The instant the hundred-meter rock smashed into the ground, a blazing explosion of fire erupted, sending a scorching heatwave billowing into the sky.
Even thousands of meters up, Gisei Shiraishi and En Chinoike were tossed back and forth by the sheer force of the blast.
En stared down at the fiery light, his eyes twitching unnaturally.
He knew Gisei was strong, but surely there was a limit to a person's strength. He couldn't imagine how much chakra it took to summon a rock a hundred meters in diameter, but he knew with absolute certainty that he couldn't do it.
Gisei had not only done it but had also infused the rock with a nature transformation.
A profound sense of powerlessness washed over En's heart. Could a person like this still be considered human? Calling him a god wouldn't feel like an exaggeration.
After about five minutes, Gisei guided their descent.
The explosion had blasted Hell Valley to twice its original size, and the surrounding mountains still flickered with dying fires. Water was already bubbling up from the scorched earth, and in one spot, a small fountain had begun to spray into the air.
"It seems the rock infused with nature transformation was a bit too powerful," Gisei noted calmly. "I'm afraid this place will become a lake in the future."
He led En toward the valley's entrance. The eight Uchiha who had been assigned to guard the area were gone. There were no bodies, not even scraps left behind—just vaporized.
There were faint traces of Earth Release jutsu on the ground, but Gisei didn't bother dealing with them.
"I'm quite curious," Gisei said, breaking the silence. "Why did the Uchiha insist on guarding you? Their employment contract with the Land of Lightning should have ended long ago, after Konoha was established."
Hearing the question, En's expression became complicated. "We once tried to talk with the Uchiha, but they rejected us."
"As for the reason... it's probably because like repels like."
"The arrogant Uchiha could not tolerate our reputation, which once ran neck and neck with theirs."
Hearing this, Gisei couldn't help but laugh out loud.
What is this? Competitors are enemies? Just for that, they persecuted an entire clan. Truly worthy of the pink-eye family.
Hearing his laughter, En said helplessly, "I know this reason sounds ridiculous, but this is the cruel reality."
After his laughter died down, Gisei patted En's shoulder. "Do you want revenge?"
"The Ketsuryūgan cannot rival the Sharingan."
"I just asked if you want revenge," Gisei said, his voice firm. "I didn't ask you to state facts."
"I do."
"That's the spirit. I plan to leave Konoha and establish my own organization. I want you to be my intelligence gathering officer. When the time comes, I'll tell you how to deal with the Uchiha."
En was taken aback. "You took our whole clan away just to gather intelligence?"
"I actually wanted you to fight, but unfortunately, that's unrealistic. Your clan members' bodies have been hollowed out by their time here."
"Judging by your actions, you don't seem like a good person," En observed bluntly. "Can you tell me what your purpose is in establishing an organization?"
"...You really speak your mind, don't you? Well, you're right, I can't be considered a good person. I'm establishing an organization because I want to become the Emperor of the underground world."
"What is an Emperor?"
"...Just think of it as something like a Daimyō."
"That is truly an amazing ambition," En said, his eyes filled with a new light. "Betting on my life, I will help you realize this wish."
Gisei looked at En with surprise, and En simply met his gaze, his expression unwavering.
"Alright," Gisei said, a smile forming on his face. "I will also bet on my life to ensure the Chinoike clan lives a happy and peaceful life."
Gisei extended his hand. "This is our agreement. Please take care of me from now on."
After understanding Gisei's intentions, En finally felt a heavy burden lift from his shoulders. He extended his own hand. "Please take care of me."
After shaking hands, Gisei took En to Butterfly Habitat Valley.
The moment they arrived, Mei appeared and dragged Gisei away by the ear.
"Let go! In front of so many people, don't I need to save face?"
"You're getting more and more excessive," she hissed. "Do you think this is your backyard garden? Look at that group of people you brought. They look no different from beggars."
"There are hundreds of experimental subjects locked up here, and you never said a word. Now there are only forty-something people, and you start whining."
"Experimental subjects still have their uses! What do you plan to do with these people? Are you planning for them to live here forever?" Mei's gaze became dangerous. "Let me tell you, a short stay is fine, but it absolutely cannot be for more than a year!"
Gisei's mouth twitched. "I get it. Do you really dislike them that much?"
"This is the village of the ninja butterflies. Even your own clan members aren't normally allowed in. What is the meaning of suddenly having so many humans here?"
"You can mark out living boundaries for them outside the village and set up barriers. As for daily necessities, just tell me what's missing, and I'll have someone send it over."
Mei's voice rose a few notches. "That's not the issue! Fully formed ninja butterflies cannot have too much contact with humans; it makes them restless. Think about what happened with Kou! Do you want all the ninja butterflies to turn into psychopaths?"
Gisei was stunned. He immediately understood the seriousness of the matter.
Ninja butterflies were creatures capable of independent thought. They also feared death. If they lived among humans, it was inevitable that they would develop other, less desirable thoughts.
"I will solve this problem as soon as possible. For now, I'll have to trouble you."
After finishing his talk with Mei, Gisei found Yoshitaka and En.
"You'll live here temporarily. After I find a good foothold, I will come and get you."
He called over a few ninja butterflies to help the Chinoike clan settle in, then prepared to leave.
However, seeing all the clan members staring at him with a mixture of hope and fear, he paused. He summoned dozens of communication butterflies, having them land on each person.
Through the ninja butterflies, he began to perform medical ninjutsu.
Five minutes later, Gisei recalled the butterflies. These people had lived in Hell Valley for so long that their bodies all had problems. He only gave them a simple treatment; a full recovery would still require long-term recuperation.
After doing all this, Gisei ignored the grateful looks from the Chinoike clan and took En away.
Back at the hot spring inn, after taking a long, comfortable bath, Gisei ordered a large table of food.
Seeing En wolfing down the dishes, Gisei shook his head with a helpless smile. "You... well, eat more if you can."
When they had eaten their fill, En let out a satisfied sigh. "I have never eaten such delicious food. Even if you asked me to die right now, I would be satisfied."
"I don't plan on letting you die. Your mission is just to gather intelligence."
As Gisei spoke, he took a note and a bankbook from his pocket and handed them to En.
"The money in here is your startup capital. The address on the note is where you'll find the manpower I've prepared for you. You need to use them to develop your own intelligence organization."
En carefully put the items away. "Borrowing a chicken to lay eggs?"
This guy is surprisingly smart.
THE END, that's all from me