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"I don't know." Karin's voice trembled with unexpected panic as her fingers unconsciously tightened around Sasuke's sleeve. "I grew up with my mother in Kusagakure Village, but she passed away not long after."
She shook her head in confusion, murmuring, "Mom never mentioned any of this to me."
"The Uzumaki clan possesses a unique physical constitution—I couldn't possibly mistake it." Uchiha Kaito set down his teacup with a gentle smile. "But since these are matters of the past, there's no need for you to dwell on them."
Karin found herself inexplicably soothed by the aura he exuded, staring blankly as she stammered, "Y-yes... I understand."
Kaito merely glanced at her and Sasuke with an amused expression before shifting his attention elsewhere.
Hmm, it wouldn't be a bad thing if Sasuke were to marry an Uzumaki in the future.
He exchanged a meaningful look with Izuna.
Izuna nodded subtly in understanding.
A union between the Uchiha and Uzumaki bloodlines might yield some interesting results.
Kaito blinked and turned to the other side of the room.
"As for the three members of the Hyūga clan—has Lady Hanabi already briefed you on the specifics of this mission?"
Tōka and Iruka exchanged glances, silently deferring to Hinata to handle the conversation.
"Yes."
Hinata fidgeted under the collective gaze but steeled herself.
'I can't embarrass Hanabi or the Hyūga clan!'
She repeated the mantra in her mind.
"Hanabi has already explained everything," she replied, her voice trembling slightly. "For this mission, we will follow your lead, Kaito-sama."
"There's no need to be nervous." Kaito smiled reassuringly. "This operation isn't particularly dangerous."
"Y-yes!" Hinata nodded, feeling a little more at ease.
"Uncle."
Sasuke yanked his sleeve free from Karin's grip and spoke up impatiently. "Can we start the mission now?"
"Eager, aren't you?" Kaito cast him a sidelong glance. "No need to rush—we'll depart shortly."
His gaze swept over the group as he continued leisurely, "However, before we proceed, there are a few things I'd like to clarify."
At his words, everyone except the three elder Uchiha immediately straightened, adopting serious expressions.
"See that glowing pool behind me?" Kaito pointed to the shimmering water surface. "This is the direct passage to the moon."
Despite having heard about this beforehand, the members of Sasuke's team and the Hyūga squad still eyed the luminous water with skepticism.
"Soon, we'll pass through this unique gateway to reach the moon," Kaito explained. "Though I'm not entirely certain about the current situation there, I've already scouted the conditions within the passage."
He proceeded to outline the mission plan—detailing precautions for traversing the passage, arrangements after landing on the moon, and contingency measures for unexpected situations.
"Understood?" he finally asked.
"Yes!"
"Good." Kaito stood up. "Then let's move out."
The group gathered at the edge of the pool. Madara took the lead, diving in without hesitation, and the others followed suit.
Kaito took up the rear.
As they descended through the strangely dry water, they soon emerged into an even more peculiar abyss—a second pool filled with densely packed golden orbs of varying sizes, their reflections dancing across the surface. Spherical rocks floated along the edges.
"Avoid touching those golden spheres—they're products of genjutsu."
Kaito flicked his wrist, sending talismans flying from his sleeve to attach themselves to everyone except the five Uchiha.
"But don't be too tense. Even if you accidentally fall under the illusion, these talismans will wake you."
The group acknowledged his words and carefully navigated through the second layer of water, finally arriving in a dimly lit cavern.
However, the moment they landed, a barrage of bubbles shot toward them.
After evading the attack, Kaito observed the enormous, menacing crab and casually ordered, "Sasuke, leave this thing to your team."
"Got it."
Sasuke's hands flew through a series of seals.
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Jutsu!"
A blazing sphere intercepted the crab's bubble assault.
"My turn! Water Release: Surging Water Arm!"
Suigetsu's arms bulged as he swung the Kubikiribōchō, severing the crab's massive claw in one strike.
"Eight Trigrams Mountain Crusher!"
Neji descended from the cavern ceiling, his palm striking the crab's shell with enough force to shatter its carapace. The resulting shockwave obliterated its internal organs, delivering the final blow.
"So… amazing." Hinata whispered in awe, watching as the three effortlessly dispatched the creature. "Neji-nii-san has grown even stronger."
I promised to protect Hanabi—I have to work harder too!
She clenched her fists, silently renewing her resolve.
"Sasuke!" Karin immediately latched onto his arm. "As expected of you—you were incredible!"
"Hey!" Suigetsu hoisted his sword onto his shoulder, scowling. "Neji and I did most of the work, you know!"
"Hmph!"
Karin coldly ignored his protest before turning back to Sasuke with a pitiful expression. "Sasuke! The mission ahead seems dangerous… Please protect me, okay?"
"Just stay out of the fights."
Sasuke impassively shook her off and strode deeper into the cavern.
"Sasuke!" Karin hurried after him. "Wait for me!"
"Heh." Kaito chuckled. "Our Sasuke is quite popular with the ladies, it seems."
"Indeed—far more so than his uncle, apparently." Izuna remarked dryly.
"Hahaha…" Kaito sounded oddly pleased. "That's fine. The future of the Uchiha clan rests on that boy's shoulders."
Hikaku laughed. "True, but unlike nobles, shinobi don't usually take multiple wives."
"No matter. Sasuke doesn't have to remain a shinobi." Kaito waved a dismissive hand.
Up ahead, Sasuke's ears burned crimson as his elders' shameless discussion continued.
Karin, walking beside him, seethed internally.
Hah! As if Sasuke would ever be unfaithful!
She studied his barely contained fury.
See? He's about to explode! You corrupting old men!!
Yet the conversation behind them marched on.
"Family legacy is important, after all." Hikaku mused. "Perhaps the clan leader should pull some strings—buy the boy a noble title. Then he could marry as many women as he likes and father plenty of heirs!"
"Pfft— HAHAHAHA!" Suigetsu finally burst out laughing.