Two shadow clones took Gekko Chizan's place to activate Transparent Release and begin absorbing natural energy.
Meanwhile, his real body stretched a little.
"South, huh? Let's see how my dear students handle danger."
"Yamoryū, I'm counting on you for the rest. I'm off."
With clones helping to gather natural energy, Yamoryū wouldn't disappear due to chakra depletion. And trying to attack her? That would be a joke.
After securing the rear, Gekko Chizan activated Transparent Release and vanished from the spot.
Then he leapt high into the air.
"Chōmei, wings."
Wings appeared, and Gekko Chizan soared southward at an astonishing speed.
He quickly spotted Obito and Rin, who had moved out ahead of him. The two were currently sprinting south at top speed.
"Rin, if we encounter enemies, notify sensei right away."
"I'll hold them off for you!"
Uchiha Obito finally had a chance to be alone with Rin, and he wasted no time showing off.
His strength had improved significantly—he was no longer someone who could be called a mere genin.
In a word: inflated!
"Did you forget what Chizan-sensei told us?"
"If we run into enemies, we're to signal immediately. No acting on your own."
Rin shot Obito a helpless glare, trying to remind him.
But this was Obito we're talking about—a rebellious youth through and through. Ever since his power increased, he had been dying to show off. How could he possibly listen?
"Ah, don't worry, Rin. Just a bunch of Kirigakure shinobi—no big deal!"
Seeing Obito brimming with confidence, Rin didn't say more. She just silently resolved that if they really encountered enemies, she would immediately alert Gekko Chizan.
From high above, Gekko Chizan overheard the entire exchange.
"Little brat. I knew he wouldn't behave."
"Hmph! Time to teach him a lesson."
Chōmei chuckled as he watched Uchiha Obito and gave a candid comment:
"Chizan, don't forget, every Uchiha is more arrogant than the last. If he actually listens to you, that'd be the real surprise."
"But I'll admit, your student has gotten stronger. That cocky attitude—tsk tsk."
Gekko Chizan sighed and shook his head. The Uchiha clan's typical problem—it couldn't be helped.
The only one without that flaw might be Itachi. Tsk tsk... he wondered if Fugaku had handled things properly. Had he secured the future top-tier Itachi yet?
If not, then that whole giant barrel of tonic he gifted would've gone to waste.
...
The southern part of the Land of Fire was a vast plain. Unlike the forest-dense north, towns here were more prosperous and wealthy thanks to trade.
Obito and Rin arrived at one such town. As dusk settled, they decided to stay the night.
Unfortunately, Kirigakure shinobi were also in the town—they had arrived earlier.
High above, Gekko Chizan observed the town's layout. With his Insect Vision activated, he searched for targets.
But the town had a large population, and the enemy was skilled at hiding. He couldn't locate them just yet.
Although Yamoryū had sensed their presence, the specifics would have to be found out by him—after all, she wasn't by his side.
Still, just because they couldn't find the enemy didn't mean the enemy couldn't find them.
Obito and Rin wore their Konoha forehead protectors. The moment they entered the town, they were spotted.
"Captain, two Konoha brats just entered the town. What should we do? Kill them?"
"Kill them. Why ask?"
In a hidden location, a Kirigakure shinobi was reporting to his captain.
Upon receiving the order, he grinned viciously, nodded heavily, and went to make arrangements.
At that moment, Obito and Rin had just entered an inn. Unbeknownst to them, two Kirigakure shinobi in civilian clothes were already in place behind them.
At the same time, more Kirigakure shinobi began quietly appearing around the inn.
Gekko Chizan saw it all from above. Being up high gave him a great view, and the enemy had no idea their actions had already been exposed.
"So they've been hiding a long time… and they're making their move this quickly?"
"Judging by how smoothly they're acting, they've definitely done this kind of thing before."
Chōmei agreed.
"Yeah, way too smooth. Chizan, what's your plan?"
Gekko Chizan's eyes glinted coldly. He hadn't expected Kirigakure to strike within a town.
Such tactics clearly meant they didn't see Obito and Rin as any threat.
If a fight broke out, this inn was as good as destroyed.
"Gotta lure them out."
With that thought, Gekko Chizan took a scale from his robe—something he had acquired from Yamoryū specifically to transmit messages. He began channeling chakra into it.
At that moment, far away, Yamoryū opened her eyes slightly and flicked her tongue. Her tail started shaking violently. Then, the scales on Obito and Rin's bodies began to emit a strange frequency.
The sound waves startled them, and a moment later, they heard Yamoryū's voice in their ears.
"You two brats are surrounded. Run to the edge of the town immediately. Your sensei will back you up."
Upon hearing this, Obito and Rin's expressions changed dramatically. Without hesitation, they bolted.
Quick-thinking as they were, they didn't head for the front entrance—they jumped straight out the window. Their sudden move stunned the Kirigakure shinobi who were just about to strike.
The leader cursed loudly.
"Which bastard leaked the info?!"
"After them! Hunt them down and kill them!"
In an instant, several figures burst out from around the inn and gave chase.
"Damn it! I knew it was an ambush!"
"Rin, we have to run!"
Obito glanced back and saw a sizable group in pursuit. His face grew grim.
He grabbed Rin's hand and sped toward the outskirts of town.
Gekko Chizan watched with a slight smirk before moving swiftly to follow.
From what he saw, eight Kirigakure shinobi had mobilized—not a small number.
He wasn't sure of their individual strength, but in terms of stealth, they were decent. Obito and Rin were in real danger.
Still, he wasn't worried. After all, his students carried his marked kunai.
And he was watching the whole time. If things really got dangerous, he'd definitely step in to save them.