17 CH - 17 Chinoike Clan
The movie production proceeded smoothly, with the casting of Uzumaki clan members swiftly completed. The set and lighting arrangements were also easily taken care of, as they built a luxurious casino for the filming.
Since all the actors were skilled ninjas, disguising themselves for the play was a simple task that required no additional training. Within a span of just two weeks, the filming work was finished.
Subsequently, Akihiko took charge of the editing and post-production work himself since his "Task" system did not include entertainment-related functions.
After completing all the necessary tasks, Akihiko bid farewell to Mubuki. Despite Mubuki's questionable behavior, he acknowledged the usefulness of having him as a diplomat in the ninja world. Mubuki's ability to handle diplomacy and force made him an invaluable asset, ensuring successful negotiations when Mute was sent as a representative. However, Akihiko had a more pressing matter at hand.
Based on the intelligence gathered by the Grass Village ninjas during their external investigations, it was discovered that a fallen bloodline clan called the Chinoike clan existed in the Land of Hot Water. They inquired whether Akihiko wished to proceed with their "Talent Acquisition" plan, which involved recruiting members from the Chinoike clan.
As the first secret policy upon the rebuilding of the Land of Grass, Akihiko had initiated the 'Land of Grass Nation Development Plan: Talent Acquisition. Despite their inherent skepticism towards ninjas from other villages, the Grass Village ninjas placed great importance on this plan. They followed Akihiko's orders diligently, striving to accommodate wandering ninja as much as possible.
The Chinoike clan, known for their Ketsuryūgan, was renowned for their mastery of genjutsu. Once ensnared in their genjutsu, escape was said to be impossible. They can also use the Ketsuryūgan to manipulate liquids that have high iron contents, such as blood or the water that naturally flows in the Valley of Hell. Before they can manipulate such liquids, it is necessary that they imbue it with their own chakra. They possessed unique techniques that utilized blood, allowing them to inflict wounds on enemies and turn them into human bombs.
However, the activation of their Ketsuryūgan required intense emotional stimulation, and their visual prowess was comparable to the Three Tomoe Sharingan, albeit not as powerful as the Mangekyou Sharingan.
Similar to the Uchiha and Uzumaki clans, the Chinoike clan had faced their own tragic fate—they were annihilated, similar to the Uchiha clan. Perhaps they were distant relatives of the Uchiha clan, just as the Uzumaki clan was to the Senju clan.
During the Warring States period, the Chinoike clan was falsely accused and exiled by the daimyo of the Land of Lightning. It was the Uchiha clan who offered them protection, albeit with some animosity. The Uchiha clan, then in a position of dominance, suppressed the Chinoike clan and caused the deaths of many of its members.
Considering the mistreatment suffered by the Chinoike clan and their ability to maintain their mental stability, it can be inferred that they possessed remarkable resilience. Moreover, subsequent events involving Sasuke Uchiha demonstrated that their mental instability could be guided and educated.
As for why Akihiko needed to personally intervene, it was because, unlike the wandering Uzumaki clan, the Chinoike clan still had a base of their own. They were merely lacking freedom and faced a somewhat hostile environment. Therefore, if the plan involved abducting one or two members of the bloodline, it could be accomplished without his direct involvement. However, if they aimed to recruit the entire clan's bloodline, Akihiko knew he had to take action personally.
Thus, Akihiko set out for the Land of Hot Springs, specifically the Valley of Hell, where the Chinoike clan resided. Upon his arrival, he was greeted by a Grass Village ninja contact.
"Kusano-sama!"
Akihiko nodded in acknowledgment and looked at the Grass Village ninja before him. "You've worked hard!"
"For the Land of Grass!" solemnly declared the Grass Village ninja as they handed over the gathered intelligence on the Chinoike clan and its members. "As per the leader's request, we have refrained from making direct contact with the Chinoike clan."
Akihiko nodded, unsurprised by the cautious approach.
After all, the Chinoike clan's expertise in genjutsu made it easy for them to detect Grass Village ninjas who possessed limited abilities beyond their role as information brokers.
Accepting the file presented by the Grass Village ninja, Akihiko delved into the contents, containing the results of the Grass ninja's investigation into the Chinoike clan and its members.
