Leaving the core of the Netherworld Marsh proved far easier than entering it. With the Altar destroyed, the cold, sinister will shrouding the marsh receded, and the thick fog gradually dispersed. Deprived of their energy supply and commands, the Corpse Puppets lurking underwater became truly lifeless once more and sank into the mud. Even the toxins and hallucinogens permeating the air seemed to have thinned somewhat.
Yet the squad's mood did not lighten. Ling had suffered serious internal injuries from forcibly detonating the energy core. Despite Shizune's continued treatment with her expert Medical Ninjutsu and his own powerful recovery abilities, his face remained pale, and his breathing was much weaker than usual. He refused Neji and Yamato's support and insisted on walking unaided, though his pace was far slower than on the way in.
The rescued Grass Ninja were still shaken and severely exhausted, supporting one another as they followed behind. From their halting, fear-filled accounts, the squad learned that Kusagakure had sent them to investigate the disturbances in the Netherworld Marsh. Several days earlier, however, the black-robed cultists had ambushed them. Their comrades had been killed, while they had been captured to serve as sacrifices for the ritual.
"Those monsters... they called that black stone the 'Sacred Core'... They said that once the ritual succeeded, the great Sacred Lord would be able to project his power here and purify this filthy world..." a young Grass Ninja said in a trembling voice, deep terror still lingering in his eyes.
"Purify it? Through human sacrifice?" Shizune's brow furrowed, her voice thick with suppressed anger.
Yamato said gravely, "It seems the 'Sacred Lord' isn't merely a hidden organization. He's deliberately gathering followers and establishing strongholds, trying to 'descend' in some form."
Neji silently kept his Byakugan active, vigilantly scanning the marsh as