Uchiha Fugaku and his team finally returned safely to the Land of Fire after their prolonged detour.
Along the way, they encountered several White Zetsu clones attempting to monitor them. However, thanks to Fugaku's Sharingan and mastery of hypnotic techniques, each clone was discovered and neutralized before it could relay their location. This ensured the group's movements remained concealed, allowing them to evade detection and safely re-enter the Land of Fire.
Once back within their homeland, Uchiha Fugaku felt a wave of relief.
He knew there was a distance limit between Nagato's main body and his clones. At their current distance, even if Akatsuki pinpointed their location, Nagato's clones would not be able to pursue them further.
After a brief rest, the group pressed on toward Konoha.
While passing the site where the three ANBU operatives who had been supervising them were injured, they noticed the area was now empty. It seemed those ANBU had been rescued and returned to Konoha after summoning aid.
One day later, Uchiha Fugaku and his team arrived at Konoha's gates.
"I'm back," Fugaku murmured, his voice carrying a hint of exhaustion mixed with satisfaction.
He took in the sight of Konoha's familiar streets. Although the mission to pursue Orochimaru had taken several unexpected turns, it had ultimately ended without any casualties or injuries among his group. The Third Hokage's plans to undermine him had failed, and Fugaku even felt he had gained valuable insights during the ordeal.
Surveying his team, Fugaku noted the fatigue etched on their faces, but there was also relief and faint smiles of triumph.
"You may return to the clan," Fugaku instructed. "I will report to the Third Hokage."
"Yes, Captain," Uchiha Asami and the others replied.
As the group dispersed, Uchiha Asami lingered for a moment, her expression clouded with worry.
"Captain, the three ANBU who were supervising us... Even though they were injured due to a trap, the Third Hokage might still place the blame on us," she cautioned.
Fugaku shook his head, his expression calm.
"If it's our fault, then we will accept it. But if it isn't, not even the Third Hokage will succeed in pinning it on us."
His composed yet firm words reassured his team.
After parting ways with his team, Fugaku headed straight to the Hokage Building.
As he approached, an ANBU operative appeared and silently gestured for Fugaku to follow. The Third Hokage had evidently been informed of his return. Without delay, Fugaku was led into the Hokage's office.
Inside, the Third Hokage sat behind his desk, clad in his Hokage robes. His aged face bore lines of weariness, but his sharp gaze and cold demeanor remained unyielding.
"Patriarch Fugaku," the Hokage began, his tone curt. "Three ANBU operatives have accused you of neglecting the lives of your companions during this mission. What explanation do you have for this?"
Fugaku, prepared for such accusations, responded firmly.
"This is a baseless accusation against me and the members of the Guard Department who participated in the mission. I trust Hokage-sama will investigate thoroughly and punish the accusers if their claims are proven false."
The Third Hokage's eyebrows furrowed at Fugaku's confident tone.
"The ANBU operatives reported that you identified a trap ahead but deliberately failed to warn them, leading to their injuries. Is this true?"
"Of course not," Fugaku replied. "We took a different route and did not encounter the trap. It was impossible for us to warn them about something we never saw."
The Hokage frowned, unconvinced but unable to disprove Fugaku's claim.
He shifted tactics.
"After discovering the three ANBU had fallen into the trap, you abandoned them to their fate. That much is true, isn't it?"
Instead of directly answering, Fugaku calmly countered.
"Hokage-sama, do you recall the incident that led to the suicide of Konoha's White Fang?"
The question caught the Hokage off guard.
"What are you implying?"
"Konoha's White Fang saved his comrades instead of completing his mission, yet he was vilified and ultimately took his own life under the weight of that criticism," Fugaku explained.
"But now, when we prioritize the mission over rescuing companions, we are also accused of wrongdoing. Which is correct, Hokage-sama?"
The Third Hokage's expression darkened.
The comparison left him cornered. To acknowledge that prioritizing the mission was wrong would mean admitting Konoha's White Fang had been unjustly condemned—a condemnation he had allowed to happen under his leadership.
Choosing not to dwell on the matter, he deflected once more.
"For the sake of the mission, you abandoned your companions. Fine. But I assume the mission was at least successful?"
"No, it failed," Fugaku said, his tone steady.
The Hokage's lips pressed into a thin line. He had anticipated this answer.
"Captain Fugaku, you failed the mission despite abandoning your comrades. You've truly disappointed me," the Hokage said, his voice tinged with disdain.
"Hokage-sama, missions have their share of failures and successes," Fugaku replied coolly. "Given that the target was a Kage-level shinobi like Orochimaru, I believe failure is understandable."
"Your attitude..." the Hokage began, his tone rising.
"I'm merely stating the truth," Fugaku interjected calmly. "And this mission was not without gains."
The Hokage's eyes narrowed.
"What gains?"
"In the Land of Rivers, we were ambushed by a ninja wearing a black cloak with red clouds," Fugaku said, studying the Hokage's reaction.
The Third Hokage's expression hardened.
"The same attire as the Wood Release ninja," he muttered, his suspicion mounting.
"We tracked Orochimaru into the Land of Rivers," Fugaku continued. "I suspect there is a connection between Orochimaru and this organization."
This revelation seemed to shake the Hokage.
"And your proof?" the Hokage asked, skeptical.
"The Uchiha clan's Sharingan has the ability to record events," Fugaku said, his lips curling into a faint smile. "If Hokage-sama doubts me, I can show you the truth directly through the Sharingan."
(End of Chapter)
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