Naruto: I Beat The Villagers And Made Them Scream

Upon hearing Kaze Inuzuka's words, Kuragami Uchiha took it seriously. This was the first ninja clan to proactively show goodwill toward the Uchiha.

It seemed that after the former powerhouse, the Senju clan, had been reduced to its current state in the village, the Inuzuka Clan, who had long served as Konoha's veterinarians and struggled to enter the village's power center, had also begun to harbor certain thoughts. 

However, out of caution, they had yet to take a definitive stance.

Still, for an elite Jōnin like Kaze Inuzuka to bring this matter up to Kuragami Uchiha personally was a clear indication of goodwill. The Inuzuka Clan wasn't like the Uchiha, who had dozens of Jōnin and could fill several rows of seats during a clan meeting. 

Within the Inuzuka Clan, Kaze Inuzuka's status was likely second only to their Clan Head.

"This information from Brother Kaze truly resolves an urgent problem for our Konoha Military Police Force." 

Kuragami Uchiha said. "The new recruits we've taken in haven't fully developed their strength yet, so having support from the Inuzuka Clan's Ninja Hounds would be a tremendous help."

Kuragami Uchiha was naturally pleased to accept the goodwill of the Inuzuka Clan. The Uchiha had yet to officially step into the spotlight, and the fact that the Inuzuka were already showing such an attitude was a delightful surprise.

This show of goodwill marked a promising beginning.

"Speaking of which, the benefits at the Konoha Military Police Force are really enviable." 

Yugao Uzuki suddenly said. "After hearing about the perks, I even considered resigning from the Anbu to join you guys."

"Sister Yugao, you mustn't think like that!" 

Kuragami Uchiha said sternly. "No matter where we work, we all serve Konoha. If the third Hokage heard you, he might think I'm forming a faction for personal gain."

"Oh, come on, I was just joking." 

Yugao stuck out her tongue playfully. "I worked so hard to make it into a special Jōnin in the Anbu. There's no way I'd quit now."

"Alright, enough of that. Come on, everyone, cheers!" Kuragami Uchiha raised his glass, clinking it with the others before downing his drink.

Throughout the meal, Kakashi, who sat beside Kuragami Uchiha, remained silent. However, his eyes closely observed everything happening at the table, lost in thought.

After drinking their fill, everyone returned to the inn.

The next morning, they set off once again.

This time, however, no one exchanged even the most basic pleasantries with Itsuki Mitokado and Menjin Mitokado.

At noon, the group arrived at the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Rice Paddies.

Before proceeding to their designated target area, Kakashi, as the leader, began to fulfill his duties.

"Kaze Inuzuka, you and Sumimaru will track the scent. Ken Hyugaya and Kihito Hyūga, you two keep an eye on the surroundings. One of you must always have your Byakugan active at all times. The rest of you, prepare for battle."

"Understood."

Even Kuragami, along with the others, nodded in agreement. Not even the now-estranged Itsuki Mitokado and Menjin Mitokado objected.

… … …

Inside Orochimaru's experimental base in the Land of Rice Paddies...

As if sensing something, Orochimaru set down the test tube he was holding.

Although he was still working under the Akatsuki now and had not yet conceived the idea of founding the Village Hidden in the Sound, he had already established a secret laboratory here. 

The Land of Rice Paddies, being a small nation caught between greater powers and lacking a ninja village, was essentially a lawless zone for powerful ninjas like him.

Even though Orochimaru had defected from the village, he had still left behind certain informants within Konoha.

He was well aware of the recent changes in the village, particularly the death of Danzo, his former collaborator, and the major moves Kuragami Uchiha had been making lately.

His spies had already informed him the moment the pursuit squad set out from Konoha.

Not wanting to invite unnecessary trouble, Orochimaru's first instinct was to flee.

However, upon learning that the squad included Kuragami Uchiha, a Uchiha who had awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan, Orochimaru became intrigued and decided to test the other party.

At this stage, Orochimaru was not yet obsessed with the Uchiha Kekkei Genkai, but the Mangekyō Sharingan was still the legendary eye once possessed by Madara Uchiha. As a scientist at heart, Orochimaru's curiosity was naturally piqued.

… … …

While the squad was searching the area, Sumimaru suddenly tensed up and growled.

At the same time, Kihito Hyūga noticed something and shouted: "Chakra reaction underground! A massive entity is approaching from the west; it's a snake!"

"Prepare for battle!" 

Kakashi shouted, assuming a combat stance.

"Watch out below!" Kihito Hyūga warned before grabbing Ken Hyugaya and leaping away.

At that moment, the ground beneath them trembled violently. Several giant white serpents burst forth, their crimson mouths opening wide to devour them.

The targeted ninjas reacted swiftly; they leaped high into the air and countered with their respective techniques.

Kaze Inuzuka immediately merged with Sumimaru, activating his clan's Hidden Jutsu to transform into a massive two-headed dog and evade the assault. 

Inoka Uchiha and Saito Uchiha each fired kunai attached to wires toward the surrounding trees, changing direction mid-air before forming hand seals. The next second, the Fierce Dragon Flame Jutsu shot forth, striking the snakes below.

Seiichi Nagai, while looking a bit disheveled, managed to escape using a Water Clone Jutsu at the last moment.

However, the special Jōnin among them reacted slightly slower and found themselves in peril.

Just as they were about to be devoured, a streak of blue lightning flashed through the battlefield.

In an instant, Kuragami Uchiha, enveloped in his Lightning Style Chakra mode, moved like a phantom and rescued them, carrying them to safety in the blink of an eye.

Unfortunately, Itsuki Mitokado and Menjin Mitokado, who had distanced themselves from the group due to their strained relations, were not as lucky.

The attackers had intentionally targeted those who were isolated. Four massive summoned snakes emerged from underground to assault them.

Caught off guard and reacting a split second too late, Itsuki Mitokado barely survived the ambush, but his entire right arm was torn off.

Menjin Mitokado, a mere special Jōnin, was not as fortunate, and he was devoured whole.

Before they had time to process what had just happened, a massive silhouette emerged from the dust of the collapsed trees to the west.

Through the swirling smoke, the outline of a colossal serpent, towering dozens of meters high, began to take shape.