Escape From Konoha

Chapter 303: 296: The Miko - Shion

In a modest tent within the Suna encampment, Rasa gathered all the high-ranking Jonin, along with Jiraiya and the two Anbu Commanders, Takashi and Masaki, for a meeting.

The remaining Konoha ninjas concealed their whereabouts under Suna's meticulous arrangement. Even if they had to venture outside, they were required to transform into Sand ninjas, guarding their identities closely.

"You all witnessed last night's attack. It seems we still underestimated their surprise attack capabilities."

Rasa expressed, managing to control his anger. Maintaining emotional control was a vital trait for a Kage. As the leader of a ninja village, regardless of the challenges he faced, he couldn't afford to lose his composure, allowing the enemy an advantage. At this point, he found himself grappling more with headaches and helplessness than with anger. The Land of Demons had consistently launched unexpected surprise attacks, causing Suna repeated losses on the battlefield.

Baki's vanguard army faced the Land of Demons' air force, there's a possibility that the whole army was wiped out during the attack. Uchiha Ruri led a large number of ninjas into the Land of Wind silently, catching Suna off guard and putting them at a significant disadvantage.

Despite Rasa's caution and anti-air ballista arrangements, the peculiar mechanical-l8ke puppet from the previous night showcased not only high mobility in flight but also the capability to create explosive light bombs, causing considerable trouble for Suna. While it might not result in casualties, the annoyance of such a threat lingering in the sky was palpable.

Especially unsettling was the bomb's ability to penetrate the ground, a development that left the Kazekage visibly disturbed.

Considering the events of the previous night, it became apparent that the threat extended beyond the air, possibly making even the ground unsafe.

If the Land of Demons focused solely on attacking Suna's resources, it would be a painful and helpless situation for the village.

"Indeed, witnessing the battle from a distance shows the strength of the enemy. But what I never anticipated was the girl who had appeared, she had appeared in Konoha over a decade ago, and after all these years, she remained as young as ever." Jiraiya mused, stroking his chin in contemplation. Information about Ameyu had been gathered by Konoha, and Suna likely had its share as well. More than ten years ago, Ameyu had not only been present during that group's defection but also participated in the attack on Takigakure years ago. Her bounty on the underground black market exceeded tens of millions of ryo.

However, after more than ten years, Ameyu's appearance remained unchanged— she still had appearance of that of a teenage girl. While the ninja world had jutsus related to retaining beauty, these weren't accessible to ordinary ninjas.

This consistency indicated that Ameyu's youthful appearance wasn't a result of a transformation jutsu but rather something else.

"It sounds strange to say, but Chiba Shiraishi was once a student of Tsunade. Medical ninjas probably have some strange ninjutsu." Jiraiya continued, acknowledging that some medical ninjas were keenly interested in retaining their youthful looks.

For example, Tsunade looked surprisingly young for her nearly fifty years. Given Chiba Shiraishi's relationship with Ameyu, who therefore had connections with Tsunade, it became clearer how she had managed to stay young.

"Not only that, if my intuition is correct from last night, the jutsu she used to counter the large number of explosive tags should be a Sage Art." Jiraiya said with a dark and solemn expression.

"Sage Art?" Rasa was slightly taken aback, having not considered this aspect before.

Jiraiya nodded, albeit faintly. Due to the distance, it might not be entirely intuitive, but Jiraiya observed certain abnormalities.

However, doubts lingered. If Sage Mode was in play, why didn't she exhibit any physical changes? For instance, Mount Myoboku's Sage Mode imparts frog-like characteristics to the user. Shikkotsu Forest and Ryuuchi Cave have similar changes.

Yet, there were no discernible changes in the girl. Or, perhaps it wasn't Sage Mode? But then, what about the weak natural energy response? If it truly was Sage Mode, where did she learn it? There seemed to be no connection with her Sage Mode and the known three holy land systems.

Tsunade had once mentioned that the Slug Sage told her about Chiba Shiraishi being able to use Sage Mode, but not the one from Shikkotsu Forest. Did the girl learn Sage Mode from Chiba Shiraishi?

