Takigakure.
As a missing-nin, Kakuzu knew the secret passages in and out.
The two of them entered the village through a hidden pool. As soon as they emerged from the cave, Kazama Kaguya was startled by the layout of Takigakure.
It was a combination of a massive sinkhole and an underground cavern, hidden deep beneath the earth.
At its center lay a vast, pale green lake. A colossal tree stood in the water, its branches lush and full of life.
Around the lake were the cavern walls and mountainsides, with rows of houses built around the tree and the water.
Daylight pierced the mist at the top of the sinkhole and fell upon the giant tree, bringing ample light to the village.
The scene was like a secluded paradise, filled with an air of peace and tranquility.
"Is this Takigakure?" Kazama Kaguya exclaimed.
"That's right. This is Takigakure."
Kakuzu replied, a trace of nostalgia and melancholy flickering in his eyes before vanishing almost at once.
If only things had been different back then... No, it's all in the past. I'm just a missing-nin now.
There were many complicated reasons behind his defection.
Kazama Kaguya had no interest in Kakuzu's feelings. The moment he saw the giant tree, his heart had begun to pound.
The diamond-shaped [Karma Seed] imprinted on his heart was flashing, as if eagerly sensing something.
An inexplicable yearning welled up inside him. It was like a newborn craving milk, or a traveler who had gone thirsty in the desert for ages longing for a sip of clear water.
But the feeling came and went in an instant.
The [Karma Seed] seemed to sense that something was amiss. Its light stopped at once, and it returned to its former aloofness.
"There's something wrong with that tree." Kazama Kaguya