In the end, Madara couldn't discern anything from his elder brother's expression. He had no choice but to focus on the assigned mission.
However, no matter how Madara looked at it, he couldn't figure out what the sentence on the Scroll, [After entering the Land of Lightning, leave the team and act according to the situation], meant.
"Actually, I recommended to the chief elder to choose you for this mission. The reason is..." Uchiha Ryo put down his teacup. "I have some personal beef in the Land of Lightning. Joining the team is just a guise."
"Personal beef?" Madara was taken aback when he heard this. He tried to recall the missions Uchiha Ryo had taken. "I remember you haven't had any conflicts with the ninjas from the Land of Lightning, have you?"
"Madara, sometimes, you can have beef with someone without even meeting them." Uchiha Ryo looked up at Madara. Although the corners of his mouth were slightly upturned, there was no trace of a smile. "Just like the kids in the Uchiha clan who have never actually met the Senju clan but already regard them as enemies... It's the same with me and the Land of Lightning."
[Could it be that brother is in a bad mood because of these so - called beef?] Madara tilted his head. He didn't quite understand, but it didn't stop him from accepting this explanation and continuing to ask about the details of the mission. "So what are we going to do when we go to the Land of Lightning?"
Uchiha Ryo was silent for a moment before speaking. "Actually, I didn't want to take you with me at first. After all, this journey is full of dangers. Given my current state, I may not be able to protect you fully... But you've been progressing too fast, Madara.
I awakened my Sharingan because I lacked skills. I made a breakthrough at a life - or - death moment. It was a stress - induced awakening. But it's different for you. Your pupil power has been steadily increasing since you started going to the battlefield, and now you're on the verge of awakening your Sharingan and could do so at any time."
"Isn't this a good thing? After all, the Sharingan is the Kekkei Genkai of our Uchiha clan. And having the Sharingan will help us in battles better..." Madara's voice trailed off. "Brother, are you worried that I'll awaken my Sharingan during a battle and then run out of steam and get into a dangerous situation?"
"Indeed, I'm worried about that," Uchiha Ryo didn't hide his concerns from Madara. "After all, the more powerful you are, the more risks you'll face. You're still a newbie who has been on the battlefield for less than a year. And because of your strong natural talent and hard work, you haven't encountered a situation that's difficult to handle...
It would be fine if that were all, but your outstanding abilities also make it hard for you to fit in with your peers. You might even have the thought that [if you can do it alone, then companions are unnecessary]... Madara, I'm really worried about you."
Madara's fingers holding the Scroll curled involuntarily. He lowered his head, not daring to look closely at the worry on Uchiha Ryo's face. "… I'll watch out from now on."
But unexpectedly, Uchiha Ryo shook his head at Madara. "No, it's actually me who should apologize, Madara."
Madara was stunned again and looked up at Uchiha Ryo in surprise.
Uchiha Ryo continued, "People are inherently different. It was wrong of me to want you to follow my path before. Those who are supported have their own paths, and pioneers have theirs too. Madara should also have his own path... This is also one of the reasons why I decided to take Madara with me."
Madara was already confused by Uchiha Ryo's words. "What reason?"
"I won't interfere with Madara's decisions anymore, but I think it's necessary for you, Madara, to know what battles between ninja clans are."
"Battles between ninja clans?" Madara was even more confused. "Ain't I fightin' for the clan right now?"
"Although it's also a fight against people, this isn't a battle between ninja clans." Uchiha Ryo shook his head. "There's a whole lot of complexity in it, and it can't be explained in a short time. I'll tell you slowly on the way to the Land of Lightning. Go back and get yourself in the right state. We'll set off with the team in three days."
Madara knew that when Uchiha Ryo didn't want to talk about something, not even his father could get a single word out of him. He could only conduct private investigations. Moreover, Uchiha Ryo said he would tell him in the team in three days, so he didn't dwell on it too much and just nodded. "Okay, I'll get our luggage ready."
"Thanks, I'm counting on you."
Madara didn't stay any longer. He quietly left the room, leaving the space for Uchiha Ryo.
When Tajima Uchiha returned home in the evening and smelled the bitter tea fragrance, he also had a thorough conversation with Uchiha Ryo. However, the content of this conversation was much more serious than Uchiha Ryo's talk with Madara.
Uchiha Ryo explained their discoveries to Tajima Uchiha in great detail, which successfully made another person at the clan feel frustrated.
This sense of frustration hit the roof when Tajima Uchiha found the azuki bean jelly in the cabinet had vanished.
But what could he say?
He could only take out his tobacco pipe and sit on the corridor, smoking for half the night after a long while.
Madara could only try his best to comfort Izuna, who was feeling uneasy because of the gloomy atmosphere at the clan.
Three days is neither long nor short. Early that morning, Madara and Uchiha Ryo went to the entrance of The Meeting Hall together and stood in a corner of the team as arranged by the elders.
The clan's actions differ from individual actions. There are many things to consider, so there's still a lot of preparation to do after the personnel are assembled.
Under Uchiha Ryo's lead, Madara also met another teammate who would be going with them later - Uchiha Masaki. However, Uchiha Masaki's behavior seemed rather strange. Although his face clearly showed reluctance, he was extremely obedient to what Uchiha Ryo said. Their mysterious conversation also piqued Madara's interest.
"I figured you'd dodge me again this time," Uchiha Ryo said with a smile. "It seems that using the clan's name is more effective in finding you."
"I wasn't avoiding you. I was just swamped with missions 'cause I was heartbroken after the breakup," Uchiha Masaki shifted his gaze slightly. "But what exactly do you want from me?"
I went to see Akihiko and Hiro earlier. Those two guys looked at me rather unfriendly... Especially Hiro. You could practically see the schadenfreude in his eyes.
Hearing this, Ryo couldn't help chuckling. "Isn't it a good thing for you?"