The Previous Story:
Since Konoha's ally Yukigakure was so far away, Konoha needed a way to send or receive support if a major crisis were to occur, such as war. Thusly this tunnel was created in secret, though should things turn bad between the two villages the tunnels could be destroyed by either side. Only high ranking Anbu and the Kage's of the current administration knew how though. The tunnel is stabilized by sealing jutsu enabling it to take a lot of punishment before the threat of collapsing.
Since Konoha's ally Yukigakure was so far away, Konoha needed a way to send or receive support if a major crisis were to occur, such as war. Thusly this tunnel was created in secret, though should things turn bad between the two villages the tunnels could be destroyed by either side. Only high ranking Anbu and the Kage's of the current administration knew how though. The tunnel is stabilized by sealing jutsu enabling it to take a lot of punishment before the threat of collapsing.
Today's Story:
Uncovered by the Rogue Shinobi, Hotaru Ruzume, the Tunnels connecting the village of Konoha with the village of Otogakure, rebuilt in the ruins of Yukigakure, gave him and his criminal syndicate the perfect roots to build in secret. Over time the entrances were sealed with materials to hide the chakra of those within the tunnels and guard emplacements were carved into the mountain itself. The tunnel that once existed for aid between the villages would now allow the Bandit Hotaru to keep an eye between the two villages, on both of his enemies should they choose to act against his wishes.