Konoha: We, the Uchiha, are ready to give up!

Now, things are different!

From now on, we will definitely not be in the same team anymore, otherwise Hiruzen Sarutobi would not have given such an order.

Since we won't be in the same team anymore, there won't be any conflict of interest.

In addition to our interactions over this period of time, although we could never become life-and-death friends, we have at least developed some kind of friendship.

He is still quite willing to make friends as long as his own interests are not involved.

"That's good, we're free anyway," Nara Kazama laughed. "Let's drink, we won't leave until we're drunk!"

His eyes narrowed slightly.

After thinking about it for a moment, he realized that Uchiha Jin's guess was correct.

Under normal circumstances.

A small team like theirs, which has just gone through a major battle, definitely needs a period of rest.

During this period, they faced immense pressure to survive.

Every day I walk on the edge of life and death.

Since we have such a great opportunity, we might as well have a good drink and relax.

And, well, drinking alcohol.

It's also a good opportunity to cultivate feelings.

Nobuyuki Kudo didn't say anything, but simply smiled and agreed.

Followed by.

The three of them began drinking and toasting each other in the tent.

They chatted about everything under the sun.

In this indulgence, they gradually began to relax.

Shin Kudo looked on with a sigh.

His expression became even more complicated when he saw Uchiha Jin in front of him.

He knew it in his heart.

If he hadn't pulled me out of that mess, I might have been a corpse just two days ago.

After pondering for a long time, he drank a glass of wine before suddenly speaking.

"Uchiha Jin!"

"If you hadn't helped me, I would be dead by now."

“We’re both smart people. I know you saved me for a reason.”

"But, it doesn't matter!"

"After all, you saved my life, and I'm just a commoner ninja. My life isn't that valuable."

"If you ever need my help in the future, just send me a message."

Uchiha Jin narrowed his eyes slightly.

Looking at the grateful face of Kudo Shin, he actually didn't care at all.

First of all.

Things that happen at the dinner table shouldn't be taken seriously.

Perhaps he was indeed grateful to himself, but these words were spoken under the influence of alcohol, which is why he couldn't help but blurt them out.

But, actually.

Once he sobers up, if someone extends an olive branch, he might just run off to take it.

of course.

Even if he understood it in his heart, he wouldn't say such an awkward thing at the dinner table.

After a good laugh, the matter was considered closed.

About an hour later.

Shin Kudo had the worst alcohol tolerance and immediately collapsed under the table from drinking.

Uchiha Jin and Kudo Kazama grabbed him, threw him onto the bed, and covered him with a blanket.

Subsequently.

The two then returned to the table.

After a few more drinks, Nara Kazama finally spoke.

"Jin-kun".

“Kudo Shin is actually someone worth recruiting.”

"He was just a commoner ninja, and the village didn't really think much of him."

"Just give him some basic ninjutsu, and he'll be loyal to you."

"Moreover, he survived at least two wars, and his character and abilities were quite remarkable."

"With proper training, he will definitely be a great help in the future."

"As for being afraid of his betrayal, I feel it doesn't matter at all. As long as he shows some proof of loyalty, that will be enough."

“There are too many ways to ensure he doesn’t betray us.”

"Of course, what's even more important is his identity."

"As a commoner ninja, once he truly matures, he will have a tremendous influence among commoner ninjas."

"..."

Kazama Nara has clear logic.

Even though he had drunk a lot of alcohol, it didn't affect him at all.

only.

Uchiha Jin was completely baffled by this.

What's going on?

He gave Nara Kazama a strange look before finally speaking.

"Hey kid, what's going on?"

"Although we have been through life and death together, we can barely be called comrades-in-arms."

"But, the problem is..."

"We all know each other well; we're all people with our own agendas."

"I can't fathom your motives behind all this planning for me."

"I have no interest in hearing what you have to say until this issue is clarified."

Yes.

Everyone's choices are driven by their own purpose, or in other words, by self-interest.

But what about the two of them?

It was just a series of coincidences that brought this cannon fodder squad together.

Uchiha Jin couldn't understand what Nara Kazama was plotting, given how meticulously he was scheming for himself.

Nara Kazama gave a wry smile upon hearing this.

“Don’t laugh at me, we’re actually pretty much the same.” Nara Kazama said in a low voice, a cold glint in his eyes: “The Uchiha are a mess, I don’t believe you can’t see that.”

"Your current actions are a way of cutting ties with the Uchiha clan."

"But, the problem is..."

"I don't think the village will be willing to let you go, because your Uchiha surname is a cardinal sin!"

"Of course I believe in your talent. Sooner or later you will become a strong person, so strong that even Konoha will not dare to provoke you."

"But then what?"

"In the ninja world, individual strength is important, but it's not that important either."

"How powerful was the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju? In the end, with his death, didn't the Senju clan still disappear without a trace?"

"Therefore, the best option is to create your own power."

"Because you can't be alone forever. Right now, you're young and you have too many things to worry about every day."

"But once you truly become a strong person, you will definitely have to consider getting married and having children."

Can you protect your family for the rest of your life?

"The best option is to build your own power."