The Cutting Technique's lethality was beyond doubt. When Obito Uchiha had first awakened his Mangekyo Sharingan, he had used this jutsu to kill a great many Mist Ninja.
Fugaku formed hand signs again.
"Fire Release: Great Fire Dragon Jutsu!"
Several lifelike fire dragons burst from his mouth. In the blink of an eye, they set the wooden spikes ablaze until their shapes vanished in the flames.
Fugaku was about to test another jutsu when he heard several soft footsteps.
Black Mist instantly enveloped him, and he disappeared. A team of Patrol Ninja appeared moments later. They belonged to the Regular Forces.
Fugaku glanced at them. The Land of Fire was no place to test jutsu. Konoha patrols were everywhere, drawn from both the Regular Forces and the Security Force.
He turned and slipped away without leaving a trace.
The patrol reached the spot where Fugaku had been and looked around.
"This fire was clearly caused by someone using Fire Release."
"Someone was probably testing a jutsu here. They saw us coming, didn't want to deal with us, and left."
The team searched the area but found nothing suspicious. They quickly moved on and resumed their patrol.
In the Hokage's Office, Fenghuo and Guangtai had just reported to Hiruzen. After they left, the Third Hokage fell into thought.
"What's on your mind?" Homura asked.
"There's something I can't understand. I transferred Fenghuo and Guangtai to ANBU today, and Fugaku agreed without a moment's hesitation. That's what puzzles me.
"He also said something I couldn't refute: the village and the Uchiha aren't inherently opposed. Even in ANBU, the two of them can still serve their clan.
"Then again, his response fits the way he's always done things. I just can't quite read him," the Third Hokage said.
Homura nodded. "Fenghuo and Guangtai