Ito Returns

Screams and wails rang through the Forest, chilling anyone who heard them. The Mangekyo Sharingan soon stopped spinning, and the black flames of Amaterasu gradually died out.

He formed hand seals.

"Earth Release: Earth Moving Core."

The ground and trees all around shook. In the blink of an eye, the area beneath several Root members sank.

He formed hand seals again.

"Earth Release: Rock Lodging Destruction."

Cracks spread across the sunken ground, and it collapsed into the pit created by Earth Moving Core, burying it completely.

Thirty-six Elite Root members. Danzo would feel that loss for a while.

Fugaku turned and left. By the time he returned to Konoha, it was already afternoon. The conflict among the leadership had not affected ordinary villagers, though the shinobi passing by looked grim.

Back home, he dispelled his Shadow Clone, changed clothes, and took a quick shower. Then he went out again and strolled along Konoha Street as though he had only just left the house.

No one could have imagined that he had just killed more than thirty Elite Root members.

By evening, Konoha Street was at its busiest. After wandering for a while, Fugaku arrived at the Security Force headquarters. Shinobi hurried in and out, unusually busy.

As he entered, shinobi came over to greet him. Fugaku nodded to each of them.

"Fugaku."

A familiar voice came from nearby.

Fugaku turned and broke into a broad smile. It was his old friend, Uchiha Jin.

Jin was different from En. Both were good friends of Fugaku's, but Jin's friendship felt more straightforward. En had too much on his mind.

"When did you get back from the Land of Rain?"

"A few days ago. I heard you were busy training, so I didn't bother you. What brings you to the Security Force today?"