Shadows On The Leaf

Deep within the Root facility, an ominous silence reigned. Shisui, having only been a member for a week, had already become familiar with the coldness and efficiency that defined this organization. He was used to the intense training sessions alongside other ANBU, and even though he had received the seal of restriction on his tongue, his determination had not wavered; this was the necessary step to further unite the clan and the village.

That morning, while he was practicing throwing his kunai, an Anbu silently approached him.

"Shisui Uchiha, Lord Danzō requires your immediate presence."

Without a word, Shisui put the kunai away, nodding as he followed the messenger through the dark hallways. Upon reaching a dimly lit meeting room, there were already three other ninja waiting for him. He recognized Tatsuma, a stoic-looking man with a small blue mark running across his left cheek, Kabuto Yakushi, the young prodigy who had shown exceptional skill in medical ninjutsu, and Kinoe, an ANBU with a serene expression, apparently a user of Wood Release, a legendary ability that made Shisui speculate that he might be a descendant of the First Hokage, though Kinoe gave no hint of speaking of his origins.

Danzō made his entrance shortly after, his footsteps echoing with authority. His presence commanded immediate respect, and the air in the room seemed to grow heavier.

"You are here because you are the most suitable for this task," Danzō began, letting his gaze sweep over each of those present. "The mission I am about to entrust to you is of the utmost importance for the safety of Konoha. There is no room for error."

He turned to a map that a subordinate had hung on the wall. On it, a dot marked in red indicated a location close to Sunagakure.

"This information was obtained by our agents infiltrated in Suna," he continued. "Sunagakure is developing a revolutionary weapon of war: a combat puppet known as the Tenjō no ningyō. Designed to annihilate armies, it poses a direct threat to the balance of power in the ninja nations. We cannot allow this weapon to be completed."

Danzō turned to the four, his voice firm.

"Your mission is simple in theory: infiltrate the facility where this prototype is located, sabotage its power source, and destroy it completely. In addition, you must locate and eliminate those responsible for its creation. It is crucial that you seize the plans for the Tenjō no ningyō. If it is not possible to bring them, destroy them without a trace. We cannot allow Suna to resume this project under any circumstances."

Shisui nodded slightly, though inside he felt a mix of emotions. The magnitude of the mission was daunting, but he was also eager to prove himself, though he was a little confused about attacking and sabotaging a village they had signed an alliance treaty with, but, Danzo was right that such a powerful weapon could break the balance of the elemental nations and start another war.

Kinoe was the first to speak, his tone calm.

"Is there any information about the security systems or those responsible for the facility?"

Danzō replied coldly.

"The place is protected by an elite squad of Suna ninjas and a specialist in seals and sensory techniques. In addition, it is believed that the prototype is under the direct supervision of two puppet masters. That is why it is crucial that they act with precision and speed, Tatsuma will lead the team."

Tatsuma bowed his head in acceptance, no words needed. Danzō then turned his attention to Kabuto.

"Kabuto, your knowledge of medical ninjutsu will be key. You are here to deal with possible poisons, which is vital when facing puppeteers. If something goes wrong, you will have to stabilize the team. In addition, you will have access to a toxin developed by our scientists to incapacitate Suna ninja if necessary."

The gray-haired youth nodded with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

"Understood, Danzō-sama."

Finally, the ROOT leader looked at Shisui.

"You will be key in the initial infiltration. Your skill with genjutsu may be decisive in the success of this mission. Do not underestimate the Suna patrols, but I trust that you can handle them."

Shisui nodded solemnly, noticing how Danzō's eyes seemed to peer into his being.

Danzō ended the meeting in an authoritative tone.

"Failure is not an option. If you are captured, you must not reveal anything about your connection to Konoha. Ideally, if you feel you will be captured, you should use explosive seals to die with the enemy. If you are captured dead or alive, the enemy may link you to Konoha and that would harm the village…" Shisui showed surprise on his face. When he looked at his companions, he noticed that they only gave a simple nod. Shisui understood that Danzo was right. That was what was best for Konoha. "The logistical details and maps of the route will be delivered before your departure. In addition to destroying the prototype, make sure to eliminate those responsible for its creation. If circumstances permit, steal the plans; otherwise, destroy them. Get ready. You leave at dawn."