Considering that Chiba Shiraishi's Sage Mode didn't belong to the Three Holy Land, Jiraiya couldn't help but question its origin.

As far as Jiraiya knew, apart from the three holy places in the ninja world, the method of using natural energy hadn't been passed down. The mastering process involving natural energy was dangerous, it required guidance to avoid life-threatening situations.

These unanswered questions left Jiraiya feeling bewildered.

"The Land of Demons is truly dangerous." Rasa commented, relieved that they had established cooperation with Konoha in advance.

While he had never experienced the power of Sage Mode, he recognized it as a comprehensive power surpassing the chakra system. Considering the girl's ability to counter the large-scale explosive tags, it was clear she wasn't an ordinary ninja.

Even in Sunagakure, only a select few could achieve such feats.

"For this reason alone, we need to put a stop their ambitions in launching this war, because iff this continues, it could lead to the Fourth Ninja World War."

In such a scenario, countless innocent lives would be lost, a fate he sought to avoid. Despite the Land of Demons being recognized as a business community and enjoying the neutral status, resorting to war was an extreme measure unnecessary for gaining benefits.

Rasa believed that the people, officials, and the misled Miko of the Land of Demons were being manipulated by those traitors into such extreme actions.

Regardless of the cause, war was an unacceptable and erroneous method for him.

Rasa nodded in agreement. Honestly, if the Land of Demons were open to negotiations with the Land of Wind, and they were willing to offer concessions to the Land of Wind—such as favorable business policies as compensation for their attack—peace talks weren't entirely off the table.

Even though it might seem that the Land of Demons held the upper hand now, if prolonged, Suna would inevitably emerge victorious.

Rasa's cautious approach aimed at minimizing battle damage rather than out of fear for the Land of Demons' power.

"What are your plans moving forward, Kazekage-dono?" Jiraiya inquired.

Rasa smiled meaningfully, indicating he had devised a strategy to overcome the enemy.

"We'll just do what we can"

Rasa gestured for someone to bring a map of the Land of Wind, marked with the locations of all areas.

Pointing to an area in the northwest of the Land of Wind, he said, "This is the base established by the Land of Demons in the northwest of the Land of Wind. It seems they intend to stay for a long time. Now I have doubts about their purpose. Did they launch this war deliberately because of the northwestern region of the Land of Wind?"

Indeed, as Rasa pointed out, without long-term plans, the Land of Demons wouldn't need to build such a strong military fortress in the northwest of the Land of Wind.

Jiraiya also began to suspect that the Land of Demons, by recklessly establishing a base, treated the northwestern region of the Land of Wind as its own territory.

This raised questions about the Land of Demons' war motives; perhaps the loan from the Land of Winds was just an excuse. Even if there were no excuses, the Land of Demons would find other reasons to attack the Land of Wind.

Their aim was clear – to obtain the northwest region of the Land of Wind.

"Since they desire the northwestern region of the Land of Wind so much, let them have it. Extend the front line of the Land of Demons, allowing them to advance deeper into the northwest region of the Land of Wind. Then dispatch troops to tear apart the rear front of the Land of Demons, so they can't manage both ends. Trap them like turtles in an urn and keep them in the Land of Wind." Rasa declared firmly.

Compared to other ninjas in the Land of Demons, Rasa didn't consider them a serious threat. Even the so-called air force wasn't invincible. Even if the rest of the ninjas in the Land of Demons were released, the leader of the Land of Demons' ninja troops couldn't be allowed to escape.

The combat power of ninjas was a terrifying force on the battlefield, especially those of the Kage level.

Combining the important information brought by Jiraiya with his predictions, Uchiha Ruri was undoubtedly on par with Hyuga Ayane in strength, if not stronger than a Kage.

Regarding Chiba Shiraishi, due to a lack of information, it was still impossible to accurately determine if he was also a ninja of the Kage level. Nevertheless, the man who could accompany these two powerful women couldn't be a simple ninja.

