"Really?!"
Shion looked incredulous, her wide eyes fixed on Shinji.
Shinji gave a slight nod. "Yeah!"
He'd agreed to Shion's request not only because he might need her Miko powers when they counter-invaded the Demon Slayer World, but also for a more important reason: he wasn't as worried about his identity being exposed anymore.
He was over ten years old now. Compared to when he'd first crossed over at eight, alone and helpless, he was now capable of protecting himself.
Even if Shion accidentally revealed his identity, his life wouldn't be in danger. At worst, he'd lose Konoha's protection and resources.
Of course.
Being able to grow in peace in Konoha, the Shinobi World's number-one hidden village, while secretly building up his forces was far better than wandering the world. So if he could keep his identity hidden, he should.
Keeping that in mind, before Shion could celebrate, Shinji said solemnly, "But you know how sensitive my secret identity is, right? If it gets out, the village will hunt both of us down. We'd be in trouble then!"
Shion's expression turned serious as she realized how grave the situation was.
She wasn't worried about her own safety. She was only afraid that her recklessness might drag the Land of Demons into this, so she quickly nodded. "Don't worry, Shinji. I won't tell anyone!"
Seeing that Shion understood the stakes, Shinji said no more. Instead, he briefly explained why he'd formed the Akatsuki Organization and how the demons known as the "Upper Ranks" had invaded the Shinobi World.
When Shion learned that the "Upper Rank" organization, which had recently become infamous throughout the Shinobi World, was actually a group of demons invading from another world—and that their invasion had plunged the Shinobi World into crisis—her playful mood vanished.
She frowned. "Shinji,