I Am Fugaku Uchiha

As dawn broke on the following day, a valley emerged at the junction of the Country of Rivers and the Country of Fire, resembling an imposing earth release wall reminiscent of a fortified city.

At regular intervals along this formidable barrier, holes punctuated the surface, each concealing a ninja strategically placed to ambush any pursuers that dared.

"Clan head, can we fight this time?" inquired one of the Uchiha, a hint of anticipation coloring the question.

Fugaku's response was measured: "Yes, but everyone must be in their designated positions, using only ninjutsu and ninja tools to attack the pursuers."

"Huh? Well, it's better than nothing!" remarked Uchiha Seike, a note of agreement underscoring the sentiment.

Under the leadership of their clan head, the Uchiha warriors prepared for battle. Fugaku's strategic prowess had always made their engagements seem almost effortless.

He, accompanied by his four additional clones, stood behind them. In a seamless display of coordination, they erected earth walls in succession, creating a formidable defense ready to face the imminent sand pursuers.

As they stood in readiness, the head of the Uchiha clan couldn't help but release a sigh of relief. The traps set in haste over the past few days seemed to be holding up well, a testament to the effectiveness of the collective efforts. Shikaku's skills, acknowledged by Fugaku, played a pivotal role in the success of their defensive strategy.

With the approaching Sand pursuers in mind, Fugaku's gaze scanned the horizon, his mind contemplating the imminent clash. The assurance of Rasa's assistance lingered in the air, a key factor that tilted the scales in their favor.

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"‘Captain, their leaf ninjas are hiding behind that earthen wall!’" the sensor ninja urgently reported to the Suna Captain.

The captain, glancing at the earth wall with a certain satisfaction, responded, "Is that their ambush? Do they intend to slow down our pace? Are you kidding?"

However, before anyone could fully grasp the situation, a sudden onslaught of smoke bombs rained down upon them, exploding at the feet of the Suna troops.

In the midst of the confusion, smoke bombs exploded, catching them off guard.

“Puppeteer troop, defend against the attack!” The Suna Captain swiftly ordered the puppeteers to step forward to shield the front line of Suna troops.

By the time they realized it, the Konoha ninja had abandoned the city wall and vanished into the shadows.

“What’s going on?”

“Huh? It seems like the attack stopped."

The first round concluded with a smirkish air; miraculously, there were no casualties on either side. But the lingering question remained: why did the Konoha ninja retreat?

Their pursuit brought them to the second earthen wall, and this time, Konoha unleashed a barrage of ninjutsu upon them. The tides shifted, and casualties began to mount among the Suna troops.

Puffs of smoke rose, and as the last Konoha ninja’s seemingly vanished, a revelation struck the Suna Captain. "They are shadow clones!"

The realization echoed through the valley, leaving the Sand Ninjas to grapple with the unexpected turn of events. The elusive nature of their Leaf counterparts added a layer of complexity to the unfolding battle, leaving the Suna forces to regroup and strategize for the challenges that lay ahead.

The Suna Captain couldn't contain his frustration; in a defensive war, they were up against Konoha's use of shadow clones.

The line of defense, rife with shadow clones, signaled a level of preparedness that had caught them off guard, but the warning flags went unheeded by the Suna Captain.

Despite the realization that something was amiss, he cautiously advanced, his gaze fixed on the third earthen wall. Waiting for reinforcements, the Suna forces directed their collective vigilance towards the looming barrier.

They had anticipated enemy tactics, countering with their own brand of cunning deception.

Attempting to outsmart their foes, the Suna Captain ordered a synchronized use of clone jutsu. Explosions erupted across the third line of defense as the Sand Ninjas clone unleashed their assault. The earthen walls, subjected to the relentless barrage, were on the verge of collapse.

The truth unfolded as the smoke cleared—Konoha was indeed still utilizing clones, but their numbers were surprisingly limited.

However, amidst the chaos, a subtle danger was revealed; it wasn't just a matter of shadow clones. Explosive tags adorned the earthen walls, strategically placed to amplify the destructive impact.

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