Chapter 31: Mission Complete
On the other side of the lab, Kakashi had also discovered something similar. His voice cut through the tense silence as he barked out a sharp order:
"Stop! Everyone, put everything down!"
But his warning came a moment too late. The entire squad had already stumbled upon similar records. As they regrouped, the weight of the documents they'd found hung heavy in the air. The shifting expressions on their faces told the story—what they had read was damning.
A long silence followed, stretching out uncomfortably.
Then, after what felt like an eternity, Uchiha Douhuan finally spoke.
"Everyone... pretend you never saw this."
"But, Clan Leader! These records—" Uchiha Inoha started, his voice trembling with barely contained rage. The documents he had discovered detailed something unforgivable: Root's collaboration with Orochimaru during the Third Shinobi War to harvest Uchiha Sharingan eyes from fallen members of their clan.
Before he could continue, Douhuan's voice lashed out like a whip.
"I said, shut up!"
Inoha clenched his fists, gritting his teeth. The fury in his eyes was unmistakable, but he forced himself to hold back.
Douhuan exhaled, running a hand through his hair before addressing the entire group.
"Listen well. Knowing about this will bring you nothing but trouble." His voice was calm but firm. "These documents were discovered by Kakashi and me alone. The rest of you saw nothing. Understood?"
A heavy pause.
Then, one by one, the shinobi nodded.
"Understood! Understood!" Nagai Seiji and Kuroki Ryota were the first to agree, their faces pale. They were civilians. Unlike those from noble clans, they had no protection. If they were dragged into something like this, their deaths would be unceremonious—mere footnotes in an untold history.
Hyūga Ken'ya also lowered his gaze. He was from a branch family. If he got involved, the Hyūga Main Family would eliminate him in an instant just to avoid trouble.
Even Inuzuka Kaze, usually a fearless and outspoken warrior, didn't hesitate. With a frown, he shoved the documents he had collected directly into Douhuan's hands.
Kakashi let out a weary sigh. As much as he hated this... Douhuan was right.
If this information came to light, the consequences would be massive.
Douhuan turned back to the group and gave them a faint smile.
"Alright. Kakashi, our mission report will be as follows—"
---
The squad engaged in an unexpected skirmish with Orochimaru.
Due to Orochimaru's large-scale jutsu, every squad member except Douhuan and Kakashi suffered injuries.
During the pursuit, only Douhuan and Kakashi reached Orochimaru's hideout.
Orochimaru escaped using an advanced fleeing technique.
At the hideout, the two remaining shinobi discovered classified information.
---
"You want to take all the credit and all the blame?" Uzuki Yugao frowned. "That's... excessive, isn't it?"
"It's necessary," Douhuan replied without hesitation. "I don't need this recognition, but all of you... you can't handle the baggage that comes with this kind of truth."
Yugao looked like she wanted to argue but ultimately fell silent.
Kuroki Ryota and Nagai Seiji exchanged glances. Before today, they had harbored doubts about the Uchiha. The village whispered about them in fear and suspicion.
But now?
They had just witnessed something unbelievable—an Uchiha leader willingly taking the fall to protect his comrades.
If anyone badmouthed the Uchiha in front of them from now on, they'd fight those rumors tooth and nail.
Inuzuka Kaze, too, stared at Douhuan with newfound respect.
---
With their fabricated report settled, Douhuan smiled.
"Now that that's done—go outside and bury the remains of the victims. Kakashi and I will handle the rest here."
The group hesitated for a moment before nodding.
As they left, Kakashi crossed his arms. "So? What's your real plan?"
Douhuan chuckled. "Ah, so you're finally choosing a side?"
"I'm choosing the truth," Kakashi muttered. "I want to know the real story behind my father's death."
Douhuan's smirk widened.
"That's enough for now."
Then, his smile vanished, and he looked Kakashi dead in the eye.
"The real truth?" He paused. "I'm going to use these documents to wipe out the Shimura, Mitokado, and Utatane families... and replace them."
Kakashi's pupils contracted.
Even though he'd suspected this, hearing it out loud made it terrifyingly real.
He swallowed. "...And the Sarutobi clan?"
Douhuan's smirk returned. "You're too sharp, Kakashi. You'll ruin the surprise."
With that, he patted Kakashi's shoulder, then strode out of the ruined base.
---
With a few final Fire Release: Dragon Flame Jutsu, the remnants of Orochimaru's hideout burned to ash.
The squad, now quiet and tense, began their return journey to the village.
They traveled in silence for most of the way.
It wasn't until deep into the night, when they reached a familiar town, that Douhuan finally broke the tension.
"Alright, gentlemen, since we completed our mission, dinner's on me."
He led them back to the same luxurious restaurant as before.
This time, however, the mood was different.
At first, no one spoke. The weight of what they had seen was still fresh.
Then—after a few drinks, Kuroki Ryota raised his cup.
"Everyone," he said, "I think we all need to recognize something."
He looked directly at Douhuan.
"This mission? We wouldn't have survived it without him."
"That's true," Nagai Seiji agreed, lifting his own drink.
"To Clan Leader Douhuan!" Hyūga Ken'ya joined in.
One by one, the entire table lifted their cups.
Douhuan sighed, shaking his head. "Come on, now, it was a team effort—"
"Nonsense!" Ken'ya interrupted. "You led us, you protected us, and you made sure we all got back alive."
"Not to mention," Kaze grinned, "you covered all our drinking expenses."
Everyone laughed.
The mood lightened.
Finally, Kakashi leaned forward, placing his cup down with a slight clink.
"I'll report to the Hokage tomorrow," he said. "And I'll make sure you all get due credit."
Douhuan's lips curled into a knowing smile.
He was finally coming around.
Step by step.
---
The next morning, the squad would return to Konoha.
And soon...
The storm within the village would begin to brew.