Ambush

Chirp--

The merchant caravan's carriages moved forward slowly.

Ahead, in the low-lying terrain, was a narrow mountain valley.

The cliffs on either side were about thirty feet high.

A six-person squad lay prone on the right cliff. They were dressed as Konoha Anbu. Two of them watched the clouds gradually receding in the sky.

The six merged with the night, like patient hunters. They were a Root Organization squad led by Yamanaka Fu and Aburame Torune.

The two were highly valued by Danzo.

Even after Danzo's death.

They led Danzo's remaining loyal followers to intercept the Uchiha Rogue Squad.

"Two captains, it seems a merchant caravan is approaching from the front," a Root Organization member reported in a low voice.

Yamanaka Fu and Aburame Torune exchanged glances. The former said sternly, "Drive them all into the area covered by our throwing weapon traps. Eliminate them all."

"Yes!" Two Root Organization members, disguised as Anbu, instantly moved towards the valley exit.

They understood Yamanaka Fu's decision.

Better to kill the wrong person than let the right one go.

Even if this was an ordinary merchant caravan, they had to prevent the Uchiha Rogue Squad from disguising themselves and infiltrating.

"The commotion in the forest just now, it might have been Asuma's squad or another pursuit squad attacking the Uchiha Rogue Squad. I can understand that, but the changes in the clouds..."

Aburame Torune spoke in a low voice.

"That was indeed caused by swordsmanship. I suspect a powerful figure in the ninja world attacked the Uchiha Rogue Squad. In any case, no one among the Uchiha possesses such formidable swordsmanship."

Yamanaka Fu said sternly.

Aburame Torune said:

"Yes, I hope Asuma and the other pursuit squads can cause some trouble for the Uchiha squad!"

Yamanaka Fu was unconcerned. After thinking for a moment, he reminded, "If you encounter them, be sure to maintain your distance and beware of their control-type Dojutsu!"

"The nano-level sensory insects I newly raised are residing within you. Once someone is controlled, I will be able to sense your mental and Chakra reactions."

They had made thorough preparations for this ambush.

The caravan entered the valley.

Ingetsu, sitting in the back of the cart, looked up, surveyed the towering cliffs on both sides, and fell into contemplation.

If a Root Organization team was already lurking within Mount Katsuragi, terrain like this would be most suitable for an ambush.

The mission served as a reminder to him.

The team was walking into a trap.

This time, it was another annihilation mission against a pursuit squad, but the target had changed to a Root Organization team.

This was the trouble one was bound to face when defecting from Konoha.

"Danzo's remnants?"

Ingetsu had an answer in his heart. He had never imagined that after Danzo's death, there would be Root Organization members seeking revenge for him.

"All tied!"

Kurenai Yuhi smiled as she tied the Ninja Tool Bag for Ingetsu. She slowly stood up, sat beside Ingetsu, and quietly gazed at his cheeks.

"I'm sorry... I misunderstood you just now."

Suddenly, Uchiha Mikoto's dignified and gentle voice came from across beside Ingetsu.

Ingetsu lowered his head and looked directly at her.

Uchiha Mikoto's gaze was sincere, filled with apology. Her eyes lowered as she explained:

"I... didn't understand your actions just now, so I wanted to stop you. I didn't expect you were just helping her check her body..."

Although Mikoto still didn't understand the meaning behind Ingetsu's actions, she had indeed misunderstood him.

She knew.

Ingetsu had no ulterior motives towards that little girl.

Doing that.

He must have had another purpose, and this purpose might be able to help the team escape.

Thinking this, Mikoto, who had always been gentle, kind, and understanding, felt it was necessary to apologize to him.

Being misunderstood felt unpleasant.

"Ah, why are you checking my body?"

Hotaru's cheeks flushed, her curiosity piqued. (she) looked at Mikoto. The other Uchihas remained indifferent, not daring to gossip too much about Ingetsu's private affairs.

