Chapter 223: Arrival at Hell Valley, the Name of the Leader!
The Land of Hot Water is a region characterized by numerous hot springs, mountainous terrain, and intense volcanic activity.
Within this nation lies its largest volcanic crater remnant—Hell Valley.
Hell Valley is a peculiar and eerie valley formed by lava flows following a volcanic eruption.
Volcanic gases spew from the gray-yellow rocky surface, filling the surrounding air with a strong stench of sulfur.
As one passes through, the geysers on the rocky walls emit roaring white steam, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a fiery hell.
Additionally, tiny unnamed water outlets trickle streams that sound like mournful sobs, resembling cries from the depths of the earth.
The convoy entered a narrow path cutting through Hell Valley.
After traversing a barren gravel plain and avoiding dense miasma, they arrived at a forest that had been cleared and trimmed.
This area mainly featured water spruce trees and nine-segment bamboo, mixed with various broadleaf trees.
Within this forest lay their destination:
the Uchiha Clan's garrison camp, established atop the cliffs encircling Hell Valley.
The convoy halted in front of a row of newly built wooden houses.
Uchiha Setsuna dismounted the carriage, followed by Uchiha Ci, who had been nearly driven to despair from the constant sulfuric spray along the way.
Walking over to the Konoha reinforcements, Setsuna spoke coldly:
"Thank you all for rushing to Hell Valley's aid.
"Mission details will be distributed shortly, and guides will familiarize you with the terrain.
"The main tasks are patrolling the encircling cliffs and eliminating members of the Blood Pool Clan who have gone mad and climbed out of Hell Valley.
"Note that those without Sharingan must operate in pairs for daily missions. Otherwise, stay in the camp and do not wander off!
"Additionally, do not enter the camp with an open wound—"even if it's just a scratch from a branch!"
"That's all."
Uchiha Setsuna, known for his decisiveness, quickly finished issuing the key instructions.
Turning his back to them, he walked away. Before leaving, he glanced sideways at Uchiha Ci, who stood obediently before him, and said:
"Come see me after dinner."
"It's time you learned a few things."
With that, Setsuna and a group of Uchiha members, along with the tightly bound Kakuzu, departed, leaving Uchiha Ci and the Konoha reinforcements behind.
However, due to the brevity of Setsuna's instructions, many were left puzzled.
"Operate in pairs? Avoid wounds?"
Sarutobi Shinno frowned, looking confused.
At this moment, Hyuga Hizashi, who had been silent, spoke up:
"I have some knowledge on this matter.
"According to the records of the Hyuga Clan from the Warring States Period, the Blood Pool Clan possesses a Bloodline Limit tied to dojutsu—the Blood Dragon Eye.
"This Bloodline Limit rivals the Sharingan's hypnotic abilities. Facing such enemies is akin to confronting an Uchiha."
Everyone gasped softly at this revelation.
In the ninja world, there is a saying: "If you encounter an Uchiha, flee if you're alone."
Now, they were about to face an enemy whose "hypnotic eyes" were comparable to the Sharingan.
No wonder Konoha had sent elite reinforcements to Hell Valley.
These opponents were indeed formidable.
"Lord Hizashi, what about the wounds? Why is that an issue?"
A member of Hizashi's team, Hyuga Kenji, couldn't help but ask.
As a branch member, Kenji's status limited his access to such secrets.
Hizashi paused, frowning as he explained:
"Due to the age of the records, the details are vague.
"It seems the Blood Dragon Eye can use blood as a medium to unleash unique jutsu."
"But the exact nature of these techniques is only known to the Uchiha Clan, who have long guarded the Blood Pool."
Hearing this, everyone turned their gaze to Uchiha Ci, who stood silently nearby.
Sarutobi Shinno stepped forward and sincerely asked,
"Since Elder Setsuna emphasized this point, there must be a reason."
"However, we lack clarity on the specifics. Uchiha Ci, do you know anything?"
Uchiha Ci shook his head decisively. "Sorry, I don't know much either."
Having read the original work, Ci knew exactly what Setsuna was referring to.