As Danzō left the room, the four of them remained silent for a moment. Tatsuma was the first to break it.

"Gather whatever you need. We'll meet in an hour to go over the strategy."

Shisui retreated, feeling the pressure of responsibility on his shoulders. Though ROOT's discipline and training had quickly toughened him, he knew that this mission would be an ultimate test, not only of his skill, but of his ability to operate in the shadows that now defined his life.

/////

The next dawn found the team already on the move. The four of them moved with quick steps, dressed in no distinctive markings that could link them to Konoha. There were no emblems or recognizable signs: Shisui did not wear his clan symbol, and Tatsuma, although an Aburame, did not wear the attire that usually identified his lineage.

They were all disguised as Kirigakure ANBU, a strategic resource to divert suspicion if they were seen or forced to flee.

As they walked along the barren roads leading to the Land of Wind, silence reigned. Discipline and professionalism were evident, though Shisui could feel the weight of tension in the air. Each was immersed in their own thoughts, mentally preparing themselves for what was to come.

As the second night came, they decided to stop at a clearing protected by rock formations. It was a strategic point that offered cover and a wide view of the surroundings. Tatsuma, as the leader, was the first to speak as everyone settled in.

"We will rest here. We need to go over the strategy once more before crossing into Suna territory. There will be no room for improvisation."

Kabuto was the first to break the silence.

"We know we'll be up against poison and puppet specialists, and I've prepared antidotes for the most common compounds used by Suna puppeteers, but we'll have to be on the lookout for possible surprises." He paused, adjusting his glasses. "I also have small doses of the toxin they provided me ready. It's potent."

Kinoe resumed after Kabuto finished speaking.

"I'll be in charge of guarding the entrance in case reinforcements arrive or in case someone tries to escape, but we'll need Shisui to disable the patrols and sensors."

Shisui nodded, aware of the responsibility that fell upon him.

"I will use my Sharingan to take over the sensors. With the information we have received from the spy, we already know who the sensors are, so I will act quickly, so we can infiltrate without being detected. But we need to be fast."

Tatsuma crossed his arms, evaluating his companions' words before speaking.

"The priority is to destroy the prototype and eliminate its creators. Without them, there will be no way to resume the project. Shisui, after taking care of the sensors, you will be in charge of killing the patrols. Kabuto, you will accompany me inside the facility to search for information and destroy the weapon. Kinoe, make sure that the entry and exit routes are clear, in case you see enemy reinforcements arriving, take charge."

The group nodded silently, Shisui looking up at the starry sky as the others began to prepare for rest, thinking of Danzō's words. 'There is no room for mistakes.'

//////

On the third day, as they approached the vicinity of Suna, Shisui had a clear task. The enemy's sensors posed a critical obstacle to infiltration. He knew he had to neutralize them, but not immediately. First, he had to do it discreetly. 'If one's chakra abruptly disappears, the others will notice,' he thought. He would have to move quickly and with precision.

Reaching a safe position with good sensor visibility, Shisui prepared himself.

He activated his Sharingan, focusing on the first sensor. His movements were almost impossible to track, demonstrating his mastery of Shunshin.

With his three tomoe glowing brightly, the first sensor fell under a genjutsu that plunged him into a deep sleep. Within seconds, Shisui moved on to the next one, making sure none of them had time to react or notice what was happening. Each one fell.

Time was critical, chakra disturbance had to be minimal.

As the last Sensor succumbed to the genjutsu, Shisui began to kill the Sensors, for after they woke up from the genjutsu it would be easy for them to remember seeing a Sharingan, this would not only be bad for Konoha but also for the Uchiha clan. 'Now, the team can move without problems.' He looked back, where Kabuto and Tatsuma were already beginning to advance. The mission was underway.