Chapter 21

As the deep red Fire Dragon emerged, scorching temperatures spread in all directions, causing the rainwater above and the earth below to evaporate rapidly. Steam filled the air, encircling the Fire Dragon.

Three Fire Dragons relentlessly assaulted Kurosawa's Wind Release Ninjutsu, gradually weakening its formidable power until it dissipated completely.

The once powerful Fire Dragons dwindled in strength, transforming into three smaller red dragons that rushed towards Kurosawa and his allies.

Both Kiriko and Murakami stepped forward simultaneously, their hands swiftly forming seals. The water flowing on the ground converged, creating a barrier in front of them.

Thick white steam enveloped the area, obscuring visibility.

The warehouse was blown apart, reduced to a massive pit, and all its contents were destroyed. Suna Shinobi in the rear began diverting their route, closing in on Fugaku and his comrades.

Time was of the essence, and every passing second posed a greater risk. If they were surrounded by the pursuing Shinobi, even Uchiha Fugaku couldn't guarantee their survival.

Meanwhile, several of Fugaku's comrades hurled Kunai towards the front. Fugaku's Kunai were distinct from the others, exhibiting a more cunning and unpredictable nature. They constantly collided mid-air, altering their trajectory.

The enemy retaliated with hidden weapons of their own. Firelights erupted in the air as Sharingan swiftly analyzed and revealed the trajectory of the opponent's hidden projectiles.

Fugaku skillfully deflected the consecutive attacks, launching a counterattack against the nearby Shuriken.

Fugaku's skills caught the enemy's attention. Uchiha Clan's proficiency in throwing hidden weapons once again made an appearance, surprising both allies and foes.

A series of strikes were exchanged between the three Shinobi. While no direct fatalities occurred, the injuries inflicted were severe, rendering them unable to continue the fight.

The distance between the two sides closed in rapidly. The original 6 vs. 5 advantage had now become 6 vs. 2, with Uchiha Fugaku holding an absolute upper hand.

Satōmaru and Genyaki unsheathed their long knives, and the others retrieved their respective weapons.

"Let's not engage in battle," Uchiha Fugaku commanded. "Leap over them directly."

Fugaku charged straight towards Kurosawa, while Hyūga Tazumo targeted the sole remaining Chunin among the Suna Shinobi.

As Fugaku initiated Kurosawa with his Sharingan Genjutsu, his eyes grew dull, allowing Fugaku to swiftly pass him. However, in the process, Fugaku grazed Kurosawa's shoulder, drawing blood.

At the critical moment, Kurosawa regained his senses, evading Fugaku's lethal strike. Meanwhile, Hyūga Tazumo dealt a fatal blow, slashing the remaining Chunin's throat.

A silhouette resembling the Six Paths swiftly darted out of the stronghold. Fugaku and Kurosawa crossed paths momentarily before leaping backward in mid-air.

"KeonKeonKeon."

Multiple metallic collisions resounded as Fugaku and his comrades gained some distance.

The purpose of engaging in close combat was merely to impede Kurosawa's movements. If he continued to hinder their progress, Fugaku would be at a significant disadvantage.

The large Suna Shinobi unit behind them split into two groups. Several Jōnin surged ahead, leaving the Chunin far behind, quickly narrowing the distance between them and Fugaku's group.

In this fleeting moment, the gap between Jōnin and Chunin became starkly apparent. Black shadows continuously flashed as Body Flicker Jutsu was employed, allowing them to swiftly gain ground.

Fugaku vigilantly monitored the movements behind him. The four Konoha Chunin had pushed their speed to the limit, but they still lagged behind the Suna Shinobi Jōnin.

Forming seals with both hands, Fugaku rapidly channeled his chakra.

"Fire Release, Gōryūka no Jutsu!"

Five Fire Dragons erupted from Fugaku's mouth, hurtling towards the open space in front of the Suna Shinobi, accompanied by billowing water vapor from five directions.

Fugaku strategically aimed his Ninjutsu at the Jōnin among the Suna Shinobi, forcing them to slow down and buying precious time for his team to retreat.

Consecutively launching two B-Rank Ninjutsu, a total of eight Fire Dragons, Fugaku reached his limit. He retrieved a bottle of Kikatsugan, took one pill, and swiftly swallowed it.

The five Fire Dragons continued to swirl and soar in the air, effectively impeding the progress of the Suna Shinobi Jōnin. Several of them were forced to halt their pursuit.

One after another, the Fire Dragons struck the ground, causing an explosion that lasted several seconds. Rain-soaked mud and soil scattered in all directions.

"Earth Release, Doryūheki!"

A sturdy earthen wall emerged, blocking the path of the Suna Shinobi, shielding them from subsequent attacks caused by the intense Fire Dragons.

During the night in the Land of Rain, as long as they maintained distance, locating their targets would be challenging. Unless the enemy possessed specialized reconnaissance Shinobi, finding them would be akin to finding a needle in a haystack.

Rain and darkness provided excellent cover.

"Hyūga Tazumo," Fugaku inquired, "how is the situation behind us? Are the Suna Shinobi gaining on us?"

Hyūga Tazumo's Byakugan remained active, granting him a 360-degree field of vision.

"They are still pursuing," Hyūga Tazumo replied. "Although they shouldn't be able to track our exact location anymore, they are still giving chase. I suspect there might be a Sensor Type or a tracking Shinobi among the Suna ranks, enabling them to anticipate our movements."

Fugaku nodded. Given that the Land of Rain had attracted elite Shinobi from all nations, encountering one or two skilled trackers was within their expectations.

The six individuals continued along the predetermined retreat route. With Sharingan and Byakugan at their disposal, the darkness of the night posed little hindrance.

"Captain," Shinji Yamada's voice echoed, "we finally rendezvous. Is the mission proceeding smoothly?"

Shinji Yamada and Nozawa Aburame's silhouettes materialized in front of them.

Fugaku glanced at Hyūga Tazumo, who confirmed their identities with a nod. As Shinobi, it was crucial to exercise necessary caution, as any oversight could prove detrimental.

Each person possessed unique chakra points within their bodies. Henge no Jutsu could alter appearances, but not the acupuncture points. Concealing the meridian points from the Byakugan of the Hyūga Clan was impossible.

Only White Zetsu could mimic another person flawlessly by absorbing their chakra, even copying their body's meridian points.

With confirmation from Hyūga Tazumo, valuable time was saved.

"The traps are in place," Fugaku announced. "The pursuing Suna Shinobi are closing in from behind. These traps represent our final line of defense, ensuring a successful retreat."

"No problem, Captain," Shinji Yamada affirmed. "Aburame Nozawa and I have set up numerous traps."

"Excellent. Proceed with caution," Fugaku instructed. "The Suna Shinobi team is still tailing us, and they could catch up at any moment."

"Yes."

The eight individuals adjusted their course and retreated toward the Konoha Vanguard Camp. Fugaku formed seals, summoning a Shadow Clone to remain behind.

A certain distance ahead of the Shadow Clone lay a prearranged trap. Whether or not the enemy possessed Sensor Type Shinobi, leaving a Shadow Clone would help confuse their pursuers.

"A group of Konohagakure Shinobi has changed direction," a member of the Suna Shinobi suddenly reported. "Eight individuals are heading toward the Land of Fire, with one Shinobi leading the way."

The individual making this observation was Moriakazu, a Sensor Type Shinobi of the Suna forces known for his perception and proficiency in Wind Release.