While the Chinoike clan boasted a greater number of members compared to the nearly extinct Uzumaki clan, the total count, including civilians, barely surpassed a hundred. Most of them were skilled ninjas, with over twenty high-level shinobi, accounting for nearly half of the combined Chunin and Genin ranks.
It appeared that the environment within the Valley of Hell was even harsher than anticipated. Such harsh conditions could forge individuals, but it also rendered it inhospitable for ordinary civilians to survive.
Analyzing the information in his mind, Akihiko furrowed his brow, took a moment to ponder, and then set off towards the Valley of Hell.
As he approached the Valley of Hell, two ninja with crimson eyes intercepted his path.
Chinoike clan ninja!
"Halt! Leave this place!" they commanded.
Akihiko replied nonchalantly, "Inform your clan leader! The leader of the Land of Grass has come to pay a visit!"
His words reverberated through the air. The leader of the Land of Grass? The Chinoike ninja were momentarily taken aback, struggling to comprehend why the leader of the Land of Grass would venture to their territory.
After a brief moment of consideration and silence, they finally bowed and said, "Please wait!"
Though the Land of Grass was a small country, its ninjas would never recklessly offend a daimyo. Before long, someone emerged and requested Akihiko to follow them.
Led by his guide, Akihiko soon found himself entering a stuffy and sweltering stone chamber.
The Land of Hot Water.
It was a nation renowned for its hot springs, with numerous thermal baths spread across its territory. Many passing ninjas and merchants chose to stay for a day or two just to indulge in the soothing waters.
As for the Valley of Hell, it resided within an extinct volcanic crater, rendering the environment far beyond mere harshness.
The surroundings were desolate, devoid of fertile land, and the air carried a pungent scent. The indoor temperature was oppressively hot!
Akihiko scanned the chamber, taking in the surroundings, when a middle-aged man entered.
It was Takeshi Chinoike, the leader of the Chinoike clan!
Confusion etched across Takeshi's face as he gazed at Akihiko. "The leader of the Land of Grass?"
Recalling the report from the ninja who had been conducting patrols a few days ago, which stated that they had detected individuals surveilling them, Takeshi had instructed his clan members not to pay any heed to them, considering the Chinoike clan's current circumstances.
Could it be that those people were sent by the leader of the Land of Grass? With a slight pause, Takeshi inquired, "May I ask why you're here? Do you have any missions to entrust to the Chinoike clan?"
"No! It's just... to take all of you away!" Akihiko stated with conviction, his voice carrying a hint of affirmation.
"???" thinking, 'Take us away? Leave the Valley of Hell?!' Takeshi was momentarily stunned,
He narrowed his eyes, seeking clarification. "What do you mean, sir?"
"Just that!" Akihiko smiled at him. "Don't the Chinoike clan desire to leave?"
Takeshi was left speechless, silently acknowledging inwardly, 'Don't they wish to leave? Of course, they do!'
Having endured the Valley of Hell for so many years, only they understood the terror of this environment!
However, departing recklessly would undoubtedly result in being hunted down by the Hidden Cloud Village, potentially leading to their extinction!
After all, it was an order from the Land of Lightning's daimyo!
Thus, by staying in the Valley of Hell, the Chinoike clan could maintain their survival. But if they were to leave... it would signify their demise!
Nonetheless, Takeshi peered deeply into the eyes of the young man before him. Akihiko was the first person to approach them and show acceptance toward the Chinoike clan.
Ninjas were different from ordinary individuals. Without someone to offer acceptance, they could only become wanderers, with no place to call home in the vast ninja world, endlessly wandering until... their demise.
This internal conflict weighed heavily on Takeshi's heart. Taking into account the current state of the Chinoike clan, he let out a sigh and spoke., "I apologize, but please depart! Leader of the Land of Grass, the Chinoike clan will not abandon the Valley of Hell!"
However, Akihiko remained undeterred, enticing Takeshi with his words. "Do you desire the recognition of others? Do you wish to lead the Chinoike clan to reemerge in the ninja world? Do you yearn for ninja missions? Do you want to provide your clan members with a content and stable life, with plentiful food and clothing?" His voice softened. "If you do, then join us! By becoming part of the Land of Grass, you can attain everything you desire!"
"Follow us, earn millions, and live a tranquil life within the Land of Grass. What are you waiting for? Join our extensive family, the Land of Grass!"
"..." Takeshi stood in stunned silence, surprised by the unexpected offer and unable to find words to respond.
