Temple of Fire Open Day.
Visitors streamed in, burning incense and praying to Buddha while also remembering to leave a little money for the temple.
"Wow, it's huge!" Mito tugged at her friend's sleeve, staring open-mouthed at the magnificent main hall.
She hadn't expected a temple in the Land of Fire to be even more impressive in scale than the palace in the Land of Whirlpools.
No wonder everyone said the Land of Fire was the wealthiest country in the Ninja World.
"It really is magnificent." Sosuke walked ahead, his gaze settling on the fearsome, hideous statue of the Demon Bodhisattva.
"Rumor has it that the Temple of Fire has close ties to the Daimyo's Mansion. Its prosperity probably has something to do with them."
As the authority governing the Land of Fire's military and politics, the Daimyo's Mansion was unquestionably wealthy. Supporting a "Ninja Temple" was a trivial matter.
The government funded its construction, while the Temple of Fire provided security. Each side got what it needed.
Most of the visitors came with sincere devotion, though, of course, there were exceptions like the two of them.
If they were going to steal a sword, they had to find out where it was first. The Temple of Fire was so large that simply searching it would take all night.
They would scout the place today. Later, Sosuke would come back himself to take the Kusanagi Sword.
"It's a weapon made for killing. Isn't it a waste to keep it in a temple?"
After finding a reason to put his mind at ease, Sosuke smiled and donated some money for incense. A friendly monk handed him a few sticks of sandalwood incense.
Since they were already here, they might as well pray before leaving. Mito looked quite sincere about it.
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