reincarnated in the world of naruto

It has been a month since that battle. During all this time, we haven't had a real break. Neither Fugaku nor anyone in the clan could afford it. The war gives no respite.

Even so, something surprised me: seeing Bruhil back in action. He returned barely half a month after disappearing. When I asked him why he was back so soon, he simply laughed in his usual mocking tone and replied:

—Kid, even with just one arm, I can still fight.

Then he let out a loud laugh, as if all of this was nothing but a game.

Now, I prepare for another mission. This time, I am to assist Orochimaru, who needs a sensory ninja for his task. Before departing, my mind drifts for a moment, and I recall Sayuri. Over the past month, our bond has grown stronger. I now see her as a younger sister, although in reality, she is 16—a bit older than my current body.

Memory

That night, I was resting in my tent when suddenly, Sayuri rushed in, closing the entrance behind her.

—Arata… I can't —she said, her voice trembling.

I frowned, not understanding.

—What is it that you can't do? —I asked, sitting up.

She looked at me with frustration.

—I can't stop seeing their faces… the smell of blood is still in my nose… —her voice shook—. I've been having nightmares… I… I don't want this anymore…

Tears threatened to spill from her eyes. Before she could say anything else, I pulled her into a firm embrace.

—I told you that you could face this with me, didn't I? —I whispered—. Sayuri, you are strong.I understand you too, Sayuri. I went through that as well.

She looked at me, tears streaming down her cheeks.

—Then why doesn't it show on your face? —she sobbed—. How do you do it? It's like you're used to all this…

I smiled faintly.

—Because my resolve must be greater than my fear.

—But… why? I don't understand.

I looked straight into her eyes.

—Because I want to protect what matters to me. And you, Sayuri, are on that list.

Her eyes widened slightly in surprise.

—I want to see that strong and determined smile. But not in war. If possible, not in 10, but in 80 years, I want to keep seeing you radiant and strong. Because you are a great kunoichi.

The blush on her face was subtle but noticeable.

—Do you really think that about me…?

—Of course. Do you see any lies in my words? I want you to be strong, Sayuri. You must endure all of this. But remember, my shoulder will always be here for your tears and snot.

For the first time in a long while, she smiled.

—Let it all out.

And so, she cried. She cried without holding back for five minutes. Only when she calmed down did I hand her a handkerchief.

—Better?

She looked at me with teary eyes and nodded.

—I am… Thank you, Arata. Heh…

I simply smiled. Then, Sayuri fell silent for a few moments before looking up.

—I want you to know something… —she said with a firm voice—. I want to protect you too. I don't want you to go through this alone.

Her words took me by surprise, but I answered sincerely.

—Thank you, Sayuri.

Since that moment, every mission we carried out together flowed with perfect synchronization. Her stealth was impressive, like a shadow moving unseen. Sometimes, I think she has Black Zetsu's blood running through her veins.

End of Memory

Upon arriving to receive my next assignment, Fugaku was waiting with his arms crossed. His gaze was severe but calm.

—Arata —he said firmly—, you must head to the Village Hidden in the Grass. There, you will meet with Orochimaru. He will give you further details about the mission.

I didn't need to say anything else. I simply nodded, ready to depart.

I arrived at the camp just as the sun was setting. The atmosphere was heavy with an eerie silence, broken only by the crackling of the fires and the murmurs among the shinobi. A few meters ahead, under the orange glow of the flames, I spotted an unmistakable figure—Orochimaru, the Snake Sannin.

His mere presence was enough to put nerves on edge. The Serpent who craved immortality, a being that slithered through the shadows.

As I stopped in front of him, his golden eyes scanned me with the same interest a scientist would have when examining an insect.

—Identify yourself, boy —he said, his voice slow and almost amused.

—I am Arata Uchiha, the sensor —I replied without hesitation.

Orochimaru tilted his head, studying me with an expression that made me feel as if he was evaluating my usefulness. Then, a faint smile formed on his lips.

—Mmm… interesting. Come, boy. I will explain what you must do.

I followed him into the camp. As we walked, I observed the team under his command. Silent, disciplined shinobi—some with empty gazes, others with an unsettling devotion towards him. They were efficient, no doubt, but there was something about them that reminded me more of lifeless pieces than real soldiers.

For a moment, I wondered what kind of mission awaited me under the command of a man who saw ninjas as nothing more than test subjects.

And more importantly… how far was I willing to go?

I stopped for a moment, evaluating the situation with a cold mind. These shinobi belonged to the Root, that was clear. Danzo must have sent them to be under Orochimaru's command. Why else would they be here?

I narrowed my eyes, watching them. I couldn't trust them. I shouldn't.

If they die, it's not my problem, I thought indifferently. My own safety was all that mattered. Revealing my Mangekyō would be an unnecessary risk.

Orochimaru stopped in front of a makeshift table inside the tent. A map of the region was spread across it, marked with red ink. His long, pale finger slowly traced one of the routes.

—The objective is simple —he said, drawing out his words with his usual serpentine tone—. A detachment from Iwa is heading towards the Village Hidden in the Grass. They are a small group, but with high-level shinobi… perfect for an interesting experiment.

He lifted his gaze toward the shinobi around him. A few nodded silently, their expressions unreadable. The more devoted ones seemed expectant, as if waiting for his signal to throw themselves into battle.

—We don't need an honorable victory. Only efficiency —he continued—. We will use the forest to our advantage. Arata… —his gaze landed on me, his eyes narrowing with a sly smile—, you will be my eyes.

I didn't respond immediately. I waited for him to continue.

—You will infiltrate ahead and locate their exact position. I want every detail—their numbers, formation, visible weaknesses… —he leaned slightly toward me, his expression almost playful—. I don't like unpleasant surprises.

I didn't break eye contact.

—Understood.

Orochimaru seemed pleased with my lack of objections and continued without missing a beat.

—Once we have their position, we will split up. Two teams will flank them, cutting off any escape routes. We will keep them occupied with quick attacks… until I decide they have served their purpose.

One of the shinobi spoke up, his voice devoid of emotion.

—Do we capture any alive?

Orochimaru chuckled darkly.

—Oh, of course… If they survive long enough.

The Root shinobi did not react. They didn't care if the mission required sacrifices. They didn't care about anything at all.

I, on the other hand, could not trust them. Their empty faces said everything. They had no fear. No doubts. Only obedience.

—Prepare yourselves —Orochimaru ordered, standing up with a fluid motion—. We move in thirty minutes.

The tent fell silent as he left. I observed the others as they checked their equipment without speaking. War machines with no soul.

I, on the other hand, was still human.

And on a mission under Orochimaru's command… that could be a problem.