Naruto: I am Uchiha Shirou

Land of Rain, Konoha Camp

"Lady Tsunade... that concludes the report for this mission."

Inside the camp, Uchiha Shirou, Uzumaki Kushina, and Uchiha Mikoto stood respectfully as they reported the details of their mission. Tsunade nodded solemnly, her expression grave.

"You've experienced the battlefield of the Land of Rain now. It's far more dangerous than the Land of Grass—there's no comparison. Even I have to be cautious here, so don't let your guard down."

Tsunade's gaze swept over the three of them, her tone stern as she delivered the warning. Although the area where they had carried out their mission was relatively safer, it was still fraught with danger.

Given their special status, as well as their age and talent, it was no wonder Tsunade paid extra attention to their safety.

"This is your next mission."

After a moment of thought, Tsunade handed them a green mission scroll. Shirou accepted it as Tsunade's voice turned serious once more.

"The Land of Rain is rich in metal resources. Your mission this time is to guard a small town while conscripting local workers to continue mining. In addition to the ninjas already stationed there, I'll assign six more squads to assist..."

As he read the mission details in the scroll, Shirou quickly grasped the essence of the assignment. Wasn't this just an excuse to plunder another nation's resources?

But that's the reality of war. The Land of Rain is rich in mineral wealth. In the original story, the metallic structures of Amegakure's buildings were extravagant—a testament to their abundance of metal.

This also underscored the Land of Rain's potential in war. They would never lack essential resources like ninja tools.

"I understand," Shirou replied as he carefully stored the mission scroll. His expression remained serious, though Tsunade broke the tension with a light laugh.

"There's no need to be overly nervous. The direction of this war is still dictated by Konoha, not by the Sand or Rain!"

As she spoke, a confident, resolute smile appeared on Tsunade's face. If it weren't for the other nations scheming against Konoha, would the Sand and Rain even stand a chance? Konoha could outlast them purely through attrition!

"And Uzumaki Kushina, Special Jonin, here is your new appointment. Congratulations!"

Turning to Kushina, Tsunade handed her an official document. Kushina's face lit up with joy as she read it.

"Yay! I'm finally not a Chūnin anymore!"

At barely 14 years old, Uzumaki Kushina had successfully advanced to Special Jōnin of Konoha.

While Kushina celebrated her promotion, Shirou's expression remained serious. There wasn't enough information about Konoha's strategy, but based on what he knew, it was clear they intended to force the Rain's main forces into a decisive battle to end the war quickly.

The legendary battle between the Sannin and Hanzō of the Salamander would be a defining moment for the Sannin. But the aftermath of that battle was grim—countless Konoha ninjas lay dead or defeated when Hanzō ultimately spared the Sannin.

The dangers of the Land of Rain extended beyond the battlefield. According to the original story, Kato Dan also perished here, and that event occurred after the Sannin's rise to fame.

Was his death a mere accident, or was there more to it?

This thought made Shirou even more cautious. With his current influence within the Uchiha and Senju clans, his status far exceeded that of Kato Dan.

Moreover, was the scheming truly aimed at Kato Dan, or was the real target the Princess of the Senju, Tsunade herself?

As this thought crossed his mind, Shirou glanced subtly at Tsunade. Sensing his gaze, Tsunade looked back at him. Seeing the seriousness in his eyes, she frowned slightly.

"This time, the six squads will include Hyuga Hizashi and Hyuga Hiashi, as well as members of the Aburame Clan," Tsunade said. She had taken Shirou's earlier warning to heart—that someone might be plotting against her.

With this in mind, she had carefully assigned roles for Shirou, Kushina, and Mikoto's mission.

Setting aside their special backgrounds, the trio's potential and talent warranted nurturing. It was no different from how Minato Namikaze had been recognized by the Third Hokage and groomed for greatness.

"Thank you, Sister Tsunade," Shirou said respectfully as he received the assignment. Tsunade gave him a meaningful look and added,

"This town lies deep within the Land of Rain. With the ninjas already stationed there, there will be over fifty personnel. You'll also need to select a team of Uchiha elites and a team from the Senju as reinforcements. Make sure you manage them well."

Commanding over fifty ninjas—this would be Shirou's first major responsibility as a newly promoted Jōnin.

Noticing Tsunade's pointed gaze, Shirou seemed to understand her intentions. His expression turned resolute as he responded firmly,

"Sister Tsunade, don't worry. I won't let you down!"

A hint of pride flashed in Shirou's eyes. Commanding over fifty ninjas in battle? He might not be as skilled in strategy as the Nara Clan, but leading a team to defend a mining site? That was his specialty! In his previous life, he had managed operations involving over two hundred people... well, something close enough.

What kind of mine warranted such caution from Tsunade? And why involve the Uchiha, Senju, Hyūga, and Aburame clans? This was no ordinary mine.

"All right, you're dismissed."

Seeing the understanding in Shirou's eyes, Tsunade smiled. She hadn't misjudged him—Shirou was sharp and quick-witted.

...

Outside the tent, Uzumaki Kushina couldn't contain her excitement.

"Mikoto, I'm a Jōnin now!"

Uchiha Mikoto smiled and nodded. "A Special Jōnin, Kushina."

"It's the same! It won't be long before I'm a full Jōnin!"

While Mikoto congratulated Kushina on her promotion, Shirou had already entered another tent.

Inside another tent...

"Captain Fugaku."

Uchiha Fugaku smiled when he saw Shirou and waved him over.

"Shirou-kun, you're a Jōnin now. You don't need to call me 'Captain' anymore."

Shirou nodded with a smile. "Then, Brother Fugaku, Lady Tsunade has assigned me to select a team of clan elites for the mission."

Hearing this, Fugaku, as if already aware of the situation, smiled and nodded.

"This is a great opportunity. I'm sure, with your intelligence, you'll handle it well."

He handed Shirou a scroll.

"These are the clan elites currently at the frontlines. However, I suggest you select individuals with potential. With Elder Setsuna gone, the clan's resources will gradually dwindle over time..."

As he spoke, Fugaku subtly hinted at a harsh reality.

The Uchiha Clan valued strength above all. With Elder Setsuna's passing, Shirou and Mikoto needed to quickly establish their own power base. After all, those loyal to Elder Setsuna might not necessarily extend the same loyalty to them.

Understanding this, Shirou smiled and nodded.