Land of Vale Arc –
At exactly noon, the group of five departed from Konoha, naming themselves...
"The Undomitables."
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The Land of Vale (ヴェイルの国, Veiru no Kuni)
A tranquil, culturally rich nation nestled between the Land of Fire and the Land of Rivers, the Land of Vale is a lesser-known but politically significant territory. Its importance stems from vast natural resources, rare flora, and its historically neutral stance in shinobi conflicts.
While it lacks a hidden village of its own, Vale holds strong diplomatic ties with major nations through its vibrant trade routes, seasonal festivals, and love for fine arts.
The terrain boasts rolling emerald hills, moonlit lakes, and fields of rare silver-touched lilies that bloom only under moonlight—an ethereal sight that is said to bring emotional peace to the viewer. Its capital, Velthra, is a breathtaking blend of ornamental tradition and aristocratic refinement, with cobblestone streets, golden domes, and bustling marketplaces filled with foreign artisans, exotic spices, and musical performances.
Vale is ruled by a royal lineage, and its current young heir—Prince Reiju Heras—is known for his charm, unpredictability, and insatiable curiosity about other cultures. The Unity Festival, hosted annually in Chrysanthemum, brings together nobles, travelers, and entertainers from across the world to celebrate peace and artistry.
Despite lacking ninjas, Vale's elite guard trains in elegant combat arts using fans, ribbons, and concealed weaponry. Their techniques focus on grace, illusion, and speed—making them lethal, though often underestimated.
Rumors say that stepping foot in Vale brings peace to the heart, but beneath its beauty, the winds carry whispers... of secrets and danger.
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Land of Vale – Reiju Palace
"Umm..." Naruto glanced around the luxurious chamber, eyes wide. "Oh my god!"
Haruto paused mid-conversation with Sai to glance his way. "What now?"
"It's all made of gold... even that pig statue too!" Naruto dashed ahead and began poking the sculpture with suspicious interest.
"Oh my gaaaawd," Sai gasped, pointing toward a lavish painting on the far wall. "Isn't that— 'Koi Ascends the Sky'?! That's a national treasure!"
Meanwhile, Haruto stood to the side, watching his team spin around the room like unruly children instead of sitting politely on the plush velvet couches.
Sigh...
He facepalmed.
Creak—
The doors opened quietly, and a boy with long, dark-blue flowing hair and calm blue eyes stepped into the room. He wore a regal navy cloak and carried a presence both serene and sharp.
"Welcome, Konoha's shinobi," he said with quiet authority.
Reiju Heras... Fifth Prince of Vale.
Haruto straightened and nodded. "Greetings, Prince Reiju." The rest of the group quickly followed, bowing formally—well, except Haruto, who casually nodded.
"You—" one of the royal attendants barked, annoyed by the informality, but Reiju raised his hand gently to silence him.
"There is no need to stand on ceremony. What matters is that you understand your task."
He continued, "You must reach Chrysanthemum before I do and lay the foundation for my arrival. Your presence will make it seem as if I have already arrived or been long expected."
He looked at them with a calm expression. "My life is constantly under threat, and this subtlety is necessary. Please assist me."
Then, without allowing for further questions, he bowed his head slightly. "Enjoy your night's stay."
With that, he turned and left the room.
"Oh... he didn't even give me a chance to speak," Naruto pouted.
Haruto crossed his arms. "He came, stated his purpose, and left. Short and calculated. He's giving us only tonight to prepare..."
"Looks like he's clever," Sai added, folding his arms.
"Indeed," Haruto agreed, eyes narrowing.
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Nightfall, Chrysanthemum
The streets were nearly empty, with only a few shops still open. Most were closing for the night.
Haruto summoned his clones silently. In a blur, they scattered across the district.
As one shop owner stepped outside and locked up, he heard a calm voice behind him.
"Hello… may I know where the nearest hotel is?"
He turned to see a white-haired boy with striking blue eyes. The stranger wore a black fitted suit, partially covered by a sleek cloak. His demeanor was calm—charismatic.
"Quite a handsome lad..." the man muttered, charmed, but—
Snap.
Suddenly, his surroundings twisted.
His world flickered, spun, then froze.
Haruto's eyes glowed faintly purple.
Genjutsu: Memory Weaving Illusion – False Roots.
In the shopkeeper's mind, a new memory was embedded.
He now remembered meeting Karamu, a frequent visitor to the district—friendly, familiar, trustworthy.
Haruto, now acting under aliases, embedded similar false memories across key witnesses in town:
Haruto → Karamu, traveling merchant and food stall owner.
Sakura → Sarada, a soft-spoken apprentice chef from a nearby village.
Hinata → Hikano, a well-known maid employed by the royal hotel.
Sai → Sahara, a shy but gifted portrait artist.
Naruto → Narue, an upcoming female festival dancer.
Lee → Deru, a wandering "eccentric" drunkard always showing up at the wrong place at the right time.
Each clone vanished after planting their memories, leaving the town's perception altered and perfect.
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Late Night Meeting – Hotel Room
The six Konoha shinobi gathered quietly in a suite. Haruto stood before them, arms crossed.
He began the briefing:
"Sai, now known as 'Sahara', is an illustrator. You'll be drawing portraits for civilians. Keep it simple."
"Naruto," he gestured toward the boy, who was practicing moves with his clones, "you're a female dancer, alias 'Narue'."
"Wait—what?!"
Naruto spun around, horrified. "I'm a man!"
Haruto ignored him and moved on.
"Hinata, your alias is 'Hikano'. You're the prince's personal maid at the hotel. Keep close, stay alert."
Hinata gave a quiet nod.
"Sakura, alias 'Sarada', will be working as a chef in one of the restaurants that'll serve food to the prince during the festival."
Sakura folded her arms. "Got it."
Then Haruto turned slowly toward Rock Lee.
"To be honest…" Haruto hesitated, scratching the back of his head. "I wasn't sure what to do with you."
"Huh?!" Lee looked betrayed.
"Without ninjutsu, your combat talents are too flashy, and… well… you lack subtlety," Haruto explained with a half-smile. "So you're a street cleaner."
"What?!" Lee gasped, fists trembling. "That's your role!"
"Remember, Lee," Haruto said dramatically, "through hardship… we grow. Gai Sensei always says—"
"You... okay! I will clean with the power of youth!!"
Sai smirked. "Then what's your role, Haruto?"
Haruto turned slowly, smirking.
"Mine is…"
TO BE CONTINUED...
Haha! Left you guys on dialogue cliff hanger ! I still can't seem to have the motivation and inspiration to continue quickly so chapters are coming late.