Several days later...
Konoha welcomed an unexpected guest.
Just as the shrine of the priestess behind Konoha was being actively renovated, the Daimyo of the Land of Demons paid a visit.
Coming in the name of the Daimyo, regardless of the past brain battles between the ninjas of Konoha and the Land of Demons, Konoha could not show the slightest disrespect to a Daimyo.
Because that's just how the rules of this world work.
After three Shinobi World Wars, with countless lives lost, the Daimyo class remained virtually untouched.
"Hehehe... Your Highness has traveled far. It must have been exhausting…"
Hiruzen Sarutobi, standing at the entrance of the Hokage building, welcomed the young man dressed in luxurious robes.
His ancient attire gave off a sense of long-standing history.
And indeed, it was true.
The Land of Demons had a thousand-year legacy and had changed the least among nations.
They still wore Heian-period headgear and garments.
The fact that the rare and special role of a priestess still existed was likely because of this tradition.
"Lord Hokage, you're just as remarkable as the rumors say…"
The Daimyo of the Land of Demons smiled.
Though his tone was arrogant, he maintained the necessary decorum.
As for his purpose in coming all this way... naturally, it was to retrieve his wife and daughter.
He had already made arrangements with the Daimyo of the Land of Fire.
If the Hokage refused...
Then he should be ready to be destroyed by the power of Moryo!
With that thought, and under the Third Hokage's invitation, he stepped confidently into the Hokage building.
---
Naruto stood in front of the newly renovated shrine of the priestess.
The sound of construction echoed around him.
The construction crew from the Land of Waves, with help from Konoha ninjas, had quickly raised a cluster of buildings.
After several days of assistance, the shrine on Konoha's rear mountainside was finally taking shape.
Notably...
The ascending path started from the mountainside next to the Hokage Rock, leading up to the ancient Uzumaki Shrine on the opposite high ridge.
As the heir of the Uzumaki Clan, Naruto naturally came here to observe and pay respects.
And at that moment, a pair of eyes was fixed on him.
Uchiha... Shisui.
Fugaku had sent him to ensure the priestess's safety during this mission.
In Shisui's plan...
By using the excuse of studying sealing techniques, the priestess would also watch over the Nine-Tails.
They would pretend not to know each other, and after his prayers, Naruto entered the newly renovated shrine courtyard...
---
One hour later.
While training, Naruto heard a voice from behind.
"Lord Naruto..."
It was Hyuga Aoba.
She clearly had something to report.
"The Daimyo of the Land of Demons... has arrived."
Naruto learned the accurate intel from her.
At the moment, the Daimyo was in talks with Lord Hokage.
As for the content of the discussion, that was beyond her reach.
"Also, after taking the second dose of the secret medicine, Lady's health has improved a lot…"
Aoba murmured.
But she also sweated more.
She had her suspicions as to why.
If this continued, the Lady would surely descend into darkness because of the burning effects...
To think that the noble matriarch of the main branch was using the secret medicine formulated by Naruto Uzumaki.
And she herself was personally assisting in the process.
Aoba couldn't help but feel a twisted sense of delight.
The tremble in her body made her shiver slightly.
Naturally, Naruto noticed her strange expression and subtle movements.
"It's raining outside..."
Naruto narrowed his eyes, suddenly gazing out.
"..."
Aoba lowered her head immediately.
The sound of rain reached her ears.
The noisy clatter of construction halted.
The workers... had stopped.
A sense of unease settled in her chest — how did he know what had just happened...?
The more time passed, the less she dared to underestimate this boy.
Though still young, he had a mind more terrifying than most adults.
"Come on, let's go see Aunt Priestess."
Naruto stood up and headed outside.
Aoba rubbed her legs together slightly before following.
Under the eaves, they listened to the wind and rain.
The grass growing in the courtyard... was soaked, sticky and messy...
---
Main Shrine Hall.
The once-Uzumaki Shrine had now been transformed into the domain of the priestess.
The grand hall clearly bore the weight of time.
The priestess, adorned in ceremonial robes and wearing a tall crown, exuded an indescribable solemnity.
"Naruto…"
Seeing the boy from another clan approach, the noble-looking priestess gave a slight nod.
She was pleased with Naruto's progress.
It was just unfortunate that he wasn't of the priestess lineage.
Still, that wasn't a major issue — as long as he could harmonize with Shion's power.
One day, without having to sacrifice their lives, they might be able to seal Moryo.
"Aunt Priestess, I've completed today's lesson,"
Naruto said as he looked at her.
Standing firm in the sacred hall, the priestess looked even more noble and awe-inspiring due to the architecture around her.
Naruto, with his usual goofy look and squinting eyes, stared at her.
Inside him, the slumbering Tailed Beast stirred restlessly.
"Don't rush…"
Naruto signaled his beast to calm down.
"Soon…"
Once the talk with the priestess was over, it would almost be time.
The Daimyo was clearly here to take the priestess and Shion.
But he couldn't let that happen.
After all... Naruto Uzumaki had resolved himself to protect Konoha — even the entire Shinobi World.
Looking at the noble face of the priestess, Naruto forcefully suppressed the beast's excitement.
"Naruto…"
It was clear the priestess already knew her husband had arrived.
With a sorrowful and compassionate expression, she decided to pass on her will.
Shion wasn't here — probably training in another room.
The priestess hadn't called her, likely thinking her daughter was too young and not as mature as Naruto.
"Do you... believe in humanity?"
"I do!"
As soon as she said "believe in humanity," it was like a switch flipped in Naruto.
He instantly perked up.
"I believe in people! Humans can understand one another!"
Naruto shouted loudly.
"I will make that future happen!"
Looking at Naruto clenching his small fists and making a vow, the priestess was deeply comforted.
Yes... this was good...
Her lips curled slightly, but then she noticed something unusual.
Something was hanging from Naruto's sleeve.
A piece of rope.
Red... and brand new.
More rope began to fall — a long coil formed a circle on the floor.
"Eh?"
In the priestess's puzzled gaze, Naruto's expression gradually changed, revealing a bright, gentle smile.
"So... Aunt Priestess, could you please understand me a bit?"
Snap!
Naruto tugged the rope tight, and stepped forward...
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