At the same time, deep within the heavy fog over the sea.
Kagami Uchiha stood at the bow of a modified speedboat, five transport ships fully loaded with members of the Uzumaki Clan trailing behind him.
His scarlet Sharingan pierced through the mist, already faintly discerning the shimmering barrier of the Konoha Fleet in the distance.
"Slow down, send the signal," Kagami said in a deep voice.
A Hyuga ninja immediately formed hand signs and pressed both palms against the hull. Gentle Fist chakra injected into the boat at a specific frequency, sending out ripples of identification in the fog that only the Byakugan could clearly capture.
This was the "Dark Current Cipher" developed by Konoha while operating within Kirigakure's blockade zone.
The speedboat slowly approached the outer perimeter warning line of the Konoha Fleet.
"Halt, state your business!"
A sharp shout came from the fog as three figures leaped from the sea, blocking the front of the speedboat. They were elites of the Konoha Maritime Patrol, and their leader held a kunai with eyes as sharp as a hawk's. "Report your identity and purpose!"
Kagami stepped forward calmly, removing the temporary mask from his face.
"Head of the Konoha Uchiha Clan, Kagami Uchiha.
Carrying out orders to execute the evacuation of Land of Whirlpools civilians, I am now leading the fleet back to rendezvous."
The patrol captain did not lower his guard. "Please present valid credentials."
Kagami felt not the slightest bit of displeasure—in waters where the enemy situation was unclear, strict checks were precisely what showed responsibility toward Konoha.
He reached into his robe and withdrew an Anbu-standard token, though its patterns differed slightly from ordinary Anbu tokens: the front featured a combination of the Uchiha fan crest and the Konoha forehead protector, while the back was engraved