Back at the mansion, Shisui explained everything to Naoko and Himeya.
Naoko's expression hardened. "They experimented on people?"
Himeya looked down. "Typical of shinobi nations… bury the truth under petals and call it peace."
Later that day, Kaien summoned Team Nine for a covert mission.
Objective: Investigate a hidden laboratory buried in the western Ironroot Mountains—a place once marked off-limits by the village elders. Intelligence suggested recent activity there.
Before departing, Shisui stood on his balcony, looking out at the fields of blooming orchids.
"Peace isn't just about beauty," he murmured. "It's about protecting it from the rot underneath."
Naoko kissed his cheek, slipping a sealed scroll into his hand. "For emergencies. It contains a temporary Arch Energy purification tag. Just in case."
He smiled. "Thank you."
With that, Team Nine departed into the shadowed wilderness once more.
Beneath their feet, the petals of deception rustled quietly.
And in the distance, a cloaked figure stood atop the Ironroot cliffs, watching their approach, a twisted chakra aura blooming around them like a dying rose.