Chain of Traps

The puppet's movements could not escape the Sharingan. Fugaku stepped forward with his left foot, slipped around the puppet blocking his path, and swept his kunai across the Sand Shinobi's throat like a streak of white light.

Five of the twelve Sand Shinobi were dead in the blink of an eye. The remaining seven stared tensely at Fugaku Uchiha.

None of them had imagined an Uchiha could be this strong. He had killed five of them in a single exchange.

Fugaku Uchiha was even stronger than the rumors claimed. They knew their chances of surviving this fight were slim.

A signal flare shot into the sky and burst overhead. It was the Sand Shinobi's call for help.

Fugaku flicked the blood from his kunai as the Sand Shinobi sent their puppets in from every direction to surround him.

"Stall him as long as you can! Reinforcements will be here soon. We cannot let Fugaku Uchiha escape.

"His Sharingan's power to deceive is too strong. Avoid looking into his eyes. Keep your puppets between you and him when you fight."

The Sand Shinobi Captain's words did little to reassure them. Many knew of Fugaku Uchiha, and his record was frightening.

This was a man who could fight many of their village's senior officials without losing ground. Using their puppets to buy time seemed their best option.

Fugaku glanced at the Sand Shinobi who had spoken, leaped into the air, and formed hand seals.

"Fire Release: Great Fire Dragon Jutsu!"

Five small fire dragons poured from his mouth in succession, twisting toward the Sand Shinobi around him. Fugaku followed close behind, charging the one the dragons had not targeted.

The fire dragons slammed toward the puppets shielding the Sand Shinobi. The shinobi dodged one after another, but a dragon grazed one who