Chapter 47: Leave the Group, You’re Embarrassing!

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Under the cover of night, the two squads—Tsunade's team and Uchiha Shisui's—gathered together.

Having departed the Konoha camp that afternoon, they'd traveled nonstop. Now, it was time to rest and get acquainted.

"I'm Uchiha Shisui, jōnin, with a three-tomoe Sharingan," Shisui began, setting the tone. "I specialize in Fire Release, kenjutsu, and genjutsu."

For missions, understanding teammates' abilities was crucial—knowing who needed backup and who could handle themselves.

For example, if Shisui faced an enemy, no one had to worry. But someone like Shizune? Different story.

"Tsunade. Medical ninja."

Tsunade kept it brief. Everyone already knew her reputation.

"Uchiha Itachi, chūnin, two-tomoe Sharingan," Itachi said coolly. "My specialties align with Shisui's."

This version of Itachi was slightly stronger than in the original timeline—thanks to Orochimaru.

Beyond regular training, the snake Sannin had occasionally "supplemented" his education with mysterious concoctions.

Two years of war had also honed him further, not to mention Shisui's personal guidance.

"I'm Mitarashi Anko, chūnin!"

Compared to Itachi's reserve, Anko radiated enthusiasm. "I use Fire Release, but my best techniques are the snake-style jutsu my teacher taught me."

A young girl playing with snakes? Sasame eyed her, reminded of her eventual "sweet potato" phase—and that infamous meme:

"I see it… it's a Tiger tank."

Sugar is a hell of a drug.

"Mōryō."

The long-haired, purple-eyed girl's voice was icy. "I specialize in my teacher's snake techniques and taijutsu."

Sasame didn't recall her original personality, but now, she gave off strong Orochimaru vibes.

Another victim of Snake Sage charisma.

"Currently a genin, but I possess a secret technique from my teacher that temporarily grants me near-jōnin strength."

She paused, revealing what wasn't really a secret—many had seen her use it over the past two years.

Sasame's eyes narrowed.

That description screamed Cursed Seal.

After acquiring Jugo, Orochimaru had undoubtedly accelerated his research.

While the full Heaven Seal might still be in development, a lesser Earth Seal was plausible.

And judging by the introductions, Mōryō was the only one who had it.

Designated test subject.

Unlike Itachi's precious Sharingan or Anko's sentimental value, Mōryō was expendable.

To Orochimaru, her death would be trivial.

But for a civilian-born, average-skilled kunoichi like her? The risk was worth it.

This was her only shortcut to power.

Most never even got the chance to be lab rats.

Sasame's mind raced to another question:

Did Orochimaru tamper with her seal?

Given his personality? Absolutely.

And by assigning Shisui as team leader?

Transparent scheming.

Battlefields were chaotic. Even Shisui could falter—say, against the Fourth Raikage.

Mid-clash, a surprise Orochimaru ambush could net him those coveted Mangekyō Sharingan.

"I'm Sasame, proficient in Water and Earth Release, with chakra reserves nearing jōnin level."

"Yakushi Kabuto, genin, medical ninja."

"Shizune, chūnin, medical ninja."

Shisui blinked. Two medics? His squad had none—but with their firepower, they didn't need them.

"Rest up," Tsunade ordered. "We'll need full stamina for what's ahead."

"Yes!"

The others responded in unison.

Sasame and Itachi took first watch.

"Long time no see, classmate." Sasame leaned against a tree, making small talk. "Heard plenty about you—the rising star of our generation."

"Thanks."

Itachi remained vigilant, scanning the surroundings. "You're not bad either."

"Either"?

Sasame paused. Who's been talking about me?

"The Hokage often praises you in front of me," Itachi continued, tone less frosty. "He even showed me your essays on the Will of Fire. Impressive."

Approval of the Will of Fire earned instant brownie points with Itachi. And Sasame didn't just agree—he expanded on it. Rare.

"The Hokage flatters me. I've still got much to learn."

Sasame smiled. "When it comes to the Will of Fire, he's the true model."

Ugh. That tasted vile.

But buttering up Itachi could prove useful later.

Sasame had zero interest in "saving" the Uchiha clan.

Their pride made them terrible subordinates—loyalty would always be conditional.

And if he had the power to force their obedience? Why bother with them at all?

That said, the Sharingan intrigued him.

Plug-and-play power-ups.

Letting Danzo hog them all? Wasteful.

The guy couldn't even beat a freshly awakened Mangekyō Sasuke. His final "sacrifice" only half-sealed a bridge.

Leave the group. You're embarrassing.

Still, for Fate Points, a few named Uchiha side characters needed… management.

Thirty minutes of Sasame's silver-tongued diplomacy later, Itachi's opinion of him had notably warmed.

At midnight, Shisui and Kabuto took over.

Sasame slipped into his sleeping bag, drifting off until dawn.

The next day, the eight set out again.

Shisui and Itachi handled scouting.

While the Sharingan lacked the Byakugan's range, its versatility compensated.

Stealth was priority—avoiding enemies, not engaging.

Finally, they reached their destination:

The Hidden Cloud's main camp, upstream along a river.

"Think they'd fall for a water attack?"

Sasame eyed the terrain, recalling the Battle of Fancheng from the Three Kingdoms.

"Creative, but no."

Shisui shook his head. "Most shinobi can walk on water. There'd be momentary chaos, but once they adjusted, the advantage would vanish."

"Fair."

Sasame nodded.

Ironically, this environment favored Water Release users—and Konoha had more of those than Kumo.

"After nightfall, we split into two teams," Tsunade ordered. "My squad scouts for anomalies. Shisui, capture two enemies without alerting others. Use the Sharingan for interrogation."

"Understood."

Shisui approved. Hypnotizing jōnin with a regular Sharingan was tough—but his Mangekyō simplified things.

Now we'll learn what the Cloud is really planning.

Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 90 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 55 power stones I will publish the next chapter.