Naruto: Maelstrom Of The Uzumaki

In the Land of Fire, amidst the dense forest, a team of four Konoha ninjas moved swiftly through the undergrowth. This was one of Konoha's most common mission teams: a seasoned Jōnin leader guiding three younger Jōnin on their missions.

"Captain Fugaku, I've always been curious—why, as a member of the Uchiha clan, do you still take on missions like this?"

At the rear of the group, a young boy with a blue turban and dark glasses, Ebisu, voiced his question. Despite his youth, he had been a ninja for some time.

"Ebisu, you've been holding onto that question for a while, haven't you?" Fugaku replied with a calm smile. "It's not a secret. The village is stretched thin on manpower. Even as a member of the Uchiha clan, I can't stay idle during wartime. Right now, I'm serving as your team leader for these smaller missions. After this, I'll head to the frontlines in the Land of Thunder to join Raiden Uzumaki's forces."

The prospect of reuniting with old friends like Raiden filled Fugaku with anticipation.

"Ebisu, don't overthink it," Shiranui Genma interjected, his voice tinged with excitement. The young ninja walked alongside the group, a senbon pinched between his teeth. "It's an honor to have Lord Fugaku lead our missions! He's one of Konoha's most powerful shinobi, and he helped take down the Four-Tails Jinchūriki during the battles in the Land of Earth."

"Genma's right," said Might Guy, who trailed slightly behind. However, his tone was somber. "That battle was legendary, but the credit belongs to heroes like Master Fugaku and Raiden Uzumaki. My father only played a small role."

Genma frowned. "Guy, you're being too harsh on your father. Everyone in Konoha knows his strength. Even if he didn't rise to Jōnin rank, his contributions were significant."

Fugaku chimed in, his tone gentle but firm. "Your father, Duy, is an exceptional ninja. His strength wasn't the reason he stayed a Genin. Leadership roles, like those of Chūnin and Jōnin, require more than combat skill. Duy preferred to focus on his own path, and that's something to respect."

Guy looked away, still troubled. "Maybe, but... he's just a Genin. It's hard to compare him to Uchiha elites like you."

Fugaku sighed inwardly, sensing Guy's insecurities but choosing to let the conversation drop. "This boy carries a burden. Perhaps the battlefield will offer him clarity someday."

Suddenly, Fugaku's sharp senses picked up something amiss. His Sharingan activated instinctively.

"Stop!" he barked.

The team halted as Fugaku dropped to the forest floor, scanning his surroundings with heightened vigilance.

"What's wrong, Captain?" Ebisu asked nervously.

Genma sniffed the air, his expression darkening. "Blood. I smell blood."

Without a word, Fugaku dashed into the forest, his teammates close behind. They followed him to the edge of a massive crater, where Fugaku stood, his expression grim.

At the bottom of the pit lay charred bodies, unrecognizable save for their tattered Konoha uniforms.

"Konoha shinobi..." Genma murmured, his voice trembling.

Ebisu turned away, nauseated by the grisly sight.

"This isn't the work of standard explosive tags," Fugaku muttered, descending into the pit to examine the remains. "Could it be Iwa-nin's Explosion Release techniques?"

Before he could investigate further, Fugaku's instincts flared.

"Move!" he shouted, leaping out of the pit.

A massive blade descended, aimed directly at Might Guy's head. Fugaku intercepted it just in time with his own blade, the clash of metal reverberating through the forest.

"You're quick," came a deep, mocking voice. The wielder of the blade—a tall man with a cruel grin—gripped the weapon tightly.

"That sword... the Kubikiribōchō?" Fugaku narrowed his eyes, recognizing the man before him. "You're one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist."

"Sharp eyes. Uchiha, huh? This might be fun," Jūzō sneered, his grip tightening on his blade.

Before Fugaku could retaliate, a thin wire net sprung from the surrounding trees, ensnaring Genma, Guy, and Ebisu. The wires bit into their skin, drawing blood.

"Trap successful," another voice called out, as a short, muscular man stepped from the shadows, brandishing a massive axe and hammer.

Reacting quickly, Fugaku threw a volley of explosive-tagged kunai, blowing apart the wires and freeing his team. He landed in front of them, shielding them from the advancing enemies.

"Seven of them..." Fugaku muttered, his Sharingan analyzing each enemy.

As if summoned by his thoughts, the rest of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen emerged from the trees, their distinctive weapons gleaming in the moonlight.

"Why are the Seven Ninja Swordsmen here?!" Genma exclaimed, his voice shaky.

Jūzō laughed. "Looks like we've got a reputation. Even Konoha's brats know who we are."

"Seven against four. This will be troublesome," Fugaku said quietly. Despite his calm demeanor, his mind raced for a strategy.

"Hoho, don't worry," Jūzō said mockingly, resting his blade on the ground. "We'll make it quick."

(End of this chapter)