Just when the atmosphere of the secret meeting reached its peak and the determination of the four patriarchs was completely ignited, Shaoyu's perception far beyond that of ordinary people suddenly captured an extremely secret chakra fluctuation.
It's Ninja Cat's communication from the Uchiha Clan!
Shaoyu's expression remained unchanged, but his heart suddenly became clear.
He raised his hands slightly to the four clan leaders and then whispered.
"If there is an emergency, I will take the first step. Follow the plan and keep in touch."
Before he finished speaking, his figure had already faded away as if blending into the shadow of a candle, and the next second completely disappeared into the airtight room, leaving only the flickering candlelight and the four patriarchs looking at each other.
Shaoyu did not return to the east courtyard of Mizunotsuki Clan Grounds. Instead, he shuttled through the night and thick fog of Kirigakure like a ghost, and finally came to a temporary hiding spot that he had prepared long ago.
An abandoned encrypted warehouse located deep in the underground drainage system.
There are multiple soundproofing and anti-detection barriers set up by him personally.
After confirming that it was safe, he made a thought and formed a complex and ancient seal with his hands.
At the same time, inject your own chakra into the mark according to the Summoning Contract method signed between the Uchiha Clan and the specific Ninja Cat group in your memory.
"Summoning Technique!"
After a slight puff of white smoke, a slightly plump big cat with orange and yellow fur appeared in front of Shaoyu.
It has a pair of cat eyes that look particularly bright in the dark. It is one of the Uchiha Clan Ninja Cat used for long-distance secret communication.
Mao Die.
It is said that it is very old and has a high seniority in Ninja Cat, so its personality is a bit weird and clinging to its old age.
As soon as Mao Die appeared, he shouted "Ha--" rudely at Shaoyu, with his tail raised high, expressing his dissatisfaction with being suddenly summoned from the comfortable cat nest to this cold and humid place.
It even raised its paws and scratched a few times in the air as if to demonstrate.
Shaoyu's attitude towards it is not surprising.
Over the years, as he gained a foothold in Kumogakure and re-established stable contact with Uchiha Setsuna, he also gradually understood and mastered some unknown ancient contact methods within the Uchiha Clan.
Includes contract with specific Ninja Cat ethnic group.
This cat named Mao Die is one of the fixed contact cats of Elder Setsuna. It has a bad temper, but is extremely reliable and is good at transmitting information over long distances and evading perception.
Facing Mao Die's angry protest, Shaoyu was well prepared.
Without changing his expression, he took out a small package carefully wrapped in oil paper from his arms and opened it. Inside was a small dried fish that exuded an attractive aroma and had been specially pickled and dried.
This is a reward specially prepared for Mao Die.
"You told me earlier, Shaoyu boy."
Seeing the dried fish, Mao Die's round cat eyes lit up instantly, and his impatient expression was immediately replaced by a desire.
It "meowed", walked over with graceful cat steps, sniffed with its nose, then stretched out its paws, pulled the dried fish in front of it with lightning speed, chewed it in big mouths, and purred with satisfaction.
After eating the dried fish, Mao Die licked his paws, then glanced at Shaoyu, and then turned his head reluctantly.
From an extremely inconspicuous ninja pouch hanging around its neck, he dexterously pulled out a miniature scroll made of special waterproof and moisture-proof material with his claws, and threw it to Shaoyu.
"Take it, kid. Next time you call the elderly, remember to bring an extra one."
Mao Die flicked his tail and a voice sounded.
"Thank you."
Shaoyu took the scroll and nodded.
Mao Die completed the task, enjoyed the tribute again, stopped staying, and disappeared into white smoke with a "bang".
Shaoyu quickly unwraps the micro Sealing Jutsu style on the reel and unfolds it.
The handwriting on the scroll was Uchiha Setsuna's unique handwriting. The content was brief, but it made Shaoyu's brows slightly raised.
"There has been a drastic change in the clan. Uchiha Tiandao's old injury relapsed and he died of illness three days ago. His eldest son, Uchiha Fugaku, has been recommended by the clan council to succeed the clan leader. I am informing you of this, and I hope you are aware of it. The change of power within the clan may affect the rhythm of our subsequent plans, so we need to deal with it with caution."
Uchiha Tiandao is dead...Uchiha Fugaku is in power...
Shaoyu slowly rolled up the scroll, and a tiny ray of lightning flashed between his fingers, turning the scroll into ashes without leaving any trace.
Fugaku succeeded to the throne... This is not a surprise.
As the eldest son of Tiandao, he has enough talent, strength and prestige.
Just...
This guy is not Hawk Faction, nor is he Dove Faction, he is a capitulationist!
Fugaku may not really want to surrender, but his overly "calm" character, excessive emphasis on the so-called overall situation and stability, and his actual behavioral orientation are undoubtedly disguised compromise and slow surrender.
Such people lead Uchiha, which is a constraint for Elder Setsuna and other Hawk Faction, and may be a huge hidden danger for Shaoyu's future plans.
He may not be able to make the necessary decisions at critical moments, and may even be used by Konoha High Command to suppress the resistance within the clan.
Konoha Uchiha's internal power change was more troublesome than he expected.
The rise of Fugaku means that the voice of Hawk Faction within the clan may be suppressed. Elder Setsuna and others need to be more careful in their activities, and the overall strategy may also be affected.
Originally, Hawk Faction sent out a large number of elites, which caused its strength to weaken. It was originally able to steadily suppress Dove Faction, but now it can only maintain a tie or even fall into a disadvantage.
"It seems that it is necessary to go back to Konoha."
Shaoyu A flash of determination flashed in his eyes.
He needs to personally understand the real situation inside Konoha Uchiha, evaluate Fugaku's specific position and control, and discuss follow-up countermeasures with Elder Setsuna and others.
Kirigakure's plan is on the right track and has entered a two-year period of dormancy and weakness. There won't be much action in the short term. He will be gone for a while and the impact will be controllable.
Having made up his mind, Shaoyu immediately took action.
He first secretly contacted Terumi Iroha, and the two met in another safe house.
"Master Shaoyu, we are suddenly summoned. What are your urgent instructions?"
Terumi Iroha couldn't help but feel nervous when he saw Shaoyu's solemn expression.
"Chief Iroha, I need to leave Kirigakure for a while to deal with some urgent matters."
Shaoyu Get straight to the point.
"It won't take too long, but it must be kept secret. You and Minazuki Shigure discuss it. To the outside world, including to Mei, you just say that I was recommended by the hospital to go to a famous medical ninja academy in the Kingdom of Iron for short-term training to improve my medical skills."
Terumi Iroha was stunned for a moment, then nodded.
"I understand. I will arrange my words. But... while you are away, if Mizukage..."
This is exactly what Shaoyu is going to focus on next.
"That's why I called you here. Mizukage's purges have intensified recently, and there's no guarantee that they won't suddenly attack wealthy people like you. Just in case, I'll leave a bodyguard for you guys."