With their plan set, Fugaku studied the profile of the ninja he would impersonate: Renga, a Sand Jōnin known for his Wind Release skill, sharp observation, and careful personality.

Fugaku mentally practiced Renga’s mannerisms, imagining how he’d act in different situations.

After reviewing the details, Fugaku approached the two captured Jōnin. Both had regained consciousness but pretended to be asleep, probably waiting for a chance to escape.

"Enough pretending," Fugaku said. "Your chakra pathways were sealed by the Hyuga Gentle Fist. You’re not going anywhere." The two opened their eyes, glaring at Fugaku with hatred and helplessness. Muffled by the bindings over their mouths, they could only express their frustration through their glares.

"Don’t blame me," Fugaku said quietly. "Blame the world we live in. Maybe in the next life, you’ll be born into a time of peace."

With a swift movement, he drew his kunai across their throats, ending their lives.

[Killed a Jōnin, gaining a moderate amount of pupil power.]

The increase in pupil power brought a refreshing coolness to his eyes, helping him recover after the tiring genjutsu.

"Shinji, Dayo," Fugaku ordered. "Bury these two with the others. We’ll head out tomorrow at first light. Set traps at the planned spots on our way to cover our retreat."

"Yes, Captain."

The night passed quietly, and by morning, the team was ready. They moved silently through the rain-soaked terrain, their tracks hidden by the steady downpour.

Upon reaching high ground overlooking the Sand stronghold, Fugaku pointed to a flat area below.

"We’ll set traps here. After the mission, we’ll retreat through the southeast exit and head north. These traps will cover our escape. Once clear, we’ll move east to join the main Konoha forces."

Ning nodded approvingly. "Good route, Captain. Shinji, Nozawa, you’re in charge of guarding the traps."

As Konoha’s elite, the team worked quickly, using Earth Release to hide the traps beneath the mud and debris. The traps were set to catch Sunagakure ninja off guard, increasing their chances for a smooth escape.

As the sky darkened and the rain grew heavier, Fugaku gathered the team.

"Let’s move. Use the time on the road to get into character. No mistakes tomorrow."

The team fell in line, each silently preparing for the mission.

"Henge no Jutsu!"

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A puff of smoke enveloped the team as they transformed, adopting the appearances of Sunagakure ninja. The six disguised members adjusted their mannerisms to match the identities they were impersonating.

Fugaku occasionally scratched his right cheek, imitating Renga’s habit—a habit he’d picked up as a child when mosquito bites were common. Keeping a wary stance, he scanned the surroundings often, fully taking on Renga’s cautious personality.

Each team member committed their cover identity to memory as they neared the Sand supply base.

"Captain Renga is back!" a Sand ninja at the gate called out, waving them in. "How was the mission? Did you run into any ninja from Iwagakure or Konoha?"

"Just the usual, Tongmu," Fugaku replied smoothly, using Renga’s tone and rhythm. "No sign of Iwagakure or Konoha, but we bumped into a few Amagakure ninja. Had a brief fight, but it ended in a stalemate—both sides pulled back."

Tongmu chuckled, nodding knowingly. "That’s just like you, always choosing the safest way. If it were me, I’d have chased them down."

Fugaku returned the nod, making a mental note. Renga’s cautious nature was well-known among these ninja, so Fugaku needed to keep that image. The real Renga was known to avoid head-on fights, preferring to retreat if things looked risky. Fugaku’s story fit well with what others expected.

The team moved through the base and reached the logistics tent. Fugaku lifted the curtain and stepped inside with Ning, while the other four members took positions outside.

Inside, the setup was simple—a table with paper and pens. At the table sat Kurosawa, the Jōnin overseeing logistics that day, along with two Chūnin assistants, Murakami and Inoue.

"Captain Renga, welcome back," Murakami greeted cheerfully. "How’s it looking out there?"

"Konoha and Iwagakure are keeping to themselves," Fugaku replied, "but Hanzo seems tense with all these clashes in the Land of Rain."

Kurosawa let out an annoyed sigh. "Always sticking to Renga’s approach, I see. If you ask me, you have the skills to lead somewhere else. You’d do well to aim for a better post."

Fugaku, staying in character, replied, "A new Jōnin like Fukagi needs experience. It’s better for him to learn how to survive as a Jōnin first, instead of jumping straight into battle."

Kurosawa sighed again, sounding frustrated but somewhat understanding. "Fine, do as you want, but remember—these skirmishes are only going to get worse. Facing strong enemies is bound to happen, and if he’s not ready, he’ll just die sooner."

Ning, playing along, put on an embarrassed look, as if awkward about the conversation. "Thank you for the concern, Captain Kurosawa. Captain Renga has been a great mentor. I’ve learned a lot from him."

Kurosawa grunted, handing a document to Ning. "Here. Take it. Just don’t let him turn you into a coward who always avoids fights."

"Thank you, Captain Kurosawa."

As Ning rejoined the others outside, the team exchanged looks of relief. They had successfully obtained the document, and the mission was halfway complete. Now, they just had to reach the supply warehouse and carry out the next phase.

Without a word, the group moved toward the warehouse. Their path led them past a group of tents where Sand ninja were resting and resupplying, only a quick dash from the warehouse. Fugaku knew they had to be fast—destroying the supplies in under a minute was crucial to avoid an onslaught of enemy reinforcements.

As they neared the warehouse, Dayo handed a few kunai with explosive tags to Fugaku. He threw the kunai expertly, embedding them in the rain-soaked ground, hidden from sight.

Dayo activated an Earth Release seal, burying the explosives just below the surface. Anyone stepping above would trigger them, creating a barrier to cover their escape.

The supply warehouse was just a large tent, split into smaller sections. Three Sand ninja guarded the entrance: one Jōnin and two Chūnin. As the disguised team approached, one of the guards called out.

"Ren, Fukagi, back already? How’s the front?"

Feigning a friendly smile, Fugaku answered, "Same as always. It’s a battlefield, after all."

The guard nodded, unaware that his "comrades" were moments away from attacking their core operations.