Mission Accomplished: We Got Captured!

"This mission will still require us to find the right method; we can't just brute force our way through it."

Early in the morning, Sasuke was already earnestly discussing last night's Instance with the other two.

"The fried egg's a bit burnt today…"

Ever since being invited to Uchiha Kage's house as a guest last time, Naruto now showed up at Sasuke's place from time to time.

And although Sasuke complained about it, he no longer rejected Naruto's presence.

"I made it."

Uchiha Kage's quiet voice came from behind them.

"Sorry, sorry, I thought…"

Naruto realized that the person wearing an apron in the kitchen was Uchiha Kage, not Sasuke, who was already sitting at the table.

"You two, your dark circles are darker than each other's."

Uchiha Kage, the last to sit at the table, looked at Naruto and Sasuke's panda eyes and couldn't help but find it amusing.

It seemed that after last night's Instance, neither of them had been able to sleep.

"These things don't matter. Kage, what method do you think we should use to complete this mission?"

Although last night's bloody battle also made Sasuke uncomfortable, he only had to think about his so-called "beloved" older brother, the tragic deaths of his parents and Clan Members… and he could quickly overcome the side effects of killing.

Moreover, the continuous killing seemed to be causing his Sharingan to evolve again.

I was right. As long as I enter that Instance, my strength will only increase!

Unlike Naruto, who was still troubled by last night's Battlefield Instance, Sasuke, having adjusted, was now only thinking about getting stronger and killing his older brother.

"I don't know, but I think we should first understand which war the Battlefield in the Instance is from."

Since the Sage of Six Paths appeared in the last Instance, this battle was probably also a part of some war in the past.

Uchiha Kage thought to himself.

Unlike Sasuke, his method of overcoming the Battlefield's shadow was relying on… ahem, relying on the gentle embrace of Female Ninja.

Completely free of any mental exhaustion, and without any side effects.

"That makes sense. Then I'll go to the School Library to research the war today."

Sasuke nodded.

Gathering information was indeed necessary before completing the mission.

"Hey, wait! I think you're ignoring the most important problem!"

Naruto quickly swallowed the food stuffed in his mouth before shouting to the two, his neck strained.

"What problem?"

Actually, after experiencing an Instance like yesterday's, Uchiha Kage was quite curious about how Naruto would react.

"Why would so many Shinobi be together, desperately killing each other? Everyone seemed possessed, killing anyone they saw…"

"Why? Isn't that what war is like? What's wrong with it?"

Sasuke felt that Naruto's statement was as naive as ever.

"I mean… is the purpose of war really worth it? So many people dying so easily, what do they get?"

After being awakened from that 'Dream Instance' last night, Naruto had been thinking about these questions.

"It's like a bunch of fools going to their deaths."

In the end, his little brain came to this conclusion.

"Because they covet what belongs to other countries, they want to seize it. Basically, all wars are for this reason, which is indeed a very stupid thing."

Uchiha Kage shook his head.

However, even if it was stupid, human wars would never cease.

Especially in this Ninja World with its chaotic system.

"Even if we know the purpose, what's the use? It's not like we can resolve the war."

Sasuke shook his head. He wasn't here to discuss war; he just wanted to discuss how to get through tonight's Instance.

"Why can't we? As long as we work hard to convince them…"

"Convince? With you, a dead-last Genin? Who would listen to you?"

"So, when I become Hokage, when we become strong, strong enough that no one can ignore us anymore, we can find a way… I believe that the vast majority of people in this world definitely don't want war. As long as we grasp this point, we can definitely stop war from happening!"

"Boring. Even if *you*, the dead-last, become Hokage, this world won't change at all."

Compared to Naruto's idealism, Sasuke only believed in his own strength.

"Alright, alright, breakfast is getting cold. Let's eat first."

As expected, he inherited Asura's ideal like Hashirama?

Uchiha Kage wasn't surprised that Naruto would say such a thing.

At the same time, he agreed with Sasuke's prediction. Yes, even if Naruto became Hokage, it wouldn't solve any problems.

Perhaps this world must undergo a real transformation. The Shinobi Village system, the Shinobi system, and even the system for ordinary people all needed to change to have any chance of achieving true peace.

So…

Since war will happen anyway, why can't I be the one to start it?

Moreover—

If one day my 'Dream Space' can become a reality, then everyone only needs to die and then be resurrected as citizens of my space.

