Transaction

As for the demon Moryo, currently wreaking havoc in the Land of Demons, there was no denying that it was a threat not to be underestimated—but that was all.

There were countless powerful figures in the Ninja World. Setting others aside, Nagato alone, with his Rinnegan, was enough to deal with Moryo. So even if the Miko failed to seal Moryo, it had no chance of truly ruling the Ninja World.

Moreover, in Hyuga Kagami's hazy memories, the seemingly frail Miko of the Land of Demons before him had actually mastered extremely powerful Sealing Jutsu. If nothing had changed, it was precisely through her self-sacrifice that she had successfully sealed the demon Moryo.

Reining in his wandering thoughts, Hyuga Kagami began making plans of his own.

A moment later, he glanced at the chubby little girl beside the Miko and asked, "She is your daughter, isn't she? What is her name?"

Before the Miko could answer, the little girl said in a sweet voice, "My name is Shion!"

The Miko smiled and gently stroked little Shion's hair, her face full of affection.

Hyuga Kagami crouched down and deliberately teased Shion. "Oh, so your name is Shion? What a lovely name."

Little Shion stared straight at Hyuga Kagami, then worked up the courage to ask, "Ninja big brother, your mask is so interesting. Can I try it on?"

Hyuga Kagami smiled, removed his Hawk Mask, and handed it to Shion.

Holding the mask, Shion giggled as she hopped and skipped around the hall.

As she watched the carefree Shion, a trace of sorrow flashed across the Miko's face.

From the Miko's expression, Hyuga Kagami could tell that she had already made up her mind. Even if she had to sacrifice herself, she would do everything in her power to seal the demon Moryo completely.

Thus, Hyuga Kagami asked, "Your Highness, are you truly confident that you can seal that demon?"

The Miko lowered her head. "For everyone to continue living happily, I will seal it. I definitely will!"

"Even at the cost of your life?"

The Miko looked at Hyuga Kagami in confusion, unable to understand why he was asking, but she still nodded resolutely. "Yes, even if it costs me my life!"

Boom...

A violent explosion suddenly erupted outside the hall.

There was no doubt that the fighting had already begun outside.

After calling the wildly running Shion back to his side, Hyuga Kagami retrieved his Anbu mask and stood guard in front of the mother and daughter.

Gradually, the explosions outside became more frequent. The entire palace trembled faintly as the enemies' taunts, the guards' shouts, and the wounded's cries mingled into one chaotic din.

Though his eyes remained fixed on the shrine's doors, Hyuga Kagami's thoughts were elsewhere.

Whether this mission was a coincidence or some kind of test from the Third Hokage, now that he had come to the Land of Demons, he could not miss this heaven-sent opportunity.

Having made up his mind, Hyuga Kagami said softly, "Shion is still so young. I assume you do not wish for her to live all alone in the future."

The Miko was even more confused. "What do you mean?"

Hyuga Kagami replied frankly, "That demon is not as powerful as you imagine. At most, it is on the level of a Tailed Beast. There are not many methods in the Ninja World capable of suppressing a Tailed Beast, but they do exist."

Hearing the implication in Hyuga Kagami's words, the Miko fell silent in thought.

Before the Miko could speak, Hyuga Kagami stated his terms directly. "I need some specialties from the Land of Swamps. If Your Highness is willing to help me gather them, I will do everything in my power to protect your safety."

The Miko did not mind paying some additional compensation, but she found it difficult to believe that fourteen- or fifteen-year-old Hyuga Kagami truly possessed the ability to suppress Moryo.

However, given the circumstances, she had little room to choose. So she asked, "What exactly do you want?"

Hyuga Kagami revealed his purpose. "Purple Mud Glue!"

Purple Mud Glue was not only expensive but also scarce. If he collected it on his own, it would take at least three to five years.

But if the highly respected Miko of the Land of Demons stepped forward in the Land of Swamps, things would become much simpler. It would also better conceal his tracks and prevent others from following the trail of Purple Mud Glue to uncover his plan to create an artificial Tailed Beast.

The Miko's delicate brows furrowed slightly. "As far as I know, Purple Mud Glue is a sealing material. What do you need it for?"

Hyuga Kagami did not answer her question. He merely promised again, "As long as Your Highness is willing to help me gather Purple Mud Glue, I will guarantee your safety on this journey. My word is my bond!"

This promise was not empty talk.

Whether it was his Third Kazekage Human Puppet or Shisui's Susanoo, both possessed the ability to suppress a Tailed Beast for a short time. Using them against Moryo should not pose any problem.

At that point, the Miko would be able to calmly prepare the seal without having to perish alongside Moryo.

"Very well, I agree!"

Although Purple Mud Glue was expensive, it was hardly some priceless treasure to the Miko of the Land of Demons, so she did not hesitate for long.

After settling the deal, the two fell silent in tacit understanding.

Only the clueless little Shion scratched her head, looking at the Miko one moment and Hyuga Kagami the next, unable to understand why they had suddenly stopped talking.

Not long afterward, several white-robed Yomi Cultists rushed into the shrine.

Without hesitation, Hyuga Kagami used Rotation to pull the intruding Yomi Cultists toward him, then instantly killed them with Gentle Fist. The entire process took only a few breaths.

The panic had only just appeared on the Miko's face when the enemies were eliminated.

Having not even clearly seen what the enemies looked like, the Miko stood stunned for a long while before slowly praising him, "You truly are an outstanding ninja!"

"Since I have given my word, I will not let anything happen to Your Highness." With that, Hyuga Kagami added, "Also, I hope our agreement will remain confidential."

The Miko nodded gently. "Do not worry. I will not reveal it."

After some more time passed, calm returned outside the hall.

Before long, the ninjas from Konoha, Sunagakure, and Iwagakure returned to the shrine one after another. Pakura, who led them, said, "We have dealt with most of the Yomi Cultists. The rest are nothing to worry about."

The captain of the Iwagakure Decapitation Unit said, "We can depart at any time."

Kakashi nodded without saying anything more.

Hyuga Kagami swept his gaze over the group that had entered. Though each of them looked somewhat bedraggled, none had suffered much injury. Clearly, although the battle just now had looked impressive, the actual fighting had not been intense.

Still, that was only natural. Whether Konoha, Sunagakure, or Iwagakure, nearly all those sent to support the Land of Demons were elites. Dealing with Yomi Cultists whose qualities, aside from their chakra reserves, were merely at the Chunin level was naturally effortless.

Seeming to recall something, Hyuga Kagami asked, "Where is the leader of the Yomi Cult?"

Guy laughed heartily. "That guy took a solid Chidori. He got away, but I doubt he will survive."

Hyuga Kagami vaguely remembered that it had been a remnant of the Yomi Cult who triggered the disturbance surrounding Moryo's resurrection more than a decade later. He simply could not be certain whether that remnant was the Yomi Cult leader who had escaped this time.

But none of that mattered. Who knew what things would become more than a decade from now...?