The ninja master has arrived, and Tieshi Town can finally breathe easy
As an elder Uchiha who is only a generation younger than the likes of Madara and Izuna, Uchiha Yu's concern for the clan's future grows deeper with age and experience.
He has witnessed firsthand the overwhelming strength of the man once hailed as the most powerful shinobi in the world—Uchiha Madara. He understands the terrifying potential of the Mangekyō Sharingan better than most. Yu still vividly remembers the day Madara activated his Susanoo—the manifestation of a god on the battlefield.
But when he looks at the current Uchiha clan, there's no one who even possesses a Mangekyō Sharingan, let alone someone who could rival Madara. Not even half.
Uchiha Fugaku, the only member with the potential to awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan (as hinted in Itachi's recollections), once had a commanding presence. But even he now seems hesitant to assert his power fully, both in strength and in leadership. The grip he once had on the clan has weakened.
If things continue this way—if no new powerhouse emerges to uplift the clan—then from Yu's perspective, the Uchiha are heading toward decline and possibly destruction.
His only hope now lies with the new generation. Among them, one stands out—Uchiha Mingjing, a promising young genin. Yu has chosen to invest all his efforts into training and guiding him.
The thought brings a wave of frustration over him. He waves impatiently at Mingjing.
"Alright, go already. Are you planning to eat a second breakfast before leaving?"
"Okay, Grandpa Yu! When I get back, I'll bring you some local snacks!"
---
Konoha – Village Gates
By the time Mingjing arrived from the Uchiha compound, his team—Kato Dan, Inuzuka Rui, and Aburame Nami—were already waiting.
"Sorry I'm late!"
Mingjing scratched his head and offered a sheepish grin.
"You're not late. We're just early," Kato Dan replied with a chuckle. He registered their departure with the two Chūnin at the gate before leading the genin out of Konoha.
For the three genin—except the time-traveling Mingjing—this was their first time outside the Hidden Leaf Village. Curiosity lit up their eyes.
Rui and his ninken companion, Tetsumaru, were barely held back by Kato Dan's instructions. Nami, calm on the surface, released small kikaichū insects from her sleeves that quietly scouted the path ahead.
But the novelty wore off quickly.
By the time they arrived at Tieshi Town, a modest settlement surrounded by low hills and rocky fields, their excitement had faded.
"This is Tieshi Town? It looks so… quiet," Inuzuka Rui muttered, cradling Tetsumaru as he scanned their surroundings.
Mingjing shook his head. "You can't compare a small town like this to Konoha. The Hidden Leaf is one of the Five Great Shinobi Nations' capitals—its size, population, and economy are on a completely different scale."
Dan nodded, bringing the discussion back to the mission. "Alright, you're free to operate independently. I'll only step in if you're in serious danger. Your performance on this mission will be evaluated, and the score will determine if your next assignment involves actual field work… or picking weeds again."
He stretched with a yawn. "I'm heading to find a hotel. I'll book your rooms while I'm at it."
With a relaxed wave, he walked away, hands behind his head.
The three genin exchanged glances, then turned to Mingjing instinctively.
Rui looked clueless, while Nami—always quiet—awaited direction.
Mingjing crouched and started drawing in the dirt with his finger. "Nami, have your insects map out the layout of Tieshi Town and the surrounding terrain. We don't want any surprises."
"Rui, your job is to investigate the local bandits—their connections, who leads them, any patterns in past raids, and what's been going on lately in town."
"I'll go see the noble whose goods were stolen. He might know something that wasn't in the mission report."
It was a well-thought-out plan. Rui and Nami's unique clan abilities made them ideal for intelligence gathering. Mingjing, who didn't excel in that area, opted to confront the source directly: Lord Tobita, the town's noble and the mission requester.
"Leave it to Tetsumaru and me!" Rui gave a confident thumbs-up. "The Inuzuka are pros at tracking and sniffing out leads."
Though their reputation is built on enhanced senses, the Inuzuka are also trained in traditional recon and field analysis. Rui's confidence wasn't misplaced.
Nami gave a small nod before disappearing into a side alley, kikaichū buzzing faintly as she moved.
Mingjing stood up, eyes narrowing toward a lavish-looking estate in the town center.
---
Tieshi Town – Lord's Mansion
"Hey! Scram, kid! Don't you know where you are? This is Lord Tobita's estate!"
A sweaty servant, broom in hand, waved aggressively at Mingjing. Even as a servant, he carried himself with exaggerated arrogance.
He was a man of the lord's house—far above the common folk. Or so he believed.
"I'm a shinobi from Konoha, here on official mission business. Notify Lord Tobita."
Mingjing's voice dropped an octave. His eyes glowed crimson as his Sharingan activated. Though he didn't use a genjutsu, the eerie red glow was enough to make the man stumble back.
"R-right away, sir!"
Dropping the broom, the servant bolted.
A few minutes later, a plump, richly dressed man arrived, fanning himself and surrounded by attendants.
"Ah! The ninja master has arrived! Tieshi Town can finally rest easy!" he cried. "I am Yuichi Tobita, the town's lord. An honor to meet you. Might I ask, is your jōnin commander here?"
Mingjing replied coolly, "My sensei, Kato Dan, was called away on short notice. I've come on his behalf."
He kept his tone polite, but the earlier treatment by the servant had already left a sour taste.