Uchiha Fugaku's expression shifted as he recalled the identity of the Sand ninja using the technique.
It was Rasa.
A well-known genius from Sunagakure, Rasa had inherited the Magnet Release from the Third Kazekage, a power that allowed him to control the sand and gold within it. He was an exceptionally troublesome opponent.
While Fugaku pondered this, the sand gold surged around them like a massive wave, descending swiftly from all sides of the courtyard.
Both Tenshin and Kakashi, present in the courtyard, couldn't avoid it. With their abilities, they couldn't break through the oncoming sandstorm.
However, Fugaku was far from unprepared. With swift hand seals, he silently commanded, "Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!"
A violent gust of wind suddenly appeared, blasting into the sky with overwhelming force.
The sand gold, already descending like an enormous tidal wave, was pushed back by the fierce winds, momentarily blocking the scorching sun above.
But just before it could completely engulf them, the wild winds spread outwards, ripping a gaping hole in the sandstorm.
It was like a punch tearing through flesh—the opening formed suddenly.
"Go!" Fugaku ordered in a low voice, leaping through the opening without hesitation.
Tenshin and Kakashi, recognizing the opportunity, quickly followed, launching themselves out.
But just as the three of them made their escape, a barrage of ninjutsu rained down on them from the sky.
"Wind Style: Wind Blade!"
"Earth Style: Rock Collapse!"
"Scorch Release: Overheated Kill!"
Countless green wind blades and massive rocks shot toward them, but the deadliest attack was the blazing fireball that surged through the air.
Fugaku, high above, was the first to react. With a powerful kick, he sent Tenshin and Kakashi flying in opposite directions, narrowly avoiding the attacks.
Both crashed to the ground in a heap, quickly recovering as they looked up at the sky. Kakashi even shouted, "Fugaku-sensei!"
The shout was swallowed by the ensuing explosions. Thick smoke engulfed the air, hiding Fugaku's figure from view.
But just as everyone focused on the smoke, a figure suddenly appeared on the rooftop, plunging a shuriken straight into the heart of a Sand ninja.
Tenshin was the first to notice, and his tense heart instantly relaxed. He turned and dashed toward the outside world.
Had Fugaku used a substitution or shadow clone technique? It was foolish of him to worry about his safety.
Yes, the ninja now on the rooftop was none other than Fugaku Uchiha!
Within the smoke, only some stone debris remained. There was nothing else.
"Damn it, the Uchiha from Konoha really are tough!" Rasa growled, glaring at Fugaku, who had struck and then immediately retreated.
"Kill them all. Not a single one gets away!"
Instantly, all of the Sand ninjas resumed their pursuit. Even with one less ninja, they still outnumbered them ten to one.
Before Rasa had even finished his command, Pakura, had already dashed after him, chasing the fleeing Tenshin.
The three Sand ninja, who had earlier exchanged glances, followed suit and pursued Pakura to assist her in eliminating the target.
Meanwhile, Rasa, an experienced Jonin, led the only two remaining Chunin as they moved toward Fugaku.
The remaining three Sand ninjas immediately focused on Kakashi, who was still lingering nearby.
As for Tenshin, he continued to flee at high speed, eventually reaching the beautiful courtyard he'd passed earlier.
Due to the continuous explosions, the personnel at the Windfire Town had already sensed that a battle was underway and had long since evacuated.
Noticing this, Tenshin slowed his pace, smiling as he climbed the roof to lie in ambush.
The sound of approaching footsteps echoed from the distance, growing louder.
Finally, Pakura, chasing close behind, entered the courtyard through the hallway.
In an instant, Tenshin leapt down from the rooftop, his short blade poised to strike.
Unfazed by the surprise attack, Pakura scowled and muttered, "Ambushing me? You're such an unoriginal brat."
In the next instant, a fireball rapidly formed beside her, hurling itself toward Tenshin.
"Boom!" The fireball struck Tenshin head-on, erupting with intense heat.
In the blink of an eye, his face showed signs of dehydration, but soon after, his body dissipated into smoke.
"Whoosh!"
The sound of air being cut suddenly rang in Pakura's ears. But her experience showed, and she didn't panic.
Although most of her power came from Scorch Release, that didn't mean she was weak in other areas.
Faced with the flashing blade, she swiftly twisted her body and threw a kunai in retaliation.
Fugaku's Sharingan saw the attack and quickly responded. The short blade pivoted mid-air, knocking the kunai away.
This isn't good!
Pakura realized too late as her arm followed the trajectory of the flying kunai, losing control over her movement.
She hadn't expected Tenshin's speed to be so swift, nor that he seemed to predict her attack intentions.
In a panic, Pakura quickly gathered her Scorch Release fireball, preparing for a counterattack as she hoped to escape injury and save her life.
Ninja battles were often a matter of life and death, and she had already found herself in a dangerous situation.
But just as she prepared to strike, Tenshin took an unexpected turn.
Instead of continuing his attack with the blade, he smiled confidently and extended his left hand toward Pakura.
"You're not much older than me."
"Boom!" With a powerful slap, Tenshin struck Pakura and immediately sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the fireball that came from behind.
Pakura was sent flying, crashing hard into the ground.
Her face flushed with embarrassment as she stood up in a rage, glaring at Tenshin with an almost murderous expression.
The reason for her fury was simple—Tenshin's palm had landed squarely on her chest!
(TL: Nice)
What infuriated her more was that Tenshin stood there grinning foolishly, clearly savoring the feeling of his hand's impact.
To Pakura, it was as if he were some perverted creep enjoying the soft sensation, and she charged at him in a fit of fury.
Tenshin, still grinning, stood his ground, having successfully copied Pakura's Scorch Release.
This powerful bloodline ability would significantly boost his strength.
But just as he rejoiced, a sudden murderous intent locked onto him.
Looking up, he saw Pakura charging toward him in a blind rage, shouting, "You perverted bastard! I'll roast you alive!"
"Scorch Release: Overheated Kill!"
At the same time, three fireballs shot out, aimed with incredible precision at Tenshin.
What's going on? Did she somehow realize I copied her bloodline?
Startled, Tenshin quickly retreated, forming seals as he did. "Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet!"
A massive water dragon shot up from the ground, roaring as it barreled toward the fireballs.
The Scorch Release fireballs fizzled out upon contact, dissipating into steam.