Chapter 209 Return to Camp

Outside the barrier, a large group of Iwa-nin stood in specific positions, forming hand seals together. They concentrated their chakra and performed an Earth Release ninjutsu. The moment they placed their hands on the ground, the earth enveloping the barrier began to rise gradually. When it had ascended about ten meters, the entire elevated area split neatly in the middle and toppled to both sides.

This is the standard method Iwa-nin use to deal with barriers!

Most barriers, when set up, rely on a particular point, and that point is generally the ground. While Iwa-nin may not be particularly talented in breaking barriers, they are experts at altering terrain. As the ground split and the earth with its own weight tilted to the sides, the originally intact barrier began to tremble and tear violently. The once square-shaped barrier started to deform from the overwhelming force transmitted from its base, as if on the verge of breaking apart.

Crack! Crack! Crack!

With sounds akin to glass shattering, cracks spread across the barrier's surface, resembling the fissures that appear on a frozen lake in winter when struck by a large stone.

Then…

Bang! A crisp sound echoed. 

"The barrier is broken, everyone get ready!" 

Witnessing the barrier shatter, Jonin Akastone began organizing the Iwa-nin, preparing for any unexpected situations. They were not aware of the situation inside the base, but they knew it wasn't good. It is always better to be cautious! However, just as they were about to enter the base, a violent gust of wind swept through the vicinity, blowing them off balance.

"Damn! We're too late…" 

Barely managing to steady himself, Jonin Akastone shielded his face from the fierce wind with his arm and scanned the base, realizing that after all their rushing, they were still too late.

"Is that summon beast…the handiwork of that Uchiha squad with a bounty on their heads?"

Seeing the giant bird that stirred up the winds and soared high, Akastone did not give chase. Although he was valued by the Tsuchikage who had taught him the essence of Lightweight and Heavyweight Rock Technique, enabling him to fly, his speed couldn't match that of a chakra-empowered flying beast.

He couldn't keep up at all!

"At last, we've completed the task. Though it took longer than expected, it's not a big deal!"

Having left the ground before the barrier was destroyed, Toshiro sat on the back of 'Mount Carver,' watching the Iwa-nin below, feeling somewhat emotional. If it weren't for the massive investment in purchasing a large number of explosive tags and deploying this barrier technique, completing this mission would have been impossible. Likely, from the very start of the mission, the Iwa-nin who liked to fight collectively would have continuously supported the base. At that point, even if he activated Sage Mode, he probably wouldn't have held out for long! Not to mention his clansmen behind him…

…

As the fierce wind blew past, Toshiro and his team landed in the Uchiha campsite before dawn. Just dismounting from 'Mount Carver's' back, the bird eagerly spoke, drooling at the mouth.

"Understood!" 

"Since you're hungry, go catch some prey!" 

"That way, we can also bond a bit more!" 

Rolling his eyes, despite being a bit annoyed at the bird mooching off them, he didn't mind as he couldn't grill meat himself after all. Besides, the bird's appetite wasn't really a concern for it.

Currently, its wingspan was close to fifty meters, and it stood over twenty meters tall! Its meal size was so immense that this bit of consumption didn't matter at all. Without another word, it went off to hunt prey.

Watching 'Mount Carver' fly away, Toshiro felt a bit envious. Although it was just a sea eagle, it could live freely. Eating when hungry, sleeping when tired! But as a human, Toshiro had many responsibilities!

"Zhe! I'll leave the next part to you! I need to make a trip to see the clan leader!"

Although he completed the mission, he did exceed the allotted time. Even with the family's protection, avoiding major trouble, ignoring it wouldn't be right. He still needed to report! 

Saying this, Toshiro lifted his leg and walked toward the largest tent in the camp. 

"Excuse me!"

Announcing himself at the tent entrance, Toshiro slightly paused and lifted the tent flap to enter. Inside, in the place where Uchiha Juzan usually sat, was a young man. 

It was the young Uchiha Fugaku. 

Juzan had sacrificed himself a year ago, and the young Uchiha Fugaku had taken over as clan leader. At that time, Fugaku was only 25 years old, a true example of a young and promising leader. However, there was no trace of youthful energy on his face, which appeared somewhat older. The dim light in the tent revealed his tired face, with deep under-eye circles and pronounced lines, making him look like a middle-aged man nearing forty.

"So it's Toshiro! You haven't had breakfast yet, have you? Let's have a simple meal together here!" 

Seeing Toshiro enter, Uchiha Fugaku perked up to greet him despite his exhaustion. He had been busy all night and didn't have time to rest. Continuous battles, family casualties, pressure from the village—each issue required careful handling. However, when facing Toshiro, he managed a forced smile and asked Uchiha Mikoto beside him, "Mikoto! Please prepare some breakfast for us, Toshiro and I have some matters to discuss!"

It was said that people don't visit the Three-Treasures Hall for nothing, and Fugaku knew as soon as Toshiro entered that he had matters to discuss, though he wasn't sure if it was good or bad. 

"Thank you, Lady Mikoto!"

Since Fugaku was so hospitable, Toshiro didn't refuse and sat down straightforwardly. He was always direct and disliked the act of polite refusal. As Fugaku's wife, Uchiha Mikoto didn't say much, merely nodding to Toshiro in greeting before leaving the tent to make preparations.