Hidden Stone — Shadows of Betrayal
The Land of Earth was a rugged expanse, dominated by mountain ranges, deep forests, and fierce natural landscapes.Between two towering peaks sat a remote village of seven hundred souls, living quiet and uneventful lives — until recently.
One night, the village Chief was found dead. Murdered.
No clues, no witnesses, and no signs of struggle.
A squad of Chūnin was dispatched immediately.Days later, they returned to Iwagakure, empty-handed. Their only report: the killer left no trace.
Anbu operatives were sent next — the elite of the elite — to interrogate the villagers and investigate the Chief's residence.They discovered only one fact: the Chief's vast fortune had vanished.
No fingerprints.No chakra signatures.Nothing.
Only two possibilities remained:
The criminal did not use chakra.
Or they were skilled enough to erase every trace.
The second possibility was more terrifying.A shinobi capable of such complete concealment would be an enormous threat.
With grim expressions, the Anbu finalized their report and returned to Iwa. They still had countless missions to prepare for — and an invisible enemy to worry about.
Deep Below Iwagakure
In the cold stone chambers of a secret council, leaders of Iwa met in hushed tones.
"Another report has arrived," one of the masked operatives said, laying a scroll on the table.
"Anything new?" asked another, voice edged with impatience.
"No. The Anbu found no clues."
Frustration cracked the heavy silence.
"Why do we even bother sending them? It's been two months! Two months, and still no progress!"
"Patience," said a calmer voice. "We know at least this much: the enemy is skilled. Powerful."
"And how does that help us?" spat one of the elders. "While we sit idle, they grow stronger. Every wealthy man they kill — they rob clean. Their war chest grows."
Another elder leaned back in his chair, voice cool and calculating."It's not entirely bad for the village. Fear has made the nobles desperate. We've gained more protection contracts than ever before."
"But one day, all the money they steal will be turned against us," came a grim reply. "We must eliminate them before it's too late."
"If we could, we would have already," someone muttered bitterly.
Silence fell again. A heavy, suffocating silence.
"Focus your concerns elsewhere," the council leader said finally. "The Third Great Ninja War is inevitable. If we are not ready when it comes... no criminal syndicate will matter."
The others reluctantly nodded.For now, all they could do was wait — and prepare.
Somewhere Else — A Hidden Meeting
In a secluded grove far from the prying eyes of the village, two clan leaders met under the pale light of the moon.
Azuki Shōrihana, head of the Shōrihana Clan, smiled thinly as his guest arrived.
"I'm grateful you accepted my invitation," he said.
Kotani Dorohai, leader of the Dorohai Clan, regarded him with suspicion."I came only out of curiosity. What could another clan head possibly want from me?"
Azuki's expression grew serious."I wish to discuss an important matter."
"Then speak."
Azuki lowered his voice."You know how Onoki bribed the right people to place Arano in the seat of Tsuchikage."
Kotani's brow furrowed. "I'm aware."
"Then you know the current regime is built on corruption. That's why I propose an alliance — to remove them."
Kotani shook his head immediately."If you mean rebellion, forget it. Our clan will not join you. Arano is the strongest shinobi in Iwagakure — perhaps the strongest Kage alive.Onoki, even in old age, still possesses Kage-level might.Han, the jinchūriki of the Five-Tails, would be summoned to crush any insurrection.Add the loyalty of their clans and the unwavering Anbu, and the odds are impossible."
Azuki's lips curled into a sly smile."I anticipated that answer. Which is why I'm not proposing a direct attack."
Kotani narrowed his eyes."Then what are you planning?"
Azuki leaned closer."I have been secretly funding a powerful criminal organization. One that will destabilize the Tsuchikage's faction from the shadows."
Kotani's face darkened.
"If you are discovered," he said coldly, "you will be executed without hesitation. And if your clan supports you, they will be slaughtered alongside you."
"I am aware of the risk," Azuki replied. "But change requires sacrifice.We must be patient.We must erode their foundation — until they collapse under the weight of their own arrogance."
For a long moment, Kotani said nothing.
Only the cold night wind stirred between them — heavy with secrets and danger.
—
Far away, unnoticed by either man, the wheels of destiny began to turn.
Soon, the earth itself would tremble.
Author :
I hope you like the chapter i you find any error you can inform me ( if you want ).
If you have some idea on what to writte or have some suggestion or just want to say something to me you can contact me in this discord server link here. https://discord.gg/bXsVzhzHsr
You can always rate my fanfic positively it help continuing writing :D