ishikawa Itsuki is permitted to return to his original squad to atone for his actions."
"This is your new mission; act immediately tomorrow morning!"
The ninja beside Miyamoto Yukie handed a mission scroll to Kudo Shin, then turned and left directly.
Inside the tent, there was silence.
Everyone looked at Ishikawa Itsuki, unsure what to say for a moment.
Damn it.
They brought this guy back again!
Everyone's expressions were generally not good.
After all, regarding the matter of reporting Ishikawa Itsuki, they had already completely fallen out.
How would their squad cooperate in the upcoming mission?
Kudo Shin's face was grim.
Although he was very displeased, he truly couldn't refuse the arrangements from above.
He glanced at Ishikawa Itsuki, then spoke coldly.
"I hope you'll remember this lesson and not cause any more trouble for everyone."
"There's a mission tomorrow; everyone get some good rest."
After speaking.
Kudo Shin lay down on his folding bed to rest, and Uchiha Jin and Nara Kazama exchanged a glance, then shook their heads helplessly and went to rest as well.
Ishikawa Itsuki's expression was ugly.
Especially when he looked at Nara Kazama and Uchiha Jin, his eyes were filled with anger and resentment.
Yes.
He didn't believe he was at fault; instead, he thought it was because these two hadn't cooperated with him properly.
He was one of the top three in his class; how could he be saved by two dead last students?
"A bunch of bastards!"
"It must be their fault, otherwise how could I have failed?"
"Just you wait, I definitely won't let you off!"
Chapter 25: Heading to the Garrison Point, Thick Fog Gradually Rises