A-Li

Arata did not go to the prison holding A-Li until the third day after returning to Yogakure.

Though it was called a prison, it was really just the existing prison in the Land of Hot Water reinforced; no new facility had been specially built.

Naturally, its defenses were far tighter than before.

Not only were shinobi visibly stationed there, but an Anbu squad also rotated shifts in secret. Moreover, after Arata led his clan away from Konoha, the entire Uchiha Clan had been integrating into the Land of Hot Water's system at an astonishing pace.

Now, every Anbu squad had at least one Uchiha clansman with an activated Sharingan.

With the support of such a dōjutsu, Anbu squads were greatly enhanced and assisted in carrying out all kinds of missions.

This prison also differed somewhat in construction from Konoha's high-security facilities.

Rather than being isolated in a separate mineral zone, it had been built deep underground. Walking through it gave Arata the illusion of entering one of Orochimaru's hideouts.

Not only was it similarly built beneath the surface, but the rows of opposing cells followed a very similar layout.

"Clan Head."

"Yogakure-sama."

As he proceeded deeper into the corridor, several shinobi wearing white masks quietly appeared along his path. Though they tried to lower their voices, they could not suppress the excitement and fervor within them.

Especially that form of address.

They were undoubtedly the Anbu members currently on prison duty.

And it had to be said that many of the departments and organizations established by Konoha were highly practical and necessary.

For example, the Anbu.

Their purpose was to undertake every important mission.

"Mm. Good work."

Arata nodded lightly in response to the four companions before him.

Still, there was a trace of helplessness in his tone, because he