Chapter 22

The Suna shinobi's sensor-type shinobi failed to notice that the shinobi standing before them was actually Fugaku's Shadow Clone.

A Konohagakure shinobi, willing to risk his life, could only rely on experience to determine whether there were traps or obstacles in their pursuit.

The Shadow Clone technique used by Fugaku is different from the basic Clone Technique (Bunshin no Jutsu). It is a technique that creates a solid entity with flowing chakra within its body.

Sensor-type shinobi, a common type among ninjas, use chakra to detect the specific location and number of opponents.

The Suna shinobi didn't slow down, hurling shurikens from their hands towards the hiding place of Fugaku's Shadow Clone.

The Shadow Clone moved at high speed, his Sharingan, with three tomoe, continuously rotating. Despite the fast trajectories of the shurikens, they couldn't escape the insight of the Sharingan.

The flight paths of the shurikens were all as he had expected, and his hands moved in a continuous wave.

Sparks flew in every direction.

The leading Suna shinobi entered the trap area, and the seal beneath them detonated. A simple step would not trigger the explosive tag, as it would easily alert the Suna shinobi.

Becoming a jōnin was no simple task. Jōnin were considered elites in every village, excelling in various skills such as investigation, intelligence analysis, and trap-setting.

Fugaku could only exploit the weaknesses of other countries that were not skilled in Fūinjutsu.

The Shadow Clone swiftly approached the Suna shinobi, leaping forcefully and leaving behind a fleeting shadow in his hand.

"Fire Release, Fireball Jutsu!"

In midair, the Shadow Clone's chest expanded, releasing a stream of fire that formed into a scorching fireball, creating a trail of mist that descended directly beneath the Suna shinobi's feet.

Forming hand seals once again, the Shadow Clone unleashed another Fireball Jutsu, aimed directly at the edge of the explosive tag trap.

Two consecutive fireballs—one to divert the attention of the Suna shinobi, and the other to ignite the explosive tag sealed underground. Once detonated, the resulting explosion would destroy the seal's power and cause a chain reaction.

Simultaneously, Fugaku threw several kunai from his hands, scattering them throughout the trap area, activating several physical traps. While they might not be lethal, they would at least buy them some time.

"Peng!"

The Shadow Clone vanished from his position. In the darkness, Fugaku, who was moving forward, received a message from the Shadow Clone, estimating that the pursuing enemies wouldn't catch up in the near future.

With the Suna shinobi's perception out of range, their mission was now complete.

"Nozawa, Hyūga Tazumo," Fugaku said. "Keep an eye on the rear and inform me of any changes."

"Yes."

Several distant explosions sounded, indicating that the traps had been detonated. However, it remained unknown how many casualties the Suna shinobi suffered.

"Captain, there's no sign of Suna shinobi following us," Nozawa reported.

Fugaku nodded, taking out a map and glancing at it. "The Suna shinobi must be aware that we intend to proceed to Konoha. Let's change our route to prevent them from finding alternative ways to alert Suna shinobi in the Land of Rain and block our path."

The mission had been accomplished, and they couldn't afford to fail at this stage.

The team looked to Uchiha Fugaku, waiting for his decision. Through this mission, Fugaku had earned respect within the team.

Whether it was his strength or his planning abilities, Fugaku demonstrated the qualities of a capable captain.

"Head north," Fugaku ordered. "We'll bypass the borders of the Land of Rain and the Land of Grass and return to the Konoha Vanguard troop camp. If the Suna shinobi mobilize a large force here, the Iwa shinobi will be the primary target, which will only exacerbate the conflict between the Wind and Earth nations."

The team quickly changed direction, with Hyūga Tazumo's Byakugan present, guarding against any potential ambush. Fugaku's Sharingan, exhausted from continuous use, remained temporarily closed due to his fatigue.

A faint glimmer appeared in the dark sky as the rain gradually subsided. After driving throughout the night, the eight individuals had distanced themselves from the Suna shinobi pursuit.

"Hyūga Tazumo, Aburame Nozawa," Uchiha Fugaku said. "Find a suitable place for us to take a break."

"Yes."

Since they infiltrated Suna shinobi territory the previous evening, the team had been on high alert. At this point, both mentally and physically, they were reaching their limits. Continuing to push themselves could lead to accidents.

"Captain, there's a cave up ahead," Hyūga Tazumo said. "There don't appear to be any traps or signs of shinobi. It can serve as a resting place for us."

Fugaku nodded. "Let's go in and have a look."

The cave wasn't spacious, but it provided enough room for all eight of them to rest. The ground was dry, unaffected by the year-round rain that might have made it damp and musty.

A bonfire was lit, and after a night of rain, the warmth of the fire made some of the chilled individuals feel a soothing heat, driving away the cold within their bodies.

Fugaku expelled some of the residual cold from his body and sat cross-legged, leaning against the cave wall, slowly closing his eyes.

The others followed suit, taking a moment to rest in silence. Nozawa's insects served as an early warning system. If any shinobi were to approach, the insects would notify Aburame Nozawa.

Fugaku initially planned their route to avoid Suna shinobi searching along their path. However, Suna shinobi's actions were destined to be fruitless.

After three consecutive days of travel, avoiding teams of shinobi from the Earth and Rain countries, the three individuals detoured the border between the two countries and finally arrived at Konoha Vanguard troop's main base on the fourth day.

"We've finally made it back," Satōmaru exclaimed emotionally. "I thought completing this mission would be the end of us."

"I shared the same sentiment at the beginning," Shinji added. "I thought we wouldn't make it back alive."

Fugaku understood the emotions of his comrades. After all, this was their first time participating in a war, and just surviving their first mission was no easy feat.

"Let's go and submit the mission report," Uchiha Fugaku said. "But don't get too comfortable just yet. The situation remains critical, and we don't have much time to rest. Our second mission will be assigned soon."

The expressions of the relieved individuals tightened once again. The current war could still be considered restrained, with nations testing each other. The true cruelty of war had yet to be unleashed.

"Fugaku, you're back after completing the mission," a voice called from nearby. "How did the mission go?"

Fugaku turned to see Uchiha Homura, another Uchiha clan member with the Sharingan of the three tomoe. He held a respected position within the clan.

Seeing Uchiha Homura here, Fugaku deduced that there were only two possibilities: either he was here to escort supplies or to reinforce their team.

"You're here as well," Fugaku replied. "Are you here to escort supplies or provide reinforcements?"

Uchiha Homura approached Fugaku and whispered, "Konohagakure has been relatively stable recently. The demand for battle from the villagers has grown stronger, and Uchiha Clan's reputation has improved. However, I've heard that the Vanguard Camp has suffered significant losses. Konoha has called upon the major clans to provide support, and this time Uchiha Clan's support is led by me."