Chapter 27

The Northwestern region of the Land of Rain serves as a frequent meeting place for both Iwa and Ame shinobi.

The shinobi of Ame are often driven by exclusion, resulting in relatively low casualties on both sides. However, they face three major powers and lack the willingness to initiate a war, even with Hanzō's courage. The Wind, Fire, and Earth countries must make a concerted effort before Ame would consider engaging in battle.

After all, Hanzō was only referred to as a Demi-God, not an actual one.

"In the early stages of this mission," Uchiha Fugaku addressed Hyūga Tazumo and Aburame Nozawa, "our primary objective is to locate the Ame shinobi. Engaging in battle with them will serve as a way to build team cohesion and help new members adapt."

"Captain, I have already adapted to shinobi battles," Yamamoto Isuke chimed in. "Please don't let the entire team be delayed because of me."

Fugaku glanced at Yamamoto Isuke's youthful face. As a shinobi, he possessed decent awareness, but his mindset seemed somewhat naive.

"You are underestimating the Ame shinobi," Fugaku replied. "Under Hanzō's leadership, the Hidden Rain Village's battle strength has been steadily approaching that of the Five Great Nations. If it weren't for the Land of Rain's relatively small size, it would already be considered the sixth major country."

"Engaging the Ame shinobi in combat will disrupt their patterns. They are primarily driven by exclusion, so they won't immediately resort to desperate measures upon encountering us. If we were to directly engage the Iwa shinobi team at the beginning, we might suffer losses."

"As the captain, it is my responsibility to ensure the successful completion of the mission and the safety of all team members. Some individuals view shinobi as mere tools for killing and power struggles. However, in my opinion, each and every one of you is a living person, and I won't allow any team member to die under my watch."

Fugaku's words rendered the entire team momentarily silent, as a warm feeling coursed through their hearts. Since becoming jōnin, they had prepared themselves for the possibility of dying in battle. Yet, no one had ever expressed such sentiments to them before.

"Captain, I understand my mistake," Yamamoto Isuke spoke up. "I will do my best to adapt to battles on the battlefield and never hold the team back."

Fugaku nodded in acknowledgment but remained silent. Thunder rumbled in the sky, and the light rain transformed into a heavy downpour.

Although the Land of Rain experienced rainfall year-round, it seldom encountered such intense showers.

Even with raincoats, their clothes were drenched, and their visibility severely hindered. Rainwater sprayed into their eyes, obscuring their vision of the ground.

"Let's find a place to seek shelter from the rain," Uchiha Fugaku suggested. "We can't make progress in this weather; it will only increase the risk."

Hyūga Tazumo nodded. The heavy rain made it difficult for Aburame Nozawa's bugs to function properly, and they couldn't fly in such conditions. Inuzuka Maru's sense of smell was nearly useless, obscured by the rain.

Suddenly, Hyūga Tazumo waved his hand. "There are traps ahead, but I don't see any shinobi ambushes nearby."

Hyūga Tazumo gestured towards a bitter direction, where several large stone spikes jutted out from the ground. Fugaku activated his Sharingan and scanned the surroundings. Many tracks were concealed by rain, making them undetectable to ordinary eyes.

"We should retreat for now," Fugaku advised. "These traps might be connected, so it won't be that simple. Hyūga Tazumo, watch your step."

Hyūga Tazumo nodded and glanced down, noticing Explosive Tags buried at intervals under the layers of soil, extending toward their feet.

"There are Explosive Tags connected to our feet!" Hyūga Tazumo warned.

"Shinji, use Chidōkaku to raise the ground," Uchiha Fugaku commanded. "The rest of you, focus on me and use your agility to evade the explosions."

As the stone spikes hurtled towards them through the air, Fugaku and the team swiftly reacted. The stones collided with a nearby cliff, generating sparks in the rainstorm.

"Boom!"

An explosion echoed from the nearby cliff, rapidly reaching their location. Yamada Shinji swiftly formed hand seals and struck the ground.

"Earth Release: Chidōkaku!"

The ground beneath them trembled, cracking open to form a four-sided trench. The raised ground carried everyone to safety, evading the Explosive Tag onslaught.

"Release the ninjutsu," Fugaku instructed, observing the subsided ground. "The sound of the Explosive Tags could attract a large number of enemies. Let's temporarily retreat, change our direction, and continue our advance."

Their carelessness had nearly cost them dearly. If they had unknowingly walked into the trap and been attacked by the stone spikes, the consequences would have been severe. Some individuals with ulterior motives wouldn't hesitate to spread negative rumors about the team even before the mission was completed.

The team swiftly changed their course, remaining vigilant. Hyūga Tazumo activated his Byakugan, while Uchiha Fugaku relied on his three-tomoe Sharingan. Together, their sight covered every angle, leaving no blind spots to prevent falling into another trap.

"Fugaku, there's a canyon up ahead," Hyūga Tazumo reported. "There's a cave within the canyon where we can seek refuge from the rain."

The canyon below led to a large river. Fugaku speculated that this river flowed directly into the sea. The Land of Rain likely had numerous rivers that emptied into the ocean; otherwise, the country would have long been flooded due to the incessant rainfall.

An opening in the canyon's upper section provided access to the cave. Several of Aburame Nozawa's bugs flew inside to scout.

"No one can enter the cave with confidence," Nozawa relayed the message from the bugs.

Twelve team members entered the cave, which resembled a massive karst cave. Stone pillars connected various sections, creating an intricate network.

The cave led to the surface on one side, adjacent to the valley's side wall. Fugaku removed his raincoat and spread it on a stone within the cave.

From this position near the mountain wall, they had a view of the river flowing below, as well as the pouring rain.

Each squad member found a spot to sit and recuperate their strength.

Observing the river below, Fugaku's mind was filled with countless thoughts.

"As a newly promoted chūnin," Hyūga Tazumo spoke up, "you must exercise even greater caution than us in order to survive the war. Brutal battles await us in the future."

"Thank you for your guidance, senior," Yamamoto Isuke responded. "I will be more cautious and learn from today's trap. Danger lurks everywhere."

Seated on a stone, Inuzuka Maru absentmindedly stroked his ninken, occasionally feeding it a piece of dried meat.

Fugaku admired Inuzuka Maru's ninken and commented, "It's a beautiful creature. What's its name?"

Indeed, the ninken was a sight to behold—its entire body was white, with a blue patch on its back. It possessed a sturdy frame, powerful limbs, and seemed capable of flight.

Upon hearing Uchiha Fugaku's praise, Inuzuka Maru smiled and replied, "His name is Ranmaru, named after the blue patch on his back. He is my most trusted partner, someone I can rely on in life and death."

Fugaku nodded, understanding the significance. This bond between an Inuzuka and their ninken was the foundation of the Inuzuka Clan. From a young age, they would eat together, play together, and cultivate a deep connection. It was this unwavering partnership that would carry them through battles once they became shinobi.