In Rasa's view, beheading these powerful individuals held greater significance than annihilating the Land of Demons' ninja troops.

Two or three combat units equivalent to the Five Kages posed a significant threat to Suna and Konoha. Failing to eliminate them now would leave no opportunity to strike later.

After listening to Rasa's opinion, Jiraiya hadn't spoken yet, but Takashi asked doubtfully, "Well, Kazekage-dono, if you stretch their battle line like this, won't they see through our intentions? Being too deliberate might trigger their vigilance."

While acknowledging the merit in Rasa's plan Takashi saw potential issues, especially the deliberate relinquishing of the Northwest Territory arousing the Land of Demons' suspicions.

Rasa, understanding their concerns, reassured them, "Certainly, we won't simply let the Land of Demons seize the northwest region; it will be a genuine defeat. This way, the Land of Demons won't discern any flaws. What do you think?"

Hearing what Rasa said, Jiraiya, Sarutobi, and Masaki all had bright eyes, glancing at Rasa's confident and firm face.

The Fourth Kazekage wasn't a simple character either.

.....

Land of Demons. Main Shrine.

"Ah!.. it's so annoying. Why do these flies keep making noises in my ears? Can't they all be pushed away?"

Compared to the increasingly intense battlefield on the front line, the impatient and capricious words emanated from the shrine.

The girl, dressed in a Miko costume covered with a layer of transparent white gauze, wearing a golden and gorgeous crown on her head, exuded a noble and unearthly demeanor. However, her gradually impatient and irritable tone made her no different from an ordinary displeased little girl.

In other words, she was a bit more willful than ordinary girls, as in this country, almost no one could restrict her freedom or be rude to her.

"Then, should all the envoys from the various countries be forcibly sent back?" asked the miko who served on the left and right, seeking Shion's opinion in a low voice.

She the daughter of the former Mimo, currently had no talent for politics. Still, as a Miko, she didn't need any special political talents. As long as she was willing, countless people within the country would respond to her call. She's deeply imprinted in the blood of the people of the country, granting her the most powerful authority.

However, as the successor, the eight-year-old Miko - Shion was different. Her personality differed from her mother's; she was a more willful girl. With the indulgence of a certain 'father,' she occasionally sneaked out of the shrine alone, mingling with the people, watching movies, and attending festivals.

This behavior left the miko who served her very helpless.

Now, amid the significant friction between the Land of Demon and the Land of Wind, even though the Miko could stay aloof from such matters, many countries have sent envoys to visit at this time. Unfortunately, the majority of these envoys harbors malicious intent.

Malicious intent, in the presence of the Mikp, was like a light in the dark, impossible to hide.

The Miko's eyes not only foresaw the future but also through the light and darkness within people's hearts.

"Hurry up, all of them. We made plans to go to the cinema with Asuka this afternoon to watch Koyuki-nee's new movie. How can I have time to deal with these annoying people?"

For Shion, going to the cinema with her brother to watch a movie was far more satisfying than meeting the annoying envoys from the various countries.

"Yes... However, among these envoys is Nara Shikaku-san, the envoy sent by Konoha from the Land of Fire. Would you like to meet him? It seems like he has something tather important. He would like to meet Shion-sama. The group also carried a letter written by the Daimyo from the Land of Fire."

Among the visiting envoys, Konoha's held the utmost importance, especially since they brought a letter from the Daimyo of the Land of Fire.

"Why do they all keep coming to me? I'm not interested in diplomatic matters." Shion frowned.

"They probably want to find a breakthrough from Shion-sama."

"Heh, they don't dare face father directly, so they're coming to me, the ignorant and kind Miko?" Shion's face was gloomy, expressing her dissatisfaction.

'You're not ignorant and kind in any way,' The mikp thought.

In terms of willfulness, Shion wasn't like her mother. She lived more like a real human being. She felt happy when encountering interesting things, got angry when facing unhappy situations, and her mood turned bad when meeting good people only to witness their death. Conversely, when meeting bad guys and seeing their grim future, her mood improved.

