Going back home

As Silver and his team stood before the Uchiha commander, the air was heavy with the aftermath of the brutal battle. The commander, a seasoned Uchiha with sharp, calculating eyes, looked over the weary group, noting their bloodied and bruised appearances.

"You're still standing," he said, his voice low but filled with a hint of respect. "Not many could survive what you've just been through."

Tetsuma, standing tall despite his exhaustion, nodded under his dog-mask. "We didn't complete the mission... We were attacked on the first day we entered the Land of Grass."

The Uchiha commander raised an eyebrow. "Attacked? By who?"

"Explosive Corps, along with a team of Iwa Anbu. They were waiting for us," Tetsuma explained, his voice steady, though there was a note of frustration. "We managed to gather some intel, but the fight took everything out of us. We killed seven members of the Explosive Corps and a squad of Iwa Anbu. But… we couldn't bring back their bodies."

The commander's expression hardened as he listened, his eyes briefly glancing over the team's condition. "I see. So, the mission was compromised from the start."

"We weren't the only ones at risk," Tetsuma replied, his tone grim. "They're preparing something. This wasn't just a random skirmish. We barely made it back here."

The Uchiha commander's eyes narrowed. "I'll make sure this information gets to the higher-ups immediately." He handed over a small pouch of supplies, his expression hardening as he spoke. "You did what you could. You're still alive, which counts for something. But next time, try to finish what you start."

Tetsuma took the pouch, his hand briefly brushing the commander's as he nodded. "We'll report everything when we return. Konoha needs to know what's coming."

The Uchiha commander looked them over once more, his gaze lingering. "You've all earned your rest. But know this—we're on the edge of something bigger, and it won't be long before we're all dragged into it. Be ready."

Tetsuma met his eyes with a firm nod. "We're always ready."

With that, the commander stepped back, watching as Silver and his team turned toward the road back to Konoha. "Stay safe," he muttered under his breath, his eyes fixed on the horizon.

As they walked away, Tetsuma couldn't shake the feeling that the storm was far from over. The mission had failed, but the real battle was still ahead.