Heading to the Secret Base

Orochimaru said, "While Fugaku scouts Iwagakure and Sunagakure, we can't sit idle. Jiraiya, Hatake Sakumo, and I will each lead an elite squad.

"We'll observe both camps and assassinate their patrol ninja outside the camps at night.

"They may have stopped fighting, but we can't stop. Sitting back and taking a beating has never been Konoha's style. They're bound to be our enemies, and while they're holding their positions, this is our chance to weaken them."

Jiraiya and Hatake Sakumo nodded.

"When do you plan to leave, Fugaku?"

"Tonight. Under cover of darkness, I can avoid both sides' eyes and keep from putting them on alert."

Orochimaru nodded. "Be careful on this trip, Fugaku."

Night fell.

Rain came in bursts.

Fugaku left Konoha Camp. Orochimaru and the others stood at its entrance, watching him disappear into the darkness.

In the darkness of the Land of Rain, only a shadow could be seen moving swiftly ahead.

Fugaku did not hurry toward the Land of Wind or the Land of Earth. Black mist surged around him, and he soon vanished from the spot.

Iwagakure Camp lay ahead. He slipped inside, then entered one of the tents.

Four people slept there. Fugaku approached the first, lifted his eyelid, and let a pair of crimson Mangekyō Sharingan spin before his eyes.

Before the man's mind could react, he had fallen under a genjutsu.

"Leave the tent. Attack Sunagakure Camp and avenge the fallen Stone shinobi," Fugaku whispered.

The faint disturbance woke the other three. They looked around through bleary eyes. A lamp was lit, but apart from the four of them, the tent was empty.

"I thought I heard someone speaking. Did you hear it?"

"I did. It sounded like someone whispering."

Fugaku stood quietly in the tent. His Mangekyō Sharingan turned slowly, and