UCHIHA: THE ATTACK ON KONOHA

At dawn, the three-man Uchiha squad—Uchiha Yang, Uchiha Mei, and Uchiha Retsu—took a brief rest before resuming their systematic assault on the bandit encampment. They cleared the outermost patrols with precise coordination, using Genjutsu to disorient lookouts and striking down targets swiftly. Advancing layer by layer, their strategy mirrored that of an ANBU operation: silent, efficient, and ruthless.

As they breached the inner compound, resistance stiffened. A rogue shinobi—likely a missing-nin—emerged, clad in scavenged armor, his blade stained from previous battles. He was no ordinary bandit; his wild, unpredictable Taijutsu suggested he had once trained in a formal village but had long since abandoned discipline.

"Stay sharp," Yang warned, activating his Sharingan. Mei and Retsu flanked the enemy, forcing him into a defensive stance.

The rogue launched a reckless charge, swinging a massive cleaver, but his movements were erratic. Mei swiftly countered, her kunai parrying his strike, while Retsu weaved behind him, forming quick hand seals.

"Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique!"

A barrage of small, tracking fireballs forced the rogue into retreat. Yang, already predicting his next move, closed the distance in a flash, his Chidori Nagashi crackling in his palm. A single thrust ended the fight, the rogue's body collapsing in a heap.

"Too easy," Mei muttered, scanning the area for any lingering threats.

Yang deactivated his Sharingan, exhaling. "We're getting better at this."

---

Elsewhere, a squad from Konoha's Root Division, led by a masked captain, arrived at the remnants of a bandit stronghold. He surveyed the area with cold calculation, noting the precision of the attacks.

"Report," the captain ordered.

A Root operative stepped forward. "Sir, there were three nearby teams operating within this region, but none specialize in Fire Release techniques at this level. One squad had an ANBU operative, but there are no reports of engagement."

Another agent added, "Additionally, a group of mercenaries previously stationed near this location had a mission pending with Konoha. They've failed to report back. This camp was taken out early this morning."

The captain narrowed his eyes beneath his mask. "Interesting… Someone is systematically eliminating bandits in the Land of Fire, yet they aren't listed on any official mission records. This isn't some mercenary doing charity work. The precision suggests trained shinobi. If they aren't sanctioned by Konoha, that means we have a rogue element at play."

He turned sharply to his subordinates. "We may be dealing with an unsanctioned force. It's unlikely they're missing-nin—wiping out bandits without looting them isn't their style. But if they aren't working for Konoha, then who?"

A pause.

"Increase surveillance. Station scouts at all known bandit outposts nearby. The moment we spot them, we move."

---

Back at their makeshift hideout, Yang tossed a kunai onto a mission scroll, deep in thought. "We can't keep doing bandit cleanup. The more we attack, the more we stand out. If Root investigates further, they'll link us to this area."

Mei smirked. "Don't worry. Konoha doesn't issue official bandit missions anyway—only counter-espionage ones."

"Still," Retsu added, "we should be cautious. If Root gets suspicious, they won't just observe. They'll act."

Yang nodded. "Then we move on. Our next mission is tracking an Iwa spy hiding near the Fire Capital. Let's get in, complete the task, and return to Konoha before Root tightens their net."

Retsu glanced at the mission scroll. "The Fire Capital… I haven't been there before."

Yang and Yan exchanged looks—neither had visited the capital either.

Mei stretched. "Then let's make it a trip. Besides, once we take down this spy, our reputation will make it impossible for anyone to steal credit from us."

With that, the squad set out toward the Fire Capital, unknowingly moving closer to their inevitable clash with Danzo's Root.

---

Days later, disguised as civilians, the Uchiha trio infiltrated a hidden valley near the Fire Capital, where their target, an Iwa spy, was rumored to be hiding. The valley bustled with activity—a black market hub for missing-nin, bounty hunters, and underground traders.

Spotting the target wasn't difficult. The Iwa spy, dressed in a tattered cloak, bought two jugs of sake from a vendor before casually strolling toward a secluded alley. The Uchiha quietly followed.

The moment he entered a private residence, Retsu positioned himself on the rooftop, relaying information through subtle hand signals.

"Move now," he whispered.

The trio moved in—only for the spy to suddenly bolt through the back alley.

"He's running!" Retsu called out, launching into pursuit.

They chased the spy through winding streets, out of the valley, and toward a mist-covered river. As they gained ground, the spy abruptly stopped at the water's edge, smirking as he turned to face them.

Yang felt something was off. "Wait—!"

Before he could react, masked Root operatives emerged from the surrounding forest, forming a perimeter. The squad's leader, his mask marked with a distinct Root insignia, stepped forward.

"Uchiha Mei, Uchiha Yang, Uchiha Retsu," the masked captain intoned. "No need to resist. Lord Danzo wishes to extend an invitation."

At that moment, the Iwa spy smirked—and suddenly four more Root shinobi surfaced from the water, forming a deadly trap.

Yang gritted his teeth. "Danzo's hounds… I knew this was a setup!"

Thinking quickly, he signaled behind his back: Breakthrough toward the water. Our only chance is the Master. If he eliminates their Jonin, we can escape.

With no other choice, the Uchiha launched their counterattack.

"Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique!" A rain of steel filled the air.

"Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire!" Mei sent a barrage of tracking fireballs, forcing Root to dodge.

"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!" Retsu amplified the flames into a blazing inferno, overwhelming the enemy's defenses.

The Root operatives retaliated instantly.

"Water Release: Water Formation Wall!" A thick wall of water rose up, blocking the flames.

"Water Release: Water Dragon Jutsu!" A serpentine dragon surged forward, aiming to split their formation.

Yang countered immediately. "Fire Release: Dragon Flame Jutsu!" A roaring inferno engulfed the water dragon, creating an explosion of steam.

Through the chaos, the three Uchiha sprinted toward the river. Root pursued relentlessly.

From the trees, an observer watched silently. Then, in a blur of motion, a sword flashed.

A Root operative collapsed, throat slit.

"Fire Release: Fire Dragon Bullet!" A pillar of fire consumed another.

Danzo's agents had underestimated the Uchiha.

As the chaos unfolded, the trio disappeared into the dense forest, escaping toward Konoha.

But Root would not forget this humiliation.

Danzo never let his prey escape twice.