"Are you Uchiha Ryukage?"
As the evening sun dipped low over Konoha, Uchiha Gawa stepped into the Security Department office, leading in a boy around sixteen or seventeen years old.
The young man was strikingly handsome—though that was hardly rare among the Uchiha. Their features often carried a natural elegance, a testament to strong genetics. Yet, beyond his appearance, Uchiha Kai noted something more valuable in him: calm composure and steady eyes. A promising one.
"Captain," Ryukage gave a polite bow to Uchiha Kai, the head of the Konoha Military Police Force. "I await your instructions."
His tone was respectful—unsurprising. All Uchiha assigned to the Police Force held Kai in high regard. He wasn't just a symbol of strength but a success story with roots not unlike their own. Kai's rise through the ranks proved that an Uchiha could change their fate, even amid internal clan politics and the village's suspicions.
Ryukage had already heard from Gawa that the task might be difficult. That he could refuse if it seemed too much. But the boy had come anyway. That alone said everything. He was here for opportunity, not safety.
Ryukage and Gawa were childhood friends. Now, Gawa's rise through the force and the awakening of his Sharingan filled Ryukage with envy—but not resentment. He recognized the importance of timing and connections. Gawa's father had aligned with Kai early on, back when Kai had stood against not just enemies from outside, but even resistance from within the department itself. Through it all, the Gawa family hadn't wavered.
"There is indeed an important assignment," Kai said, placing a sealed report on the desk. "Read it."
"Yes, Captain." Ryukage took the document and began scanning it. His heartbeat quickened after only a few lines.
It was a transfer order—placing him as Vice-Captain of the Third Division. Recommended by Gawa as guarantor.
It was a massive step up. A promotion not just in title, but in power.
But Ryukage knew better than to let excitement cloud his judgment. The paper lacked a final signature. That meant the offer was provisional—contingent on something else.
Kai let the silence linger before speaking again. "Finished?"
"Yes, Captain." Ryukage straightened. "Thank you for the trust."
"Trust?" Kai stood, crossing the room slowly. "Let's not speak of trust just yet. First, I want you to answer two things. Can you guess what I want from you? And second, can you do it?"
Here it comes.
Ryukage felt the pressure settle on him, but he didn't flinch. He began piecing it together, quickly and carefully.
The current commander of the Third Division was Uchiha Jun. She had standing in the clan, yes—but her appointment raised eyebrows. From what Ryukage had heard, she wasn't entirely aligned with Kai's leadership.
This provisional promotion wasn't just a reward—it was a test. Kai didn't trust Jun completely, and Ryukage was being placed not just as support—but as surveillance.
He would need to assist her, yes, but more importantly, report back. Quietly. Accurately.
A dangerous role. But a rare chance to climb.
He would also need allies within the division—loyal squad leaders, or at least neutral ones. Building influence from the inside. It wouldn't be quick or easy, but Ryukage had already survived harsher things on the battlefield.
He exhaled, face firming.
"This is about oversight," Ryukage said confidently. "You want a line of sight into the Third Division. I'm to assist Captain Jun, earn her trust if I can—but report anything necessary back to you. If I do this well, the division shifts under your command."
Kai smiled.
"Very good. You've already thought ahead."
"Yes, Captain Kai." Ryukage dipped his head again. "I accept the assignment without hesitation."
"Do well," Kai said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "And I'll give you a gift far more valuable than a promotion."
"There's no need, Captain Kai. I serve willingly."
"Think carefully before you say that," Kai replied with a quiet chuckle. "Think of the changes in Gawa. Think of what's possible. But first—fulfill your mission."
Meanwhile, deep within Konoha, far below the surface...
In a dimly lit chamber beneath Root headquarters, Shimura Danzo sat in silence.
Before him, a kneeling Root agent reported solemnly. "Still no contact from Ryoma, Danzo-sama."
Danzo's eyes narrowed. It had been over a month since Ryoma was dispatched. And if you included his infiltration phase, nearly six weeks.
Root missions required strict reporting—monthly at the latest. Ryoma was a veteran operative, hand-picked by Danzo. He knew protocol.
Only two outcomes made sense: either he was embedded so deeply he couldn't risk contact... or he was dead.
Danzo hated the second possibility, but he had long trained himself to accept it.
"What of the Barrier and Sensor Divisions?" he asked, his voice a low growl.
"They did detect something," the agent replied. "Roughly a month ago. A sudden surge of high-level chakra. But it vanished too quickly. They couldn't pinpoint the source."
"Tch. Useless," Danzo muttered, though he knew it wasn't their fault. "That chakra spike… it must've been the moment."
The moment Ryoma died.
Wiped out in one overwhelming blow.
His jaw clenched. The Uchiha. It had to be. Those arrogant fools.
He'd sent Ryoma to monitor them—suspecting dangerous undercurrents within the Police Force. Ryoma had found something, Danzo was sure. But he hadn't survived to report it.
Danzo hated to admit it, but he had overreached. If this got out, even Hiruzen would be forced to hold him accountable. The Uchiha might be dangerous, but Kai held legitimate power now.
And killing a Root operative, even in defense, would only further strain the fragile peace inside the village.
"Erase all records of Ryoma," Danzo said at last. "As of now, that man never existed."
"Yes, Danzo-sama."
The Root agent didn't flinch. Their purpose was silence. Sacrifice. Secrecy.
No names. No graves. No memories.
They were the roots beneath the leaves, buried in darkness.