Chapter 9: Encounter

Uchiha Natsu took a moment to contemplate and then disembarked from the carriage with Uzuki YugaoY. The trio proceeded on foot, with Uchiha Natsu's shadow clone positioned in the middle to ensure the protection of both individuals and to prevent any potential accidents. Meanwhile, Natsu Uchiha, who had been covertly trailing behind, activated Sharingan once again to assess the situation ahead.

In the northern part of the Land of Fire, within a forested area, three robust men sat beneath a tree. A young ninja among them, their captain, appeared particularly sturdy, his exposed muscles brimming with explosive power. When one of the youths expressed concern about their actions potentially jeopardizing Raikage-sama's plan, the captain's face immediately darkened.

"Dorui, are you questioning my decision?" he sternly asked, to which Dorui quickly waved his hand, showing deference. The captain, a young genius from the Yotsuki Clan in Cloud Village, held a high status despite being only eighteen years old and a Chunin.

Cloud Ninja, as the captain was known, revealed that his brother was killed by Konoha Anbu three years ago, fueling his deep-seated grudge. He expressed his fury over Hokage sending the body of Patriarch Hyuga to disrupt Cloud Village's plans.

Cloud Village had planned to abduct the children of the Hyuga clan during negotiations. However, the unexpected death of Shinobu led to a change in plans, and they had to request the body of the patriarch Hyuga. When Konoha complied, Cloud lost its reason to attack but had to order an evacuation due to the presence of numerous ninja powers in the Fire Country.

Despite Cloud's evacuation, the captain couldn't swallow the bitterness of his unresolved revenge. Before leaving, he declared his intent to kill a group of Konoha ninjas, fueled by the tragic loss of his elder brother.

As the businessman led the Konoha ninjas forward, Cloud Ninja's team, prepared for an ambush, activated their ninjutsu to hide. The air fell into silence until footsteps approached from far away.

Uchiha Natsu's shadow clone sensed an ambush and swiftly positioned itself in front of Uzuki Yugao, ready to defend. The businessman, seemingly oblivious, continued walking. Suddenly, a sharp sound pierced the air as a short knife aimed for the shadow clone.

The shadow clone adeptly dodged the attack and retaliated with its samurai sword. Simultaneously, the businessman realized the ambush and attempted to escape. However, a Kunai thrown by the shadow clone pierced the businessman's neck, ending his life abruptly.

The Cloud ninjas, caught off guard, were momentarily frozen by the unexpected turn of events. Cloud Ninja ignored the fallen businessman, and as he prepared to launch an attack, the captain's neck was pierced by another Kunai. A spray of bright red filled the air as the businessman's life ended in shock and bewilderment.

The Cloud ninjas were left in stunned silence, surprised by the swift and decisive actions of the Konoha ninja. Despite their financial constraints limiting them to C-level tasks, the Konoha ninja displayed exceptional skills, unsettling the Cloud ninjas.

"Haha, little people of Konoha, you are unlucky to meet me!" Cloud Ninja, fueled by anger, laughed ferociously as he noticed the Uchiha fan on Natsu's clothes.

A team member warned, "Captain, be careful; he is from the Uchiha clan!" The captain, noticing the Uchiha fan, felt a surge of excitement. The prospect of avenging his brother and potentially acquiring Sharingan brought a mix of revenge and meritorious service, which brought him double happiness.