At this time, elsewhere within the Land of Fire.
"You should head back first. I have another mission to carry out."
Addressing the Anbu Ninja who had finished resting and were preparing to depart, Uchiha Fugaku made no move to stand. He merely spoke and took out a scroll, handing it to them.
The leading Anbu Ninja's brow furrowed slightly beneath his mask. Half-convinced and half-skeptical, he walked over and accepted the scroll.
"I see. Since this is Lord Chiba's instruction, we'll take our leave first."
After accepting and unfolding the scroll, the leading Anbu Ninja's furrowed brow finally relaxed, and he nodded as he spoke.
Then, he called to the Anbu Ninja behind him. Their figures flashed away, leaving the temporary campsite marked only by a campfire.
Did Lord Chiba know this would happen, which was why he deliberately left this scroll behind?
Watching the Anbu leave, Uchiha Fugaku's ever-steady expression took on a trace of bitterness.
Although he had taken on the position and responsibilities of captain for this escort mission, and the Anbu had shown no lack of cooperation along the way, Uchiha Fugaku could still sense their wariness toward him.
At the same time, he understood that although the Fourth Hokage had extended an olive branch to the Uchiha Clan, the village's view of them had not changed. They were still an uncertain factor, still being excluded.
Moreover, when that young man, burdened with such grave responsibilities, had visited the Uchiha Clan and explained every detail of this secret mission before handing him this so-called Official Order, he had found it quite difficult to understand.
Now, he finally understood.
This young man, who was already clearly the absolute candidate for the Fifth Hokage, had noticed this situation. To ensure that he could carry out his mission