Yukari Uchiha (English)

Chapter 37

Itachi is already waiting in full Anbu gear outside the Hokage's office. It's an unfamiliar sight for me—my brother, whom I've known without a mask for so long, now looks more mysterious and distant, almost like a stranger. But what likely surprises him more is seeing me also wearing a mask. The mask that has now become my new face in the world of shadows.

"It suits you, little sister," I hear his calm voice break the silence as we head toward Kakashi. His words, simple as they are, carry a familiarity and a quiet pride that make me smile briefly, though he can't see it.

Itachi leads me through the familiar paths of the village to the Anbu headquarters, a place that has remained hidden from me until now. Standing ahead is the famous Copy Ninja, Kakashi, our commander for this mission. His presence exudes calmness, but I know behind that tranquility is a sharp, watchful eye.

"Good morning, you two," Kakashi begins, his gaze briefly lingering on my mask. "I'll explain the mission details shortly. But first, Yukari... this is your first Anbu mission, correct?" His eyes fix on me, and I give a short nod, ready for what's to come.

"Our top priority is to complete the mission under any circumstances," he continues, his voice pragmatic but with a note of trust. "But I have no worries about that, judging from your record. As a Genin, you completed 12 D-rank and 8 C-rank missions. As a Chunin, you've impressively handled 15 C-rank, 10 B-rank, and 3 A-rank missions, all with perfect success—and at such a young age. That's rare, even among the most seasoned shinobi."

A hint of pride courses through me, but I keep my voice steady as I respond. "I also had a strong team." My thoughts immediately drift back to Shisui and the missions we accomplished together, and a bittersweet feeling fills my heart. Shisui is missing. But this—this mission—is the path I must walk now.

"Pay close attention," Kakashi continues, his tone now more serious. "Our mission is to track down and eliminate a group of rogue ninjas. Capture is not an option. We must eliminate them before they reach their target and pass on their information. Another team of Konoha shinobi is already tracking these rogues, though for a different reason. Our task is to follow the trail, keep an eye on them, and strike when the time comes. Is that clear to both of you?"

Itachi nods silently, and in the quiet, I feel the pressure on my shoulders growing. This is the first time I've been tasked with eliminating someone without the option of capture. My hands tremble slightly under the mask as the weight of the mission presses down on me. But I force myself to calm down, take a deep breath, and respond calmly and firmly: "Yes, Commander."

Hours pass as we follow the trail of our Konoha shinobi through the dense forests outside the village. Each step brings us deeper into unknown territory, when suddenly the trail splits in several directions. It's a moment of uncertainty, of silence. Kakashi and Itachi pause, their eyes scanning the surroundings, their minds processing the possible courses of action.

My gaze shifts between the paths. A feeling grows inside me, a drive to contribute. Finally, I break the silence. "May I make a suggestion, Commander?" I ask quietly, my voice slightly muffled by the mask but still clear.

Kakashi turns to me, and I feel his focus fall on me. "Go ahead," he replies, curiosity in his voice.

"With my Mangekyou Sharingan, I can use a technique I call 'Dan Eien no Kanashimi'—the 'Fracture of Eternal Sorrow.' With it, I can create shadow entities of myself. They're more durable than regular shadow clones and have the advantage of transmitting information and experiences directly to me without needing to be dispelled first. Their thoughts are my thoughts, their experiences are mine."

I sense Kakashi's surprise as he processes the information. "Additionally," I continue, "I'll send my familiars, Yako and Kitsune, with you. Should we find the correct trail, we can summon each other through them. That way, we can split up and regroup instantly without losing time."