Explosions tore through the rubble one after another, sending flames and smoke spiraling into the sky. The Iwa ninjas who managed to jump clear from the trap grouped together, creating walls of earth to shield themselves from the deadly spray of shrapnel.

For those who had fallen into the pit, escape was impossible. The explosive tags lining the pit walls left them only moments to grasp the danger before the chain reaction of blasts engulfed them completely. In the glow of flames, their final expressions flashed briefly—faces caught in fear, realization, and at last, resignation.

The entire rubble pile shook from the powerful detonations, leaving behind a smoldering, overturned heap. Where the ambush had been, a massive crater now marked the spot, surrounded by charred debris and broken stones. Those Iwa ninjas who survived were visibly shaken, huddling behind fractured defenses.

Fugaku surveyed the scene with a calm, calculating gaze. ‘It’s over,’ he thought, watching the last wisps of smoke drift away in the rain.

Konoha ninjas emerged from the shadows, their clothes and faces coated in dust—they’d buried themselves in the ground before the ambush. Tongze stepped forward, formed hand seals, and blew out a gust of wind. The gust swept away the smoke from the explosions, revealing three Iwa ninjas crouched behind an earthen wall.

Another Iwa ninja crawled out from the debris in the pit and joined the other three survivors. Fugaku narrowed his eyes. ‘No time to check the pit for survivors,’ he thought. ‘Better to take out the ones in front first.’

Shinji, Dayo, and Aida moved in sync, their hands weaving through seals together. This was a joint jutsu, combining their chakra to create a single, stronger technique.

“Earth Release: Earth Dragon Assault!”

A massive dragon made of earth rose from the ground, towering over them, its mouth opening wide to fire a barrage of rock projectiles.

Fugaku, Sato, and Tongze responded with their own seals.

“Fire Release: Fire Dragon Bullet!”

Fireballs shot toward the Iwa shinobi from every angle, merging with the rock projectiles.

‘These jutsu won’t be enough on their own,’ Fugaku thought. The Iwa ninjas were skilled with earth techniques and could easily defend. Plus, the explosions had likely attracted nearby enemy forces. They had to finish this quickly.

When the dust finally cleared, four figures appeared—two Jonin and two Chunin, their armor scorched and battered.

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

“Quick finish,” Fugaku ordered. “More enemies will come soon.”

In an instant, twelve Konoha shinobi closed in, surrounding the four Iwa ninjas, sending hidden weapons flying toward them from all directions.

Ishiya, the Iwa captain, took in the situation, calling out to his team, “Break through! Send a distress signal—one of us has to make it out!”

He unleashed a strong gust of wind, scattering the projectiles, while another earth wall rose to block the remaining attacks. The four Iwa ninjas sprinted toward an opening in the encirclement, aiming to escape past Shinji and the others. “Let them go,” Fugaku commanded. Engaging two Jonin could endanger his team.

As the Iwa shinobi attempted to flee, Fugaku hurled several kunai, each one gleaming in the dim light. One of the Iwa Jonin turned, tracking the kunai with his eyes as he deflected them with his short blade, moving with precision. ‘He’s a skilled swordsman,’ Fugaku noted.

Beside him, Inuzuka unleashed a swirling gust of chakra, which struck the Iwa Jonin, forcing him to pause. Fugaku seized the moment, using the Body Flicker Technique to appear directly in front of Ishiya, aiming a kunai at his chest. Their blades clashed, flashing under the rain. Nearby, Ning and Inuzuka took on the second Iwa Jonin, while the rest of the Konoha ninjas targeted the two Chunin.

Ishiya gritted his teeth, realizing he was at a disadvantage. He struck twice quickly, forcing Fugaku to step back before trying to escape again. Fugaku’s eyes narrowed—this man knew too much. If he escaped, it could threaten future missions.

Kunai flew from Fugaku’s hand one after another, sparks flashing as they collided with Ishiya’s blade. Ishiya stopped, forming seals, and raised a wall of earth between himself and Fugaku.

‘He’s buying time,’ Fugaku thought.

Ishiya glared at him. “Looks like it’s just you and me,” he sneered. “Taking down an Uchiha might make up for today’s losses.”

Fugaku didn’t respond, knowing any delay could bring enemy reinforcements. His Sharingan spun faster, activating an illusion. Without warning, he lunged, his kunai striking with deadly precision.

Ishiya gasped as Fugaku’s blade cut into his shoulder, blood spurting from the wound. Fugaku pressed his attack, his movements a blur. Under the Sharingan’s gaze, Ishiya’s moves seemed predictable, almost slow. Fugaku’s kunai found an opening, cutting deep into Ishiya’s left side.

Ishiya’s expression shifted from defiance to desperation as he realized his disadvantage. His strikes became unsteady, defensive. Fugaku parried a desperate slash at his throat, countering with a blow to Ishiya’s shoulder, disabling his left arm.

“Tell me your name,” Ishiya demanded, his voice tight with pain. “I want to know who defeated me.”

Fugaku’s gaze stayed cold. There was no need to answer; words would waste time. He struck again, his kunai leaving a fresh gash across Ishiya’s throat. The Iwa Jonin stumbled, and with a final thrust, Fugaku drove his blade into Ishiya’s chest, ending the fight.

Fugaku looked down at the body and spoke quietly. “Fugaku Uchiha,” he said. “You won’t be the last to fall to that name.”

After a final glance at the fallen Iwa shinobi, Fugaku attached an explosive tag to the body, ensuring no evidence would remain. As he turned back to rejoin his team, the rain began to pour harder, turning the ground to mud and washing away the blood and ashes.

“Dispose of the bodies,” he ordered. “Then let’s return to camp for supplies.”

The members of Team 009 moved swiftly, attaching explosive tags to each Iwa corpse. Once triggered, the traps would serve as a grim warning—a reminder of the brutal reality of war.