Chapter 7: The Discovery
A couple of days later, Kaza was released from the hospital and returned home. He was overjoyed to be back in his own bed and to have the chance to relax. He knew he had some time to recover before his next mission. During this period, Sai and Ayeka would be on a mission with Yoshito, traveling with a wagon to the Mist Village. It wasn't a dangerous assignment, but they were going, which meant that Kaza would be at home with no work to do, except for one thing: figuring out the mysterious location detailed in the scroll.
That afternoon, Kaza found himself with Ino. The two had become a team of their own, forming a strong and supportive partnership and friendship. Ino, was curious about this mystery as much as Kaza was. The pair set out together, with Kaza taking the lead as they headed towards the Clan Temple lands.
Kaza, of course, took the lead since he knew these lands well, but Ino didn't. She was amazed at the beauty of the Togusa lands. Kaza gave her a small smile as he looked back at her. "Now, these lands I know better than anyone else alive," he said proudly, displaying his knowledge. "This area is near the shrine. I'm surprised I haven't figured it out before now, though. It's strange. I've been all over this land, but found nothing in that location."
"Well, maybe it's something really minor, or perhaps it's connected to the ring. It could be a genjutsu cast to prevent it from being seen until the ring went dead," Ino speculated, thinking that there might be a trick to hide this location. She had heard of the Togusa clan and doubted anyone before Kaza had completed the ring challenge, which meant that this door had remained hidden for years. Otherwise, they would likely be held in higher regard.
The two arrived at the location, where a small structure jutted out of the land, with a door that led to a larger area below. The pair approached the door and saw that the lock was essentially the ring itself. It seemed to be the challenge to unlock the place. Kaza carefully inserted the ring into the door and turned the handle. The door opened easily, producing a squeaking sound as he pushed it open, revealing a set of old marble stairs leading downward.
As they descended, Kaza's footsteps echoed in the silence. Ino had found an old torch that she used to provide them with light. When they reached the bottom of the stairs, they entered a large room that suddenly lit up as if by magic, not with a normal light, but with the glow of a prearranged jutsu built into the room itself. This illuminated the room and allowed the two explorers to see the world around them clearly.
The room was astonishing, with vast dimensions stretching a hundred meters by a hundred meters. It had large bookshelves or scroll cases lining the walls, with statues of forgotten Togusa members and important clan leaders positioned between the shelves. The statues included the father and grandfather of Hashirama and the ancestors of Ino, Shikamaru, and most of the key clans. The documents within were historical, legal, and cultural, going back over a hundred, two hundred, and even three hundred years in length. In the center of the room, a statue depicted a Togusa clan head shaking hands with Hashirama Senju himself. Two documents were placed there, one detailing the agreement between the two men for the sale of Konohagakure's land to Hashirama and Madara, and the other providing information on the light release, the very jutsu that kept the room illuminated.
Ino and Kaza were in awe, surrounded by so much history and so many unknown things. It was shocking to think that this place had been hidden for years, either due to lack of support for the clan or the misfortune of the clan's inability to open the door. Then again, had they tried, it likely would have been lost given the Togusa clan's previous track record as ninja.
"I think we need to tell someone about this, Kaza," Ino said, still looking around in amazement. "Like the Hokage," she added, and Kaza nodded in agreement, still in shock that this had been beneath his feet for years without his knowledge. He carefully examined the two documents, reading them one at a time, before wrapping them up and placing one under each arm.
"Ino, one of these is the agreement for the sale of Konoha's land to the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, and Madara Uchiha. The other is about my clan's kekkai genkai, the light release," Kaza explained, still absorbing the information. "It sounds nearly impossible, but anyone who passes the challenge can learn it. That's the first step."
Ino nodded, her voice filled with wonder as she looked around. "Then I think we really should get that first document to the Hokage. He must know about this," she suggested. She smiled at Kaza, adding, "I think we have something to work on, pal. I'm sure together, with everyone's help, you can figure out this light release."
As the pair prepared to leave, Kaza made sure the door was secure and safe. Then they walked together to the Hokage's office, eager to share their incredible discovery with Hiruzen.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, sat at his desk in the Hokage's office, engrossed in paperwork as usual. He had a weary look on his face, a testament to the never-ending responsibilities that came with leading the village. His office was filled with the weight of his duties, and he was just about to tackle another stack of documents when there was a knock at the door.
"Come in," he called out, expecting another request or report from one of the village's shinobi.
To his surprise, the door opened, revealing Kaza Togusa and Ino Yamanaka, both looking excited and slightly out of breath. Hiruzen raised an eyebrow, setting aside his paperwork. "What brings you two here?" he inquired, curiosity piqued.
Kaza stepped forward, holding two rolled-up scrolls in his arms. "Hokage-sama," he began, "we've made an incredible discovery on Togusa clan lands. It's something that has been hidden for years, and we believe it's of great historical and strategic significance."
Ino nodded in agreement, her eyes shining with enthusiasm. "We found an underground chamber filled with ancient documents, including an agreement between the Togusa clan and the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, for the sale of Konohagakure's land. There's also information about a unique kekkai genkai known as the light release."
Hiruzen's interest was piqued, and he leaned forward, his eyes narrowing in focus. "An agreement with the First Hokage?" he repeated, clearly intrigued. "And a kekkai genkai? This is indeed significant. Show me what you've found."
Kaza carefully unrolled one of the scrolls, revealing the detailed agreement between the Togusa clan and Hashirama Senju. Hiruzen's eyes widened as he read the historical document, realizing the implications of the land sale.
"This is remarkable," Hiruzen murmured, almost to himself. "The sale of the land on which Konohagakure stands. It's a piece of our village's history that's been lost for generations."
Ino handed him the second scroll, which contained information about the light release. "And this, Hokage-sama, is information about the Togusa clan's unique kekkai genkai. It seems that anyone who passes a challenge can learn it."
Hiruzen's gaze shifted between the two young shinobi, his expression a mix of amazement and gratitude. "You've done a tremendous service to the village by uncovering this hidden history. I cannot express how valuable this information is."
He stood up from his desk, his aged features taking on a more determined look. "We must preserve and study these documents further. I'll assemble a team of historians and experts to go through them in detail. Kaza, Ino, you've earned the village's gratitude. Thank you for your diligence and dedication to uncovering our past."
Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of pride in the village and its young shinobi as he realized that the history of Konohagakure was still being uncovered, even after all these years.
Kaza looked at the Hokage and said, "I promise to work hard to achieve this kekkai genkai. I know no one else in my clan has achieved it, but I will figure it out. I promise you this." His voice carried determination, and his natural hardworking nature was evident in his words.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, listened to Kaza's words with a thoughtful expression. He could see the determination and sincerity in the young ninja's eyes and voice. It reminded him of the qualities that made Konoha's shinobi so exceptional.
He nodded approvingly and spoke, "Kaza, your commitment and dedication to mastering this kekkai genkai are commendable. I have no doubt that with your determination, you will make great progress. Remember that the village and its resources are here to support you in your endeavor."
The Third Hokage's encouragement and support were evident as he continued, "This discovery has the potential to bring new strength to our village. I have faith in your abilities and your commitment to uncovering the secrets of the light release. Work hard, train diligently, and do not hesitate to seek guidance when needed. Together, we can unlock this hidden potential."
Hiruzen's words were filled with a sense of hope and confidence in Kaza's abilities, reaffirming his belief in the young ninja's potential to achieve greatness for both himself and Konohagakure.