Land of Lightning, Kumogakure

This bloody ambush was like a boulder thrown into a still lake. The ripples it stirred spread swiftly, only to be swallowed before long by a wider, colder world.

Led by Uchiha Shaoyu, the group of twelve Uchiha quickly and thoroughly erased all traces from the battlefield, then continued north in utter silence, like streams merging into an icy river.

This journey had an atmosphere entirely different from the previous days.

Though they still maintained the necessary vigilance, the tension within the group had visibly eased.

Their greatest pursuers, Shimura Danzō and his elite Root forces, had already been severely wounded and driven back. There was no chance they could organize an effective pursuit again anytime soon.

Even if Konoha learned of the news immediately, it would be no simple matter to mobilize troops, cross the border, and chase after them. Nor could they possibly dispatch a force more familiar with them, more elite, and more determined to kill than Danzo's.

For the time being, the road ahead had opened up.

They crossed the last snowfields of the Land of Frost and entered the Land of Lightning, a country known for its towering mountains, deep ravines, and frequent thunderstorms.

The air here carried a distinctive chill and a faint trace of electricity. The skies were often overcast, with distant thunder rumbling softly.

Though the environment was perilous, it gave these Uchiha, who had only just escaped death, an unusual sense of safety.

They had finally left the Land of Fire's sphere of influence completely and arrived in a new great nation that remained somewhat hostile toward Konoha.

They no longer needed to travel day and night in a desperate flight. They could arrange their rest and recovery more reasonably and, when safety permitted, even conduct basic physical and ninjutsu training.

Uchiha Rei's medical ninjutsu was put to full use, and those with minor injuries quickly recovered.

Shisui also gradually recovered from the strain of the past several days. The liveliness of a child returned to his little face. Though he was still quiet and reserved, his reliance on and trust in his brother and clansmen had grown even deeper in his eyes.

Uchiha Shaoyu seized every moment of time. On one hand, he continued recovering from the expenditure of subduing shikigami and activating Susanoo, using Round Deer's healing power to nurture himself and his clansmen.

On the other hand, during this time, he had subdued the remaining two shikigami of the Ten Shadows Technique besides Mahoraga: Piercing Ox and Tiger Funeral.

Tiger Funeral had truly given Uchiha Shaoyu a surprise.

This shikigami, which had never appeared in the original work, displayed strength during Shaoyu's subjugation ritual that had completely reached Kage level. Many of its techniques also covered wide areas.

The threat it posed to Shaoyu far exceeded Danzo's. It had nearly caused Shaoyu to fail.

During the battle, Shaoyu had pushed himself to the limit and mastered the Six Eyes' "Blue," allowing him to successfully subdue it.

Tiger Funeral.

Its overall form was an overwhelmingly oppressive human-tiger hybrid.

Its head was that of a complete ferocious tiger, its stripes sharp, its pupils cold as blades. Curse-mark patterns faintly surfaced across its forehead, while its facial muscles were taut as though it could tear apart prey at any moment.

Its torso was covered in knotted muscles, its skin rough like tiger hide. Complex cursed technique formations were carved into the center of its chest, every line flowing with violent cursed energy.

Its arms and legs were covered in thick tiger fur, while its fingers and toes ended in blade-sharp claws. Bone spurs grew from its joints.

Its lower body was covered only by loose black trousers tied at the waist with a strip of white cloth. The fabric stretched taut over its muscles.

It wielded twin blades and could move freely through shadows.

It truly was the strongest shikigami aside from Mahoraga.

If Danzo came again now, Shaoyu could easily deal with him instead of ending up somewhat exhausted like before.

After several days of travel, the towering, treacherous mountain range surrounding Kumogakure finally came into view.

Massive mountains had been carved into layers upon layers of fortresses and buildings that rose into the clouds. Mist curled around them, and lightning occasionally tore through the cloud cover, illuminating the hard rock and steel-like outlines of the structures. They looked rugged, powerful, and brimming with force.

The scent of Lightning-nature chakra in the air also grew increasingly dense.

"We're finally here."

Uchiha Renhuo gazed at the distinctive lightning tower atop the distant peak and let out a long breath. His eyes held both anticipation for the future and the gravity of stepping into unknown territory.

