The sand along the coast sparkled with scattered shells, each catching the early light like bits of glass. The air carried the smell of salt, and waves rolled in with a steady rhythm. Yoru let his eyes narrow as he took in the view.
They were close to the Land of Waves—close to the region where Orochimaru was stationed.
In the stories Yoru remembered, Orochimaru operated a hidden research site in these waters. Mitarashi Anko received her curse mark here. That alone explained why Orochimaru preferred this frontier: it was remote, defensible, and ideal for secrets.
"Yoru-nii, we're here."Shisui pointed toward a cluster of watchtowers along the treeline, his excitement barely contained. "That's Orochimaru-sama's encampment."
The Uchiha unit approached, and Yoru noted how smoothly Shisui exchanged hand signs with the concealed sentries.Eight of them in total—young, trained, and carrying the weight of their clan's reputation.
They entered without issue.
The camp itself looked irregular at first glance, but Yoru knew better. Ninja camps were never rigid like a military garrison; adaptability made them stronger. The scattered layout meant no single strike could cripple the entire position.
"Yoru-nii, come with me to report. The rest of you, set up camp."
Eight voices answered in unison. Even so, several of the young Uchiha cast quiet glances at Yoru—curious, even skeptical.Why call him "nii-san"?Why treat him as Shisui's equal?
To them, Shisui was already a jonin at thirteen, a prodigy with fully matured Sharingan. Yoru had awakened his eye only recently. Their confusion was understandable.
Yoru ignored it and followed Shisui toward the command tent.
Along the way, he studied the fresh tents being raised. More reinforcements. Many had clearly arrived within a day or two.
Konoha is bracing for movement, he thought.Other nations smell blood in the water. They're gathering strength before they strike.
Their escort halted and gestured toward a darkened command pavilion.
"Orochimaru-sama is inside," he said before slipping away into the trees.
Shisui inhaled once, steadying himself. This was a moment he had imagined dozens of times. In his mind, Orochimaru was still the strongest candidate for the next Hokage.
Yoru scanned the shadows. The placement of the camp made sense—Orochimaru would choose a location that felt like an extension of himself. Dim, quiet, strategically veiled.
They both stopped at the entrance and spoke in unison:
"Uchiha unit reporting."
A voice rasped through the tent wall, cold yet controlled."Enter."
Inside, the dimness was almost deliberate. A large map hung across the far wall. Orochimaru stood over it, speaking to a member of the Hyūga clan.
The man bowed deeply. "Orochimaru-sama, we'll begin reconnaissance immediately."
Yoru recognized him: Hyūga Hizashi, younger brother of the clan head and father of the boy who would one day be known as Neji. His presence alone said everything—this region mattered.
Hizashi's pale eyes flicked briefly to the two Uchiha before dipping respectfully. "I will brief my team."
"Do so," Orochimaru replied.
When Hizashi left, Orochimaru finally turned toward the Uchiha. His serpentine gaze tracked them slowly, as though evaluating fragments of chakra one layer at a time.
A faint smile tugged at his lips.
"Thirteen years old and already a jonin," he murmured. "Your clan never disappoints."
Shisui didn't react to the praise. He stepped forward, kneeling slightly and offering the mission scroll with both hands.
"Uchiha Shisui, reporting with an advance squad of eight. Orders attached."
Orochimaru skimmed the contents."A three-tomoe jonin, several elite chunin… all very young." His eyes glinted. "And reinforcements still on the way."
Shisui nodded. "Yes, Commander."
Orochimaru leaned back slightly, something unreadable curling around his presence. His chakra pressed outward—dense, coiled, and overwhelming. Yoru braced himself instinctively, recalling the way second-generation Kage were said to fill a space without moving.
"This is your clan's show of commitment, then?" Orochimaru asked, his tone neither mocking nor soft. Merely… observing.
Shisui hesitated. The bluntness caught him off-guard.
Yoru wasn't surprised. Orochimaru had always been like this—direct, detached, uninterested in whether his questions made others uncomfortable.
Shisui answered carefully. "We came to support the front and reinforce Konoha. Nothing more."
Orochimaru's smile deepened, thin and sharp.
"Very well. Then let's see what the Uchiha bring to the battlefield."