Chapter 38: Short Chapter but the (A/N:...) is important.

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(A/N: Hello, Timeline explanation because I do not want to mess up all that much!! The 2nd World War took place in 14 bNb and I want Fugaku to be at least 18-19!! Also, you voted yes for a time skip, and so I will give you that and do a 5-year skip, after this arc!!! Jumping directly from 19 bNb to 14 bNb. The time I am writing about is a time of strife, transitioning from the after-effects of the First to the 2nd World War. In this period I wanted to show you (instead of just telling you!) how Fugaku build his reputation as a Shinobi and eventually took over for his father, but most of you want a faster pace. Well, anyway, that is what I wanted to tell you and I know I am bending the timeline a bit, but otherwise, it will not work out! The Naruto timeline is whacky as shit as it is(-.-') already.)

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The cave Hyūga Tazumo found was well-hidden and Fugaku entered with his Sharingan activated, scanning the entire cave.

Deep within, Fugaku noticed remnants of a campfire, indicating that other shinobi had used the cave as a temporary stronghold. After he carefully examined the remnants of the ashes, he made a decision.

"For now, let's temporarily leave this cave," Fugaku said. "It seems this place has been recently used as a shelter by some shinobi, probably from other countries. The traces even suggest repeated use over the past few days."

Satōmaru understood the problem and questioned, "Captain, did you find any clues?"

Knowing of Fugaku's serious demeanor during missions, Satōmaru determined he wasn't joking, and that he really discovered some clues, but he asked mainly to give him the opportunity to explain his findings.

"The burned ash reveals the story," Fugaku explained. "The lighter-colored marks at the edges indicate repeated firing in the same spot, but with slight variations. The darker areas suggest more recent burns. I felt it with my hand just now, even though the temperature has cooled significantly, someone has just recently ignited a fire here. I would say it was last night."

Hyūga Tazumo approached the deeper part of the cave while activating his Byakugan and examining the same area Fugaku pointed earlier at. He even reached out to feel for residual warmth.

"I can confirm there is indeed some residual temperature," Hyūga Tazumo confirmed. "Based on the fire and the traces left behind, it seems the other party's group matches ours in numbers. We could catch them off guard and launch a surprise attack if we use this place."

Fugaku shook his head. "It's not that simple. Forming a team for missions in the Land of Rain means under the current circumstances indicates, that the enemy won't be weak. I don't want to risk reducing our numbers before completing our main mission."

"But..." someone in Hyūga's group was about to complain, but Fugaku interrupted him, he was not in the mood for allowing further bitching. "Satōmaru, go and set up a series of traps here for our friends. We can inflict damage some damage on the enemy, and based on their luck and strength we will see how strong they are."

Everyone agreed and remained focused on the mission, unsure of when the enemy would show up. They knew that if the enemy was strong, they could be in serious trouble.

Tasks assigned during wartime were never simple, and a single mistake could lead to a chain of problems down the line.

The team dispersed, placing detonation traps throughout the cave, even Fugaku himself placed a concealed Explosive Tag under the ashes.

When the enemy ignites a fire, the Explosive Tag will be triggered, destroying the entire cave by leading to a chain reaction.

Nozawa left a few of his bugs behind to monitor outside the cave if these bugs encounter shinobi, the bugs would notify Nozawa.

As they walked on, explosions echoed from behind. The traps had been triggered, but they weren't sure if any enemies were caught or if they survived.

Looking back, they saw thick smoke and a few bugs flying towards Nozawa, who caught them.

"It was Sunagakure. Nine went in, but only six came out," Nozawa reported.

Fugaku nodded. "The enemy is strong. Despite the traps, only three were caught. We don't know what happened to them, they might be injured but not dead."

It was clear that the enemy was powerful, as more than half of them managed to escape in the surprise attack.

During the night, the Land of Rain would see a decrease in battles, as shinobi from all countries sought hiding places to get a brief rest.

Fugaku's team moved stealthily, avoiding all encounters with shinobi from other countries, and found a cave to rest for the night. The plan was to resume their journey early the next morning at dawn.

Fugaku took out the mission map once more and addressed the group. "We're heading towards a valley in the mountains. The Sunagakure stronghold we're searching for should be somewhere in there. Nozawa and Hyūga Tazumo, your task is to find the stronghold. The valley has three passages, and the rest of us will split into three groups. In three days, Sunagakure shinobi will gather here after their supply routes, and we need to determine our action plan. Satōmaru, Genyaki, Okasawa Ōno will be one group. Yamada Shinji and Koudamaru will form another group. I will go alone. Let's move now."

Fugaku had mixed feelings about the strength of his team. Genyaki and Okasawa Ōno were not particularly strong, but with Satōmaru's help, they could be a bit more capable, assuming that Satomaru is indeed a member of the Anbu. However, Fugaku still had doubts about Sato being a member of Konoha's Anbu, and this somewhat unsettled him. What if he is in fact a ROOT Anbu?!

Yamada Shinji's strength is good enough, and with Koudamaru supporting him, they could handle minor challenges.

The Land of Rain is one treacherous hell hole, and the rain helps both him and his enemies to hide and launch surprise attacks. Fugaku found a good hiding spot between a mountain and a rock, protecting himself from the rain. It would be hard for anyone to find him, unless they had really sharp senses.

He used this time of respite to finally check out the [Shop] he got access to, and find out what it is about.

Inside the depths of his mindscape, a mysterious shop awaited his exploration. The shop stood before him, an otherworldly presence that seemed to transcend space and time it looked like one of those old Corner Shops he always saw in Anime or Manga, inside an elderly man was sitting and smoking his pipe.

With a focused mind, Fugaku delved deeper into his subconscious, the shop's offerings unfolding before his inner vision. He was greeted by a raspy voice that resonated within his thoughts, asking the all-important question: "What is your desire, young man?"

Fugaku's mind buzzed with possibilities, his imagination running wild. He yearned for powers to rule this world, skills that could shape the course of battles, weapons that exuded untamed might, armor that could withstand the fiercest onslaughts, and knowledge that would allow him to rise into greater power.

"I see.": the raspy voice said mockingly, and immediately the shelves changed what was placed on them priorly.

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