On this day, at the border of the Land of Fire.
In the dark forest, a team of Mist Shinobi swiftly moved within it.
Leading the Mist Shinobi was a ninja with short, blue-purple hair standing on end. He wore the distinctive clothing of the Kirigakure Ninja Village, with his right eye covered by a black eye mask. Hanging from both sides of his earlobes were ornaments resembling talismans.
Ao - an elite Jonin from the Kirigakure Ninja Village, belonging to the Sensory type of ninja. However, his combat strength was outstanding as well. His right eye was equipped with a Byakugan snatched from a main family ninja of the Konoha Hyuga Clan during the Great Ninja War.
"Ao Squad Captain..."
"I didn't expect these Konoha ninjas to be so careless, so easily obtaining intelligence from them."
While swiftly advancing, one of the Mist Shinobi spoke with a triumphant tone.
"Ahhhh!"
However, in the next second, the triumphant words from this Mist Shinobi turned into a scream.
An unexpected turn of events; he and another Mist Shinobi beside him suddenly widened their eyes, as if they had seen something terrifying. Both of them clutched their heads, falling to the ground and screaming in agony.
"Damn it, you two, stay calm!"
Seeing his two comrades unexpectedly collapse behind him, the experienced Kirigakure Jonin, Ao, immediately deduced that they had fallen victim to the enemy's Genjutsu after stopping in his tracks.
"It's Genjutsu, and to think we didn't notice..."
At this point, Ao, with exceptional Sensory abilities, seemed to sense something. He abruptly turned around, forming hand seals with one hand. Veins bulged on the temple of his right cheek, activating the Byakugan implanted in his right eye!
"What is this?!"
Through the perceptive and telescopic abilities of the Byakugan, he saw the hidden Konoha Ninjas in the dark forest ahead. Ao's expression changed instantly.
In addition to three ordinary Konoha Ninjas, he also saw a pair of mysterious eyes filled with green Chakra, standing on a nearby tree and overlooking them from a high vantage point.
"It's Konoha's 'Body Flicker Shisui' from the Uchiha Clan! Retreat quickly!"
After recognizing the opponent's identity, Ao retracted the Byakugan and immediately chose to retreat.
"But... Squad Captain?!"
The remaining two Mist Shinobi beside him were momentarily stunned, not expecting that Ao, an elite Jonin, would choose to flee without a fight so decisively.
"But—"
"We're no match for him. Retreat immediately!"
Before the subordinate ninjas could fully comprehend the situation, Ao shouted sternly.
"No more questions!"
After saying this, Ao helped up the two fallen comrades, and the three Mist Shinobi swiftly exited the forest.
"Now Kirigakure should calm down for a while..."
"Regroup and report back to Hokage-sama!"
Seeing all the Mist Shinobi withdraw from the forest, the Konoha Ninjas hidden in the tall tree finally withdrew their gaze. A pair of crimson three-tomoe Sharingan eyes flickered with an eerie light in the darkness.
Following this, with their right hands forming a hand seal in front of them, they activated the Body Flicker Jutsu and instantly disappeared from their original location.
...
Konoha, Hokage's office.
"Knock, knock..."
A series of knocks could be heard from outside the door.
"Come in."
A deep and authoritative voice emanated from inside.
"Hokage-sama, Shisui's Team has returned after completing their mission."
Entering the office with three ninjas behind him, Shisui suddenly noticed that, apart from the Third Hokage, there was another person present in the Hokage's office.
"Yu?!"
Shisui's crimson and eerie Sharingan widened slightly. Dressed in black with white hair and a handsome face, the person standing next to the Third Hokage was none other than Yu, whom Shisui hadn't seen for a long time.
"Long time no see, Shisui."
A calm and clear voice sounded. As Shisui examined Yu, Yu, standing beside the Third Hokage, also smiled while observing Shisui, who had returned after completing the mission.
With the three-tomoe Sharingan constantly activated and strength far surpassing ordinary ninjas, Yu had no doubt about Shisui's ability to trap people in Genjutsu with just a glance.
Now a Jonin, Shisui had gained fame in Konoha under the title 'Body Flicker Shisui.' Even ninjas from other villages had heard this name, a testament to Shisui's talent and strength.
Perhaps stimulated by the presence of someone his own age, Yu, during this period, Shisui had become even more formidable than depicted in the anime. Coupled with his experiences in the ANBU and Konoha's law enforcement department, he had subtly become a pillar of strength for the Uchiha Clan.
"Shisui, thank you for your hard work on these long-term missions " Third spoke, drawing everyone's attention with a light cough. "But I've gathered you all here because there's a new mission to assign."
"A new mission?" Shisui looked at Third with curiosity.
"Yes, it's an S-rank mission of great importance."
Nodding, Third took a moment to explain the content of the mission to the ninjas present. "Since the end of the Great Ninja War, there have been several incidents of enemy-nation ninjas stealing intelligence around our village. We've identified them as ninjas from Kirigakure, and we've had a few encounters with them during these incidents."
After finishing the explanation, Third paused and turned his gaze to Shisui. "Speaking of which, I have to commend you all once again, especially you, Shisui. You've done exceptionally well."
'You've grown stronger, Shisui...
I wonder if you've already awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan?'
Hearing Third's praise for Shisui, Yu looked at Shisui's youthful face, just like his own, with a multitude of thoughts in his mind.
"So, the task I'm assigning to you next is to infiltrate the borders of the Water Country and obtain crucial intelligence from Kirigakure."
Glancing at the Shisui team in front of him, Third turned to Yu and continued, "Yu, whether it's your outstanding Medical Ninjutsu or your exceptional combat skills, I believe your abilities are well-suited to assist Shisui's team in executing this mission together."
Going on a mission to the Water Country with Shisui and the team? That seems interesting...
After listening to Third's words, Yu seemed to suddenly recall something and displayed an intrigued expression on his face.
Though he had known Shisui for quite some time, in his memory, the two of them had never teamed up for a mission together.
"If there are no further questions, you'll depart in two days."
Seeing the strong interest on Yu's face, Third smiled and said, "With both Yu and Shisui, the strength you two possess will ensure that this mission will go smoothly. I await your good news."
"Yes!"
Yu and the members of Shisui's team all responded in unison.
After receiving Third's instructions, the group of five exited the Hokage's office.
"It's been such a long time..."
"The legendary Ninja, Scarlet Yu, who can take on thousands single-handedly. Indeed, you are still leading the way."
Walking side by side with Yu after leaving the Hokage's office, Shisui wore a familiar smile on his face.
Despite the recent growing tensions between the village and the Uchiha Clan, encountering his good friend Yu again lifted Shisui's spirits considerably.
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