"Then bring him in." Shion instructed after a moment of contemplation, calming down, and turning to the miko beside her.

"Yes." she nodded, walking out of the hall.

After about five minutes, the miko who had gone out returned, accompanied by an adult male.

Wearing Konoha's distinctive ninja uniform, the man bore masculine scars on his face and forehead, enhancing his mature and stable demeanor.

The Konoha ninja, accompanying the miko, was identified as Nara Shikaku. He served as Konoha's emissary visiting the Land of Demons' Miko. Shikaku held the dual important roles of Konoha Jonin commander and Nara's clan hear, making him a well-known figure in Konoha.

Sensing the presence of a stranger, Shion hastily stuffed a pastry into her mouth, adjusting her sitting posture to display a more regal and elegant demeanor befitting a ruler.

Although transparent gauze curtains and screens partially obscured the view, the main hall allowed glimpses of dignified Miko sitting behind the curtains, seemingly engrossed in some compulsory activity. Her auras remained elusive unless one paid close attention.

Shikaku entered the main hall, finding a refreshing, cool environment that contrasted with the scorching weather outside, his fatigue dissipating. He heard that an electrical appliance company in the country had developed an air conditioner, contributing to the comfortable atmosphere in the shrine.

Amid the cool breeze, faint machine noises persisted, showcasing the convenience of this affordable appliance for maintaining indoor comfort.

On both sides of the main hall, transparent curtains lined the road. The Miko sat behind gauze curtains, focused on their duties, giving an impression of mystery and the unknown.

"Shion-sama, this is Nara Shikaku-san from Konoha." the miko reported respectfully.

"Well, thank you for your hard work." Shion's voice, ethereal and clean, contrasted with her earlier self-willed and unreasonable demeanor.

The miko stepped aside, maintaining a watchful eye on Shikaku, understanding the need for necessary precautions given the revealed tense relationship between the Land of Demons and the Land of Fire.

Kneeling on a cushion in the center of the hall, hands neatly placed on his knees, Shikaku prepared to speak when Shion's voice echoed in the hall:

"You will die."

"?" For a moment, Shikaku questioned his hearing or if his ears were malfunctioning.

The miko sighed helplessly. For Shion, predicting someone's death was commonplace, not to show off but a reflection of her capricious character.

Unlike the previous Miko, Shion lacked the self-awareness to keep such prophecies secret.

"My apologies, Messenger-san. Sometimes I can't control my mouth, I say what my eyes see. Messenger-san shouldn't mind, right?"

'Can such prophecies about death be said casually?' Shikaku wondered. In his role as Konoha's messenger to the Land of Demons, found himself in a sour mood, hearing a prophecy about death only intensified his sour mood.

Wouldn't it have beeen better to enjoy a drink with Inoichi and Choza or engage in more pleasant activities than dealing with the complexities of diplomatic matters? Shikaku contemplated, feeling that his valuable time was being wasted.

"It's alright. I don't mind." Shikaku responded, maintaining a normal expression.

"Well, that's good. Even if you do mind, it wouldn't change anything. After all, there's been no mistakes with my prediction so far. Please rest assured."

Shikaku felt even more uneasy and restless upon hearing this. Could she really foresee deaths? Despite his internal turmoil, he chose not to engage with a child who's less than ten years old, especially given her position. Disrespect might prompt thosr around him to use physical means to escort him out of the shrine.

"Miko-sama, I'm here this time as Konoha's envoy for a specific purpose." Shikaku intended to be straightforward and not be led astray by Shion.

"Messenger-san, please speak."

"It's a bit complicated to say. The purpose of my mission to the Land of Demons is to address the matter of three rogue ninjas: Chiba Shiraishi, Uchiha Ruri, and Hyuga Ayane. This includes ninjas from Uchiha and Hyuga clan who had defected from Konoha, and as well as remnants of the Uzumaki clan taken in. If possible, we hope that the Land of Demons can relinquish these people..."

