In the newly expanded deep underground space on the outskirts of Konoha, eighty meters below the surface, a location this secluded was…perfectly suited for "black labor."
Kakashi, Tenzo, and Habara were currently within this subterranean space, or rather, they were the ones who had excavated it.
"Get your bearings, and then let's get to work," Habara said, lighting the torches on the walls one by one.
Finding their bearings wasn't difficult, but Kakashi couldn't help but ask, "Habara, shouldn't a project of this magnitude involve more manpower?"
Kakashi was known for his laziness, yet whenever he was with Habara, it felt like he was constantly engaged in heavy, monotonous earthworks.
"Considering this could potentially become Konoha's lifeline in the future, the fewer people who know about it, the better. Entrusting this work to us demonstrates the village's complete faith in us," Habara replied casually.
Trust or no trust, the decision to use a small team was definitely driven by secrecy. Habara wasn't particularly concerned about being trusted, but the more clandestine this project was, the safer Daigo's true body would be. Caution was paramount.
Hearing Habara's explanation, Kakashi was speechless. Fine, back to work it was.
The three took turns using Earth Release to carve out a "tunnel" in a specific direction. For this mission, Kakashi had unhesitatingly taught Habara and Tenzo several Earth Release ninjutsu, free of charge. He practically forced them to learn; Habara hadn't expected Kakashi to be such an eager teacher.
Habara and Tenzo were already proficient in converting chakra to the earth element, so learning Earth Release techniques came naturally.
Once the tunnel had extended a considerable distance, Kakashi took over the earth manipulation. This was because Tenzo was in charge of the "finishing touches," using his Wood Release to reinforce the tunnel walls. His job was actually the most strenuous.
Habara was responsible for laying down special conduits at the rear. These conduits looked like thick, wrist-sized cables and were designed for chakra conduction. They were laid in parallel pairs, one primary and one backup… in case they needed to expand bandwidth in the future.
Only Habara could manufacture these, proving that his workload was no less demanding. He was just another member of the "black labor" crew.
In addition, he had to set up various preventative measures within the tunnel: formulas to conceal chakra fluctuations, anti-detection seals, and even physical labyrinths. All of this was necessary to prevent certain aloe vera-like individuals, who were adept at burrowing, from discovering the place.
As long as it was properly hidden, even Zetsu, who excelled at intelligence gathering, wouldn't bother digging nearly a hundred meters underground. They weren't that bored. Outsiders couldn't possibly comprehend the importance, urgency, and gravity of reviving their mother, Kaguya.
It was only because Habara had acquired a massive amount of chakra that he could even handle this job.
A three-man construction crew had taken on an unprecedented project. However, since Habara's work speed depended on Tenzo and Kakashi's efficiency, he could occasionally take short breaks.
"Kakashi, Tenzo, let's rest for a bit."
Perhaps feeling guilty about resting alone, Habara would also ask the other two to take a break. Despite the importance of the project, they weren't on a tight deadline, which was a small blessing in an otherwise unfortunate situation.
Kakashi and Tenzo's agreement followed shortly. A few moments later, they rejoined Habara and slumped to the ground.
After replenishing their food and water, Kakashi leaned against the wall with his legs stretched out, looking utterly defeated. He was one of the village's top-tier combatants, so why was he stuck doing this kind of work?
"Habara, will the three institutions really operate smoothly?" he suddenly asked.
Habara had been lost in thought. This scene of being hidden in a large underground hole felt strangely familiar. He thought carefully and realized that they seemed to be doing a "nationwide transmutation circle" here.
Then he heard Kakashi's question.
"You've already tested the effects, haven't you? Of course, it will work. Otherwise, the higher-ups wouldn't have agreed to this massive earthworks project."
"No… that's true, but I'm having trouble imagining what the village will be like once all the systems are operational."
"There will definitely be some changes, but isn't change better than stagnation and decay?" Habara said lightly.
What chain reactions would these small changes trigger, and whether those reactions would be good or bad, was impossible to predict. But Habara felt there was nothing to worry about. If it succeeded, it would be the Konoha Reformation Plan. If it failed…well, at worst, it would be the Konoha Destruction Plan.
So, there was no need to fret too much. Just relax.
"You're overthinking things. Look at Tenzo, he doesn't have all these pointless worries," Habara added.
Tenzo silently sipped his water. I'm just a black laborer, he thought. What do I have to worry about? Aside from whether I've picked enough cotton today, there's nothing else to concern me.
After eating and drinking, Kakashi flipped his wrist, revealing a small pillar-shaped blue crystal held between his fingertips. He then popped the crystal into his mouth, tucking it under his tongue.
A Philosopher's Crystal? The action stunned Habara. He had no idea who had taught Kakashi that, but it made them look even more like they were working on a "nationwide transmutation circle."
"Senior Kakashi, I have a question for you too… how do you make a place 'disappear'?" As he spoke, Habara reached for a scroll placed beside him.
"Disappear?" Kakashi didn't give it much thought. He simply held out his left hand, clenched his fingers into a fist, and then abruptly opened them in an "explosion" gesture.
A believer in explosive force? It was a good answer; Habara appreciated Kakashi's approach. Physical obliteration worked in most cases, but it wasn't the solution he was looking for here.
Habara shook his head and gave the answer, "That's one way to solve the problem, but it's not the right one here. The correct answer is… a place that can't be reached is a place that has disappeared."
Kakashi: "…"
He felt like he'd just listened to a whole lot of nothing.
"Alright, you wouldn't understand my plan with your level of intelligence. You'll see when the time comes. For now…get back to digging."
Habara sighed with a look of resignation. Playing the lute to a cow; few are true kindred spirits, and when the strings break, who is there to listen?