Naruto Bloodline Theory? It's Garbage, That's All — Chapter 23

The Land of Rain was among the strongest of all the small nations.

Though it could not compare to the Five Great Nations, it was still the best of the lesser states.

Amegakure also had Kekkei Genkai shinobi.

For example, Ryu, the subordinate assigned to Asuka this time, possessed the "Swift Release" Kekkei Genkai.

Kekkei Genkai shinobi usually displayed all manner of special abilities, even unusual physiques.

"Immense strength, incredible speed, and self-healing capabilities..."

Hanzo thought for a moment, then began to shake his head.

Steel Release?

No, Steel Release boosted Defense Power.

But according to his Granddaughter, Amakawa Mingren's Defense Power was not particularly impressive.

Swift Release?

No, Swift Release only enhanced speed and did not directly alter physical strength much.

While one could argue that speed equaled power to make his strength seem immense, it was still impossible to punch through someone's chest with a bare fist.

"Grandfather..."

Asuka's voice pulled Hanzo from his thoughts.

"The important thing now is that Physician Shennong and Amakawa Mingren took away two bodies..."

Other than the one from the Senju Clan.

The bodies of the Hyuga and Transparent Release shinobi had both been taken.

In such circumstances, it was obvious what taking the bodies meant.

1. Conduct human experimentation and research.

2. Sell them for money.

Judging from the medical ethics Physician Shennong had displayed in his interactions with the Akatsuki Organization...

The first possibility was unlikely.

Which meant...

They intended to exchange the two Kekkei Genkai bodies for money...

What kind of turmoil would that cause?

How would Konoha react?

A little thought was enough to make it clear.

At this, Hanzo's expression changed slightly.

He shook his head and gave a faint, bitter smile. "The Hyuga Clan only recently lost a Byakugan. Konoha takes that matter very seriously, and now..."

Yet someone had brazenly taken two Kekkei Genkai bodies and intended to sell them for money?

Kirigakure had obtained a Main Family Byakugan, and every other shinobi village was jealous.

If those two released the news now...

Even if a Branch Family Byakugan would be sealed after death, there would always be people unwilling to give up and wanting to try.

Hopefully... they would not make things worse.

"There is an Underground Exchange within the Land of Rain."

After pondering for a moment, Hanzo spoke to his Granddaughter.

"If I'm right, they will sell the bodies nearby."

"..."

Asuka nodded slightly.

"Grandfather, I'll go take a look."

"Very well."

It was a good opportunity to let his Granddaughter witness the harsher truth of this world—the way this world truly was.

Several hours later...

Konoha's camp.

Danzo emerged from the tent with a dark and frightening expression.

Minato Namikaze walked out afterward.

After his disciple Kakashi returned, he sank into even deeper negative thoughts.

Because he had been delayed while completing ANBU procedures.

As a result, all three of his companions had died.

Kakashi blamed himself deeply for it.

And Minato Namikaze had not expected such a coincidence.

His mere suggestion had sent events toward an irreparable conclusion.

If Kakashi had not joined the ANBU and gone through those complicated procedures, things might have turned out differently...

The Intelligence Division and Interrogation Division shinobi nearby also took the opportunity to deliver the autopsy reports for Shinya Senju and several subordinates who had previously been active in the area.

Shinya Senju's right arm had been torn off alive.

His skull had been crushed beneath a single stomp.

The other bodies were equally horrific.

Judging from the methods and the wounds left behind.

It was the same killer as before.

The target's identity had also been determined to be some kind of guard dispatched by Hanzo of the Salamander, perhaps an ANBU operative.

Their duty was to secretly protect his Granddaughter and eliminate any enemy who approached her.

Three operations, three instances of the same brutal methods.

It seemed like a warning to Konoha.

More importantly...

The other party had left behind five bodies in total, including Shinya Senju.

But the bodies of Hokuto Hyuga and the Gekko Clan shinobi were gone.

Anyone could guess what Kekkei Genkai shinobi bodies would be used for.

As Amegakure's field commander.

Danzo possessed almost complete authority.

After thinking it over, he recalled that Hanzo's side would give an answer in three days.

But just in case, he still decided to dispatch people to wait at the Underground Exchange within the Land of Rain.

If the bodies of Hokuto Hyuga and the Gekko Clan shinobi appeared there, they could retrieve them and give their families and companions an answer.

"Shido Akimichi. Kaede Yamanaka."

Danzo summoned two subordinates accompanying the army.

One was a shinobi of the Akimichi Clan, skilled in the Expansion Jutsu that enhanced the body through Yang Release ninjutsu, as well as brute strength.

The other belonged to the Yamanaka Clan, with a clear mind and quick thoughts, highly skilled in sensory abilities and Mental Secret Techniques.

The two nodded upon receiving the mission and immediately departed.

Watching them vanish into the rain.

Danzo then turned to the others. "Transport Shinya Senju and the others' bodies back to the village."

Everyone answered, "Yes."

Releasing the News, Publicly Auctioning the Bodies

A small town in the Land of Rain.

On its ruined streets, Shennong and Mingren walked side by side.

War had destroyed many things.

This town had also been burned down because of the war. Despite its vast grounds, there was not a single living person.

Dry corpses could even be seen scattered everywhere.

Mingren surveyed his surroundings, taking in the miserable scene.

"You've seen this many times already, haven't you?"

Shennong did not know what there was to look at.

Over five years, master and disciple had traveled across the mountains and lands of the Land of Rain.

Along the way, they had witnessed countless human tragedies.

In theory, no matter how deeply moved a person was, they would eventually grow numb.

"I will remember these scenes. They will constantly remind me not to forget to drive out the invaders."

Mingren continued observing as he answered.

Whether he became numb was unimportant.

What mattered was the truth, and the outcome.

"I have no right to forgive the invaders on behalf of the dead, but I can at least avenge them!"

The accumulation of experience also meant the accumulation of emotion.

When that utterly suppressed emotion erupted, it would be the moment this world changed completely.

There were too many tragedies in the Ninja World, suppressed for far too long.

It was time to make a change.

"I've hired people to spread the news. Many people will attend this auction."

Shennong nodded and brought up what came next.

Setting aside the body of the Transparent Release Kekkei Genkai shinobi.

The Hyuga Clan body alone was enough to draw the attention of many forces.

Though the Byakugan of a Branch Family member would be sealed after death.

There was no shortage of people in this world unwilling to give up.

If they took the body back for research, perhaps they might discover something.

And placing the body of a Hyuga Clan shinobi up for auction in the Underground Black Market.

To Konoha, such an act was undoubtedly a naked humiliation and slap in the face.

However, to prevent complications and keep things from spiraling out of control.

Shennong planned to hold the auction within two days after releasing the news.

Two days.

At most, only Sunagakure, Iwagakure, and Konoha would have time to react.

The more distant major shinobi villages of Kumogakure and Kirigakure would not have time to send anyone over.

In other words, the purpose of this body auction was simply to make a statement.

The Five Great Nations of the Ninja World would learn of the news, and the result would be everyone watching Konoha make a fool of itself.