Just as Ryo had predicted, the first mission given to newly graduated clan shinobi wasn’t especially challenging.
Within five or six days, Madara successfully completed his debut assignment under the supervision of his clan uncle, Uchiha Keishi.
In reality, the mission itself hadn’t required that much time.
The reason it took nearly a week was because Keishi had intentionally slowed the pace, carefully explaining each step of the mission process to the younger clan members accompanying him.
Had he carried out the assignment alone, even after accounting for travel time, it likely would have been finished within a single day.
Through the mission, Madara also gained a clearer understanding of how future assignments would be organized.
The clan followed a structure consisting of one veteran shinobi paired with two rookies.
Every mission team contained at least three members, with the experienced shinobi guiding the newcomers.
Only after consistently earning the approval of their team leader would rookies be permitted to leave the system and begin accepting missions independently.
Naturally, the topic of Ryo came up.
“Ryo, huh…” Keishi stroked his chin thoughtfully.
“That kid is a true genius.
There aren’t many people who qualify for independent missions within their first ten assignments.
He’s one of them.
If memory serves, among his generation, only he and Hiro managed it.
Hiro earned the right after completing seven team missions.” Madara’s eyes lit up.
“How many missions did my brother need?” Grinning, Keishi raised three fingers.
“Three.
And that’s not counting the introductory rookie mission.” He chuckled.
“I’m not exaggerating when I say that’s a rare accomplishment even among generations of Uchiha.
Back then, Ryo was still a newcomer, but his level of caution toward missions was extraordinary even by our standards.
Passing the clan’s evaluation wasn’t difficult for him at all.” His smile widened further.
“Unlike Hiro, who prefers operating alone, Ryo continued participating in team missions even after gaining independent status.
Heh…
that kid earned the trust of quite a few people that way.
Madara, you’re someone who may one day compete for the position of Clan Head as well.
Learning from Ryo won’t do you any harm.” As expected of Brother!
Madara clenched his fists excitedly.
“Yes!
Thank you for your guidance, Uncle Keishi!
I’ll head home now.
Thank you for taking care of me during this mission!” Keishi waved him off.
“Go ahead.
And send my regards to Tajima.” “Yes, sir!” Afterward, Madara used part of his first mission reward to purchase a few gifts before making his way home.
However, when he arrived, he discovered that only Izuna was in the courtyard.
The younger boy was diligently practicing shurikenjutsu by himself.
Not wanting to interrupt, Madara quietly stood nearby and watched.
Only after Izuna had thrown every shuriken in his pouch did he finally call out.
“Izuna!” “Madara-nii!” The moment he heard the familiar voice, Izuna abandoned all thoughts of training and rushed over.
Throwing himself into Madara’s embrace, he smiled brightly.
“Welcome back~” “Mm, I’m home!” Madara laughed and rubbed his younger brother’s head.
“Have you been behaving yourself?” “Of course!” Izuna lifted his chin proudly.
“I’ve been training properly too, even while staying at home!” Madara blinked.
“Father being absent is normal…
but Brother isn’t home either?” “Mm.” The cheerful expression on Izuna’s face immediately dimmed.
“The same day you left on your mission, Brother went to train at the Naka River Highlands too…” Then he tugged gently at Madara’s sleeve.
“Madara-nii?” “Hm?” Madara looked down.
“What is it?
Ah, right.
I promised to teach you shurikenjutsu.
Since you’ve already been practicing, should we start now?” “Um…
Madara-nii…” Izuna puffed out his cheeks slightly.
“Can we visit Brother first?” Lowering his head, he spoke hesitantly.
“I know you’re probably really tired after just getting back…
but Brother hasn’t sent any news since he left.
Father and Akihiko-nii have both been busy, so…
um…” Seeing the nervous way Izuna shifted from foot to foot, Madara smiled.
“You’re right.
Now that my mission is over, the first thing I should do is let my family know I’ve returned safely.
Father is probably occupied, but there’s a saying that the eldest brother is like a father.
I should go report to Brother first.” “Mm-hmm!” Izuna nodded so hard it looked like his head might fall off.
“I know the way!” “Perfect.
Then I’ll leave the navigation to you.” “Let’s go!” Grabbing Madara’s hand, Izuna immediately started pulling him forward.
“Oh, right!
What was your first mission like?
Was it hard?
Where did you go?
What happened?
Tell me everything!” “My mission, huh…” The two brothers weren’t in a hurry.
As they followed the mountain path leading toward the Naka River Highlands, Madara patiently recounted every detail of his first mission.
Izuna listened with sparkling eyes.
He looked like he wished he could instantly grow up and start taking missions himself.
“Training still needs to be done step by step.” Madara laughed helplessly.
“You’re still too young, Izuna.” Immediately, Izuna puffed out his cheeks.
“…I won’t stay little forever.” “Mm, I know.” Madara smiled and rubbed his hair.
“When that day comes, Brother and I will take you along on missions.” “Really?!” Izuna instantly brightened.
Then he grabbed Madara’s arm and hurried him forward.
“Brother’s training site is right ahead!
I wonder how he’s doing!” Madara shrugged.
“It’s Brother.
He’s probably doing fine.” Unfortunately, he had been far too optimistic.
The moment they arrived at the training grounds, the scene before them left Madara completely frozen.
Ryo’s clothing was torn in several places.
The edges of his outfit looked ragged and worn.
His appearance could only be described as disheveled.
Madara stared blankly.
“B-Brother?!” At that moment, Ryo was sitting beside a campfire, drying his outer robe.
Hearing them arrive, he turned toward the sound of their voices.
A smile appeared on his face.
“Madara and Izuna?
Haha, things are still a bit chaotic around here while I’m adapting.
Just sit down wherever you’d like.” Izuna paid no attention whatsoever to Ryo’s appearance.
He immediately ran over, hugged him tightly, and began enthusiastically listing everything he had practiced over the past several days.
Madara, however, became increasingly worried.
That concern only deepened when he noticed something else.
Ryo was barefoot.
And around the campfire were several suspicious piles of charred debris.
“Brother…” Madara hesitated.
Then he finally spoke.
“How about coming home with me for a bit and getting cleaned up?
At the very least, you should put on a new pair of shoes…” “No need.” Ryo laughed softly while lifting Izuna into his lap.
“I only took them off because they were interfering with my training.
Do I really look that miserable?” “Of course not!” Madara immediately shook his head.
“Brother could never look miserable.
I’m just…” His voice gradually weakened.
“I’m just worried.” Even relying solely on sound, Ryo could easily hear the concern hidden in Madara’s voice.
After thinking for a moment, a smile slowly spread across his face.
“Hmm…
If Madara is this worried about me…” He slowly rose to his feet.
“How about having a spar with your big brother?
It’s been quite a while.”