A heavy silence fell over the field. Above them, the stars flowed like a silent river, mirroring the Milky Way in a display of ethereal beauty.
Ren Uchiha hissed in pain. Having just been pummeled by Shisui's flurry of punches, his image of a cold, arrogant Uchiha had shattered into a million pieces. This "social death" felt like taking true damage—and a critical hit at that.
Ren raised an elbow to hide his face, trying to gather enough strength to push Shisui off and use some 'Talk-no-Jutsu' to salvage his reputation.
However, Shinichi Uchiha, who had been watching Ren with a complex gaze, suddenly took a heavy step forward. He took a deep breath and spoke with absolute gravity:
"I understand now!"
Ren's breath hitched. Oh, come on! Shisui is a kid, he's allowed to have a moment. But you? Brother, what on earth have you understood now?!
"Everyone!" Shinichi turned to the squad. "This brat's words were harsh and difficult to swallow... but he is right!"
The unit erupted into a cacophony of murmurs. Even Ichiji, the sub-captain, frowned and stepped forward. "Captain, why are even you—"
Shinichi cut him off with a sharp gesture. "Listen. There is a gap between Jonins. In front of a true powerhouse, numbers lose their meaning. But," he looked at them with burning sincerity, "that is not a reason to lose heart or sink into despair. When we stepped onto this battlefield, when the kunai fell like rain—every one of us found a position where we belong!"
"This idiot doesn't know how to speak properly, so I apologize on his behalf!" Shinichi suddenly bowed low before them.
The squad was stunned. To see the notoriously proud Shinichi Uchiha bow for someone else was a sight they never expected. When he straightened up, his eyes were sharp.
"Therefore, I am assigning the tasks! Firstly, the enemy Ryuma Aburame is facing is beyond normal limits. Large numbers will only lead to meaningless sacrifice. The surprise attack continues, but only as an elite squad: Myself, Akichi Inuzuka, Shisui Uchiha, and this kid."
"Wait, Shinichi! I'm the commander!" Ren protested, struggling to stand.
Shinichi spared him a dismissive glance. "Look at you. You've lost an arm and can barely stand. Right now, you wouldn't be useful even if you were the Hokage."
Ren opened his mouth but found no rebuttal. He was the commander, yet he was being blatantly bypassed by Shinichi's sheer logic.
Shinichi then unfolded a map, hanging it around Ren's neck like a human signboard. He slapped the map right on their current location.
"Three hundred Sand ninjas have fallen here. A massive hole has been torn in the Sand's frontline in the Land of Rain—a hole this kid carved out for us! Now, we expand the results!"
Ren, being slapped as a human signboard, glared at Shinichi. He was certain this bird-man was using public duty to settle a private grudge.
"Ichiji!" Shinichi commanded. "Take all the Chunin. Destroy the Sand camp, capture the survivors, and wreck the terrain. We are leaving a permanent scar on their strategic depth. This could end the war sooner!"
"And to all the Genin," Shinichi's finger traced a line back toward Konoha. "Your task is even more vital. Our intelligence was leaked; our path back is likely compromised. You will split into twenty squads, return via different routes, scout for ambushes, and report to the main camp. We need Hyuga reinforcements to secure a new path!"
"Three routes! One cooperation! As the Konoha Ambush Squad, we will complete a true surprise attack behind enemy lines!"
The confusion vanished. "YES, SIR!" the ninjas roared in unison.
Satisfied, Shinichi turned to Ren, who was still wearing the map around his neck, and gave a foxy smirk. "I'm done. Lord Commander, anything to add?"
Ren looked back expressionlessly. "Nothing."
What can I say? You've said it all! I'm just here to be the 'bad cop' and die of embarrassment, aren't I?
Otsu, the Root ninja, leaned in close to Ren. "Lord Ren, this man has usurped your authority. Should I assassinate him quietly?"
Ren coughed violently. "No! Don't say things that hurt our unity!"
Five minutes later, the preparations were complete. The night wind wailed through the rock pillars like a war horn. The ninety-man unit stood ready, their eyes filled with determination as they looked up at the small team standing atop Manda's head: Ren, Shinichi, Shisui, Akichi, Akamaru, and Otsu.
Five men and one dog, carrying the weight of a mission.
Shinichi checked his pocket watch and looked at the scarred boy beside him. "It's time to give the order, Commander."
Ren stood on Manda's head, looking down at his troops. His heart pounded. He had intended to go alone, fully expecting to die. He wanted to save Ryuma because Ryuma had saved him—it was personal.
But in this hopeless moment, these people had reached out to him. With them, he might actually succeed.
Ren opened his eyes, revealing the crimson Sharingan—the eyes of intense love and complex emotion. He gripped the hilt of Kusanagi with his left hand and hammered it against his heart.
"Everyone!" Ren's voice was clear and resolute. "From this moment, we split into three! Let the enemy see our fires burn! Let them hear the ring of our blades! Let them know our strength, our sweat, and the courage in our hearts!"
He unsheathed Kusanagi and roared toward the horizon:
"Konoha Ambush Squad! ALL FORCES, ADVANCE!"