Ch-73 ‘Valley of lies’.

(Announcement: I am happy to announce that, as a Tier I Patreon member, you can enjoy a 7-day free trial to read all of my work. )

You can read 22 chapters ahead of everyone on patreon.

Link:https://www.p@treon.com/Hkj822

https://discord.gg/C7s9YjvG3p

...

After Michikatsu conveyed this information, the other Konoha ninjas refrained from asking any further questions. After all, Michikatsu held the position of captain for their mission, and there was a natural understanding of respecting his authority.

Once the ninjas of Konoha had completed their rest, they embarked on their journey towards one of Konoha's strongholds in the Fire Country, guided by the leadership of Michikatsu.

Upon reaching the Konoha stronghold, they were greeted by a squad led by a Jonin and a few Special Jonins. After verifying their identities, the group was granted permission to enter the stronghold.

Curious about their mission, the Jonin leader of the stronghold inquired, "So, you were sent on a mission?"

"Yes, but due to the sensitive nature of the mission, we cannot reveal its details," replied Nawaki.

Understanding the need for discretion, the captain of the stronghold nodded and remarked, "I can respect that."

Nawaki then informed, "Tomorrow, Michikatsu and I will be leaving for another mission. Until then, we request you to allow our remaining ninjas to rest here. You need not worry about resources; they have ample supplies to sustain themselves."

The Jonin captain, smiling, agreed, "That will be great. Having a few more ninjas for support will be beneficial, and it adds an extra layer of security to the stronghold."

With that, Michikatsu and his team were granted permission to rest for the night within the secure confines of the stronghold.

****

In the midnight, the same Special Jonin who had posed numerous questions to Michikatsu and Nawaki emerged from the Konoha stronghold. A vigilant Konoha ninja, stationed as a guard, noticed the Special Jonin and inquired, "Is there something you need?"

The Special Jonin replied, "No, I feel refreshed at the moment. If you wish, you can take a break, and I'll handle the guarding duties."

Appreciative, the Konoha ninja expressed his gratitude, "That would be great. Thank you very much."

As the Konoha ninja departed, the Special Jonin assumed the role of a diligent guard, patrolling for an hour. Once satisfied that no one was around, he retreated to a secluded spot. Employing a summoning technique, he conjured a simple eagle. As the eagle materialized in a puff of smoke, the Special Jonin affixed a small paper to it and released it into the air. The bird soared towards Konoha.

After completing this task, the Special Jonin, ensuring the coast was clear, promptly left the area.

From behind a tree, Michikatsu emerged, observing the Special Jonin's departure. He remarked, "My suspicion was correct. The way he interrogated and attempted to extract information from me and Nawaki raised doubts that he belongs to the roots and is likely an operative of Danzo. My suspicion has been confirmed."

"If I didn't want to create a scene here, I would have undoubtedly dealt with him. However, for now, I must depart with Nawaki, and causing any disturbance here would hinder our leave," said Michikatsu, contemplating the need for discretion.

The following morning, Michikatsu and Nawaki wasted no time, swiftly departing from the Konoha stronghold as the first rays of the sun bathed the ground in its warm glow.

As Nawaki followed Michikatsu, Nawaki couldn't help but inquire, "Where are we headed?"

"We're going to the 'Valley of Lies,'" replied Michikatsu.

"'Valley of Lies'? I don't recall ever hearing about this valley," expressed Nawaki, a hint of confusion in his tone.

"It's a place where many ninjas listed in the bingo book choose to conceal themselves," explained Michikatsu.

"Really? So, Ameyuki must also be hiding there," speculated Nawaki.

"Yes, that's the exact place where we can find Ameyuki," confirmed Michikatsu. With that revelation, Michikatsu and Nawaki continued their journey, venturing into the unknown expanse of their long and arduous quest.

****

Two days later, in Iwagakure, Onoki held a paper containing detailed information about Michikatsu and the actions taken by him and the Konoha ninjas. The more Onoki read, the deeper the anger festered within him. After finishing the paper, he placed it on the table and, in frustration, lightly punched the table. Of course, if he had used his full strength, the table would have been obliterated.

"Damn it! So many Jonins and Special Jonins were killed, not to mention Gari, the wielder of the 'Explosion Release' Kekkei Genkai. For any village, ninjas with Kekkei Genkai are rare and crucial. If they die, the village undoubtedly suffers a huge loss," lamented Onoki.

"Not to mention the culprit of all this, Michikatsu, who possesses so many Kekkei Genkai. I am at a loss for words. How can someone have such an abundance of Kekkei Genkai?" pondered Onoki.

"I was utterly shocked when I read the report. He possesses Wood Release, Ice Release, Lava Release, Explosion Release, Blood Release, and not to mention, he has a monstrous healing ability, akin to that of a Jinchuriki, if not faster," expressed one of the Jonin, his concern evident in the tone of his voice.

One of the present Jonins spoke up, saying, "Tsuchikage, we need to take action against Michikatsu. We cannot let him grow."

"Yes, if he continues to develop with such a variety, no one will be able to restrain him in battle," added another Jonin.

Onoki agreed, "You are absolutely correct. However, if we attempt to hunt him down, we will have to pay a huge price. According to Roshi's description, he also possesses a jutsu that allows him to teleport, similar to space-time jutsu."

A concerned Jonin voiced, "Are we going to let him continue growing like this?" The room fell silent as the weight of the decision hung in the air.

(A/N: If you like the story please vote power stones.)