"Earth Release: Earth Dragon Hiding Technique!"
Among the Iwasaki clan members who had gathered, several proficient in Earth Style ninjutsu immediately pursued Uchiha Fugaku, disguised as Uchiha Obito, as he tunneled underground using the Mayfly Technique.
"They're chasing me," Fugaku noted, his perception allowing him to track the advancing enemies. His eyes narrowed coldly. "Foolish."
If he wanted to, Fugaku could eliminate the Iwasaki clan outright. However, engaging them directly would leave him vulnerable to reinforcements from elite jōnin and other powerful shinobi from Konoha's clans. Knowing this, he opted for a strategic retreat.
"Shadow Clone Technique!"
A shadow clone appeared beside him. Without hesitation, Fugaku continued using the Mayfly Technique to vanish further into the earth, while the shadow clone moved to intercept the pursuers, armed with a kunai.
The shadow clone swam through the soil with the agility of a fish in water, aided by the unique flexibility of the Mayfly Technique, a bloodline limit far superior to conventional Earth Style. Quickly, it closed in on the nearest Iwasaki pursuer.
Swish!
The shadow clone's kunai lashed out, aiming for the throat of the first Iwasaki clan member. The man barely managed to block the strike with his own kunai, but he was unprepared for the shadow clone's follow-up. A second thrust pierced his chest, targeting his heart.
Puff!
Blood spurted as the Iwasaki ninja collapsed, his Earth Release jutsu dispelled, leaving his body partially embedded in the ground. The shadow clone moved on, swiftly targeting the next pursuer.
One after another, the clone dispatched several Iwasaki clan members using precise and lethal strikes. Despite being a shadow clone, its strength—reflective of Fugaku's prowess—overwhelmed the ordinary ninjas. Finally, it encountered resistance in the form of two jōnin and one elite jōnin, who together managed to destroy the clone.
By then, however, Fugaku had gained the time he needed to escape. Moving swiftly and silently through the ground, he ensured no trace of his chakra remained.
After traversing a convoluted path to throw off any remaining pursuers, Fugaku emerged safely within the Uchiha compound. He absorbed his spore clone, gaining the memories of its actions and interactions during his absence.
He approached one of his clansmen, who had returned from gathering information.
"Have you discovered anything?" Fugaku asked calmly.
"Patriarch," the man began, catching his breath. "The head of the Iwasaki family, Iwasaki Yu, was assassinated just now. Additionally, the heads of the Takasaki family, Takasaki Kazushi, and the Hoshino family, Hoshino Atsumi, were found dead in their residences."
The Uchiha clan member's tone carried a mix of awe and amusement. "These were the same heads who allied with the Shimura family to oppose us. This is… quite the turn of events."
Fugaku's expression shifted to one of feigned shock. "Takasaki Kazushi, Iwasaki Yu, and Hoshino Atsumi… all dead? That's truly… unfortunate news," he said with mock concern, allowing a faint smirk to break through.
After a pause, he asked, "Do we know who is responsible?"
"It's said to be a Wood Release Kekkei Genkai ninja!" the clansman answered, his voice dropping to a serious tone. "The Iwasaki family claims they saw the assassin with their own eyes during the attack on Iwasaki Yu. As for the other two, their wounds indicate the same assailant."
Fugaku furrowed his brows, pretending to process this information. "A Wood Release user, you say…? That's troubling indeed."
He turned to Uchiha Tsukasa, the third elder responsible for the clan's security. "Third Elder, double the patrols within the compound. We must ensure that no such intruder infiltrates our clan."
"Understood, Patriarch," Tsukasa replied with a solemn nod before issuing orders to the guards. Though he was fully aware of Fugaku's involvement in the assassinations, he played his role flawlessly, understanding the need for appearances.
Before long, a figure clad in a silver mask and uniform appeared at the compound gates. It was none other than Hatake Kakashi, a trusted Anbu of the Hokage.
"Clan leader Fugaku," Kakashi greeted, stopping at a respectful distance. "The Hokage has ordered all clans to send representatives to assist in the search for the Wood Release Kekkei Genkai ninja. Thirty members from the Uchiha clan are requested."
Fugaku nodded, his face calm and thoughtful. "Please inform the Hokage that the Uchiha clan will dispatch the requested personnel immediately."
"Understood," Kakashi said before disappearing in a blur of movement.
Once Kakashi left, Fugaku turned to Uchiha Min, who had recently returned from the Land of Water. "Min, gather thirty capable clansmen and lead them in the search effort. Ensure their conduct reflects the dignity of the Uchiha clan."
"Yes, Patriarch," Min responded without hesitation, leaving to assemble the team.
For the rest of the village, the night was far from over. The Hokage's directive mobilized every clan and shinobi unit within Konoha. Teams fanned out across the village and its outskirts, combing through every possible hiding place for the elusive Wood Release user.
Despite their best efforts, the search yielded nothing. Fugaku's mastery of the Mayfly Technique, coupled with his meticulous planning, ensured he left no trail to follow.
By dawn, the frustrated search teams were ordered to disband, and the village began to recover from the restless night. But the tension in the air was palpable. The deaths of three prominent clan heads, coupled with the reappearance of a Wood Release Kekkei Genkai ninja, had shaken the village to its core.
Soon after, a village meeting was held in the Hokage Building.
(End of Chapter)