Nara Kazama fell silent.
He had no idea how to answer Uchiha Jin's question.
Jin did not press. He only meant to signal that everyone has their own secrets. If the bond is not there, there is no need to pry.
When Kazama stayed quiet, Jin simply kept sunbathing.
The sky burned to copper. Even without noon's heat, he liked the ease of it, unlike the village where every day was scheming and counter-scheming.
It was exhausting.
When it finally grew late, he rose with a yawn, turned to head back, and noticed Kazama was still beside him.
"Why are you still here?" Jin asked, puzzled.
Kazama lifted his head. He studied Jin for a moment, then spoke in a low voice.
"My father was Nara Shikamei, older brother to Nara Shikaku."
"He lost the succession and died on a mission five years ago."
"Before he died, he told us brothers never to become geniuses. Live an ordinary life, and you will live."
"My two older brothers did not listen. They were family prodigies, and they died in the years that followed."
"I listened. I made myself mediocre."
"So I am still here."
"Ino-Shika-Cho does not draw lines between its three houses, but I stepped away on purpose."
"My father would not lie to me."
Jin's face stayed calm, though his thoughts moved fast.
He had not expected this.
Lying? No. A traditional Nara would not tell a lie so flimsy.
After a long pause, he answered softly.
"I cannot afford to strive."
"I hate hard work. I am a useless Uchiha, remember."
"If I suddenly started trying, even looked like a genius, some people would lose their appetites."
"As a disposable shinobi, I need to honor the role."
"You are clever. I do not need to spell it out."
Kazama smiled.
There was no need for more. He could follow the trail himself.
He understood the Uchiha's situation. Once you grasp that, you could guess Jin's motives eight or nine parts right.
"Your act is convincing," Kazama said with a grin. "I never paid you any mind at school."
"Shikaku-ojisan sent me. He wanted me to see what kind of person you are."
"If I have the picture, it ties to those three dead Uchiha."
"My uncle has probably set his eyes on you."
"But do not worry."
"The Nara move for stability. We do not court enemies lightly, much less the Uchiha."
"Even if he confirms it, he will only invest in you quietly."
"We never put all our eggs in one basket."
Jin's eyes narrowed.
So his hunch was right. His little story had not fooled Nara Shikaku. A spike of killing intent rose and vanished.
The Nara had deep roots. Not as fearsome as the Uchiha, but still not to be provoked.
And, as Kazama said, there was no malice. If Shikaku had wanted to expose him, the office meeting was the time.
"I see."
Jin drew a breath and left it there, turning toward the forward camp.
Kazama walked with him. After a while he sighed.
"Jin, are you truly an Uchiha?" he asked. "Nothing about how you act feels Uchiha."
"Did the hospital swap you at birth?"
"You look more like a Nara."
Jin's mouth twitched.
He had not expected that.
Thinking it over, he had to admit the shoe fit.
He shook his head and spoke dryly.
"Do not overthink it. I have the Sharingan."
"Come on. Let's go back."
Such a small thing did not need hiding. With Kazama's brain, he would guess anyway.
More importantly, Jin was starting to think about recruiting him. The man had talent and a fine mind. With his counsel, Jin could tread even more steadily.
There was time. No need to rush.
Kazama, hearing that, only nodded like it figured.
Night fell.
The moon hung like a coin. The forward camp grew hushed, with only the sentries moving.
In Jin's squad tent, an uninvited guest arrived.
"ANBU's inquiry confirms Ishikawa Itsuki disobeyed orders, causing Team Seven's mission to fail," the messenger announced. "The facts are ironclad."
"Given wartime conditions, he may return to his squad to atone by service."
"Here is your new mission. You depart at first light."
The aide at Miyamoto Yukie's side handed Kudo Shin a scroll and left.
Silence pooled.
They stared at Ishikawa Itsuki and had nothing to say.
Great. He was back.
No one looked pleased.
They had already ripped the veil when they reported him. How were they supposed to work together now?
Kudo's face went cold.
He was angry, but orders were orders.
He shot Ishikawa a flat glance and spoke.
"I hope you learned from this. Do not drag us down again."
"We move at dawn. Get some sleep."
He lay back on his cot. Jin and Kazama traded a look, sighed, and turned in as well.
Ishikawa's expression soured.
When he looked at Jin and Kazama, rage and resentment burned.
He did not believe he was wrong. He blamed them for failing to back him.
He was top three in class. How could those two stragglers claim to have saved him?
"You bastards," he muttered.
"It has to be their fault. Otherwise how could I fail?"
"Just wait. I will not let you off."