The Blood Dragon Eye had the ability to create "human bombs."
Through hypnosis, it could inject chakra into a target's body via a wound, manipulating their blood to transform them into a "human bomb" for timed detonation.
Skilled genjutsu users of the Blood Pool Clan would even erase traces of their presence.
Victims would be hypnotized, and a concealed wound would be used to inject chakra, turning them into a bomb.
When the victim mingled with others, they could be detonated, causing massive casualties.
This was likely why Setsuna emphasized the importance of checking for wounds.
The principle was similar to the genjutsu technique, False Surroundings Technique.
Under hypnosis, someone might believe a scratch was just from a roadside branch, unaware it was a wound created by the Blood Pool Clan.
However, despite knowing these details, Ci had no credible source to back up his knowledge.
Blaming Orochimaru once or twice might pass, but constantly doing so would be suspicious.
Ci understood that the information in his mind was an invaluable asset in this world.
If it were exposed, it would undoubtedly attract unwanted attention.
Orochimaru's current interest in him was already troubling.
If Orochimaru learned of Ci's future knowledge, his obsession might escalate beyond physical experiments.
Ci firmly believed in the principle of "treasure invites trouble."
Sarutobi Shinno sighed, rubbing his forehead in frustration.
"Well, we're all exhausted from the journey. Let's rest for now."
"Ci, Elder Setsuna plans to see you after dinner."
"When you meet him, please inquire about this matter."
"Understood," Ci nodded.
Everyone was utterly exhausted from the previous night's intense battle, followed by the relentless journey to Hell Valley.
There were four wooden houses available. Each team chose one and began settling in.
The Hell Valley garrison was a long-term mission.
Unless the Hidden Cloud abandoned its plans for Hell Valley, the reinforcements would have to defend the area indefinitely.
---
Meanwhile, in the Land of Frost—
After departing from the Cloud Thunder Gorge in the Land of Lightning and crossing a coastal wasteland—
the same coastal region where the Allied Forces had once fought the White Zetsu army during the Fourth Ninja War—
the Hidden Cloud's vanguard was stationed here.
Having circled through the northern part of the Land of Hot Water and detoured through the Land of Fields, they finally returned to their camp.
At this moment, the Hidden Cloud ninjas were reporting last night's intelligence to the vanguard commander, A, son of the Raikage.
In the command tent, upon hearing the report and seeing Killer Bee's burns and sword wounds,
young A frowned deeply.
"A 12-year-old brat forced Bee into this state?"
"Unusual swordsmanship, large-scale, powerful Fire Release techniques, and a method capable of driving the Eight-Tails berserk…"
After pondering for a moment, A furrowed his brows and exhaled heavily.
"No matter. With Bee and me working together, killing this brat is no problem.
"And the sooner, the better!"
Having experienced rapid growth himself, A understood that a 12-year-old ninja could improve dramatically in a short time.
Especially one who had awakened the Sharingan, capable of copying taijutsu and ninjutsu at a rapid pace.
Who knew how much stronger the brat would become by their next encounter?
Konoha already had the Yellow Flash, which was troubling enough.
Turning to a young girl with brown skin, white hair, and glasses, A commanded:
"Mabui, use Heavenly Transfer Jutsu to contact the Blood Pool Clan in Hell Valley per the coordinates I provided.
"Have them cooperate with us immediately.
"Within three days, I want that brat's head!"
However, Mabui calmly adjusted her glasses and shook her head.
"No, Lord A.
"A message from the Daimyo of the Land of Lightning just arrived."
"The assassin group known as the 'Immortal Heretics' has infiltrated the Daimyo's residence.
"Lord Raikage has ordered you to head to the capital immediately to capture the assassins.
"This concerns the funding for our military in the upcoming Third Ninja War."
"The Hell Valley operation will be handed over to others."
A was momentarily stunned.
"Immortal Heretics? What kind of third-rate group is that?"
Mabui frowned slightly, looking at the documents in her arms.
"Well… this is indeed strange.
"Because the leader of this group shares the same name as the Konoha prodigy you want to kill.
"His name is Uchiha Ci!"