The Gelel Mine was a mineral deposit that appeared in the movie Naruto the Movie: Legend of the Stone of Gelel. According to some accounts, the power contained within it was enough to destroy half a continent.
Kurogane Ren didn't believe it possessed such exaggerated power. More likely, it was due to the limited perspective of those describing it, or a deliberate exaggeration meant to emphasize the danger.
However, there was no denying that the energy within the Gelel Mine was immense.
From what he recalled, the power of the Gelel Mine didn't seem to be chakra. Instead, it resembled natural energy infused heavily with Yang Release.
The reason he thought so was simple: even the residual energy leaking from it could completely heal severely injured individuals and even cause barren rock walls to sprout vegetation.
Moreover, the boy who had a Gelel Stone implanted—Temujin, the central character of that movie—possessed a physique that allowed him to rival Naruto Uzumaki, even with the Nine-Tails sealed within him.
Both of them had fallen from cliffs, suffered similar injuries, and yet their recovery speeds were nearly identical.
That level of regenerative ability, rivaling the Nine-Tails, was simply absurd.
To Kurogane Ren, this gave off a strong resemblance to Hashirama Senju's Sage Body—albeit a downgraded version.
As for why he believed it was related to natural energy, the antagonists in that movie used the Gelel Stone to transform into monstrous forms resembling animals—apes, bats, and more.
This closely mirrored the effects of natural energy. Sage Mode from Mount Myoboku could turn users frog-like, while the Sage Mode of Ryuchi Cave allowed transformations resembling dragons.
Additionally, Orochimaru's cursed seals, which involved absorbing natural energy, also caused users to transform into monstrous forms. Even Mizuki, after using Orochimaru's incomplete research, had transformed into a tiger-like creature.
All these examples pointed to a strong similarity between the Gelel Mine's energy and natural energy.
Kurogane Ren didn't know exactly what it was. It probably wasn't chakra—but that didn't matter.
What he needed was its ability to grant a regenerative capacity comparable to that of the Nine-Tails.
As for enhancing physical strength, that required long-term accumulation, and even after more than a decade, the improvement only brought Temujin to Naruto's level at the time—not nearly enough.
But if he could integrate that power into himself, then theoretically, he could train his body without limits—pushing himself to the brink of death repeatedly, as long as he didn't actually die.
The next day, he successfully received a mission from Minato Namikaze and left the village.
He still remembered the surprised expression on Minato's face when he asked for a mission.
Then, with a teasing tone, Minato had said, "Senpai, you're finally taking a mission. If you stayed in the lab any longer, I might've had to suspend the sealing team's research funds just to force you to rest."
"Don't. I'm just taking a mission to relax a bit," Kurogane Ren had replied lazily with a yawn.
"Alright," Minato had nodded. "After completing the mission, you can take some time to travel outside. No need to rush back."
"I'll think about it," Kurogane Ren had said, not refusing.
And so, he left Konoha and arrived in the Land of Rivers.
The Gelel Mine was located in this region. In the original story, its forces had attacked Sunagakure and later encountered Konoha ninjas, placing it somewhere between the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind.
And that place… was the Land of Rivers.
Kurogane Ren had already sent subordinates here years ago to gather intelligence—so long ago that he had nearly forgotten about it. That was why, when the crows notified him, he hadn't immediately reacted.
"My lord, this is all the information I've compiled," the leader of his subordinates said nervously, sweat forming on his forehead as he handed over a scroll.
He was afraid of displeasing Kurogane Ren and being subjected to the "Life and Death Talisman." Even after several years, he still vividly remembered that unbearable pain.
Moreover, he wasn't entirely confident in the accuracy of the information.
After all, Kurogane Ren had ordered them to begin searching years ago—but the Temujin they found was only about one year old. It seemed too early, making him suspect it might just be someone with the same name.
Yet he hadn't been able to find anyone else named Temujin. With time running out, he had no choice but to compile the report and present it.
Kurogane Ren examined the scroll. It was divided into three sections: one about Temujin's village, one about the wandering merchant group known as the Nomads, and the last about the merchant Haido.
Looking at Temujin's age, he thought for a moment. It seemed about right—Temujin wasn't much older than Naruto.
The section on the Nomads was particularly detailed. Not only had their members been investigated, but their travel routes over the years had also been recorded. Although their paths differed each year, they always passed through a specific location.
That location, they concluded, was likely what Kurogane Ren was searching for.
As for Haido, the antagonist, the information was even more thorough. As a wealthy merchant, his background had been easier to trace.
"Not bad. This is well done," Kurogane Ren said after finishing the report, genuinely impressed by the thoroughness.
"I'm glad you're satisfied, my lord," the leader said, finally letting out a sigh of relief.
But soon, fear crept back into his heart.
If this information was correct… then Kurogane Ren had ordered them years in advance to search for someone who hadn't even been born yet at the time?
The thought alone was terrifying.
The more he thought about it, the more incomprehensible Kurogane Ren's power seemed.
"Don't think about things you shouldn't," Kurogane Ren said coldly, glancing at him. "Work for me, and you'll have wealth and status."
"Yes… understood," the leader quickly replied, suppressing his thoughts.
In fact, a strange sense of reassurance emerged within him. The more unfathomable Kurogane Ren was, the better—it meant their lives were likely beneath his notice, as long as they fulfilled their duties.
"This is your reward," Kurogane Ren said, producing a large chest filled with gold and jewels. He had no intention of being stingy in this regard.
"Thank you, my lord!" The leader's eyes lit up at the sight, practically drooling. His subordinates were even worse—if not for fear, they might have already pounced on it.
"You've earned it. Return and await further orders," Kurogane Ren instructed.
"Yes!"
With that, Kurogane Ren left, leaving behind a group of men staring greedily at the treasure chest.
The leader took a deep breath. He had once believed they were nothing more than expendable tools under the Life and Death Talisman, destined to work without reward.
But now…
This might actually be their fortune.
After all, people die for wealth, just as birds die for food. If the reward was great enough, what was a single life worth?
Besides… they were still alive, weren't they?
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