Throne Of The Uchiha

Disturbance

The large-scale search by Iwagakure's forces was difficult to conceal. Their summoned beasts were numerous and varied, and it remained uncertain whether any of them were capable of aerial reconnaissance.

Fugaku had learned from a previous encounter how devastating it could be when an enemy's summoned beast, particularly one capable of flight, detected his presence from above. It had allowed the Iwagakure forces to ambush him before.

A bird, insect, or any form of aerial reconnaissance could very well be their eyes in the sky. In addition, perceptive ninjas and other summoned creatures increased the risk of being discovered by their enemies.

As Fugaku surveyed the map in his hands, his gaze remained fixed as he continued his journey.

"Fugaku, is something wrong?" asked Hyuga Ning, his Byakugan flicking over to him.

Fugaku paused, scanning his surroundings briefly before nodding. "We need to increase our speed. If Iwagakure intends to search the entire Land of Earth, they'll need to mobilize troops from Iwagakure Village. While we have the advantage in distance, especially toward the Land of Birds, the enemy has already expended considerable energy. We must push forward quickly."

Fugaku's tone was serious. "If we don't reach the Land of Birds before the Iwa forces adjust, we may be cornered at the border. The reconnaissance capabilities of large villages like Iwagakure are formidable."

Iwagakure and Konoha were both part of the five great ninja villages, and while Konoha held the upper hand in intelligence-gathering, Iwagakure had its own distinct methods of reconnaissance that could pose a serious threat to their team. This wasn't the kind of battlefield seen in the Land of Rain, where the factions had no alliances and no room for subtlety.

The group nodded in unison, understanding the gravity of the situation. Had it not been for Fugaku's timely intervention, they would have already fallen in the previous encounter.

As they continued their journey, Fugaku knew that the calm was only temporary. In the morning, when the group took shelter in a cave, Fugaku stood at its entrance, scanning the skies.

A swallow circled above, its presence raising Fugaku's suspicion. The bird chirped incessantly, drawing his attention. He couldn't shake the feeling that it might be a reconnaissance tool of the Iwagakure forces.

The swallow soon flew away, but Fugaku knew something had to change. The enemy's surveillance tactics needed to be disrupted, or they would risk being caught.

"What's new?" asked Yueguang Shuichi, walking over to him.

"If we continue retreating at this pace, we'll draw attention," Fugaku muttered. "We need to mislead them. Use shadow clones to create a diversion. A five-man team will head toward the Land of Rain, drawing attention in that direction. I'll split into two clones—one will impersonate Yamashiro Kiyokawa."

Shancheng Qinghe nodded, and Fugaku continued, "Your crow summoning has already been exposed, so it will be used to confuse them. Their familiarity with you will work in our favor."

The teams were quickly organized, and soon, shadow clones filled the air. Crows scattered overhead, disappearing into the sky, spreading across the Land of Earth as the real Fugaku and his companions advanced.

With Hinata Ning's Byakugan to scout ahead, the group moved cautiously. The shadow clones would lead the enemy off-course, giving the real team a chance to evade detection. The clones were expendable, and the risk of exposure was high, but it was their best chance.

Later that evening, they received word—the shadow clone had been destroyed. But Fugaku felt a grim sense of satisfaction. The plan had worked. The enemy's reconnaissance would be misdirected for a critical moment.

They were close now. With just half a day's travel left, they would soon cross into the Kingdom of Birds. The Land of Birds was small and lacked a ninja village, but its position between the Land of Earth and the Land of Wind made it strategically significant. If Iwagakure mobilized too far into this territory, they risked provoking the Sand Village.

Fugaku doubted the leadership of Iwagakure had failed to notice this risk.

Atop a low hill, Fugaku paused and gazed at the horizon, where the dense forest of the Kingdom of Birds stretched into the distance.

"I didn't think I'd make it back to Konoha alive," remarked Gekkou Hideichi with a wry smile. "When I first left, I thought I'd be buried here."

Hinata Ning activated his Byakugan again, scanning the distance with caution. "This isn't over yet. To defend against the Sand Village, Iwagakure must have deployed a large number of ninjas at the border. It won't be easy to slip past them."

Fugaku turned to face him. "How strong are their forces? Do we have a chance?"

Hinata Ning shook his head. "Their strength shouldn't be underestimated. There are fifty ninjas, including fifteen Jonin. They're stationed here to prevent an attack from the Sand Village. It's likely there are similar garrisons all along the border. If they send a signal for help, reinforcements will arrive swiftly."

Fugaku nodded. Hyuga Ning's assessment was sound. Relations between the Land of Earth and the Land of Wind had always been strained, and it wasn't difficult to guess why such vigilance was necessary.

"We'll use the shadow clones to draw some of their forces away," Fugaku decided. "Then, the five of us will break through."

In an instant, five more shadow clones sprang into existence, dashing towards the Iwagakure camp. They moved quickly, deliberately exposing themselves to the enemy's gaze.

The clones' appearance immediately drew the attention of the Iwagakure forces.

"Gather all available ninjas," barked one of the Iwagakure commanders. "We can't let them escape. Lord Tsuchikage is expecting a report."

The ninjas moved quickly, coordinating without hesitation. Soon, a group of twelve ninjas remained at the camp, and the others rushed toward the clones.

Just as the two forces closed in, Fugaku's real team emerged from their hiding spots, and without a moment's pause, Fugaku shot forward, his movements blurred.

In an instant, two kunai—dark as night—appeared in Fugaku's hands. His left hand cut horizontally, while his right hand thrust forward, killing two Iwagakure Chunins with deadly precision.

Fugaku's mind raced, taking in the information from the fight. He could feel the presence of the enemy's leader approaching, but there was no time to waste.

An Iwagakure ninja, realizing the trap, signaled for reinforcements, but Fugaku was already steps ahead. His Sharingan flared to life.

"Genjutsu," Fugaku whispered.

The Iwagakure leader staggered, eyes glazing over as the illusion trapped him.

Fugaku's voice rang out. "Fire Style: Great Fire Dragon Technique!"

From his mouth surged four massive fire dragons, each one roaring as they raced toward the Iwagakure ninjas. The ground beneath them shook as the flames exploded outward, sending smoke and debris into the air.

With the smoke thick around them, Fugaku and his team moved as one. Using the Instantaneous Body Technique, they soared across the battlefield and left the Land of Earth behind them in the blink of an eye.

In mere moments, the Iwagakure team was left in disarray, three of their members slain, and the rest stunned by the ferocity of the assault. The remaining ninjas stood frozen as they watched Fugaku and his companions vanish from view.

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