I slept soundly that night, knowing today would be a big day. Father was finally beginning preparations for the Missing-nin mission.
I rose early, stretching the stiffness from my limbs and donning my shinobi gear. The familiar weight of the outfit steadied my nerves it reminded me this wasn't just excitement. This was duty.
Stepping outside for breakfast, I scanned the house for any sign of my father.
"Hey, Mom. Good morning."
"Hello, Shinji. Good morning to you too," she said warmly. "Breakfast is ready. After you're done, your father wants you to meet him at the Uchiha Shrine. You remember where it is, right?"
"Yes, Mom. I'll pick up Shisui on the way."
I hesitated. "Say… did you know the Uchihas who defected?"
Her smile faltered.
"Just one. Kazari Uchiha," she said quietly. "She was a year under me in the Academy. Being from the same clan and so close in age, we often crossed paths."
"I'm sorry, Mom. I didn't mean to bring up something painful."
She shook her head gently. "It's alright. Hurry and eat. You'll need your strength today. Your father has their shinobi files. He'll explain their abilities and weaknesses."
After breakfast, I set off for Shisui's place. The walk was short, and he was already stepping outside when I arrived.
"Good morning, Shisui. Ready to head to the shrine?"
"Morning, Shinji. Yeah we're expected in five minutes. Let's move."
We hurried through the district and arrived at the Uchiha Shrine. Waiting there was my father, flanked by four Uchiha jōnin. Some I recognized from the compound, others were unfamiliar.
I leaned toward Shisui, whispering before we were noticed.
"Dang… the clan head and four jōnin. Don't you feel a little out of place?"
Shisui nodded. "Yeah. Either Fugaku-sama wants us to gain experience… or he really doesn't take traitors lightly."
Before I could reply, my father's voice rang out.
"Good. You both made it. Let's begin."
He turned to the group. "This is Raki Uchiha. He specializes in Fire Release and kenjutsu. Jōnin for seven years."
Raki looked like the textbook Uchiha dark, wild spiky hair, average build. His face, however, carried an unusual softness that made him seem deceptively unassuming. Better not comment on that, I thought. He looks sharp enough as it is.
"This is Taido Uchiha," Father continued. "He specializes in taijutsu and genjutsu. Jōnin for three years. He was in the Academy with your sensei, Shikaku."
Taido was tall, with long black hair falling past his shoulders and broad, strong shoulders. Despite the intimidating build, he smiled warmly and waved.
"This is Jiro Uchiha. Lightning Release and shurikenjutsu. Jōnin for twelve years."
Jiro was bald, with a thick goatee, and barely taller than Shisui and me. Someone didn't eat their vegetables, I thought.
"And lastly, Akiro Uchiha. He specializes in fūinjutsu and genjutsu. Jōnin for five years."
Akiro was stocky, with wild brown hair spiking in every direction. He looked like someone who had spent more time in the field than behind a desk.
Turning to us, Father said, "And now this is my son, Shinji Uchiha. Excels in taijutsu and Fire Release. Sharp-minded, calm under pressure. First-year genin."
"And this is Shisui. Specializes in kenjutsu, possesses exceptional speed, and shows promise in genjutsu. First-year genin. He and Shinji serve on the same team."
With introductions complete, Father led us to a table covered in mission files.
"I assembled this team because we are the best the Uchiha clan has to offer. This mission will demonstrate to the village how seriously we take deserters."
His eyes lingered briefly on Shisui and me.
"And you two are here because I see great potential."
He opened the first file.
"Our targets are three rogue Uchihas. First Kazari Uchiha. Special jōnin. Highly skilled in genjutsu, but weak in taijutsu. Fully matured three-tomoe Sharingan. Taido and Jiro will engage her."
The next file:
"Next is Hiroki Uchiha. Jōnin. Proficient in Fire and Lightning Release. Well-rounded, experienced, with no glaring weaknesses and no overwhelming strengths. Three-tomoe Sharingan. Raki and Akiro will handle him."
Finally:
"Kaido Uchiha. Chūnin. Thirteen years old. Promising before defecting. Primarily a taijutsu user relying heavily on his Sharingan. Not fully evolved two tomoe."
His gaze settled on us.
"Shinji. Shisui. You will engage him. I will assist as needed and watch for ambushes."
With the plan set, we departed, stopping first at the Hokage's office to report and obtain approval.
Walking beside us, Father asked quietly, "Are you two ready? Kaido is talented. Do not underestimate him."
"Yes, Father," I said. "Shisui and I are rested and prepared after our battle with the Iwa chūnin."
"Good," he replied. "This mission will test more than strength. Do not disappoint me."
In the Hokage's office, I felt Hiruzen's gaze immediately. He exhaled a stream of smoke.
"I see you've decided to include young Shisui and Shinji. Are you certain they're ready to face members of their own clan?"
Father answered without hesitation.
"They stopped being clansmen the moment they deserted. They will assist and grow from this experience. I believe it is necessary."
Hiruzen studied us, then nodded.
"Very well. You have my permission. Be cautious rogues grow bolder during wartime."
With the Hokage's approval, we stepped toward the village gates. The mission had begun.