Chapter 61: The Blueprint of Deception (Patreon)

Orochimaru's idea was theoretically feasible. After all, "Edo Tensei" was, in essence, a Summoning Technique; it simply targeted deceased souls instead of living creatures. However, the entire premise relied on the fact that this so-called "Void Realm" actually existed.

So, did the "Void Realm" truly exist?

'The moment Orochimaru finds the 'Temporal-Spatial Hole,' the so-called 'Void Realm' will naturally become real.'

In the Land of Rain, Hyūga Kumokawa smiled, already able to guess Orochimaru's reaction upon reading the scroll's contents. The "Void Realm" was false. The "Hollows" were also false. But a Temporal-Spatial Hole connecting to another dimension was real. Furthermore, the concept of souls growing stronger by devouring each other was theoretically feasible within the laws of this world.

To make his lie more believable, Hyūga Kumokawa had spared no effort recently. He had secretly infiltrated the Hyūga clan's ancestral archives numerous times, poring over various neglected ancient texts and legends. He had discovered records about the "Wandering People"—the descendants of an ancient civilization—and their history with the powerful "Gelel Stone," which they had used to build an empire. They had possessed a "Temporal-Spatial Hole" that connected to an independent dimension.

Therefore, all Kumokawa needed to do was wait for Orochimaru to find the ruins of that civilization. At that moment, he would claim the dimension connected by the Temporal-Spatial Hole for himself, transforming it into his "Void Realm."

Orochimaru's subsequent research on soul-devouring and strengthening would naturally be converted by Kumokawa, using his points, into the world's new rules. By then, souls dying with lingering obsessions and resentment truly wouldn't enter the Pure Land. Instead, driven by an instinct to devour other souls, they would be born into that dimension as "Hollows."

This was also the meaning behind the sentence Orochimaru could not yet see: once they were artificially cultivated or the passage was opened, "Hollows" would "escape" the Void Realm and appear in the shinobi world. The entire world would tremble with fear and upheaval. His lie would become reality at that exact moment.

'Although the whimsical idea of materializing intangible 'rules' came to me a long time ago, this is the first time I'm truly putting it into practice. Back then, the system's response was [Insufficient Points], not [Cannot Materialize]. That means materializing 'rules' does indeed have a certain degree of feasibility.'

Hyūga Kumokawa's eyes gleamed slightly. Though it would cost a massive amount of points, if it truly worked, the points he would gain later would likely be unimaginable. The targets of this deception wouldn't just be the shinobi across the world, but also the Sage of Six Paths and even Ōtsutsuki Isshiki lurking in the shadows. One could even say he was deceiving the entire "world."

[Ding!]

[Your lies have been judged as [Seeing Only the Leaf], [Grafting Flowers], and [Mirage]. Orochimaru experiences extremely intense emotional fluctuation, reaching the level of [Questioning Reality]. Obtained 2000 Realization Points.]

[Remaining Realization Points: 12,194]

It was just as he had expected. Hearing the system prompt in his mind, Hyūga Kumokawa reaffirmed his thoughts. Orochimaru alone had contributed two thousand points. As he had suspected, only by shattering their worldview and rebuilding it with lies could he reap such massive rewards.

'I hope the esteemed Orochimaru-sama acts swiftly. Given his talent, as long as he dares to try, developing a technique for souls to strengthen by devouring each other shouldn't be difficult.'

Kumokawa mentally sent blessings to Orochimaru, once again marveling at the usefulness of such a tool. If he had to handle the research personally, the points and effort required would be immeasurable. Now, he simply needed Orochimaru to do the work.

'Even though I practically got him killed, he repays my 'kindness' without holding a grudge. Orochimaru-sama truly is a good person.'

Hyūga Kumokawa sighed inwardly. However, Orochimaru's side needed time, and Kumokawa himself needed to accumulate more points to materialize the "rule" in one go. He temporarily set aside these thoughts and sat on the bed, looking out the window.

From his vantage point, he could see the towering structure in the distance—the massive tower symbolizing Amegakure's absolute authority. It stood like a tombstone piercing the rain curtain, overlooking this land soaked in tears and imprisoned by steel.

Hatake Kakashi had already sent a message back to the village. As soon as Sarutobi Hiruzen's approval arrived, they would go to Amegakure to find Hanzō, initiate goodwill, and propose an alliance. Given Hiruzen's character, he would have no reason to refuse. And given Hanzō's internal and external troubles, he probably wouldn't reject an alliance either. One had to admit, it was indeed a solution beneficial to both sides.

The Land of Rain would become a barrier for the Land of Fire against the Lands of Wind and Earth. In return, the Land of Fire would provide the Land of Rain with food, weapons, and other essential supplies.

But...

Will the people of the Land of Rain and the ninja of Amegakure willingly become Konoha's cannon fodder? Will Nagato and Uchiha Obito allow this prize within their grasp, the Land of Rain, to become a vassal and sacrifice for a great nation?

'And... will I allow it?'

Hyūga Kumokawa smiled. The shadows at his feet surged, and a black cloak draped over him. His figure vanished from the room, leaving only a shadow clone behind to maintain appearances.

....

Amegakure, Atop the Tower

Hanzō still sat before the window, quietly watching the curtain of rain outside. The Land of Rain was a nation soaked in icy water, wedged between the three great nations of Fire, Wind, and Earth. Historically, it had been ravaged by the wars of great powers; its land turned into a battlefield, and its people displaced.

It had no bright sunshine and no fertile soil. It possessed only endless dampness, cold steel, and pain buried deep in the heart—pain that was repeatedly washed by the rain yet never faded. It was a microcosm of the shinobi world's cruel reality, a scar of war that never healed, and a breeding ground for ideals twisted by despair. Here, the unending rain seemed like the nation's silent weeping, the tears of countless lost lives gathered together. It washed away the bloodstains, but it could never wash away the hatred.

"Ideals..."

Hanzō recalled that young man named Yahiko; he remembered the "ideals" and "peace" Yahiko had spoken of. Did the young Hanzō of the past lack ideals? Did he not once yearn for peace himself? In the arrogance of youth, one believes everything under heaven is possible. But through the wasted years, one finally understands that all men have their limits.

He was now the leader of Amegakure, the hero of the Land of Rain, and he shouldered the lives of tens of thousands. He could not gamble, he dared not gamble, and he knew he could not win. Thinking this, the haze in Hanzō's eyes gradually cleared, replaced by a cold resolve.

Knock, knock.

At that moment, there was a knock at the door.

"Enter." Hanzō's thoughts were interrupted, his voice returning to a calm tone.

An Amegakure ninja hurried in. "I-it's bad, Lord Hanzō..."

"Quiet!" Hanzō's voice turned severe. "What is with the panic? I am not dead yet. The sky has not fallen!"

"Y-yes." The ninja licked his parched lips, forcing himself to calm down before reporting. "Lord Hanzō, Konoha's envoys have arrived. They wish to see you."

"Konoha?" Hanzō's brow instantly furrowed, a sense of unease rising in his heart.

So soon?