People said that the environment shaped a person, and when Shin Uchiha arrived near Kumogakure, he gained a profound appreciation for those words.
Shin Uchiha narrowed his eyes, adjusting to the biting wind that struck his face.
The person who came into view was someone Shin Uchiha had never expected to see like this.
Although he knew Uchiha Fugaku had always been cautious, Shin Uchiha had never imagined he would take it this far.
Shin Uchiha stared speechlessly at the man before him.
Dark skin, graying hair, an uneven beard, and a slightly stooped figure-if not for the familiar chakra he sensed, Shin Uchiha would never have recognized the man before him as Uchiha Fugaku, whom he had not seen in months.
After Shin Uchiha arrived, Uchiha Fugaku slowly straightened his back, revealing a little of his former bearing.
Upon seeing Shin Uchiha, Uchiha Fugaku cupped his hands in greeting.
"Uchiha Fugaku greets Clan Leader Shin. This disguise was necessary to infiltrate Kumogakure. Please forgive me."
Shin Uchiha waved a hand, a hint of admiration in his voice. "Don't say that, Clan Leader Fugaku. I completely understand your approach. There's nothing to forgive."
Seeing Shin's attitude, Uchiha Fugaku relaxed. After scanning their surroundings once more, he led him to a secluded corner nearby.
Then Uchiha Fugaku told Shin about the intelligence he had gathered during his time undercover in Kumogakure: maps, defensive positions, and the locations of important figures. The details were scattered, but every one was essential.
The corner Uchiha Fugaku had chosen was so remote that not a single person came by during the half day they spent there.
Of course, with Shin Uchiha's keen senses, he would have detected anyone heading their way long before they approached. Either he would have silenced them for good, or he