Two days later.
Out on the ocean, a cargo ship was cutting through the waves, heading toward Wave Country.
And on that wooden ship stood several strangely dressed people.
The one leading them was a woman.
(Shion was the same age as Naruto, and in the plot there were also scenes of Shion recalling life with her mother. When Shion received the bell, she did not look that young either, so it should be reasonable that Miroku was still alive before Shion turned ten.)
She wore red-and-white priestess robes. Beneath the bright sunlight, her whole body seemed to shimmer with a faint glow, and her long white hair flowed all the way down to her ankles, like a silk gown spread behind her.
She was tall and graceful, with a dignified face. Though time had left a few traces upon her features, it had also added a unique charm to her.
Intelligence and decisiveness showed between her brows, and a gentle smile always rested on her face.
She was not alone, either. In her right hand, she was holding the hand of a little girl who likewise wore red-and-white priestess robes and looked seventy to eighty percent similar to her.
At that moment, the little girl was blinking her purple eyes, curiously taking in the scenery on the sea surface.
In the distance, the faint shadow of an island could already be seen.
Around them were several guards dressed in traditional attire, who remained protectively at her side, alert for any danger that might exist.
"Lady Miroku, we are about to arrive."
A guard wearing glasses spoke to the woman with great respect.
Miroku nodded and said in a gentle tone, "Ashiho, because this matter is too important, I cannot explain the purpose of this trip to you. I am