His real 'Dream Space' was definitely much better than Madara's Infinite Tsukuyomi, which would turn everyone into White Zetsu and was completely illusory.

Ever since fusing with the Fragment of the God of Death in the Land of the Whirlpool, a grand ideal and goal had taken root in Uchiha Kage's heart.

Hokage Paradise.

A paradise built by his own hands.

In this world controlled by him alone, there would be no resistance to changing any system.

----

That night.

Dream Space.

Uchiha Kage still chose to enter the Instance with Naruto and Sasuke.

"No, whether we throw away our headbands or use other methods, we'll still be discovered by the Shinobi on both sides…"

However, the 'sneak through' plan that he had discussed with Sasuke during the day was also useless.

Throwing away their headbands only made them more conspicuous.

And even if Uchiha Kage used the Hidden Mist Technique to conceal their figures…

This Battlefield was too big. Compared to it, his Hidden Mist Technique could only cover a small area. As soon as they left this area, they would still be surrounded by Shinobi from both sides.

The only solution Uchiha Kage could think of now was to abandon Naruto and Sasuke, who couldn't hide their figures, and then use his Transparency Release to hide and survive alone.

However, not only was he unwilling to reveal Transparency Release in front of Naruto and Sasuke, but even if he used Transparency Release, he might still be detected by Shinobi with keen senses.

So, considering the risks, if this failed, he'd simply have to concoct a better plan.

"Well, at least we're pretty sure now that this is most likely the main Battlefield between Iwagakure and Kumogakure during the Third Shinobi World War."

After using the Hidden Mist Technique to conceal their figures, Uchiha Kage had Naruto and Sasuke capture a lone Kumogakure Shinobi. Then, he used Illusionary Technique to Torture him and extract information.

In addition to the information Sasuke had found in the School Library during the day, he now understood the environment they were in.

"Not long ago… to cover the retreat, the Third Raikage of Kumogakure fought alone against the ten thousand Shinobi of Iwagakure's Allied Forces, eventually dying from exhaustion. And now, the battle we're in is Kumogakure's counterattack against Iwagakure after that."

So that's why it was so tragic…

According to the course of history, Iwagakure would eventually abandon the front line and choose to turtle up, but the victorious Kumogakure didn't gain much either.

----

"Wait, since we failed tonight, let's just stop here!"

The Hidden Mist Technique gradually dissipated.

Seeing Sasuke and Uchiha Kage preparing to take out their Kunai and fight with the Shinobi outside again, Naruto suddenly stood in front of them.

"Naruto, what are you talking about?"

Sasuke thought Naruto's brain might have short-circuited.

What did he mean by stopping?

The Shinobi outside were about to rush over and tear them to pieces. If they didn't quickly find a way to break through, what else could they do?

"I mean, since we won't really die in the real world if we die here, why don't we just let them kill us?"

Naruto didn't want to struggle in vain in the Instance like before.

Moreover, the guilt of killing people and those bloody scenes were hard to endure.

So, Naruto thought they might as well save their strength.

"I can't believe you thought of that. I won't just let myself be slaughtered!"

Each battle could not only improve his combat experience but also promote the opening of his Sharingan. Sasuke didn't want to miss this opportunity.

Even if the end result was death.

"Hmm… I see. Surrender seems to be a way to complete the mission."

Naruto's words gave Uchiha Kage a new idea.

Moreover, he realized that the mission only required them to survive in this battle. If surrendering could allow them to survive, wouldn't that also count as fulfilling the requirement?

Of course, that was only if these Shinobi didn't kill prisoners.

But it was worth a try.

"Kage, even you?"

Had he also been infected by that idiot Naruto?

Sasuke wanted to say that, but after thinking carefully, he quickly understood Uchiha Kage's idea.

But could it really work?

----

"Why did you capture Konoha Ninja? Aren't the enemies in front from Iwagakure?"

Looking at the three Konoha teenagers who had been tied up by his comrades, a Kumogakure Shinobi responsible for logistics asked.

"They're Konoha spies, and they must have a lot of valuable information since they were able to sneak into the Battlefield between us and Iwagakure!"

The Kumogakure Shinobi who had retreated from the Battlefield solemnly handed Uchiha Kage and the others over to the logistics Shinobi in front of him.

"Quickly find the intelligence unit to Torture them!"

"Understood."

The logistics Shinobi perked up upon hearing that they were spies.

