The battle ended swiftly. Several Uchiha, their Sharingan awakened to the three-tomoe stage, had eliminated the opposition. However, the cost of their actions was high—leaving the village for an extended period was now impossible without drawing attention. Some, however, had different fates, including Uchiha Yang's mother, Higan Uchiha.
The Uchiha clan worked to dispose of the bodies, burning those of Root operatives, while others were swiftly taken away. A sentry post had been attacked, and a lifeless body lay crushed beneath the flames. Higan placed a hand on her son's shoulder, her crimson eyes dim with concern.
"Do not feel guilt, Yang. The patrol ninjas were not ignorant. The captain told you to leave because he wanted you to fight Root on your own terms, without dragging innocent Uchiha into this."
Uchiha Yang smirked, shaking his head. "Mother, you worry too much. I feel no guilt—I killed because I had to. If they came to capture me, I had every right to resist. As for the patrol unit, they provoked me first. Their words revealed their allegiance. If Root had planned this well, they would have waited for us to leave before making a move."
With the area secured, the team bid farewell to Higan and continued their journey toward the Land of Grass.
---
A teacup shattered against the floor. Danzo Shimura sat in the dimly lit chamber of his underground base, his single visible eye narrowing.
"You're telling me they disappeared?" His voice was cold, the weight of failure thick in the air.
A kneeling Root operative kept his head bowed. "Yes, Lord Danzo. We've lost contact with both the brigade and Anko. The Uchiha clan shows no outward signs of disturbance—its members continue their duties as usual. However, reports from the border suggest the targets have reached Kusagakure."
Danzo's fingers tightened against his cane. "Useless. Deploy additional agents to the border. I want confirmation—dead or alive. As for those Uchiha brats, don't bother trailing them. Dispose of them if they become an obstacle."
---
Having completed their mission and delivered the client's letter, Uchiha Yang's team decided to explore Kusagakure before searching for the legendary Grass Cutter sword.
Walking through the village streets, Yang felt an unexpected pang of nostalgia. The dense grass, the scent of damp earth—it was different from Konoha but oddly familiar.
His gaze landed on a young red-haired girl tending to an injured puppy. Her small fingers, scraped and bleeding, allowed crimson droplets to fall into the dog's mouth. She looked around nervously, as if afraid someone would see.
Yang's eyes narrowed. A member of the Uzumaki clan? He had heard of their legendary vitality and potent chakra. If this girl could use her blood to heal, she was in danger.
Approaching quickly, he murmured, "Your kindness may cost you your life."
The girl and her father looked up in alarm. Though Yang wore a Konoha forehead protector, the man's wary expression didn't ease.
"I saw your abilities," Yang continued. "I'll keep your secret, but not everyone in this village will. Kusagakure is corrupt. Its leaders hunger for powerful techniques. If they discover your daughter's gift, she won't remain free for long. She'll either be turned into a breeding tool or an experimental subject."
The red-haired man's fists clenched. "What do you want from us?"
Yang chuckled. "Nothing. I simply can't watch your clan be wiped out again. Come with me—it's not a request."
Terror flickered across their faces, but they had little choice. They followed Yang back to his temporary lodging.
---
Upon arrival, Yang found his teammates had returned. Uchiha Yan was unpacking supplies, but his gaze immediately locked onto the two red-haired individuals.
Uchiha Hoshiyomi scowled. "Yang, you're talented, but the clan won't approve of this. You should let them go."
Uchiha Reiji crossed his arms. "He's right. Our bloodline is already diluted enough. If you want your descendants to awaken the Sharingan, an Uzumaki isn't the right choice."
Uchiha Yan smirked. "Don't be so quick to judge. Maybe Yang's just ensuring their safety, not marrying into the clan."
Uchiha Kuzan, studying the girl, muttered, "Yang has good instincts…"
Ignoring their remarks, Yang turned to the Uzumaki pair. "Your names?"
The man hesitated before answering. "Uzumaki Jiaji. This is my daughter, Uzumaki Gion."
Yang nodded. "I won't take you to the Uchiha compound. That would be dangerous for both of us. Where would you prefer to go?"
Jiaji replied cautiously, "A small village near Konoha, where we won't stand out."
Yang turned to his teammates.
"Then we'll escort them after our mission."
---
The next morning, the team tracked down the rumored location of the Grass Cutter sword. The clues led them to a towering cliffside resembling an eagle's head.
"This must be it," Kuzan said, gazing up.
Yang studied the rock formation. "We'll descend. Kuzan and I will go down while the rest of you stand guard."
Securing their ropes, they rappelled down the cliffside, reaching a pool at the bottom. They swam through an underwater tunnel, eventually emerging into a hidden chamber.
A massive stone statue loomed over them. Murals covered the walls, depicting battles and legends of the past. At the center of the room stood three sword pedestals, with only two blades remaining. A stone tablet bore an ominous inscription:
"I sealed the Eight-Forked Serpent here. The Hound Clan must guard it for generations. Those who take my sword must inherit my fate."
Uchiha Reiji reached for one of the swords, but his hand passed through it as if it were an illusion. Kuzan activated his Sharingan but found himself unable to touch the box.
Yang exhaled, closing his eyes. He recalled his grandfather's lessons, the sensation of stillness while fishing as a child.
He stood, exuding pure sword intent.
In a sudden motion, he mimicked the act of drawing a blade. "Iaijutsu—Draw and Cut." The air around him shuddered.
A metallic glint flashed. A sword materialized in his grip, its presence undeniable.
A scroll dropped to the ground with a heavy thud.
Yang smiled. "Let's go. I've passed the test."