Chapter 14: The Hollow Veil
Deep within the mountainous outskirts of the Land of Lightning, hidden beneath layers of natural rock and misdirection, The Hollow Veil existed beyond the reach of any village, any government, any law. It was not a fortress in the traditional sense—no grand walls or massive armies—but rather a sanctuary of innovation, secrecy, and power unseen.
Hikaru stood in the main chamber, a vast underground expanse illuminated by dim, cold lights. Around him, engineers, strategists, defected shinobi, and scientists moved with purpose, tending to experiments, weapons testing, and tactical simulations. They were the unseen force that shaped wars without ever stepping onto the battlefield.
A soft chime rang through the chamber as one of his analysts approached, a young man with sharp eyes and a mind honed for deciphering the world's chaos.
"We received confirmation—Kiri's forces have withdrawn from the border, citing 'unexplainable phenomena.'"
Hikaru smirked. "As expected."
The analyst hesitated before continuing. "But we also intercepted transmissions from Kumo. They're mobilizing a scouting unit. It seems they're interested in the same reports."
Hikaru's smirk faded into thought. "Then it's time to move."
He turned toward a massive projection screen displaying the various ongoing projects within The Hollow Veil. Weapons development, psychological warfare tactics, artificial intelligence in tactical assessments—it was all progressing smoothly. But adaptation was the key to survival.
"We need to establish misinformation before Kumo's scouts get too close," Hikaru said. "Prepare a false trail. Let them think it's the remnants of a rogue faction, something unrelated to us. Have our agents plant evidence—burnt scrolls, old battle gear, the usual."
The analyst nodded. "And if they get too close?"
Hikaru's gaze darkened.
"Then we let them think they've found something dangerous. Something that will make them turn back before they ask too many questions."
His fingers hovered over a console, scrolling through various experimental countermeasures. Poisonous fog, silent drones capable of inducing paranoia, strategically placed explosive traps—all options designed not to kill, but to warn.
Fear was a far greater weapon than death.
A familiar voice interrupted his thoughts. "Still playing with shadows, are we?"
Hikaru turned to see an older man, a former war strategist from Iwa, one of the first to join The Hollow Veil. He carried a datapad filled with reports on experimental weaponry.
Hikaru smirked. "Shadows last longer than bodies."
The old strategist chuckled. "True enough. But don't forget—sooner or later, the world will want to know who's pulling those shadows."
Hikaru's gaze lingered on the projection screen. The world could wonder all they wanted. By the time they realized The Hollow Veil had shaped their wars, it would be too late.
For now, the ghosts would remain unseen.