Following his discussion with Ryo, Uchiha Akihiko eventually decided to follow the suggestion and place himself in the reconnaissance unit.
Unfortunately, the team’s internal atmosphere was less than ideal.
Reconnaissance missions relied heavily on experienced sensory shinobi, and the problem was that Akihiko had never gotten along particularly well with the man assigned to that position.
“Well, look who changed his mind.” The man smirked mockingly.
“Didn’t you say you weren’t interested?
What happened?
One conversation with Ryo and suddenly you’re volunteering?” Akihiko looked at him calmly.
“Hiro, if you’ve got a problem with me, we can settle it after we return to the compound.
I’ll entertain every challenge if that’s what you want.
But if you interfere with this mission—” “Tch.” Uchiha Hiro gave a dismissive sneer.
“Relax.
I’m not stupid enough to sabotage a mission.
The worst I’ll do is leave out the painkillers when I treat your injuries.” “Fair enough.” The corner of Akihiko’s mouth twitched before he shifted his attention to everyone else.
“If anyone else has complaints, now’s the time to speak up.
“I’m not Ryo.
I don’t have the patience to hold everyone’s hand.” No one responded.
Instead, the group merely shook their heads.
The entire clan knew about the long-running rivalry between Akihiko and Hiro.
Both were recognized as exceptional genjutsu users among their peers, making comparisons unavoidable.
And whenever people compared them, there was always a clear winner.
Unfortunately for Hiro, that winner was rarely him.
Not only in genjutsu.
In nearly every category among their generation, Hiro found himself sitting in second place.
His genjutsu never quite reached Akihiko’s level.
His ninjutsu couldn’t compare to Uchiha Masaki’s.
As for taijutsu and sensory perception, those fields had long been dominated by the former heir, Uchiha Ryo.
The only discipline where Hiro consistently stood above everyone else was medical ninjutsu.
Even then, that advantage existed largely because most of the truly gifted members of their generation lacked affinities suited for medical techniques, making the field less competitive.
As a result, Hiro had never fully accepted any of them as his superior.
Fortunately, his frustration usually expressed itself through sarcastic comments and endless challenges rather than outright insubordination.
Once the group settled down, Akihiko resumed the briefing.
“Our objective is straightforward.
“We locate the Senju’s concealed outpost and neutralize any hidden threats before they become a problem for the main force.” His gaze shifted toward Hiro.
“Hiro serves as both our sensory specialist and our sole medical ninja.
“Throughout the mission, everyone is responsible for monitoring his position and preventing the Senju from targeting him.” Hiro clicked his tongue in annoyance but offered no argument.
Instead, he simply stated that he would cooperate and remain inside the team’s defensive formation.
After all, eliminating sensory and medical personnel first was standard battlefield strategy.
Even Hiro wasn’t arrogant enough to charge a Senju unit alone.
“What happens after we find them?” Uchiha Masaki spoke while standing casually with his hands resting behind his head.
He looked completely relaxed.
“Do we wipe them out?” A yawn escaped him.
“Whatever we’re doing, let’s make it quick.
“I promised Maki I’d take her to the festival the day after tomorrow.
I’d rather finish this early.” “Hopeless womanizer.” “How am I a womanizer?!” Masaki immediately rounded on Hiro.
“I take every relationship seriously!
“I only date one girl at a time!” “That doesn’t make it sound any better.” “And whenever we’re together, I treat them properly!” Masaki protested loudly.
“Every breakup I’ve ever had was mutual!” Then he pointed accusingly.
“If we’re discussing scumbags, Ryo is clearly the worst one.
“Dozens of cute girls practically threw themselves at him and he rejected every single one.
“Not only that, he rejected them with zero tact.
“That training addict deserves to stay single forever.” Hiro simply let out a short laugh.
“Heh.” Masaki instantly exploded.
“What’s that supposed to mean?!” Then he jabbed a finger toward Hiro.
“You professional runner-up!
What gives you the right to laugh at me?” “Hehehe.” “That’s it!
We’re fighting when we get back!” Masaki pointed dramatically.
“Hiro, you’ve officially crossed the line!” “Bring it on.” Hiro smirked.
“I’ll beat you so badly you’ll forget where north is.” Akihiko pressed a hand against his forehead.
Idiots.
This was exactly why he’d wanted nothing to do with this assignment.
The main assault force had already been organized.
Even if the reconnaissance squad performed perfectly, they wouldn’t determine the battle’s outcome.
The most they could do was create additional problems for the Senju.
After releasing a long sigh, Akihiko clapped his hands together.
The squad immediately looked his way.
“You two can murder each other after we get home.
“Until then, pay attention.” His expression turned serious.
“This operation includes one special instruction.” Everyone’s posture straightened.
“Once we locate the outpost, we injure them.
“We do not kill them.
“And Masaki, Hiro—be prepared to use sealing techniques if necessary.” The moment the conversation shifted toward the mission, both men immediately became serious.
Still, Hiro frowned.
“Injure them but don’t kill them?
“Since when did you start showing mercy to Senju?” “Idiot.” Masaki grinned.
“Akihiko’s obviously planning to use them as a burden on the enemy’s main force.” His eyes narrowed mischievously.
“Besides, this kind of planning doesn’t sound like something you’d come up with.
“Let me guess.
“Ryo’s idea?” Akihiko nodded with visible irritation.
“If Ryo hadn’t asked for it, do you think I’d voluntarily cooperate with the two biggest headaches in our generation?” “If it came from Ryo, then fine.” Hiro folded his arms.
“More troublesome, but acceptable.
“Leave them alive, huh?
“Half-dead still counts, right?” “Or we could just break all their limbs.” Masaki rubbed his palms together excitedly.
“That would make escaping or fighting back a lot harder.
“So what exactly were Ryo’s instructions?” “He wants speed.” Akihiko unfolded the mission documents.
“He also wants the Senju looking as miserable as possible.
“But no deaths.
“Ideally, they’re still capable of crawling back toward their main force while remaining completely incapable of fighting.” “Oh, that’s simple.” Masaki’s eyes immediately brightened.
“Once Hiro identifies the outpost, leave everything to me.
“Harassing people without killing them is one of my greatest talents.” “Fine.” Akihiko nodded.
“You’ll lead that phase of the operation.
“Just don’t get carried away.
“Maintain distance at all times.” He then spread a map across the ground.
“Before we departed, Ryo marked several locations he considered suspicious.
“I’ve noted them here.” He looked toward Hiro.
“Take a look and tell us which route seems most likely.” “Let’s see…” Hiro studied the map for several moments before tapping a particular area.
“This eastern section.
“I’ve had doubts about it myself.” “That works.” Akihiko nodded.
“You’re better at this than I am, so we’ll trust your judgment.” His gaze swept across the squad.
“Everyone memorize the route.
“Rotate Sharingan usage while traveling to maintain perimeter surveillance.” He marked the chosen path before passing the map to the nearest clan member.
“Now conduct a final equipment check.
“We leave in ten minutes.”