Akira Challenge Fugaku

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Twenty days later, in the afternoon, at the main tent of Konoha Camp

As they gathered in the main tent, six individuals sought to discuss their camp affair.

"The report from the rear is in, and it would seem that the large ninja troops carrying supplies, led by Akihiko, will be arriving this evening."

Nara Shikaku sighed heavily as he delivered the news. His eyes darted to Fugaku, and the frustration in his expression was plain to see.

He is annoyed by his current situation. Being made the jonin commander for just one day, then having to continue as commander even after Fugaku's return, was proving to be a stressful experience for him.

Shikaku wasn't sure if he was up for the job. It wasn't that he wasn't capable of handling the position, but he was finding it difficult to manage the Uchiha clan members.

Most of them only listened to Fugaku and often ignored his orders. Furthermore, there was still a significant portion of Uchiha members on the camp, and aside from Fugaku, it seemed that no one was willing to take him seriously.

Shikaku had not slept well since Fugaku made him the jonin commander.

"Okay." Fugaku nodded, and seeing Shikaku's long face, he smiled and asked, "You seem to be in distress? Did anything happen while I was gone?"

"Uh… Well…" Shikaku hesitated, not wanting to offend him.

"Don't worry, Shikaku. We have seven hundred troops here, and with your intelligence, you can easily defend Suna Village," Fugaku reassured him with a comforting smile. "Besides, we have two of the legendary Sannin, Orochimaru and Tsunade, on our side."

He misunderstood Shikaku and thought he was worried about their combat strength.

At the mention of their names, Tsunade smiled sheepishly while Orochimaru grinned wickedly.

"I'm not worried about that. Suna Camp doesn't seem to have any plans to launch a large-scale attack." Shikaku had to clear up Fugaku's misunderstanding.

"Oh… Are you concerned about the Uchiha clansmen? Don't worry about them; when they arrive, I will brainwash them. Ah, no, reason with them." Fugaku finally realized what he meant.

Shikaku couldn't help but sigh heavily, wondering where Fugaku's dignity as a clan leader and commander had gone.

"Also… There is another issue, namely, the matter of finding medical personnel. I have already gotten permission from Hokage-sama, and we can send someone to look for them when the large troops arrive.

But considering the importance of having competent medicinal personnel, it would be better to send two along. Tsunade-sama, what do you think?"

Without hesitation, Tsunade responded, "Then I'll look for medical personnel with Shizune!"

Shizune had told her a few days ago that she needed to prepare some medicine, but she had taught the method of preparation to other medical ninjas and wanted to find more competent medics to help out.

She couldn't be a combat force anyway. Fugaku agreed with her decision, and Shikaku couldn't help but feel grateful for having her help.

The thought of having not just one but two legendary Sannin on their side made him feel confident, and he knew that with their help, they would be able to defend Suna Village without a doubt.

After their meeting concluded and they exited the tent, Fugaku's mind began to wander. He asked Shikaku beside him, "Have you ever heard of the Kikyō Pass?"

Shikaku appeared puzzled as he replied, "The Kikyō Pass? I'm afraid I haven't. Which country is it in? Is it famous?"

"Ah! You haven't heard of it? How come?" He exclaimed aloud.

He had always thought that the decisive battle between Suna and Konoha had taken place at Kikyō Pass; how could Shikaku not have any knowledge of such a prominent location?

But as Fugaku contemplated this realization, he reminded himself that there was so much more to this vast world beyond the five Shinobi villages depicted in the anime.

Traveling from Kawanokuni to Konoha, for instance, would take more than ten days of cover distance by ninja, which spoke to the size of the world he inhabited.

Mountains dotted the landscape, many of which were nameless to outsiders who weren't familiar with the region.

So even in Kawa Country, there were countless mountains. And unless a mountain was really famous or you asked the locals, you wouldn't know its name.

"Maybe we should check it out?" he suggested tentatively as he saw Fugaku's serious pondering and felt curious.

"Yes, we can do that, but let's wait until they arrive." Fugaku nodded after thinking for a moment.

He surmised that places such as Kikyō Pass probably only became famous due to momentous battles or significant events, much like the Royal Exchange in London, which was rebuilt twice after being destroyed by fire, or the White House in Washington, which was burned down by the British in 1814.

If there hadn't been battles there, who would know about those places?

Fugaku knew that he couldn't rush into things. He needed to be patient if he wanted to win the war and also find a flying summoning beast. The mere thought of soaring through the skies excited him.

With that in mind, Fugaku climbed back up to the top of the mountain and gazed out in the direction where Akihiko would soon arrive.

He was certain that Mikoto would send the photo through Akihiko once he arrived. Fugaku couldn't wait to see the photos and find out whether he had a son or daughter and what they would look like.

As he waited, Fugaku realized that the view from the top of the mountain was breathtaking. He took a deep breath of fresh air and closed his eyes. "Nature is truly a wonder," he thought to himself.

"clan head..."

A voice brought Fugaku back from his thoughts.

Fugaku turned around and was surprised to see who it was: "Akira?"

Akira looked similar to his brother Akemi, but he was younger and didn't have a scar on his face.

"Yes, clan head!" Akira replied respectfully as he stood before Fugaku.

"What are you looking for me for?" Fugaku asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Um… I want… I mean…" Akira hesitated, unsure of how to express himself.

"Come on, spit it out. Why are you stammering?" Fugaku was encouraged with a smile.

"I want to challenge the clan leader to a duel." Akira finally voiced his request with a serious expression, as if he had gathered all his courage.

He knew that the clan leader's reputation was not a joke, and he respected him dearly. Despite this, he had never seen the clan leader in action, which made him skeptical of his abilities.

Unsatisfied, Akira wanted to witness the clan leader's power for himself. He had originally planned to lead a hundred clansmen to challenge the clan leader, but none of them had agreed, shaking their heads at the mere mention of it.

So he decided to come to Fugaku by himself, after much hesitation. He didn't think he could win, but he had always wanted to try.

Fugaku had been busy before, but today he finally found the opportunity. With a chuckle, he replied, "Is that all? No problem, let's do it!"

Akira was speechless. He couldn't believe that Fugaku had agreed so easily. Did he not have any pride?

"Right here?" Akira questioned it, doubting the location.

Fugaku noticed his hesitation and walked a few steps forward towards an open space at the top of the mountain. He drew a small circle on the ground with his toe and stretched out his right hand.

With a smile, Fugaku said, "Come on, if you can push me out of the circle, you win."