Chapter 36
The war was shifting. Battles that once raged across entire regions were now being fought in pockets—small, decisive engagements where the victors dictated the future. The Five Great Nations were beginning to understand the cost of this prolonged conflict, and negotiations were happening behind closed doors.
But for The Hollow Veil, this was the most crucial phase. Ryouhei watched from the shadows as leaders scrambled to secure their positions, unaware of the forces working beneath the surface.
The time for subtlety was ending. It was time to leave an undeniable mark on history.
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Minato's Hunt
Minato Namikaze moved like a ghost through the ruins of an abandoned outpost. The reports had led him here—traces of unfamiliar weapons, scattered remnants of experimental gear that didn't belong to any nation. Someone had been supplying these to rogue factions, and he was determined to find out who.
He bent down, inspecting a shattered device embedded in the dirt. It wasn't mechanical in the traditional sense, nor was it made using conventional shinobi craftsmanship. It was something else entirely.
"Who are you?" Minato muttered under his breath.
Behind him, a squad of Konoha Anbu waited silently. He could see the tension in their postures. They were used to fighting human enemies, not chasing ghosts.
"Whoever is behind this doesn't want to be found," one of the Anbu finally said.
Minato nodded. "And that's exactly why we need to find them."
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The Hollow Veil's Hidden Hand
Deep within a concealed hideout, Ryouhei listened to the latest reports. His sources inside Konoha had confirmed Minato's growing interest in his operations. The Yellow Flash was getting closer.
"He's persistent," Ryouhei admitted, setting the reports down.
His lieutenant smirked. "Shall we eliminate him?"
Ryouhei shook his head. "No. Killing Minato would only raise more questions. We don't need him dead—we need him misdirected."
She folded her arms. "And how do we do that?"
"We feed him just enough information to keep him occupied. Let him chase shadows. By the time he realizes the truth, the war will be over, and we will have already won."
Ryouhei leaned back in his chair, eyes gleaming with calculation.
This was no longer about battles. It was about shaping the future. And The Hollow Veil would be the architects of a new world.
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The War's Final Days
Across the continent, whispers of peace talks began to spread. Villages that had once sworn to fight to the death were now looking for ways to end the bloodshed.
But for those who thrived in the chaos of war, this was the most dangerous time.
And for The Hollow Veil, this was the moment they had been waiting for.
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End of Chapter 36.