Outside Sunagakure, atop a towering earthen plateau, stood an ancient temple. On its plaque, three gilded characters boldly proclaimed "Molin Temple," their vigorous strokes radiating an air of unearthly dominion.
Hundreds of steps had been built directly in front of the plaque, and all the pilgrims who came to offer incense and pray couldn't help marveling at them.
Just over ten years ago, this temple had stood at the edge of a wasteland beside an oasis. The terrain had been flat, and the temple itself old and shabby.
But now, the entire circular area around the temple had been raised more than two hundred meters above the surrounding land. The once-parched yellow earth had also become lush and green, with trees growing comfortably from the cliffsides.
In the old house beneath the Ginkgo Tree in the temple's back courtyard.
Souya stood behind an Old Monk, his hands glowing green through a haze of mist as he pressed them to the monk's back.
"Master, you're getting on in years. Why are you still fussing over Sealing Techniques?"
"You should take care of yourself and pay more attention to your health!"
Souya frowned as he complained.
"All right, all right!"
"Senior Brother Bunpuku and Junior Brother Bunshou both passed away in recent years. I'm the last one left of the Bun generation."
"Life has eight sufferings: birth, old age, illness, death, parting from those you love, resenting those you cannot leave, longing for what you cannot obtain, and being unable to let go... But I've never suffered a serious illness in my life. I've never loved someone I couldn't have, or been consumed by resentment..."
"I have more than enough to be grateful for!"
The Old Monk spoke with a smiling face. Wrinkles like ravines in yellow earth layered his gaunt, bony