Before Shikaku could finish, Shion interjected, "Wait a minute."

Shion interrupted, prompting Shikaku to look at her in doubt.

Shion's voice emanated from behind the curtain.

"Messenger-san, are you here on behalf of Konoha or on behalf of the Land of Fire? Shouldn't Konoha apply to the Land of Fire's daimyo for the country-to-country diplomacy? Then, the Land of Fire's daimyo would send officials for this meeting."

The discrepancy in diplomatic status between Konoha and the Land of Demons became apparent. Although Konoha possessed a formidable military, they lacked equal diplomatic relations with the Land of Demons.

Historically, commercial cooperation between the two nations occurred through the Land of Fire's Daimyo and delegates before personnel were assigned to Konoha. This bypassed direct dealings between the government agencies of the Land of Fire and Konoha, violating international norms and lacking regular legal protection—this extended to diplomatic matters.

Shikaku remained composed, producing a letter from his bosom.

"This is a letter from the daimyo to you; please go through it."

The miko at Shikaku's side took the letter and went behind the curtain to hand it over to Shion. While reading, Shion covertly enjoyed a piece of cold pastry, savoring the summer delight.

After perusing the letter, most of its contents aligned with her expectations.

"So that's the case. I probably understand the situation now. The request is reasonable.. But, what do you mean by handing over the Uzumaki Clan? As far as I know, the Uzumaki Clan here are remnants from the destroyed Land of Whirlpools. The Land of Whirlpools has long disappeared in the past war."

Shikaku displayed no shame on his face. Although he felt ashamed internally, he was obligated to convey the message by his superiors..If the Land of Whirlpools and Uzumaki Clan's stance toward the Land of Fire and Konoha remained as steadfast as before, Shikaku understood the proposal. However, the so-called 'covenant' had long been dissolved, existing as a faded and powerless relic in the river of history.

"The Land of Whirlpools and the Uzumaki Clan have been the staunchest allies of the Land of Fire and Konoha since time immemorial. This friendship was forged during the era of one united country and village. Therefore, after careful deliberation between the Daimyo and Hokage, we have decided to allot a parcel of land in the Land of Fire to the Uzumaki Clan for their recovering and rebuilding."

"I see." Shion responded calmly.

"What are your thoughts on this, Miko-sama? Do you agree with this proposal or..."

Shikaku trailed off as he glanced towards Shion's silhouette behind the curtain. With the barriers obstructing his view, he could not accurately discern her expressions to gauge her true intentions.

'I must tread cautiously here, ' Shikaku thought.

"While I personally believe your requests are reasonable.... I regret to inform you that I do not have the authority to approve it at this time." Shion replied after a pause.

"On what grounds?"

"According to the laws set forth, the Miko is prohibited from interfering in governance before the age of sixteen. In other words, my opinions can only serve as a reference for the council but I do not yet wield any executive powers of my own." Shion explained plainly.

"You cannot participate in governance until sixteen years of age?"

Shikaku's brows furrowed. He had anticipated Shion's reluctance but didn't expect the basis for her refusal to be so reasonable and justified. Essentially, she had no jurisdiction over internal affairs of the Land of Demons due to her young age.

"That is correct. This regulation was implemented eight years ago during my mother's reign. I apologize if our country's new regulation have caused any misunderstanding."

"Eight years ago you say?"

"Yes. As the previous Miko and my mother, she decreed that I would not assume any political authority until my coming-of-age at sixteen. My sole duty now is to preside over the ritual ceremonies." Shion clarified.

As the physical embodiment of theocracy, the Mikl has protected the country for millennia through her divine status - whether passive or active. This was an indisputable fact.

"So, if messenger-san has any objections to the rules of the Land of Demons." Shion said, "he can go to my mother to discuss them and request that she modify the rule."

Shikaku didn't know how many times he had taken a deep breath. He continued, "Then, in the Land of Demons currently, are there officials who hold power that you could introduce me to, Miko-sama?"