→

Ingetsu's gaze shifted from Uchiha Mikoto's fair and pretty face to the other Uchihas. (he) said in a deep voice, "Prepare for battle!"

Hearing this, the Uchihas' expressions gradually turned serious.

When Ingetsu said these words.

It meant... danger was nearby!

Uchiha Mikoto's pupils trembled slightly. Her heart seemed to have made a decision. Her gaze became resolute as (she) looked at Ingetsu. (she) extended (her) fair wrist, flipped (her) palm, and asked:

"Can you give me a weapon?"

Ingetsu nodded. (he) took out the only kunai from the Ninja Tool Bag that Kurenai Yuhi had tied for him and handed it to her.

What comforted him was that when danger arrived, this clan leader's wife would stand up and fight for these remaining clan members, rather than choose to flee.

Hotaru's pupils trembled slightly. (she) stared at the half of Ingetsu's face hidden under (his) black hood, not knowing what this man meant by "prepare for battle."

Meanwhile, Izumi in the Uchiha group's expression changed drastically, and (she) inwardly exclaimed:

"No way, there's really danger in this mountain? No matter what, we run into it?"

What was Captain Ingetsu's intention in insisting on entering the mountain?

The Uchihas immediately understood.

Since they knew there was danger in the mountain and still proceeded into it, Captain Ingetsu's intention was obvious: he wanted to annihilate the pursuers!

Thinking of this, the Uchihas became excited. They quietly clenched their fists, ready to fight at any moment.

The caravan slowly advanced.

Suddenly--

The first carriage stopped abruptly. Then, Sōsen's voice, feigning intimidation, came, "Make way, everyone! This is a caravan from the Tsuchigumo Clan!"

Gulp--

The wheels of the caravan vehicles gradually stopped. The horses were led by the caravan members, snorting and neighing.

Ingetsu and the others turned their heads to look ahead.

In the dim forest.

Two figures wearing Anbu masks and Konoha's gray-white armor walked out slowly.

One of them said contemptuously:

"We are Konoha Anbu. We suspect that rogue ninja have infiltrated your convoy. Everyone disembark and accept inspection. Those who resist will be treated as rogue ninja!"

Hearing this, Sōsen's eyes trembled slightly. He chuckled and said, "Esteemed ninja, we are all law-abiding citizens. There are no traitors in our convoy..."

Bang!!

Before Sōsen could finish, another tall Anbu ninja kicked him in the stomach with full force, sending him crashing onto the carriage wheels.

"Ugh..." Sōsen knelt on the ground, his pupils wide, cold sweat beading on his forehead, a sharp pain shooting through his abdomen.

But his mind was racing.

In this situation.

He absolutely couldn't offend either side.

He also couldn't be sure if these Konoha Anbu could deal with the S-Rank rogue ninja in the convoy.

If they couldn't, betraying the rogue ninja would surely lead to his death.

On the second carriage.

Apart from Ingetsu, who was wearing a black robe, all the Uchiha had already put away their katanas. Even Kurenai Yuhi and Nonō had changed into the Tsuchigumo clan's attire and used Transformation Jutsu to alter their faces and figures.

In the dark night, Ingetsu blended in with the ordinary-clothed members of the convoy. His black robe did not make him stand out.

At this moment, the Uchiha looked towards Ingetsu, waiting for his signal.

"That's Anbu..."

Uchiha Nanpu said in a low voice.

"No, it's Root."

Ingetsu explained calmly.

The Uchiha looked confused. The Root Organization?

Only Ingetsu knew that these were members of the Root Organization disguised as Anbu.

They should be the group that tracked them around the same time as Asuma and the others on the Night of the Clan Annihilation.

"There should be many enemies lurking on both sides of these cliffs. I'll handle the frontal assault, you guys focus on assassination!"

Ingetsu briefly assigned the mission.

"Yes..." The Uchiha replied in low voices and then fell silent.

Izumi sighed helplessly. They had indeed run into trouble. She could only hope that the other two paths were not ambushed.