While Konoha was slowly being rebuilt, far from Konoha, within the Land of Rain, beneath a massive cliff stood the pale, towering Las Noches. Like a silent, colossal monster, it exuded an overwhelming sense of intimidation.
Even when the warm sunlight shone down from the sky, it brought only a trace of desolation as it fell upon the pale, weathered Las Noches, without the slightest warmth.
"Whoosh..."
A gust of wind gently swept past the exterior of Las Noches, adding a touch of bleakness to the immense palace.
On the empty plain outside the vast palace stood countless figures, all dressed in uniform white clothing.
They gazed upward, their faces filled with varying degrees of shock, their pupils reflecting that enormous palace, like a divine miracle.
They had once held different identities. Some had come from Amegakure and had merely been ordinary civilians; others had been Amegakure shinobi.
Others were rogue shinobi from various major ninja villages, or even bandits and brigands!
But now, they had only one identity: members of the Hollow Spirit Empire!
Before this, they had all received injections of the serum that changed the course of their lives, completely transforming their very species.
Before them, close to the palace exterior, rows of figures of varying heights stood motionless, like statues.
Among them were the members of Akatsuki, as well as those who had already resided within Las Noches. Their expressions were tense, and none spoke. They simply stared silently at the tall, empty stone throne atop the steps.
At that moment, a faint sound from the palace steps ahead caught their attention.
"Tap!" "Tap!" "Tap!"...
As measured footsteps slowly echoed across the stairs, everyone immediately lifted their heads to look.
Far behind them, those who had already become members of the Hollow Spirit Empire also raised