Naruto :Uchiha's Reincarnation

In recent times, Haruto and his team had been performing C-rank missions more frequently, with D-rank assignments almost becoming a thing of the past. Haruto speculated that part of the reason was their increasing strength, which made low-level missions seem trivial to their Jonin mentor, Kato Dan. However, there was another possible explanation: the situation on the front lines was likely deteriorating.

This was evident in the seventh group of rogue ninjas they had tracked down and defeated that month alone. With the Land of Fire descending into chaos, Haruto suspected that neighboring territories sensed Konoha's stretched resources and were attempting to exploit the situation. Rumors circulated of enemy ninja forces infiltrating their lands, and though Konoha had sent teams to counter them, the results were mixed. Many production sites and supply stores within the Land of Fire had been raided, and this only fueled the audacity of these hostile groups.

Though Haruto and his companions weren't directly involved in the frontline battles, it seemed inevitable that Kato Dan would soon be called back to active duty. Injured in combat on the western front half a year earlier, Kato had been recuperating and fulfilling the relatively easy duty of mentoring new graduates like Haruto. But with his injury healed, it was only a matter of time before he would return to the battlefield.

Inuzuka, ever the optimist, clapped Haruto on the shoulder. "Why worry about things beyond our control? All we can do is keep training, completing missions, and let the higher-ups handle the rest."

Kato Dan indeed received orders to head to the front line shortly afterward, and, to everyone's surprise, his entire squad would be going with him.

"Is it really so dire that even genin like us—fresh out of the Academy—have to join the frontline?" Haruto questioned, feeling both astonishment and apprehension.

Kato's response was sober. "The village is currently spread thin, with three active battlefronts. Lord Sakumo holds the western line against Sunagakure, while our forces to the north are locked in a standoff with the Third Raikage. To the east, we are constantly on guard against potential Kirigakure incursions. With the resources we've exhausted over these years of conflict, we're running dangerously low on manpower."

Kato softened his tone as he added, "You're all promising shinobi, and the village wouldn't risk sending you to the main front unless absolutely necessary. For now, your assignment will focus on transporting supplies and securing strategic resources. So, you won't be thrust into frontline combat just yet."

Despite Kato's attempts to ease their concerns, Haruto remained pensive. After receiving orders to assemble for departure at dawn, he returned home, deep in thought.

---

Uchiha Clan Compound

"Heading to the front lines already?" Uchiha Retsu asked, his gaze fixed on the blade he was polishing.

"Yes, but Teacher Kato assured us that our responsibilities will involve logistics and other supportive tasks rather than direct combat," Haruto replied, though he could feel the weight of Retsu's unspoken warnings.

Retsu sighed heavily. "When those on the front lines fall, the younger ones are the next to follow. Unlike the first two Hokages or Madara, the current leadership lacks both power and conviction. Even Tobirama would never have allowed children to be sacrificed like this. If we're forced into battle, it will mean the village has run out of options."

He set the sword down, his expression grim. "Unfortunately, Hiruzen Sarutobi may be the only one capable of holding Konoha together right now, though he's barely managing as it is. Hatake Sakumo has potential, but he's honest to a fault, and that might end up costing him—just as it once did for Madara."

Retsu's gaze drifted thoughtfully as he addressed Haruto, "Perhaps, if you awaken the same power as Madara and Izuna, you could change the future of our clan and the village. But we'll both have to survive these battles first."

"Haruto," Retsu continued, a rare note of earnestness in his voice. "Remember, the reputation of the Uchiha is yours to carry now. Come back alive; you're the future of the clan."

"I understand, Grandpa Retsu," Haruto replied, the gravity of Retsu's words resonating deeply.

---

Konoha's Thirty-Fifth Year, Winter

At dawn the next day, they gathered at the village gates. As Haruto's team and others set off, the bustling street fell into silence. The elders of the Uchiha clan stood watching, Uchiha Retsu among them, his eyes following the young shinobi as they departed.

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