Shion remained silent. The attendant looked at Shikaku with knowing eyes.

Needless to say, the military and security force were still under the control of officials originally from the Land of Demons. However, behind the scenes, the Uchiha clan managed the nation's finances.

Attempting to coerce them was equivalent to undermining the entire foundation of the Land of Demon's recovering economy. The lifeblood of countless officials and tradesmen alike. It would plunge this nation back into the poverty and atrophy that preceded the industrial reforms over a decade ago.

Great powers could fail yet still have the possibility of a comeback. However, once a small country was defeated, the Land of Rain was the prime example, still struggling in poverty after so many years since the Third Ninja World War.

Shikaku fell silent, considering the grave possibility hinted at by the attendant's knowing gaze. The ones truly in charge of this matter in the Land of Demons were likely the trio of Chiba Shisaishi, Uchiha Ruri, and Hyuga Ayan.

In other words, he had discovered that the real masters of the Land of Demons were the three S-rank rogue ninjas from Konoha? What was going on? Shikaku sighed internally.

Shion directly shut down anything further he wanted to say.

She could not participate in politics before sixteen years of age. Even to deal with treason, it had to wait until she turned sixteen.

The Land of Demons' current shot-callers were precisely that group of S-rank rogues.

Any objections could be brought to the previous Miko for discussion and changes to the law. However, negotiating with the former Miko...how?

According to Konoha's information, after each generation of Miko sealed the demon, they would somehow fuse with it.

"Miko-sama, as a neutral nation, if the Land of Demons were to aid the rogue forces..."

"Ah, the problem regarding those rogue ninjas was also decreed by the previous Miko. As I have no political power before my coming-of-age, you would need to take up any grievances with her instead. However, if you can wait patiently, we can revisit the negotiations once I turn sixteen." Shion interjected.

In short, she would not assume any executive authority until she turns sixteen. Otherwise, all diplomatic issues must be handled by the preceding miko who orchestrated that decision. It was a crafty yet effective stalemate.

"I see."

Shikaku conceded, realizing Konoha's ploy to divide the Land of Demons had failed decisively. No matter how he pressed or appealed to the girl, she could defer the matter indefinitely by citing her age or hide behind the previous Miko. An impenetrable barrier.

.....

After departing from the shrine, Shikaku regrouped with Inoichi and Choza who had been waiting at the foot of the mountain for a while.

Seeing Shikaku descend the stone steps, they approached as Inoichi inquired, "Shikaku, how did the negotiation go?"

Shikaku glanced at them, shaking his head in response.

"It was a futile effort. We can't negotiate at all."

Inoichi and Choza were unsurprised by the outcome. With the covert scheme from within having backfired, their only recourse was the contingency strike force waiting in the Land of Wind to attack the borders.

"Should we withdraw for now then?" Choza asked.

"No. Although we could not persuade the Miko, Hokage-sama entrusted us with an alternative plan for this trip."

"An alternative plan?" Choza and Inoichi exchanged puzzled glances, unaware of any alternative plan beyond the knowledge Shikaku had shared before.

Shikaku sighed but didn't divulge any details of this alternative plan. Instead, he gazed towards the prosperous commercial hub in the distance, more glamorous than any city in the Land of Fire. From the clean and safe streets to the visible joy and prosperity of its denizens, this was a sincerely happy population brimming with wealth.

And it wasn't just the capital. Similar scenes could be witnessed across villages and towns within the Land of Demons. While most countries still struggled to meet the basic needs for survival, the people here pursued higher education, art, and culture. It was inevitable that such a society would gain power.

Yet once the outer borders fell, this glorious civilization would be reduced to smoldering ashes...

Shikaku suppressed his remorse as his ninja instincts resurfaced - because they were still enemies to be eliminated, regardless of their achievements. As soon as both sides march to war, each would be fighting for their own version of "justice".

That was the natural order of the world.

Understandable as it was, Shikaku firmly believed that a dead enemy was a 'good' person, purely because he is a Konoha ninja – a reason sufficient in itself.