Chapter 156: First Meeting with Terra Members

The sun sank, and the moon rose.

The moon in the ninja world always seemed unchanging, remaining prominently visible most of the time save for rare occasions.

Oddly enough, many significant events seemed to transpire on moonlit nights.

Tonight, accompanied by moonlight, the seemingly serene night was once again fraught with undercurrents.

Uchiha Li was currently situated inside an anonymous cave far outside the village, having already donned his exclusive Terra attire.

Tonight was of paramount importance to both himself and Terra, as the inaugural Assembly of the Apostles was about to convene.

"It is nearly time. Let us hope this meeting proceeds smoothly."

Within the slightly gloomy cave, Uchiha Li estimated the time and activated the teleportation formation.

Following a brief, swirling distortion, the cave fell completely silent once more.

In the world of Terra, Uchiha Li arrived at the Apostles' Hall.

Gazing at the several awakened apostle statues, Uchiha Li's expression grew stern, and then his chakra and spiritual power surged forth in unison.

He invoked the authority of Terra, and instantly, a thick mist began to shroud the entire realm of Terra.

Taking advantage of the moment to construct the "rules," Uchiha Li stretched out a hand toward the apostle statues, murmuring incantations under his breath...

...

Near the Hokage Building.

Uchiha Shisui was on duty with the remaining members of the Hokage Guard Platoon.

"This is... the leader summoning."

Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed in his mind, causing Shisui to instinctively halt his steps.

Noticing Shisui's reaction, a member of the guard platoon asked, "Shisui, did you notice something?"

He assumed Shisui had detected some strange disturbance.

Shisui recovered his composure, shook his head, and quickly replied, "No, it's just that my stomach suddenly feels a bit sore. Perhaps it was something I ate earlier."

"I see," the guard platoon member said promptly. "Then you should take a rest first. I will handle the rest of the patrol."

Such minor mishaps were inevitable during missions, and Shisui was certainly not the only one to experience them.

Therefore, teammates usually covered for each other on such occasions.

After all, ninja were human too, and physical and physiological needs were entirely normal.

Hearing this, Shisui wore an expression of gratitude. "Thank you for the trouble. I'll treat you to a meal next time."

With that, Shisui hurried away from the guard post.

"It seems the pain is rather severe..."

Watching Shisui's hurried departure, the guard platoon member shook his head with a trace of pity.

...

At a certain training ground in Konoha.

Under the tranquil moonlight, the training ground echoed with a continuous crackling sound.

Kakashi had removed the mask covering his left eye and was currently charging toward a training dummy.

The lightning dancing in his hand was blindingly bright in the dead of night, evoking a sense of unease.

Had an outsider been present at that moment, they would have noticed a pair of wings unfurling from Kakashi's back.

The wings exuded a sacred aura, further accelerating Kakashi's speed.

In an instant, Kakashi closed the distance to the training dummy, his Chidori on the verge of impact.

Yet right at that moment, a majestic voice resounded in his mind.

"The leader is summoning?"

Kakashi dissipated the lightning in his hand, a look of puzzlement crossing his eyes.

Even so, he did not dwell on it and hurriedly rushed back toward his home.

According to the leader's instructions, he needed to don Terra's formal attire, find a suitable location, and prepare to welcome the teleportation.

...

The Uchiha Clan's compound, the clan leader's residence.

Uchiha Itachi was currently sitting on the veranda of the courtyard.

With his arms wrapped around his knees, he watched Sasuke playing in the courtyard.

Yet his thoughts had already flown far away.

If even Shisui could detect a subtle difference in him, his closer family members naturally would not be exceptions.

However, none of them suspected anything amiss, as his changes manifested primarily as a subtle shift in temperament.

Unless one actively delved into it, it was difficult to notice any difference.

"Brother, why are you spacing out again?" Sasuke walked up to Itachi, frowning slightly. "Ever since you came back, you've been like this constantly. What on earth has happened?"

Young though Sasuke was, he was the most sensitive to the unusual aura surrounding Itachi.

Ever since returning from his outing, Itachi had undergone a dramatic change, spending his entire day lost in thought at home.

It was obvious he had something heavy on his mind.

Yet no matter how he asked, Itachi refused to tell him, leaving Sasuke entirely helpless.

"It's nothing. I was just pondering some matters."

Itachi snapped out of his reverie, looked at Sasuke before him, and offered a perfunctory reply.

Just as he was about to say more, a voice suddenly echoed in his mind.

"This voice... could it be what Teacher mentioned... the leader?"

Itachi's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly regained his focus.

He had joined Terra for over half a month now, yet he had never once laid eyes on Terra's leader.

Had it not been for his physical connection to Terra—however faint and intangible—he might have forgotten he ever joined such an organization.

Tonight, that mysterious leader had actually appeared.

And it seemed as though something of great importance was afoot!

With this thought, Itachi looked at Sasuke with an apologetic expression. "I'm sorry, Sasuke, let's stop here for today. I suddenly have something I need to attend to."

Speaking quickly, Itachi strode rapidly toward his room.

Sasuke watched Itachi's hurried retreat, his young mind filled with confusion.

At this hour, Itachi suddenly having urgent business was far too strange.

"Brother, what on earth..."

Sasuke gazed at Itachi's vanishing figure, words failing him on his lips.

...

Terra.

The billowing white mist perpetually enveloped the entire space, which, combined with the towering statues in the Apostles' Hall, imparted a sense of desolation and vast emptiness.

Suddenly, teleportation formations opened one after another.

Three figures clad in black robes and wearing apostle masks appeared, shattering the tranquility of the realm.

The three of them regained their bearings almost simultaneously, and then caught sight of one another.

Seeing that the others wore attire almost identical to their own, they all paused in slight bewilderment.

Shisui, Kakashi, and Itachi none of them had anticipated that other members would exist alongside them in this summons.

Due to Uchiha Li's requirement, entering Terra this time necessitated wearing Terra's formal attire.

Coupled with the white mist shrouding them, none of them could tell who anyone else was.

*Should I greet them? After all, they must be members of the organization.*

Shisui thought to himself, feeling uncertain, and ultimately decided to remain still.

*So, besides Li, there are other members as well.*

Kakashi was lost in thought, likewise opting for silence.

*I wonder if Teacher is here.*

Itachi instinctively scanned the other two, attempting to locate Uchiha Li.

Regrettably, shielded by the apostle masks, thick cloaks, and the surrounding white mist, it was entirely impossible to discern anyone's true identity.

With no other choice, Itachi decided to bide his time and observe.

After all, having joined Terra only recently, he was still unfamiliar with how to handle such a situation.

Just as all three chose silence for much the same reasons, yet another teleportation formation materialized.

The same black cloak, but a different apostle mask.

However, Shisui, Kakashi, and Itachi quickly realized that the newcomer differed from them.

Even through the obstruction of the cloak and the white mist, this nameless organization member exhibited physical characteristics distinct from their own...