Chapter 53: Putting It All Together! The Gate of Sanfang City

Uchiha Shinki's team arrived at the gates of Sanfang City after an exhausting nonstop journey. A trek that should have taken two days was completed in just one under Shinki's relentless urging.

Despite their fatigue, the team couldn't help but notice the unusual weather. The dark clouds that had loomed for days were gone, and the city, usually soaked in rain, was bathed in sunlight.

"This is Sanfang City," Shinki announced, a rare smile breaking across his face. "The weather clearing up is a good sign."

Uchiha Fugaku nodded, gazing at the clear sky. "Finally, some luck on our side."

Might Duy, carrying Namikaze Minato on his back, shared in the relieved mood. Minato's wounds had reopened during their rush, leaving him unable to walk. Yet Duy's unwavering strength kept the pace fast despite the extra weight.

As the group approached the gate, eight Konoha ninjas leapt down from the city wall. A Hyuga ninja stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the arrivals.

"Who goes there?" he asked sharply.

"I am Hyuga Hiashi, here by order to report to Sanfang City. These are my teammates: Uchiha Shinki, Uchiha Fugaku, Uzumaki Raiden, Namikaze Minato, and Might Duy," Hiashi responded confidently.

At the mention of Minato and Duy's names, tension swept through the city guards. One young guard's pupils dilated with panic as murmurs spread among the others.

"They didn't die…" he whispered to himself, trembling.

Without warning, the guards surrounded Shinki's group, kunai drawn.

"What is the meaning of this?" Hiashi demanded coldly, fury flashing in his eyes. To be surrounded by his own clan members, in front of Uchiha no less, was an insult he couldn't tolerate.

"Master Hiashi, Namikaze Minato and Might Duy are suspected spies and traitors!" one of the guards explained, his voice tense.

The accusation stunned the group. Shinki, Fugaku, and Hiashi looked at Minato and Duy with suspicion, while Raiden stepped forward defensively.

"Who told you this?" Raiden asked, his voice icy.

The guards didn't respond. Instead, they moved to apprehend Minato and Duy.

Raiden frowned. He wouldn't allow his companions to be taken so easily. In an instant, he incapacitated two guards with precise blows, sending them sprawling to the ground.

"You dare resist?" the Hyuga guard leader roared, charging at Raiden. His strike was intercepted mid-air, Raiden's grip immobilizing his wrist effortlessly.

"Stop!" Shinki barked. "We're not here to fight our own people!"

Despite the chaos, a brown-haired guard used the opportunity to sneak behind Minato and Duy, kunai raised to strike.

"Lightning Style: Thunder Snake!" Raiden's calm voice cut through the tension. Two lightning-formed snakes erupted from his position, coiling around the attacker in an instant. A scream echoed as the guard collapsed, convulsing from the shock.

"You…!" the Hyuga leader growled, raising his uninjured hand to attack.

"Enough," Raiden said quietly, twisting the man's captured wrist with a loud crack. The guard cried out in pain, his attempt thwarted.

"Take us to the commander," Raiden said evenly, releasing the man. "We'll clear this up immediately."

The Arrival of Mitokado Homura

Before tensions could escalate further, the city gates creaked open. Mitokado Homura stepped out, flanked by a squad of elite guards. His sharp eyes swept across the scene—the injured guards, the defeated attacker, and Raiden standing protectively before Minato and Duy.

"Stop this at once!" Homura bellowed. "Uzumaki Raiden, how dare you attack city guards? Do you know that such behavior is punishable by death?"

Raiden stepped back, bowing slightly. "They attacked first, Lord Homura. I was only defending my teammates."

Homura's gaze lingered on Raiden before addressing the guards. "Stand down. Return to your posts and tend to the injured. I'll handle this."

The guards hesitated but complied, albeit with murmurs of frustration.

Homura's tone softened, though his authority remained clear. "Namikaze Minato and Might Duy are suspected of being Iwa spies. Until this is investigated, they will remain under close watch."

Explaining the Situation

Raiden, Shinki, and the others stood firm as Shinki stepped forward. "Lord Homura, there's been a misunderstanding. Minato and Duy were ambushed by Iwa ninjas when we found them. If we hadn't intervened, they'd be dead."

Homura frowned. "The information came directly from Yagyu Tokio, an Anbu captain under Lord Hokage. Are you saying he lied?"

At the mention of Yagyu Tokio, Minato and Duy exchanged shocked glances. Duy's voice rose in protest. "Impossible! Teacher Yagyu was killed in front of us! I saw him die with my own eyes!"

Raiden narrowed his eyes. "If Yagyu survived and reached here with injuries, it's more likely he's an Iwa infiltrator." He turned to Homura. "His timing is too convenient. He arrived just in time to frame Minato and Duy. If we analyze his movements, the truth will become clear."

Homura mulled over Raiden's words. Before he could respond, a deafening explosion rocked the city. Flames lit up the sky, and chaos erupted.

"Report!" Homura barked.

An Anbu agent appeared, his face pale. "There's been an explosion in the medical center. Significant casualties and damage reported. Yagyu Tokio is unaccounted for, but we've spotted Iwa and Rain ninja forces approaching the city."

Homura's face darkened. "Order the barrier team to activate the city's defenses. Prepare for an imminent attack!"

As the city braced for battle, Homura turned to Shinki. "You are to lead a squad to track down Yagyu Tokio. Capture him if possible. If not, eliminate him."

Shinki nodded. "Understood. I'll handle it."

Raiden stepped forward. "What about us?"

Homura glanced at him. "You will stay here as my personal guards. The situation is volatile, and I need capable hands at my side."

The Calm Before the Storm

With orders dispatched and preparations underway, Sanfang City braced itself for the oncoming siege. The city's defenses were activated, and the remaining forces were mobilized.

Raiden stood silently, observing the map spread out before Homura. His mind raced, piecing together the events and anticipating Iwa's next move.

"This will be a long night," he thought grimly, tightening his grip on his kunai.

(End of Chapter)

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