UCHIHA: THE ATTACK ON KONOHA

Uchiha Yang had been taught a harsh lesson the previous day, and only then did he realize what had been so obvious—something he had overlooked in his mother's words.

After a sleepless night, he made his way toward the training ground. He had arranged to meet his squad there, but his mind was still preoccupied with yesterday's events. The consequences of that mission still weighed heavily on him.

When he arrived, Uchiha Yan and Uchiha Retsu were already there. Retsu, his arm wrapped in a sling, was absentmindedly nibbling on a sweet-scented osmanthus cake that Yan had brought. Uchiha Yan, sitting beside him, commented, "Too sweet, don't you think? It's a bit sticky."

Yang looked at them and shook his head. Why does it feel like these two are here for a picnic? This is supposed to be a training ground…

After some discussion, Uchiha Yan and Yang were summoned by Uchiha Nobunaga, the clan patriarch. He escorted them to the Hokage Tower, where they would receive their commendation.

As they entered the Hokage's office, Yang felt his heart tighten. It was only his second time standing before the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen. Watching the aged yet authoritative leader behind the desk, a sense of unease washed over him.

Sarutobi began with his usual speech about the unity of the Konoha clans. He praised the Uchiha for their dedication and hard work over the years. "On behalf of the village," he said, "I express my gratitude for your service. As a token of appreciation, the village will increase funding for the Uchiha Clan in the next quarter."

He then addressed the team's recent mission—tracking and eliminating enemy spies. "Your team's performance was exemplary," he continued. "Last time, you received the first volume. This time, I am granting you the second volume. In addition, you may select one forbidden or sealing technique from the ninjutsu scroll."

Sarutobi handed over a scroll, along with a letter bearing the Fire Daimyō's seal. "This is a commendation from the Daimyō himself for the Uchiha's role in eradicating the Black Market Valley. His Excellency acknowledges the clan's contributions to the Land of Fire's security."

After another round of formalities, Uchiha Nobunaga responded with his own speech—a mix of gratitude and pride, reinforcing the clan's significance in Konoha. Finally, Uchiha Yan stepped forward. "Lord Hokage, we wish to choose Dark Night Walk."

With their business concluded, the three Uchiha left the Hokage Tower. As they walked, Yang's mind was consumed by a single thought—the Daimyō's reward. If not for this letter, he might have forgotten that the Fire Daimyō was the true ruler of the land, while Konoha was merely its military arm.

A Painful Truth

After parting ways with the patriarch, Uchiha Yan and Yang headed toward the training ground. Yan broke the silence first. "Yang, my grandfather told me yesterday… we were set up."

Yang's eyes darkened. He had suspected as much.

"It was the Great Elder," Yan continued. "And your uncle was involved too. But the worst part… it was our teacher, Ming-sensei, who executed the plan. If he had just told me I was meant to be bait, I would have accepted it—for the sake of the clan. But the way he did it… It felt like betrayal."

Yang clenched his fists. His teacher. His uncle. The people who were supposed to guide and protect them… had instead used them like pawns.

Yan sighed. "Our team might be disbanded. Your mother is taking you to the Land of Iron to see your grandfather. My grandfather wants me to return home and train under him. It's clear now—the mission of this squad is over. We were never more than puppets on a string."

He turned away. "I hate goodbyes, Yang."

Yang watched as his friend walked off, his figure growing smaller in the distance. Who enjoys parting…?

At the training ground, Retsu sat staring at a half-eaten osmanthus cake, lost in thought. When Yang approached, Retsu silently handed him a letter.

"Yan is gone," he muttered. "I guessed right… You'll be leaving too, won't you? No one can return to training as if nothing happened after being betrayed. Our squad is done."

The Road to the Land of Iron

Three days later, a carriage rolled out of Konoha. Uchiha Yang sat on the roof, gazing at the village gate as it faded into the distance. Next time I return… you won't recognize me.

The journey was quiet. Yang noticed his usually talkative father had been silent the entire way. At first, he thought it was anger—that his father was furious upon learning how his own brother had nearly gotten his son killed.

But as they traveled further, something else felt off. His mother, normally strict but composed, exuded a different aura. This time, her presence felt overpowering—almost regal.

As they passed through smaller settlements, bandits and rogue shinobi who initially looked aggressive immediately backed away upon recognizing the Uchiha crest. Some even went as far as to guide the carriage forward, eager to see them leave their territory without incident.

Eventually, they crossed into the Land of Iron. Samurai patrolled the roads, their gazes lingering on the carriage but making no moves to interfere. Although samurai and shinobi were separate entities, they weren't foolish enough to pick a fight with Uchiha warriors without reason.

Yang's curiosity finally got the better of him. "Mother, why are we going to the Land of Iron?"

Her answer was simple. "It's been five years since I last held a sword. It's time I returned home."

Yang frowned. "Then what's wrong with Father? Why has he been silent this whole time?"

His mother smirked. "Ask him."

Yang turned to his father. "Why haven't you spoken all day?"

His father forced a smile. "You'll understand when you meet your grandfather…"

"You can go back if you don't want to come," his mother teased.

"No way," his father said hastily. "I miss my father-in-law too. And besides… I can't let you go alone."

A Reunion with the Sword Saint

They arrived at a secluded wooden courtyard by the lake, backed by mountains and surrounded by mist. It was a peaceful place—deceptively serene.

A middle-aged samurai approached, bowing respectfully. "Haruki-sama, warriors of the Land of Iron. You must be here to see Lord Token. He is fishing in the lake—he should be back soon."

Yang followed the samurai's gaze and spotted a lone figure on a bamboo raft, clad in a coir raincoat, holding a fishing rod.

Moments later, the raft drifted closer, and the man stood. In an instant, he disappeared.

CLANG!

Yang's father had drawn his sword—only to be forced back several steps. The old man now stood on the shore, holding only his fishing rod. He shook his head.

"You've improved… slightly. But you're still weak," he said. "Living in Konoha has made you soft."

Turning to Yang's mother, he scoffed. "Lan Lan, you could've done better. This man can barely hold his own, let alone protect you."

Yang's father sighed. "This again…?"

Ignoring him, the old man turned to Yang, placing a firm hand on his head. "You've grown. You remind me of your uncle when he was young. Have you been training properly?"

Before Yang could answer, his grandfather continued.

"Strength is what matters. Never forget that. The Senju and Uchiha didn't rise by scheming—they did it through raw power. If someone stands in your way, cut them down. That is the way of a true warrior."

Yang's mother chuckled. "Enough speeches, father. Let's eat. Yang has been traveling all day."

As the family walked into the house, Yang's father sighed, trailing behind with a weary smile.

Yang looked up at his grandfather. Perhaps… I'll learn something new here after all.