Chapter 326: Chapter 326: Yagami Takuya as Team Leader? That Makes Sense

Chapter 326: Chapter 326: Yagami Takuya as Team Leader? That Makes Sense



"Facing prejudice in the village is one thing, but even here, on the frontlines fighting for the village, the Uchiha still get singled out," growled Uchiha Byakuya, clearly frustrated. "I think Orochimaru's doing it on purpose. After all, he's the Hokage's student and bound to take his teacher's side."

"Watch your words!" Uchiha Fugaku glared at him sternly. "Don't speak recklessly. Perhaps this is just an ordinary mission, and it simply means there's someone more suited to lead this time."

"But..."Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"No buts!" Fugaku cut him off, his tone firm. "Now go and prepare. We're moving out in ten minutes."

"Yes, sir..." Though visibly upset, Byakuya had no choice but to comply and gather the rest of the clan members.

As Fugaku watched his clansmen prepare, he couldn't help but sigh. The resentment among the Uchiha toward the village leadership was only growing. It pained him to think that even out here, risking their lives for the village, the Uchiha were still treated with suspicion.

Not long after, the assembled Uchiha, including Mikoto, gathered at the camp gate. Fugaku simply gave the order to move out. There was no need for speeches; the Uchiha didn't need words of encouragement. They set off from the camp under the watchful and often judgmental gazes of others.

Meanwhile, at the camp entrance, Takuya had been waiting alone for about ten minutes with no sign of his supposed teammates. Frustrated, he couldn't help but mutter to himself, "Damn it, Orochimaru. Are you messing with me?"

As if on cue, an Anbu operative appeared beside him. "Lord Takuya, your teammates have arrived."

Takuya shot him a skeptical look, his irritation evident, though the Anbu member's slightly awkward expression showed he had overheard Takuya's mutterings. Of course, Takuya had known he was nearby-he had cursed Orochimaru on purpose, hoping word would get back to him.

Just as he was about to ask who his teammates were, Takuya spotted a group of shinobi in distinctive purple attire, emblazoned with the Uchiha clan crest, approaching. He turned to the Anbu with a questioning look, pointing toward the group.

The Anbu confirmed with a nod, then promptly left.

"As delicious as ever, Mikoto. You really have a knack for this."

She shot him a knowing look. "Please. As picky as you are, you'd never settle for less. Besides, you cook better than me, so what's with the flattery?"

Takuya chuckled, noticing the approving gaze she gave him before she, too, began to eat. Just then, Fugaku approached them, prompting Mikoto to rise respectfully.

"There's no need for formality," Fugaku assured her, maintaining a genial demeanor. But Takuya couldn't help feeling mildly annoyed. Couldn't Fugaku see he was interrupting? "Care for some, Lord Fugaku?" Takuya offered, extending the box of treats.

"Oh, um... No, thank you," Fugaku replied, waving his hand. "I just took a soldier pill."

Great, Takuya thought, not missing a beat as he put the box away. "By the way, soldier pills aren't exactly good for you if you can avoid them," he advised, directing his attention back to Fugaku. "So, what can I help you with, Lord Fugaku?"

Fugaku hesitated a moment, thinking, Not everyone has the luxury of gourmet meals on the battlefield, Takuya, before collecting himself. Battlefield or not, Takuya's insistence on keeping his standards high was almost admirable, if eccentric.

"Actually, Takuya, I wanted to ask about the mission details. Of course, if it's classified, pretend I wasn't here."

"It's not classified," Takuya replied, motioning for Mikoto to stay seated as she began to rise. "According to the intel, a significant number of enemies entered the Land of Bears via the sea. Their goal is to slip into the Land of Fire. Our job is to intercept and eliminate as many as possible before they reach our territory."

Fugaku, eager for more information, asked, "How many are we dealing with, and when did they arrive?"

Offer

The time is up, but since you are close to 1000 at 900, I will give you two more hours. Good luck!

(P)(S): If you're interested, you can read up to chapter 380+ at Patreon.com/Emiko1.