Naruto: I, Uchiha, Just Want to Die

Chapter 143: I Alone Will Launch the Assault!

With the sharp declaration from Root ninja Otsu, all eyes immediately shifted to the document in his hand. When they saw that it indeed bore the signatures and seals of numerous high-ranking officials from the Konoha camp, everyone was shocked.

To let this Uchiha brat command their assault team?

He's only twelve, isn't he?

Even Konoha's most talented young ninja, Kakashi Hatake, is still just a Chūnin under Minato Namikaze, running errands.

And yet, Uchiha Ci was being given command of an entire unit?

For a moment, everyone stared at Uchiha Ci in disbelief, wondering if they were dreaming.

However, after witnessing the young man's unparalleled performance on the battlefield earlier, they found themselves surprisingly accepting of the decision. Even the notoriously stubborn Uchiha members in the unit raised no objections.

In fact, on this chaotic battlefield in the Land of Rain—where carnage and chaos reigned supreme—having such a powerful leader would significantly increase their chances of survival.

With that thought, a glimmer of hope lit up in their eyes as they looked at Uchiha Ci, silently urging him to accept the appointment.

Under their watchful gaze, Uchiha Ci was momentarily stunned.

He had expected Orochimaru to allow him some freedom of action but never imagined that Orochimaru would trust him enough to hand over command of an entire unit—especially to a mere twelve-year-old Chūnin like him.

His initial instinct was to refuse.

This must be a joke. What did he know about commanding a unit? Commanding wasn't child's play, and it certainly wasn't just about having the team act as cheerleaders behind him as they had earlier.

These were living people—his comrades.

As their leader, he would have to handle intelligence, logistics, strategy, defense, and offense. A single mistake in any of these areas could doom them all.

He raised his head, ready to refuse, but stopped short when he saw the anticipation in their eyes.

Those gazes were complex—full of unease, apprehension, and fear, but also a sense of resolve born from introspection. Above all, they conveyed trust.

No rhyme or reason—just an absolute, unshakable belief that he could lead them to victory.

Uchiha Ci couldn't put into words how he felt at that moment. Standing at the center of the Konoha assault unit's attention, a familiar line from a woman echoed in his mind:

"I never wanted to be a leader, but when I fight, they follow. Bearing responsibility feels like a thousand people hanging on your every word. They're waiting for me to speak—what should I say?"

The words of rejection caught in his throat.

Under their gazes, Uchiha Ci inexplicably swallowed them back down.

Yes, what should he say?

Would he fight alone again? Against an opponent capable of forcing Aburame Ryōma to fire a red flare for assistance?

With his chakra depleted and his current state too weak to defeat even a single snake?

At such a critical juncture, when every ounce of strength was precious, could he really turn down this opportunity?

Uchiha Ci fell silent.

In his current state, rescuing Aburame Ryōma or reversing the tide of battle alone was impossible.

To save lives, join the battle, and alter the course of events, he would have to carry the weight of their lives, their hopes, and their fates.

This responsibility, laid before him, could not be refused as long as he wished to continue fighting.

But leading these people into a meat grinder while trying to survive conflicted deeply with his desire to face challenges alone.

In the barren battlefield illuminated by wildfires and drifting smoke, ninety assault team members stood in expectation, surrounding Uchiha Ci.

Finally, Uchiha Ci opened his eyes.

Drawing a deep breath, he struggled to stand with the help of Uchiha Shinichi and Shisui.

Then, raising his remaining left hand, he accepted the appointment document and held it aloft!

This single action sent a wave of excitement through the entire unit, their eyes glowing with renewed energy.

Uchiha Ci faced them, his deep voice ringing out:

"Everyone!"

"In this Third Shinobi World War, and in this operation against Sunagakure, we are—"

"Expendable!"

"We are bait!"

"We are fish deliberately thrown to the enemy!"

"But!"

He pointed to the battlefield he had turned into rubble and shouted:

"If the Sunagakure forces before us are a Dragon Gate, then we have already leaped past it and transformed into Flood Dragons!"

"From this moment on, we are the true assault team!"

Scanning his surroundings, he continued:

"Currently—

The main front is locked in a fierce struggle, the flank mission is near failure, and the core squad's fate is unknown. Internally, intelligence has been leaked, and the situation is in enemy hands. Externally, the Sunagakure army advances, while other nations harbor ambitions to invade our home."

"This is a moment of crisis—a time of internal and external peril!"

"The only certainty is that we here have achieved a great victory!"

"I now understand the meaning of my presence here!"

With a sharp gaze, Uchiha Ci raised the document, pointing it toward the desert's red horizon.

He declared, "From this moment, I will command the Konoha assault unit—alone!"

"I will launch a true assault!"

At his proclamation, the entire unit's spirits surged.

"Yeah!"

They straightened their stances, invigorated by his words and the insane feat of defeating three hundred enemy ninjas alone.

Even Uchiha Shinichi, supporting him, flushed with excitement, eager to follow Uchiha Ci into action.

But as the others basked in their exhilaration, Shisui suddenly felt a chill.

This situation felt oddly familiar.

And that phrasing—"I alone will launch the assault"?

Wasn't the correct term "we"?

Alarmed, Shisui glanced sideways at Uchiha Ci.

At the same time, Uchiha Ci, standing tall, smiled at their enthusiasm.

Suddenly, his voice rang out:

"All members of the Konoha assault unit!"

"Under Uchiha Shinichi's command, pack up and return to the main Konoha camp immediately!"

Stunned silence fell over the group.

As they tried to process his words, Uchiha Ci pounded his left hand against his chest, vowing:

"This mission—"

"I alone will carry out the assault!"