Chapter 483

Forced to work by the Five Great Nations, they built a prison called "Hozuki Castle" behind Kusagakure.

They were specifically responsible for guarding prisoners from the Five Great Nations.

It became a garbage dump.

Because of the oppression of the Five Great Nations, the Land of Grass is becoming increasingly impoverished.

Without economic resources and without entrusted tasks, it's a vicious cycle.

"Destroyed? How did they perish?"

Ringo Ameyuri is clearly very interested in all sorts of gossip.

"They were almost unifying the ninja world, how could they just suddenly turn to mush?"

"Have no idea."

Hanzō shook his head.

"No one knows why, but... the Land of Grass nearly perished overnight. Its vast territory was torn apart as a result..."

"Grandpa means... that Kumogakure Yugito to Kusagakure in an attempt to obtain the 'Box of Ultimate Bliss'?"

Detect the Asuka element.

Hanzō smiled, "At this time, at this point in time... everyone, think about it carefully, isn't this possible?"

The Box of Ultimate Bliss is a box of destruction, like Pandora's Box.

Once opened, the consequences are unknown.

But this is the current situation.

It's clear that Kumogakure is planning to take a dangerous gamble.

After all, the Raikage had lost an arm and the Two-Tails.

In order to ensure combat effectiveness.

So... it's quite normal for them to covet the Box of Ultimate Bliss in Kusagakure.

"We must get that box before they do."

Ying crossed her arms and sat on the chair, speaking coldly.

I don't have to.

But you are not allowed to use it either.

This is Ying's idea.

"Then, let's find a crime to charge Neji and send Neji to Hozuki Castle. That will be a good opportunity to test his training over the past four years."

Shinnō smiled.

"Furthermore, I know a little about that box. It's said that a monster is imprisoned inside, and if it's not handled properly, it will be released. The culprit that caused the destruction of the Land of Grass 1000 years ago was probably that thing..."

Shinnō continued.

"However, I think the greatest value of that box is supposedly 'indestructible.' Gentlemen... do you know what that means?"

Mean.

Once the secret of the box is cracked.

Perhaps they can mass-produce a substance similar to the box.

Whether used for development and construction or for the forging of weapons, it can further enhance the combat power of Amegakure... and even the Emperor.

Soon, everyone voted in favor.

"For the Emperor."

"Yes, for the Emperor."

404. The mother pays for the child's debt; Mikoto is in despair.

Amegakure, a secluded dwelling...

A young man with long, flowing hair sat quietly on the edge of the bed.

A black curtain, like an eye mask, covered his eyes.

His deeply sunken eye sockets indicate that he is blind.

Neji Hyuga, male, will soon turn 18.

Unlike the white-themed outfits of the past.

At this moment, Neji was dressed in black, just like the deep darkness.

Soon, footsteps could be heard outside.

Hizashi Hyuga and Shinnō entered the house, bringing Neji a mission.

"Neji..."

"Let me explain."

Shinnō told Neji what had happened.

The plan is to have him infiltrate Kusagakure and investigate the secrets of Kumogakure.

Perhaps the Kumogakure really wants the Box of Ultimate Bliss.

Or perhaps they simply want to find the culprit Yugito.

Or perhaps both.

"Before the plan to destroy Konoha is implemented... you will infiltrate Kusagakure and find out everything."

Shinnō gave instructions.

"You are the most suitable candidate..."

As for why, you'll find out soon enough.

Neji was confirmed as a "criminal" not long ago.

Amegakure then informed Kusagakure.

Send someone to take Neji away.

Those imprisoned in the Hozuki Castle will never see the outside world again for the rest of their lives.

In theory... that's correct.

At the same time.

Two kilometers above Amegakure lies the aerial fortress, Ancor Vantian.

Inside the Black Prison.

Mikoto Uchiha has already finished her breakfast today.

After last night and this morning, Mikoto Uchiha was interrogated by Akito using various methods.

Kushina, who was standing to the side, watched the entire process unfold.

Therefore, having witnessed Amakawa Akito's interrogation methods once again, she was filled with immense fear and could not even stand steadily.

Of course, even so, Akito did not subject Mikoto Uchiha to that final step of punishment.

To some extent, Mikoto Uchiha managed to maintain her dignity.

But.

Today, the Akito are preparing to enter the final stage of the trial.

"Mrs. Mikoto".

The Akito sat lazily on the sofa.

Kushina immediately released her hands from Mikoto's head. She took a few steps back, staring wide-eyed at the coughing Mikoto.

Clearly, Mikoto choked while drinking the porridge.

Today's breakfast is congee with preserved egg.

However, Mikoto Uchiha doesn't seem to like the taste of preserved eggs.

But as a prisoner, she had no right to be picky about food.

On the other hand, Kushina would probably get hungry just looking at it.

Her eyes revealed an appetite and longing that she herself was unaware of.

Akito naturally forbade Kushina from eating breakfast. Because the true punishment is to withhold what someone wants most.

Once Mikoto Uchiha's cough had subsided.

Kushina helped her up from the ground after she had fallen to her side.

"Your son... Sasuke Uchiha, attacked me during the Five Kage Summit..."

Mikoto Uchiha: "!!!"

Her first reaction.

It is as if Amakawa Akito would kill her own child as she killed her husband.

Mikoto Uchiha's face turned pale instantly, and her lips trembled.

Even so, Mikoto Uchiha had no intention of begging.

Killed Sasuke?

That's... something that can't be helped.

Mikoto Uchiha is a woman who would follow her husband's lead and do anything for him.

Akito had spoken with her before and confirmed Mikoto Uchiha's thoughts.

At that time... Mikoto Uchiha believed in her mind.

Even if the night of annihilation arrives, and her entire family is wiped out, she can accept the outcome.

Because she obeyed her husband's arrangements in everything.

In other words.

Akito couldn't use Sasuke and Itachi's lives to threaten Mikoto Uchiha.

This woman... her determination is terrifying.

This is completely different from Kushina.

"Mikoto..."

Kushina watched Mikoto Uchiha silently, her heart filled with anxiety.

"You'd better give in already..."

She thought to herself.

If he yields, Amakawa Akito will let Sasuke.

However, Mikoto Uchiha took a deep breath, looked at the ground, and remained calm.

Look at him.

It's clearly saying, "Even if you kill Sasuke, I won't beg you."

"..."

As Mikoto Uchiha's best friend for many years, Kushina was well aware of the thoughts revealed by the latter's resolute expression.

No, Mikoto ~~.

Kushina was anxious.

No matter what, we can't let the child die...

As a mother herself, Kushina's love for children clearly surpasses that of Mikoto Uchiha.