Return to Iwagakure

Two hours later, the open ground was covered in dense arrays of formulas. Many of them served little purpose beyond supporting the others.

Fugaku's understanding of the Flying Thunder God was still too limited for him to simplify the formulas.

After inscribing the Flying Thunder God Formula, he glanced at the genetic material soaking in the Nutrient Tank. He had prepared enough nutrient solution, and the equipment would replace it automatically whenever it ran out.

He sealed the cave again, setting multiple traps and warning traps.

Leaving the cave, Fugaku headed first for Iwagakure again. Iwagakure cared only about its interests. Given enough incentive, it could switch sides at any time.

Sunagakure was different. Conditions in the Land of Wind were so harsh that everyone in the village longed for fertile land to live on. A better environment came first; other benefits came second.

Outside the cave, Fugaku used the Transformation Technique and became an utterly unremarkable civilian, with no trace of a ninja about him.

He walked slowly toward the border. Now and then, a squad of Stone shinobi hurried past, intent on some unknown task.

Fugaku grew suspicious. In the past, both Stone shinobi and Sand Shinobi had entered the area only in small groups to carry out missions, wary of provoking a misunderstanding and starting a war.

Now Iwagakure's people were operating openly in the Land of Birds.

As darkness fell, Fugaku moved carefully through the forest. A three-man Iwagakure squad ahead caught his attention.

Black mist spread around him as he drew close. One ninja was keeping watch, looking around, when a pair of spinning Mangekyo Sharingan suddenly appeared before his eyes. He fainted without putting up a fight.

The other two ninja turned toward their fallen comrade. All they saw was a pair of Mangekyo