Chapter 53

To the south of the Land of Stone, four figures, all covered in injuries, persevered as they moved forward through the rocky terrain. Despite the bloodstains and their pale appearances, they showed no signs of stopping.

These were the four members of Hyuga Tazumo's team, retreating under the cover of the Land of Stone's landscape. They had changed direction and disappeared from Fugaku and the others' sight.

"I used to think I was strong enough, but now I realize the difference is too vast. I can't even keep up," self-deprecatingly remarked Hayate Shuichi.

The team members couldn't help but recall their initial impressions of Uchiha Fugaku when their squad was first formed. Although they showed respect on the surface, their hearts refused to accept him.

This battle highlighted not just a clear gap in strength, but a qualitative gap as well. The opposing side was more than capable of handling their team's captain.

Hyuga Tazumo looked at the extremely pale Yamaki Aoga by his side and asked, "Aoga, how are you holding up? Can you keep going?"

Yamaki Aoga wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and replied, "I'm fine. Just leave me behind and continue."

"Don't be stubborn. I'll carry you," Hyuga Tazumo insisted. "Remember, you still need to control the crow to guide Fugaku once he emerges. If you pass out, Fugaku won't be able to find us because of the Heavenly Ascension."

Yamaki Aoga pondered for a moment, then nodded in agreement with Hyuga Tazumo, saying, "Unless I die, the crow won't be dismissed."

Outside the walls of the Land of Stone city, the dissipating mist revealed Uchiha Fugaku's silhouette once again, standing before a group of Iwa shinobi. However, Hyuga Tazumo, the first to retreat, was nowhere to be seen.

"I said, if you want to chase after the others, you'll have to get past me first," Fugaku calmly stated.

"I've read your file," Ogan said, looking at Uchiha Fugaku. "You're Uchiha Fugaku, the son of the Uchiha Patriarch and the latest genius of Konoha. We've had several missing shinobi teams, and all the clues point to you."

"Bringing your body back to Iwagakure after killing Konoha's genius would appease Tsuchikage-sama's anger," Ogan continued, his tone slightly ironic.

Fugaku's face showed a faint ironic smile as he replied, "I've also read your profile, Ogan, an elite jounin from Iwagakure. Your arrogance and superiority complex are not unfounded."

While Fugaku's words appeared relaxed, his heart was filled with caution. Any shinobi who could become an elite jounin must have a wealth of experience. It was unlikely that they would be as arrogant and proud as their profile suggested. It was most likely a deliberate ploy to deceive their opponents.

Moreover, the Uchiha Clan's Sharingan was renowned in the ninja world, especially Uchiha Madara, whose presence cast a shadow over the entire ninja community for 20 years. The current generation of powerful ninjas lived in the shadow of that reputation.

"Let me witness the genius of the Uchiha Clan," Ogan challenged.

Before he could finish speaking, Ogan had already appeared in front of Fugaku, swiftly wielding a short blade with elusive and deceptive angles.

The attack was fast. Although Fugaku hadn't seen Konoha's White Fang, he could sense the opponent's aura. Ogan's sharpness resembled that of the White Fang.

If Fugaku hadn't awakened his Mangekyou Sharingan, he might have been injured by the first strike. However, he clearly saw the other's attack at this moment.

Using his specially-made black kunai, Fugaku skillfully blocked the opponent's short blade, crossing paths in a peculiar pattern.

Taking advantage of the opening, Fugaku leaped backward, appreciating the opponent's strength while simultaneously forming hand seals.

"Fire Release: Fireball Jutsu."

Fugaku's primary goal was to buy time by countering the opponent's attacks, while keeping his Mangekyou Sharingan hidden as long as possible.

Ogan's evaluation of Fugaku rose a few notches in his mind. The opponent truly lived up to the title of a genius.

The two engaged in a dazzling succession of attacks and defenses. The Iwa shinobi on the sidelines could only watch in awe and were unable to assist.

"Who is that Konohagakure shinobi facing off against Senior Ogan? Even a young devil can contend with Senior Ogan."

"I've heard that the Sharingan of the Uchiha Clan is remarkable, but I didn't expect it to be this powerful."

Several elite Iwa jounin observed the battle, captivated by the skill displayed by both combatants. They stepped forward one by one, eager to join the fight. As for the four Konohagakure shinobi who had managed to escape, their fate would have to be dealt with later.

Creating distance between them once again, Ogan locked eyes with Fugaku and remarked, "It seems I underestimated you, Uchiha's genius."

"The pride and arrogance others perceive seem to be a facade you've created for yourself," Fugaku retorted. "Indeed, an elite jounin like you is no ordinary opponent, but your actions can't escape my Sharingan's scrutiny."

"Oh, really?" Ogan replied. "One pair of fists can't defeat four hands. Let's see who triumphs first."

Hearing Ogan's words, the Iwa shinobi who had been eagerly awaiting their turn rushed towards Fugaku in an instant.

Fugaku realized it was time to retreat. Using the Genjutsu he had been preparing, he directed it straight into Ogan's eyes.

Genjutsu: Illusionary Style—Mirror Barrier Jutsu.

This Genjutsu was used by Uchiha Itachi in his battle against Orochimaru. It trapped the victim as if they were being hammered into a wedge, accompanied by intense bodily pain, rendering them immobile.

In the past, when Fugaku only possessed the three-tomoe Sharingan, this Genjutsu lacked significant power. It felt somewhat bland and tasteless, a missed opportunity.

However, after awakening his Mangekyou Sharingan, the power of his Genjutsu had undergone a qualitative change. Whether it was simulating a mental space within the target's mind or transmitting the technique through Sharingan, it had greatly improved.

Fugaku believed that his current Genjutsu might not be on par with Uchiha Itachi's when he fought Orochimaru, but his opponent wasn't Orochimaru either.

Ogan suddenly felt his entire body freeze in place, his limbs bound by an overwhelming force. He couldn't move an inch, a look of astonishment crossing his face.

He had believed that, with his strength as an elite jounin and his training in resisting Genjutsu, he could easily break free from the Uchiha's illusions. But he had underestimated the situation.

Fugaku could only think of Ogan as naive and inexperienced if he knew what the other man was thinking. However, he held no resentment toward his opponent.

Since the era of shinobi representing individual villages had transitioned to a period of alliances between nations, the Uchiha Clan had only possessed one Mangekyou Sharingan, belonging to Uchiha Madara. The dominance of Genjutsu in battle was no longer associated with the Uchiha. Consequently, most ninja only knew of Uchiha Genjutsu through the three-tomoe Sharingan on the battlefield.

Fugaku believed that as he continued to rise in power, the formidable capabilities of the Mangekyou Sharingan's Genjutsu would once again garner recognition from experts throughout the ninja world.

Utilizing the Body Flicker Jutsu, Fugaku pierced through Ogan's heart with his dark blade, meeting his opponent's horrified gaze. Ogan's heartbeat accelerated, feeling the specter of death drawing near.