"The Nokizaru Group disappeared in a place called the Valley of Hypocrisy. I'd like you to investigate it."

"Valley of Hypocrisy?"

Not concerned about the Nokizaru Group's disappearance, but intrigued by this unheard-of place called the 'Valley of Hypocrisy'.

"Yes, according to Kakuzu, it seems to be built inside the great forest in the Land of Valleys. The Nokizaru Group disappeared there. I've written the specifics in here."

Hakushi placed a scroll on the table.

Ruri picked up the scroll and glanced through it quickly.

The gist of it is that the Nokizaru Group, while tracking down the remnants of the Blood Mist Faction, were led to a place called the Valley of Hypocrisy. Then, the Nokizaru Group disappeared there, with only Kakuzu mysteriously returning and reporting what happened there.

"Very strange."

"Indeed very strange. But I'm certain Kakuzu isn't lying; his soul waves are normal."

Hakushi said this.

This was also why Hakushi had Kakuzu accompany them.

The enemy didn't spare the Nokizaru Group, yet Kakuzu was the only one left out, which in any case seems odd.

No matter what secrets are hidden here, they must be uncovered this time.

"I understand. I'll go investigate the affair of the Valley of Hypocrisy."

"I'm counting on you. Just in case, I'll have the Earth General and Water Dragon God accompany you in action."

The Valley of Hypocrisy is too mysterious, and it's uncertain what kind of enemies are inside. Even though Ruri is very powerful, there are some places that can't be taken care of.

With the Earth General and Water Dragon God added, it could be considered foolproof.

Even if a sudden change occurs, they can retreat in time.

Ruri had no objections to this, took the scroll provided by Hakushi, and walked out of the office.

Hakushi watched Ruri's departing figure, hoping this incident could be resolved smoothly.

◎

Hidden Rain Village.

Summoned by the sound of pouring rain, Nagato walked to the window of the high tower.

Surrounding the Hidden Rain Village are waterways formed by gathering rain, making the Hidden Rain Village look more like a ninja village built on water.

Footsteps sounded from behind, it was Konan.

Unlike the Konan of the past, her face no longer bore warmth and kindness, only an almost cold-blooded expression.

But Nagato knew this was just a façade put on by Konan.

She was just forcing herself to become ruthless.

Following her was the playful White Zetsu, who behaved like a mischievous child all day long.

Who knows what keeps him so cheerful all day, has he encountered something amusing and fun?

"Lord Nagato, the target in the Land of Wind has been located."

White Zetsu smiled as he relayed the gained intelligence to Nagato.

"That genius Puppet Master, Sasori of the Red Sand, who defected from Hidden Sand?"

"Yes, exactly Sasori of the Red Sand. He's hiding in the great dunes of the Land of Wind, as if in plain sight under the lamp. Despite being a dangerous S-Class Renegade Ninja from Hidden Sand, he's remained in the Land of Wind all along, truly audacious."

White Zetsu nodded in response.

"Are there any other targets' whereabouts?"

Nagato nodded without making any assessments and inquired about the whereabouts of other targets.

"There is. Another one is in the Valley of Hypocrisy."

White Zetsu mentioned a name that was unfamiliar.

Konan looked at White Zetsu, frowning.

"Valley of Hypocrisy… what kind of place is that?"

White Zetsu chuckled, "It's a 'Pure Land' built by renegade ninjas who are evading the turmoil of the world, also called the Refuge Village. It's constructed in the great forest of the Land of Valleys, and without someone from inside to lead the way, it's very difficult to get in. But for Lord Nagato, entering there is simple."

"Evading worldly troubles? A Refuge Village?"

Nagato slightly raised his head, looking at the humorously grinning White Zetsu.

This inevitably reminded him of Madara, and the 'Infinite Tsukuyomi' that Madara once mentioned… also a form of evading the world.

A flash of light passed through the cold Rinnegan of Nagato, and he spoke in a flat tone:

"Evading reality changes nothing. A Refuge Village built by renegade ninjas, I'll personally go there."

"And what about Sasori of the Red Sand…"

Before White Zetsu could finish, Konan took a deep breath from the side and stepped forward.

"I'll go, Nagato. I'll recruit Sasori of the Red Sand."

Seeing the determined look on Konan's face, Nagato fell silent for a moment, sighed softly, closed his eyes, and nodded in agreement.