"How are your injuries?"
Miroku looked at her worriedly.
When they had encountered the mother and son, their physical condition could only be described as terrible. The other male ninja traveling with them—the woman's husband—had long since breathed his last.
"I'm already much better. I truly have to thank you for saving us, Lady Miroku."
Natsuhoshi bowed again, and brought her son, Sumairu, with her to express both mother and son's gratitude.
Miroku shook her head and said with a smile, "It was nothing. But as for that stone you're carrying, I suggest you hand it over to Wave Country."
"Of course, this is only a small suggestion of mine."
Natsuhoshi had not expected Miroku to say such a thing and could not help but freeze for a moment, but she quickly recovered.
"Lady Miroku, although that stone can increase one's strength, it causes irreversible harm to the human body. Wouldn't that be harming Wave Country?"
The two of them, husband and wife, had not wanted their village to be harmed by that stone any longer, which was why they had tried to find a way to destroy it—only to be hunted down by the village as a result.
How could they use it now to harm others?
Miroku shook her head.
"To them, that is not a problem."
"This..."
Natsuhoshi hesitated for a moment, but quickly made her decision.
"Since Lady Miroku says so, once we arrive, I will hand it over to Wave Country."
This was a decision Natsuhoshi made out of trust in the Priestess.
That the Priestess possessed the power of prophecy was no secret to the countries around Demon Country.
Since Miroku had suggested it, she must have seen something in a prophecy.
Surely she would not harm them.
Miroku merely smiled without speaking.