Being able to sneak into this Battlefield, these three Konoha Ninja must be extraordinary!

"However, the intelligence unit isn't here right now, so I can only lock them up for now."

"Then lock them up first. Remember, don't make any mistakes."

"Yes!"

----

As it turned out, Naruto's whimsical decision had really paid off.

Surrendering, they were quickly bound, their Chakra sealed, and designated as high-value prisoners by the surrounding Kumogakure Shinobi.

But—

"So, how are we going to escape now?"

With his Chakra sealed and his hands and feet tied tightly, Sasuke could only use his eyes to question Naruto, who had come up with this terrible idea.

But thanks to their tacit understanding, even without being able to speak, they didn't have too much trouble communicating with just their eyes.

"Never mind how we're going to escape. Haven't we completed the mission now? See? We passed the mission thanks to my suggestion!"

Naruto wriggled his body while winking at Sasuke.

Without even thinking, Sasuke knew that this guy was definitely trying to take credit and spout nonsense again.

"I guess someone will come to save us."

Unlike Naruto and Sasuke, who could only wiggle their eyes and make muffled noises, Uchiha Kage directly tore off the tape on his mouth.

"Mmm! Mmm?!"

Without asking, Uchiha Kage knew that Naruto and Sasuke were curious about why his Chakra hadn't been sealed.

"They sealed it too carelessly. I was lucky enough to avoid it."

Actually, he had used Kisame's ability to absorb the Chakra on the seal, but it was also true that the Kumogakure Shinobi's method of sealing Chakra was not up to par.

First, he made a shushing gesture with his hand. After loosening the ropes on his body to the point where he could break free at any time, Uchiha Kage restored the ropes and the tape on his face to their original state on the surface.

"?"

Naruto and Sasuke didn't understand why Uchiha Kage wasn't saving them even though he had broken free.

Until—

Tap. Tap.

Footsteps that were different from before came from outside the tent where they were being held.

Thump.

There was also the sound of someone being knocked to the ground.

"There really are Konoha Ninja here!"

The dark tent was quickly pulled open by the person outside, and after seeing the Konoha headbands on Uchiha Kage and the others, the person made a joyful sound.

"So, I'm not the only one who got separated… quick, come with me and leave this place!"

It was a very pleasant, gentle woman's voice.

It made people feel good just listening to it.

And Naruto and Sasuke now understood what Uchiha Kage meant by someone coming to save them.

"Got separated? Do you mean there are other Konoha Ninja nearby?"

Uchiha Kage had already used his Byakugan to see the Female Ninja who had quietly infiltrated near their tent.

However, he was curious about why there were Konoha Ninja here when this was clearly the main Battlefield between Kumogakure and Iwagakure.

Well, not counting the three of them who had randomly intruded.

"Thank you, Big Sister!"

Naruto, who had regained his freedom, said.

"Shh! Quiet down. We'll talk about the other things later. There are many Kumogakure Ninja here. I only dealt with the one guarding outside. Their patrol will be here soon!"

The Female Ninja continued to untie the last Shinobi who was tied up.

"But, I really didn't expect there to be two Clan Members here."

After seeing the Uchiha crest on Uchiha Kage's and Uchiha Sasuke's clothes, the Female Ninja's face showed an even happier smile.

"You…"

And Sasuke, who was finally untied, looked like he had seen a ghost after seeing the Female Ninja's face. His face was full of disbelief and shock.

"Quick, we can avoid their patrol by going that way!"

The Female Ninja seemed to know the patrol distribution of the Kumogakure logistics Shinobi very well.

"Sasuke, don't stand there. Let's get out of here quickly."

After walking out of the tent, Uchiha Kage finally saw the Female Ninja's appearance clearly.

And he seemed to have seen that face in Sasuke's Room…

However, compared to the face in the Room, the Female Ninja in front of him was much younger, even youthful.

Compared to her mature gentleness in the future, Uchiha Kage saw a more lively side to this Female Ninja.

"Hmm…"

Taking a deep breath, Sasuke finally managed to regain his senses.

Although she was still alive at this time during the Third Shinobi World War, but…

Before seeing this Female Ninja, Sasuke had never imagined that he would be able to see… the woman he wanted to see the most in this kind of place, in this Dream Instance.

Yes, if he guessed correctly, the Female Ninja who saved them was his Mother, Uchiha Mikoto, who had died in reality!