After the three left, Sarutobi Shinnosuke walked into the Hokage's office.
"Old man, why didn't you let me take this mission? Even if I wasn't assigned to rescue the hostages, why not at least let me handle a safer, support role?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi exhaled a puff of smoke and replied in a deep voice,
"With Sakumo Hatake leading the mission, there won't be any issues.
You also know that Konoha has been receiving fewer high-ranking missions lately. This support mission is valuable yet low-risk, and every faction wanted a piece of it.
Danzo already requested two spots for his Root operatives. That left only three positions. Given the circumstances, I decided to assign Minato's team.
Besides, I have plans for Tunan. Before long, I'll be sending him with you to the Land of Fire's capital. With his talent, he'll undoubtedly become a formidable shinobi—someone who could greatly assist you in the future.
This mission will serve as another stepping stone in his career. You shouldn't be competing with your future subordinates. Take this time to rest."
---
Ten Minutes Later
Uchiha Tunan and his teammates arrived at Konoha's village gates, where two Jonin in standard green flak jackets awaited them. Both wore Konoha forehead protectors, but their rigid postures and emotionless expressions betrayed their affiliation—Root operatives.
"You're Team Minato, correct? Let's do introductions. I'm Kamiya Kazuki."
The other Jonin spoke curtly, "Yoshida Taro."
Both men had flat expressions, their demeanor devoid of warmth.
Adjusting his glasses, Uchiha Tunan was already 70% certain—these two were Root operatives.
Minato Namikaze nodded. "Minato Namikaze."
Kakashi Hatake, arms crossed, responded indifferently, "Kakashi Hatake."
Uchiha Tunan bowed politely, hands placed on his knees in a formal manner.
"Uchiha Tunan. It's an honor to work with you."
Kazuki's eyes narrowed slightly as he studied Tunan, his forced smile betraying hidden intentions.
"So this is Lord Danzo's target."
Feigning casualness, Kazuki pulled a few maps from his ninja pouch.
"There are five towns near the border. We'll be dividing into pairs. But first, demonstrate your abilities—I need a general assessment of your strength."
Minato scratched his head. "Well, my main technique is the Flying Thund—"
"No need for explanations. Just show us." Yoshida Taro cut him off, his voice devoid of patience.
Minato hesitated for a moment but, in his usual easygoing manner, complied. He flicked a special kunai forward, and in an instant, he vanished, reappearing beside it in a blur.
Kazuki's stiff smile twitched at the corners. Without hesitation, he handed Minato a map.
"Impressive speed. Here's your assignment."
He then turned to Kakashi, who silently performed rapid hand seals.
"Zzzzt—!"
A piercing sound erupted as blue lightning crackled in Kakashi's palm. His right hand, shaped like a claw, pulsed with violent arcs of electricity.
The technique radiated a terrifying intensity, and everyone's eyes narrowed.
Chidori…? No, it's still incomplete.
Uchiha Tunan analyzed the jutsu calmly. He's controlling the shape and nature of lightning chakra well, but… he hasn't incorporated the necessary speed yet. Without that, Chidori won't reach its full lethality.
Kakashi suddenly lunged at a nearby tree.
"Boom!"
A hole blasted through the trunk, but Kakashi's body trembled as he struggled to maintain control. He was breathing heavily.
Kazuki nodded.
"A promising jutsu. This is your map."
Finally, both Root operatives turned their gaze toward Uchiha Tunan.
Adjusting his glasses, Tunan gave an apologetic smile.
"I specialize in Sharingan-based genjutsu. But since my illusions only work on living targets, I can't exactly demonstrate them here."
Yoshida Taro's eyes narrowed.
"Use them on us. And don't hold back."
Tunan hesitated for a moment before nodding weakly.
"Understood."
His eyes closed—then snapped open, revealing a pair of scarlet Sharingan, each adorned with three tomoe.
Tunan formed a quick set of hand seals.
"Please look into my eyes. The genjutsu won't work otherwise."
Without hesitation, Kazuki and Yoshida locked eyes with him.
---
Genjutsu: Hell Viewing Technique
The scenery around them subtly shifted. It wasn't a drastic change—just minor details that could easily go unnoticed.
Kazuki glanced around. "So this is Sharingan genjutsu…"
Meanwhile, Yoshida Taro stood frozen.
Fwip!
A masked ANBU figure appeared before them. His deep voice rumbled ominously:
"The mission parameters have changed. Lord Dan—"
Before the illusionary ANBU could finish speaking, Yoshida Taro's fingers flicked into a release seal.
"Dispel!"
The genjutsu shattered instantly.
"Ah—!"
Uchiha Tunan gasped in pain, staggering backward. Blood dripped from his eyes, giving the impression of genjutsu backlash. He panted, seemingly exhausted.
Yoshida Taro scoffed. "Your genjutsu is pathetic."
Minato frowned, his normally kind eyes flashing with irritation.
"Genjutsu isn't meant for direct combat. Tunan's illusions are powerful—it's just that you were prepared. That lessened the effect."
Kazuki forced another stiff smile, handing Tunan a map.
"My apologies. Taro has always been blunt."
He turned to the group.
"Let's move out. We'll escort you to the border towns."
---
Unspoken Truths
Kazuki and Yoshida had both realized it:
Uchiha Tunan wasn't weak. He was simply careful.
A truly skilled genjutsu user could see through their own illusions, meaning Tunan had likely witnessed exactly what they saw inside the genjutsu.
If they had hesitated for even a second longer, something classified could have been exposed.
And when it came to Root, exposing secrets meant death.
Kazuki glanced at Tunan from the corner of his eye.
That kid…
He's more dangerous than he lets on.