{🥳Joining Patreon keeps me motivated and eager to work diligently, so please support me.🥰 You can access upto 250+ advance chapter through Patreon by using the link: https://patreon.com/HACKDWORLD
Taki Ninja Village, a hidden settlement veiled behind cascading waterfalls.
After a day of searching, Earth and Stone finally located the village within the Land of Taki. Gazing at the breathtaking scenery before him, he couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder.
"To think such a beautiful place exists in the ninja world… and it's still untouched despite being near a ninja village. That's rare."
Taki Ninja Village thrived in seclusion. But isolation didn't mean complete detachment from the outside world—the village still needed supplies and maintained occasional contact with merchants and travelers.
As a rogue ninja stepping into the village, Earth and Stone's presence quickly drew attention.
"Which village does that forehead protector belong to?"
"It looks like the one from Iwagakure, but it has a scratch… must be a rogue."
A middle-aged ninja, seemingly knowledgeable, whispered to his companions.
Disliking being the center of attention, Earth and Stone activated the Body Flicker Technique, instantly appearing before the middle-aged ninja. The sudden movement startled the man.
"As expected, anyone bold enough to wear a slashed forehead protector must be formidable."
The middle-aged ninja involuntarily came to that conclusion.
"Where is the leader of your village?" Earth and Stone inquired.
"You mean Lord Shibuki?"
Earth and Stone frowned. Who was this Shibuki?
"This guy wants to see Lord Shibuki?" the surrounding ninjas murmured.
Earth and Stone's frown deepened. Was this really a hidden village? How lax were these ninjas? Even as an outsider, they had the leisure to chat?
"Hm?"
At that moment, he sensed a powerful chakra signature approaching.
An elite ninja?
It seemed Taki Ninja Village wasn't weak after all. For a small village to have an elite jōnin was impressive. Few minor villages had someone of this caliber—exceptions like Amegakure, which had a demigod, were rare.
Moreover, Taki Ninja Village also had the Seven-Tails' jinchūriki. If nurtured properly, they could reach Kage-level strength.
Still, that had nothing to do with Earth and Stone. His goal was simple: acquire the chakra of the Seven-Tails and obtain the legendary Hero Water.
"Iwagakure ninja… no, a rogue shinobi. What brings you here? Our Taki Ninja Village has remained hidden for years. We've done nothing to provoke you."
The approaching ninja spoke cautiously, clearly wary of Earth and Stone's presence.
"Oh, you haven't provoked me."
The Taki ninja exhaled in relief—only for Earth and Stone's next words to make their hearts sink again.
"However, I recently fought Kakuzu. I heard he was once a rogue ninja from your village."
Kakuzu?!
The mention of that name caused an immediate reaction.
That man had betrayed the village long ago, slaughtering high-ranking officials before defecting. And now, he was stirring up trouble again?
Curse him!
More importantly, anyone who fought Kakuzu and survived was no ordinary ninja. They were at least Kage-level.
Shibuki felt his hope waver.
No… perhaps there was still a chance. If he could obtain—
"I heard your village possesses a relic called the Hero Water, capable of amplifying a ninja's chakra tenfold. I'm very interested."
"What?! How do you know about the Hero Water?"
Shibuki was alarmed. The surrounding Taki ninja tensed, realizing the severity of the situation.
The Hero Water was their village's most sacred treasure. If this man was truly after it, then his intentions were far from peaceful.
Any hope Shibuki had of using the Hero Water against him vanished. If Earth and Stone knew about its effects, he wouldn't allow anyone else to use it.
A powerful wave of pressure swept over them as Earth and Stone released his chakra, his intent pressing down on the gathered Taki ninja.
Cold sweat formed on Shibuki's forehead, his heart pounding.
"My lord, the Hero Water is indeed our village's sacred treasure. However, we haven't been able to obtain any for a long time. The Tree of Life, which produces it, has not yielded any in years."
Earth and Stone narrowed his eyes.
"The Tree of Life? So, the Hero Water is likely water infused with special natural energy. Take me there."
Shibuki dared not refuse and began leading him toward the Tree of Life.
'The Hero Water has severe side effects… Does this guy know about that? If Kakuzu didn't tell him, maybe I can trick him into drinking it. That might be our only chance.'
Unbeknownst to him, Earth and Stone had no intention of harming them. He simply sought what he came for and would leave once he had it.
Shibuki discreetly signaled the other ninjas to disperse. One of them—the middle-aged ninja from earlier—subtly gathered reinforcements, preparing in case Shibuki gave the order.
As Earth and Stone followed Shibuki deeper into the village, he noticed an increasing concentration of natural energy.
"The Tree of Life does seem to have the ability to gather natural energy…" Earth and Stone mused, his suspicions confirmed.
Natural energy-rich locations were rare in the ninja world. Perhaps this was the place where he could finally perfect his Sage Mode.
At last, they arrived at the heart of Taki Ninja Village, where the Tree of Life stood tall.
Majestic.
That was Earth and Stone's first impression.
Though the tree was only about 50 meters tall, its presence was overwhelming, radiating an aura of reverence.
"What an immense natural energy presence…" he muttered in awe.
Shibuki glanced at him, confused.
Natural energy? Was that the source of this tree's power?
The ancient tree's branches stretched wide, forming a lush green canopy. Around its roots, a small pool of clear water glistened, emanating a refreshing aura.
'Is this the Hero Water?' Earth and Stone wondered.
No… this wasn't it.
This was merely ordinary water infused with traces of natural energy. The true Hero Water had to be something more—a concentrated essence of the Tree of Life.
'If I can't take the tree, I should at least collect some of this water.'
Though it wasn't Hero Water, its natural energy content was impressive—far surpassing the energy found near Clear Island.
As for the Tree of Life itself, relocating it would be impossible.
'Looks like I'll have to return here periodically,' he thought, frowning. 'But if I keep coming back, I'll risk being discovered.'
Unless…
Eliminating witnesses would reduce the chances of exposure. However, wiping out an entire ninja village was unrealistic.
'Troublesome…'
For now, he would focus on finding the Hero Water. If he could figure out how to extract or replicate it, he might not need to return at all.
Flying upward with the Lightened Boulder Technique, he examined the tree's structure carefully, ensuring he remained unnoticed.
Secrecy was crucial. Even with his growing power, it was best to avoid drawing unnecessary attention.
After all, even Madara Uchiha had remained in hiding for over twenty years, maneuvering from the shadows.
Discretion ensured survival.
Below, Shibuki paled as he realized something crucial.
'He can fly?!'
Had this man stolen a forbidden technique from Iwagakure? Was that why he was branded a rogue?
Fear gripped him as he watched Earth and Stone hover above the Tree of Life, silently calculating his next move.
{ Enjoying the chapters? Please Support me on Patreon and unlock advanced chapters, with 5 new chapters released every two days!
The fanfic is also available for one-time purchase on Patreon – unlock lifetime access to the full collection, no membership needed! Don't miss out –support and own it forever!
patreon.com/HACKDWORLD}