A cool autumn morning.
After a long night, Natsume hadn't slept at all.
Luckily, with a Sage Body, a sleepless night wasn't a big deal.
"In the Land of Demons, wear this."
Natsume unsealed a scroll and took out a Konoha jonin flak vest.
Without some disguise, Kaguya stood out far too much.
Anyone would know something was off at a glance.
In the past, convincing Kaguya to change outfits would take a lot of talking.
But now, she happened to be in a very good mood.
So she said nothing and put it on immediately.
Satisfied, Natsume kissed her forehead.
He got up and opened the door.
Breakfast had already been prepared.
But Natsume knew Kaguya wouldn't eat food made by others, so he borrowed the kitchen to make her a bowl of noodles.
After breakfast.
At the table, Natsume said, "We're about to enter the Land of Demons."
Kaguya stared at him, not caring what he was saying.
Only Hinata looked uneasy.
She wasn't afraid of danger—she was worried she wouldn't perform well.
If so, she'd feel unworthy of the Demon-Breaker Bow and the Empty Fist he'd given her.
"This time, not only Konoha accepted the commission—other villages did too—so there might be conflict."
Natsume looked at Kaguya, met her gaze for a moment, and said, "Especially you—don't act without my say-so."
Honestly, that was risky to say.
If their relationship hadn't advanced, he wouldn't dare tell the ultimate final boss to listen to him.
Kaguya's face stayed cool, expressionless.
Natsume knew that meant she agreed, and breathed easier.
If she acted at will, the scene would be terrifying.
"As for Hinata, don't worry about the mission—just keep yourself safe."
Natsume smiled. "Understand? Don't try to be a hero."
Hinata blushed and nodded.
She heard the implied meaning.
Which proved he'd noticed the thoughts she'd just had.
Another half hour passed; the train stopped.
They arrived at the station closest to the Land of Demons.
Beyond this point, there were no tracks.
But Natsume intended to use this mission to negotiate cooperation with Shion.
At least extend the railway.
Compared with the Land of Snow, the Land of Demons wasn't so cold, and there was no snow in sight.
Natsume took out a map, glanced at it. "This way."
Their destination was, of course, the priestess's palace.
This special country, like a millennium ago, still kept the tradition of the priestess also being the feudal lord.
"Why in a valley?"
Naturally, to protect Shion.
Though the priestess was the daimyo in name, she didn't actually handle any government affairs.
Yeah—coasting.
"You must be Lord Hokage?"
A young man dressed as a guard approached. "I'm Taruho, in charge of this palace's security."
He glanced over the three of them, slightly disappointed.
Too few people.
Even if Natsume was formidable, he was still just one person.
But his face showed nothing.
"Mm."
Natsume nodded and asked casually, "What exactly is our mission?"
Taruho secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Much easier to talk to than Yugito Nii earlier.
No Hokage airs at all.
"Back then, Moryo was sealed in shrines located in the Land of Demons and the Land of Swamps. If the Yomi cultists want to resurrect it, they must go to those two places."
Taruho said gravely, "By Lady Priestess's orders, Konoha and Kumo will each guard one shrine. What does Lord Hokage think?"
"No problem."
As expected, Natsume smiled. "Since we accepted the commission, we'll follow the priestess's arrangements."
"Thank you for your understanding, Lord Hokage."
Taruho immediately produced a map and pointed to a black dot. "This is where the Land of Swamps' sealing shrine is."
No doubt they wanted Konoha to guard the Land of Swamps' shrine.
Natsume thought a moment, then agreed.
In the original, Yomi went to the Land of Demons' shrine first.
He used dark medical ninjutsu to stitch Moryo's soul into himself, gaining near-infinite power.
Letting Kumo taste some bad luck wasn't a bad idea.
After the tasking was done, Taruho bowed slightly. "Lord Hokage, the priestess would like to see you alone."
"You two wait here."
Natsume instructed them, then followed Taruho into the palace.
Kumo's people were already gone—likely heading straight for the shrine.
"Lady Priestess is inside."
Taruho stopped at the door, apparently not planning to enter.
Natsume nodded and went in.
"You're Lord Natsume?"
Shion asked curiously.
Her eyes kept studying him.
Aside from his overly handsome face, there wasn't anything particularly special.
"That's me."
Natsume smiled. "What does Lady Priestess need from me?"
Shion fell silent.
She just wanted to see what kind of person the Natsume predicted by Priestess Kukuri was.
After thinking for a moment, she asked, "If Moryo is resurrected, can you handle it?"
"Yes."
Natsume replied evenly.
"…"
Shion's mouth opened, but she held back the words.
He answered too quickly, making it sound like Moryo was some stray cat or dog—not worth mentioning.
Was the person Priestess Kukuri spoke of really this excessively young Hokage?
Shion hopped lightly off her seat and walked up to Natsume.
Complex patterns appeared in her eyes.
A sign that her prophecy was activating.
Moments later, she exhaled, looking at Natsume in amazement.
Because she couldn't see his future.
A first for her.
"What is it?"
Knowing her ability, Natsume asked, "Did you see my death?"
"No."
Shion shook her head honestly. "I can't foresee your death."
Can't?
Natsume rubbed his chin.
Is it because of Kaguya?
"Whatever the reason, that's good news."
A smile appeared on Shion's face.
The more unusual, the more miraculous Natsume seemed, and the more likely he could handle Moryo.
That way, she wouldn't have to sacrifice her life like her mother Miroku did.
Natsume glanced at the bell charm necklace she wore.
If he remembered right, it sealed Shion's power—a keepsake from her mother Miroku.
In other words, this girl was quite capable.
Mm, she could join his Heaven's Mandate.
Their conversation ended, and Natsume turned to leave.
He declined Taruho's offer to rest. They set off again toward the Land of Swamps.