CHAPTER 35

Upon arriving at Liuyue Village, Uchiha Kiyo and his team were provided lodging at a local inn.

After gathering additional information from the villagers about the mountain bandits, Uchiha Kiyo returned to the inn, though the findings were still vague. He then called his two teammates for a discussion.

"Based on what we've learned, our intelligence is still incomplete," Uchiha Kiyo began. "This group of bandits appeared here about half a month ago. Their leaders have rarely shown themselves, but from what we've heard, they seem to be far stronger than the average thug. I estimate their strength is at least that of a senior genin. However, their lack of visibility raises questions."

Pausing for a moment, he laid out his plan. "I'll head to Castle Peak and gather intelligence directly. You two should scout the surrounding area, paying close attention to where these bandits came from and any unusual signs in the terrain."

After giving his instructions, Uchiha Kiyo equipped his ninja tools, securing them inside his ninja pouch before leaving the inn.

Unlike standard-issue gear, Uchiha Kiyo had invested in 20 refined kunai, each costing 5,000 ryō, totaling 100,000 ryō. Thankfully, his steady work on D-rank missions over the past three months—earning around 7,000 to 8,000 ryō per task—had allowed him to save up 230,000 ryō, finally lifting him out of financial hardship. Without this, affording such quality tools would have been impossible.

In addition to his refined kunai, Uchiha Kiyo had commissioned a specialized kunai for close combat. This weapon, measuring about 50 centimeters in length, was crafted with superior materials and craftsmanship, costing him 200,000 ryō.

With these purchases, Uchiha Kiyo's savings dwindled to six figures. Beyond these, he had also spent on explosive tags, military ration pills, and other essential supplies, bringing his total expenses to over 700,000 ryō.

His most prized investment, however, was his ninja pouch, which contained a spatial sealing technique. Offering approximately half a cubic meter of storage, it allowed for quick access to weapons without the need for summoning like a storage scroll. It was a costly purchase at 400,000 ryō, but Uchiha Kiyo considered it a worthwhile expense for convenience and efficiency in combat.

With nearly all his earnings spent, he sighed. "Ninjas earn fast, but they spend even faster."

---

Outside Castle Peak

Under the moonlit sky, Uchiha Kiyo dragged an unconscious mountain bandit into a clearing, having subdued him earlier in Castle Peak.

After slapping the captive awake, Uchiha Kiyo began applying the interrogation techniques he had studied in academy textbooks.

Though this was his first real attempt, his approach was unexpectedly effective.

"I might have a natural talent for interrogation," he mused, "A genius in all things, as expected."

His captive, however, had a different perspective.

"Brother, are you serious? I've heard of brutal interrogation methods, but you... you're ruthless. If I wasn't tough, I would've passed out already!"

Ignoring the bandit's words, Uchiha Kiyo mentally reviewed the information he had extracted.

This bandit faction had formed only a month prior. The leaders, known as the Matsuoka Brothers, were four samurai with considerable talent. The eldest of them had even trained under a respected swordmaster before becoming a rogue warrior. Shortly after establishing their group, they relocated here, rarely making public appearances. Instead, they delegated most of the operations to their subordinates. The bandits also mentioned that the Matsuoka Brothers had secured a secluded section of Castle Peak, forbidding anyone from entering.

After consolidating this information, Uchiha Kiyo prepared to return to Liuyue Village. However, he hesitated as he looked down at the bandit lying before him.

A moment of internal struggle ensued.

"He's a murderer, a looter. Taking him out would be justice. And I need to get used to killing before facing stronger opponents. If I hesitate in battle, it could cost me everything. Besides, I need to talk to Nawaki and Sarutobi Shuo about this when I return."

Resolving himself, Uchiha Kiyo gripped a kunai and plunged it into the bandit's heart.

The bandit's terrified eyes locked onto him as life faded from them.

As warm blood coated his hand, Uchiha Kiyo fought back a wave of nausea.

"He deserved it. This is justice. Breathe. Stay calm."

Forcing his body to relax, he wiped away the evidence and returned to Liuyue Village.

---

Unseen Watcher

Unbeknownst to him, Orochimaru had been watching from the shadows.

Of course, Uchiha Kiyo wouldn't have been surprised if he had known. It was standard practice for instructors to monitor their students during their first mission.

Orochimaru had stationed a shadow clone to track Uchiha Kiyo's movements. Similar clones were following Nawaki and Sarutobi Shuo, ensuring their safety.

At this stage in his life, Orochimaru had yet to become entirely indifferent to human life. He still valued his students and ensured their survival.

Seeing Uchiha Kiyo's actions, he nodded approvingly. Despite some technical inexperience, the young Uchiha had made the right choices—demonstrating both ruthlessness and resolve. His ability to overcome hesitation in his first kill was a promising sign.

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Back at Liuyue Village

Uchiha Kiyo returned to the inn, having regained his composure. After half an hour, Nawaki and Sarutobi Shuo arrived as well.

"We didn't find anything unusual," Nawaki reported. "The area seems normal, and we couldn't determine where the bandits originally came from."

"That's expected," Uchiha Kiyo responded. "I managed to interrogate a captured bandit. Apparently, their group formed recently, and for some reason, the four leaders brought them here and have kept themselves hidden since then. According to the bandit, their strength should be at least at the level of senior genin. If that's true, then this mission will be challenging."

He turned serious. "When we engage, I'll handle the two strongest. You both need to neutralize your opponents quickly and support me as soon as possible."

After a brief pause, he concluded, "Get some rest. We move out tonight."

---

Nightfall – Castle Peak

Under the cover of darkness, Uchiha Kiyo, Nawaki, and Sarutobi Shuo approached the bandit hideout at Castle Peak.

As they neared the entrance, Uchiha Kiyo observed the guards, who were engaged in casual conversation, completely off-guard.

"These guys are either incredibly stupid or overconfident," he thought. "First, they set up base just a day's travel from Konoha. Now, they're not even patrolling properly?"

Despite the carelessness of the sentries, an unease crept over him.

"Something feels off. This is too easy."

His instincts warned him of an impending development, but with no clear evidence, he set his doubts aside.

Whatever awaited them inside Castle Peak, they would soon find out.