Chapter 35
The war continued its slow march toward an inevitable climax. Alliances shifted, betrayals unfolded, and the world teetered on the edge of something far greater than the villages understood. But through it all, The Hollow Veil remained unseen, its influence shaping the battlefield in ways no one could predict.
Ryouhei stood in his hidden laboratory, overlooking the latest reports from his operatives. Every piece of information, every intercepted communication, painted the same picture—the Five Great Nations were reaching their limits. The war had drained their resources, and desperation was beginning to show in their strategies.
He glanced at a detailed map spread across his desk, marked with key locations where his technology had subtly altered the course of battle. In some places, mercenary groups armed with his prototype weapons had held their ground against veteran shinobi. In others, villages had unknowingly deployed his chemical agents, forcing enemy forces into disarray.
Still, there was unfinished business.
His lieutenant entered, a scroll in hand. "The latest update from our informants in Konoha," she said, placing it on the desk.
Ryouhei opened it, scanning the contents. His gaze lingered on a particular passage.
Minato Namikaze is growing suspicious.
Of course he was. The Yellow Flash had proven himself to be one of the war's most unpredictable forces. Unlike the other leaders, Minato wasn't just focused on winning battles—he was trying to understand the unseen forces behind them. He had begun piecing together patterns, noticing how certain groups had access to weapons far beyond their means.
"Minato is too intelligent to ignore the signs," Ryouhei mused. "But intelligence alone won't be enough."
His second-in-command nodded. "He doesn't know who we are yet. His focus is on stopping the spread of these weapons, not uncovering their source."
"That will change soon," Ryouhei said. "And when it does, we'll be ready."
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Konoha's War Council
The candlelit room was silent, save for the rustling of papers and the low murmurs of Konoha's top strategists. At the head of the table, Hiruzen Sarutobi listened intently as Minato presented his findings.
"These weapons… they're not appearing by accident," Minato said, tapping the map before them. "Someone is supplying rogue factions, mercenaries, and even some smaller villages with advanced technology. The patterns are too deliberate to ignore."
Danzo, seated at the far end, barely concealed his disdain. "And what do you suggest, Namikaze? That we chase ghosts while Iwa prepares to strike our borders again?"
Minato met his gaze evenly. "I suggest we find out who is behind this before it's too late."
Hiruzen exhaled slowly. "Minato, you believe this is more than just war-time opportunism?"
"I do," Minato confirmed. "And if we don't act soon, Konoha won't just be fighting Iwa or Kumo. We'll be fighting an unseen enemy with weapons we don't understand."
Danzo scoffed. "Then let them come. We are shinobi. We adapt."
Minato's expression remained unreadable. "I hope you're right."
But deep down, he knew this war was about to take a new turn. And he wasn't sure Konoha was ready for it.
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The Hollow Veil's Next Move
Back in his hidden base, Ryouhei watched the shadows dance along the stone walls, deep in thought.
The time was approaching.
The war was nearing its end, but his work was far from finished.
It was time to set the final pieces into place.
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End of Chapter 35.