Chino's Heart Was Finally Put at Ease, and Guren's Plea for Help

Hell Valley,

a region located within the Land of Hot Water, yet utterly at odds with the nation's overall peaceful image.

There was no grass or trees, no insects or beasts, no birds,

only jagged mountain rocks and crimson pool water surging up from the earth.

As far as the eye could see, it was barren,

perfectly living up to the name Hell Valley.

Recently, however, this silent valley had received several visitors.

"Sorry to trouble you, Arata."

Looking at the already completed massive tombstone, Chino murmured with a grief-stricken expression.

"No, this is something our clan should do."

"Or rather, something we can only do to make amends."

As the surrounding clan members gradually gathered, everyone's eyes fell, as if by unspoken agreement, upon the enormous tombstone rising from the ground. Their gazes held mourning and guilt.

This was a cenotaph built entirely by members of the Uchiha Clan,

with the words Chinoike Clan inscribed upon it,

and beneath it lay all the bones that could be collected from this place.

It carried the current generation of the Uchiha Clan's mourning for the Chinoike Clan, as well as their apology to Chino.

When Arata recounted this history to the clan, every member fell silent. Only those who had experienced persecution could truly understand the pain and helplessness of the persecuted.

They had to do something—it became an obsession. Even Arata's intention to go to the Land of Lightning and settle accounts with Shimura Danzō had been forcibly delayed.

After discussion,

this cenotaph, intended for mourning, came into being.

Of course, its purpose was not solely to mourn. It was also meant to restrain the clan's tendency toward emotional extremes and the bellicose instincts flowing through their blood.

"It's enough."

"Besides, this was the previous generation's problem. It was the