"Stay sharp."

Uchiha Shaoyu spoke in a deep voice. "The negotiations ahead are the real key. Remember what we discussed."

"Yes!"

Everyone answered in unison. They straightened their clothes, suppressed the fatigue from their long journey, and their eyes became sharp once more.

They followed the officially opened mountain road upward and soon arrived before Kumogakure's massive, heavy steel gates, inlaid with lightning patterns.

The gates stood open, but Kumogakure shinobi guarded both sides. They wore dark vests and had dark skin, solid muscles, and sharp eyes.

These guards possessed tough auras and strict discipline. They were clearly no ordinary gatekeepers.

"Stop! Who are you? Which shinobi village do you come from? What is your purpose?"

The older guard on the left, a scar running across his face, asked in a low voice. His gaze swept over the group like lightning, lingering briefly on Uchiha Shaoyu and Renhuo, whose presences stood out the most.

He had noticed that although they appeared somewhat weary, their eyes were calm and their auras tightly controlled. They were certainly no ordinary travelers.

It was wartime. Though Kumogakure had not participated much in this Second Shinobi World War, caution was still essential. They were on edge every day.

Following their prior arrangement, Uchiha Renhuo stepped forward and gave a slight nod of greeting, his tone calm and clear.

"We are members of the Uchiha clan from Konoha. We have an urgent matter and seek an audience with the Third Raikage."

As he spoke, a thought stirred in his mind, and the Three-Tomoe Sharingan instantly opened in his eyes.

Against the crimson backdrop, the tomoe slowly turned, radiating a unique, soul-stirring light beneath the gloomy sky.

"The Sharingan?!"

The two guards sucked in sharp breaths almost at the same time, their expressions changing drastically.

As Kumogakure shinobi who had fought Konoha many times, how could they fail to recognize this renowned Kekkei Genkai?

A Three-Tomoe Sharingan in particular was considered elite even among the Uchiha clan.

Uchiha from Konoha? Seeking an audience with the Raikage? And they had openly revealed their Sharingan.

The news was so shocking that even the two experienced guards were briefly stunned.

Had the Uchiha clan defected? Or were they envoys sent by Konoha? Either possibility was enough to shake the village.

The older guard was the first to recover. He stared fixedly at Renhuo's Sharingan, then quickly swept his gaze over the group behind him. They appeared calm, yet subtly centered around that young black-haired man. When he noticed a small boy among them, suspicion surged in his heart.

Why had they brought a child too...

"The Uchiha clan... seeks an audience with the Raikage?"

The older guard's voice was grave, carrying a trace of incredulous confirmation.

"This concerns a matter of great importance. We must speak with the Raikage in person."

Renhuo said.

"We have come in good faith and are willing to wait under your village's supervision."

Uchiha Shaoyu nodded slightly, stepped half a pace forward, and looked calmly at the guards.

He had not activated his Mangekyō, but the composure of a powerful man and the depth in his gaze made the two guards feel an invisible pressure.

"Tell the Raikage that the Uchiha have brought sincerity, and strength as well. This is an opportunity concerning Konoha and Kumogakure's future."

Shaoyu's voice was not loud, yet it carried an unusual penetrative force and persuasiveness.

"If he refuses to see us, we will turn around and leave. But I believe the Raikage will not miss this opportunity, nor will he turn capable people away at his door."

The two guards exchanged glances, each seeing shock and gravity in the other's eyes. This was absolutely not a decision they could make.

"Wait here. Do not make any sudden moves!"

The older guard gave his companion a look, signaling him to keep a close watch. He then spoke to Uchiha Shaoyu and the others before turning without hesitation and racing toward the Raikage's office building inside the village at top speed.

He had to report this news to the Raikage immediately, or at least to an adviser authorized to make decisions.

The guard who remained gripped the hilt of the sword at his waist tightly, his wary gaze sweeping over the Uchiha. Though they seemed to harbor no hostility, the Uchiha name and the Sharingan left him no choice but to exercise utmost caution.

Uchiha Shaoyu and the others stood quietly where they were, allowing the guard to scrutinize them.

They knew they had passed the first hurdle. What remained was to see how the Third Raikage, famed for his valor and decisiveness, would respond.