Valley of Hypocrisy, within the forest outside.

From this place, one can see the mountain that is collapsing.

Kakuzu and Insect Man, along with five others, were already waiting there, witnessing the spectacular scene of the collapsing mountain.

The place named Valley of Hypocrisy had completely turned into ruins, no longer existing.

"I never thought the Valley of Hypocrisy would be such a place before coming here."

Insect Man remarked with emotion.

The villagers living inside were renegade ninjas, who abandoned everything outside, disguising themselves with Transformation Jutsu to live as another person... it's nothing but self-deception.

To so thoroughly deny their past lives, one can only say these people are truly pitiful.

Moreover, this peace was built on the foundations of illusion, in this view, it appears even more fraudulent.

"As long as there's war in this world, people wanting to escape hell will yearn for such a place."

Earth Man and others, watching the collapsing mountain, shared their thoughts.

Those living here cannot be called incompetent, they are just exhausted from merely surviving in this world.

They live a solitary life in the world, even if they exist in the world, they feel like an unnecessary presence. So, the Valley of Hypocrisy is their only refuge.

However, this peace, even if they don't break it, sooner or later someone else will.

Escaping is not shameful, the rarest thing for humans is the courage to face difficulties head-on.

"Compared to that, you should care about my losses as an old man. I ran around for days without resting for you, postponed all my debt collection work during these days. How do you plan to compensate?"

Kakuzu cut in indifferently.

"You never rest, do you?"

Insect Man was somewhat speechless.

"Is that the same?"

Kakuzu squinted, a dangerous glint flashing by.

"Got it, how about ten million ryo?"

"If you think your life is worth only ten million ryo, pretend I didn't say anything."

"..."

Why does Kakuzu seem more humorous suddenly?

More than money, Insect Man had concerns over this matter. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

At this moment, Ruri approached, saw that Kakuzu and the others were unharmed, and nodded.

"This task is perfectly resolved. Remember to be careful in future actions, don't easily fall into enemy traps again."

"Yes."

The five members of Xuanyuan responded in unison, their expressions solemn.

This journey to the Valley of Hypocrisy made them realize their serious shortcomings in some aspects.

Even executing various bounty missions in the underground black market fighting various enemies, there are opponents in this world they are powerless against.

Ninjas stronger than Jiraiya, one of the defeated Sannin, certainly exist.

The waters of the Ninja Realm run deep; troublesome foes like this may appear anywhere.

"Let's go."

Ruri turned, deeply gazed at the collapsed mountain, the nameless village chief was crushed beneath.

In such circumstances, survival was impossible.

The nameless village chief, who lost everyone important due to war, was devoid of life's meaning.

His life ended the moment he resolved to build the Valley of Hypocrisy.

The previous battle was merely with the false persona shaped by him decades ago.

Hence, for him, death is the true release.

This is a terrible era, paradise does not exist.

Only by possessing strength can one protect everything cherished.

Fear and dread are the most meaningless things.

When Ruri and others left, the distant villagers of the Valley of Hypocrisy did not move forward to stop them, but instead looked on with complex and sorrowful expressions at the fallen valley.

Yet none spoke a word, understanding their self-awareness was influenced by the nameless village chief's illusion.

Even so, they chose to return to this false village to live.

"Let's rebuild one."

Thus, after a prolonged silence, someone spoke.

This sentence resonated with others, leading them to nod repeatedly, choosing agreement.

They can no longer live in the real world.

Their consciousness has surrendered to such falseness.

Thus, even if it's a fabricated peace, forever numbing themselves with the illusion of peace, they don't wish to return to the real Ninja Realm.

But they all understand, they are merely shifting from one hell to another.

They are ninjas, masters of various ninja techniques, they just need to create another Valley of Hypocrisy.

And among them, a child did not move, instead, with a gaze full of near resentment, fixed on Ruri and others leaving the Valley of Hypocrisy, seemingly memorizing their figures in his heart.

It was this group that destroyed their home.

Exposing them to the filthy and ugly air of the outside world...

Clearly, they just wanted to live ordinary lives, why were they treated this way?

Or perhaps it is due to rejection and envy towards those from outside.

Why, having seen the peace and beauty here, is there no recognition, but a return to reality? Isn't this peace worth cherishing and loving?

The seed of hatred was engraved in this child's heart.

◎

"Lord Nagato, it seems the Valley of Hypocrisy has been destroyed..."