Ch-74 Enter Shangri-la.

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"Obviously, we cannot allow Michikatsu to grow stronger," declared Onoki. After a thoughtful pause, he continued, "The news of Roshi's inability to capture Michikatsu, along with all the battle details inscribed on this paper, should be disseminated throughout the entire ninja world."

"Indeed, spreading this information to other major villages will make them wary of Michikatsu's formidable abilities and terrifying strength," chimed in a Jonin.

"And by doing so, we won't be the sole ones hunting for Michikatsu," added another Jonin.

As the meeting concluded, Onoki glanced at the paper once more. While scrutinizing the contents, he sighed and remarked, "Why is it that all the geniuses are born in Konoha?"

****

Two days later, somewhere in the Fire Country.

"We have arrived. This is the Valley of Lies," announced Michikatsu.

"But I don't see any villages around here," observed Nawaki.

"Of course, you won't see the village. Shangri-la is a haven where various rogue ninjas gather and coexist. For protection, they've cast a genjutsu over this area. We have to search carefully," explained Michikatsu.

Nawaki nodded in understanding. "With so many mountains, finding Shangri-la will be challenging. But, I must say, the air here is refreshing, and the aroma is invigorating even after our long journey."

"That aroma is the key to reaching Shangri-la," Michikatsu revealed.

Perplexed, Nawaki asked, "How will this aroma help us find Shangri-la?"

"The genjutsu I mentioned is based on this smell. Stay alert; always check if you're under its influence," Michikatsu warned.

Nawaki nodded, absorbing the information. "Do you have a specific direction for our search?"

Michikatsu nodded. "Search near the river where the aroma is strongest, and explore the mountains. Shangri-la is carved into the mountain, establishing a village there."

Examining the distant mountains near the river, Nawaki commented, "Even though they're far, only four peaks match your description. We'll focus on those."

"Exactly. So, what are you waiting for? Let's start searching," urged Michikatsu, darting towards one mountain peak. Nawaki followed suit, heading in the direction of another peak. The quest to unveil Shangri-la had begun.

****

"Sato, it seems that two individuals are attempting to locate the Valley of Lies, and their objective appears to be our Shangri-la," reported one of the Shangri-la villagers, who was on guard and responsible for maintaining the genjutsu over the valley.

Sato, acknowledging the information, observed the situation and replied, "Yukihiro, you're correct. We must alert the other villagers about this. You go and inform the neighboring villages immediately."

Yukihiro swiftly ran towards the village, raising an urgent alarm that echoed through Shangri-la. The villagers, all seasoned rogue ninjas, were taken aback but quickly began preparing for a potential threat. As they heard the description of the approaching duo, some faces among the villagers changed visibly, a detail not lost on others.

Yukihiro turned to Ito and urged, "Ito, you frequent the black market; it seems you know something about these two people."

Ito nodded and replied, "Yes, I do. I know these two individuals; they are known as the 'Demon Duo.' The one with six eyes is called the 'Blood Demon,' and the other is known as the 'Fist Demon.' Even formidable Jonin teams struggle against them."

Yukihiro nodded in understanding and declared, "Alright, let's go. We need to fortify the Genjutsu around the mountain, ensuring they don't discover our location. Everyone, be prepared; we're facing a formidable enemy."

The villagers of Shangri-la gathered at the village's edge, initiating hand seals to strengthen the genjutsu that concealed their sanctuary.

Meanwhile, after checking three peaks of the mountains along the river, Michikatsu and Nawaki failed to find Shangri-la. However, their suspicion turned to confidence, pinpointing the location to the only remaining mountain. As they approached, the distinct aroma triggered a genjutsu, but Michikatsu and Nawaki who have substantial chakra reserves immediately came out of the genjutsu and hold their breaths so that they do not get affected by genjutsu again.

Undeterred, Michikatsu and Nawaki nodded in unison and began ascending the mountain. Suddenly, Michikatsu sensed something amiss and looked upward, witnessing a cascade of stones hurtling towards them.

Michikatsu's countenance remained composed as he gripped his sword, swiftly slashing the plummeting stone in half. Simultaneously, Nawaki punched the stone hurtling towards him, shattering it into fragments. The duo's velocity showed no signs of faltering; they continued their relentless sprint at top speed.

"They are undoubtedly formidable," remarked Ito. Before his words fully settled, Michikatsu and Nawaki materialized before them.

Every individual in the vicinity discreetly concealed their weapons beneath their garments, poised for imminent combat. Yukihiro stepped forward, wearing a welcoming smile. "Welcome to our village. It seems you've traveled a long way. Please, come to our village. We'll ensure you're well taken care of."

"Quit your acting. We know that each member of this village is a rogue ninja from different villages listed in the bingo book. We came here in search of one person—Ameyuki. Tell us, where is he?" demanded Michikatsu, cutting straight to the chase.

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