Ghosts? What Are Those?

Hoshigakure, hospital ward.

Yotaka spoke calmly, readily accepting Hotarubi's promise, but as the Hoshikage, he still had his own ambitions. "However, I wonder what Konoha's plans are for my Hoshigakure? What do we need to give, and what will we gain?"

Taiichi sat relaxed in the chair that had been prepared for him by the bed. "Hoshikage, you flatter me. Although Konoha and Hoshigakure are not traditional allied villages, they are both members of the Ninja World, and it is only right that we help each other. In this incident, Akatsuki is a common enemy, Konoha also has an investigation mission here, so it is our duty to lend a hand."

He first defined the nature of the action, downplaying the "gratitude" aspect and emphasizing common interests, which made Yotaka and the other two feel a little relieved.

"Regarding the alliance and subsequent arrangements," Taiichi continued, "the Hokage-sama's intention is that Konoha respects the independence and autonomy of Hoshigakure. The alliance is a relationship of equals and mutual assistance, not vassalage. Konoha will not interfere in Hoshigakure's internal affairs. As an ally, Konoha can provide assistance in the following areas:"

First, security. Konoha can sign a joint defense agreement with Hoshigakure. When Hoshigakure is threatened by external forces, Konoha is obligated to provide necessary support according to the agreement. At the same time, Konoha can send a small number of Advisor or instructors to help Hoshigakure rebuild its defense system, train ninjas, and improve its overall strength. Of course, these people will not interfere in your village's internal affairs.

Secondly, economic and material assistance. Hoshigakure has suffered heavy losses and needs a lot of resources to rebuild. Konoha can provide some low-interest loans or material assistance to help your village overcome its difficulties.

At the same time, Konoha can open some trade channels to sell necessities such as food, medicine, and Ninja Tool to Hoshigakure at relatively preferential prices, and purchase Hoshigakure's special products (such as certain medicinal herbs and minerals) to help your village recover its economy.

Third, medical and educational support. Konoha's Medical Ninjutsu is renowned, and Hoshigakure has sent personnel to Konoha Hospital for further training. In terms of education, Konoha can also share some basic Ninjutsu textbooks and training methods to help your village cultivate the next generation.

Fourth, intelligence sharing. Regarding common enemies like the Akatsuki that threaten the safety of the Ninja World, both sides can establish an intelligence exchange mechanism.

With Taiichi mentioned, the eyes of Yotaka and the other two lit up a little more. These conditions far exceeded their worst expectations (being annexed or harshly exploited), and were even more generous than they had imagined! They covered almost every aspect that Hoshigakure urgently needed right now.

Seeing their expressions, Taiichi was also happy.

Except for the last one, the other three benefits seem to favor the other party, but Konoha will never suffer a loss.

Establish defenses, train ninjas, and enable Konoha to influence the enemy's military strength.

Loans and supplies allow Konoha to control the other side's economy.

Receiving training from Hoshigakure cadets can influence the next generation of ninjas from that village.

If this goes on for a long time, the Hoshigakure will eventually resemble Konoha, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it "Little Konoha".

However, it's clear that Yotaka and the others aren't thinking that far ahead yet.

Because----

"So—what do we need to give in return?" Yotaka's voice trembled slightly; he knew there was no such thing as a free lunch.

Taiichi smiled, his smile sincere, "Allies naturally also need to fulfill their corresponding obligations. First, Hoshigakure must acknowledge this alliance with Konoha, announce it to the public, and, in principle, maintain a consistent Force Field with Konoha when it comes to major matters in the Ninja World."

Secondly, cooperate when Konoha makes reasonable requests (such as assisting in the investigation of a specific mission, providing facilitation for travel within the territory, etc.).

Furthermore, Konoha wishes to obtain a copy of the research materials regarding your village's secret technique, "Mysterious Peacock Method," and "Star," for academic research purposes, and promises never to leak them or use them against Hoshigakure.

Finally, in bilateral trade, Merchant from Konoha were granted the most favorable treatment.

After listening, Yotaka fell into deep thought. The first and second points were about political and diplomatic ties and cooperation, which were almost inevitable choices for the currently weak and desperately in need of support Hoshigakure.

The third point concerns the village's core secret techniques and treasures, making it the most sensitive. However, Taiichi clearly stated that it would only be used for "academic research" and that it would "never be leaked or targeted at Hoshigakure," showing a relatively restrained attitude. Moreover, given Konoha's resources, they might not even care about the Mysterious Peacock Method; it might truly just be for research.

As for the most favored treatment, Hoshigakure has already done that, so why worry about it?

Weighing the pros and cons, especially considering the precarious situation of Hoshigakure and the generous aid offered by Konoha, these conditions are perfectly acceptable, even "generous."

Natsuhiboshi and Hotarubi also looked at Yotaka, their eyes filled with questioning and approval. They also felt that this was probably the best outcome the Hoshigakure could achieve.

After a long while, Yotaka let out a long sigh of relief, as if a huge burden had been lifted, and finally nodded in agreement to all the conditions.

Taiichi, having completed the negotiations, did not rush to leave. He stayed there temporarily with his apprentice, waiting for the people from Konoha to come and hand over the responsibilities, and also temporarily protecting the Hoshigakure, whose strength had fallen to a low point.

This wait lasted a week, a week that Taiichi enjoyed as much relaxation as possible.

During this period, Taiichi spent most of his time training his three apprentices. Drawing on his practical experience in the previous battles to quell the rebellion, Taiichi systematically solidified their foundation and corrected the details.

On this day, the three little ones were engaged in a fierce battle with the Nine-Tails in the arena, while Taiichi stood on the sidelines, offering occasional pointers.

"Jiangtai, watch out for the left flank! Can't you see Yami's Feint?"

"Yami, Chakra flow even slightly! On the battlefield, a half-second delay can mean life or death!"

"Itachi, your chance! Hesitation means defeat!"

--

Under his command, the three children were kept in turmoil, but they gradually put the Nine-Tails in a bit of a bind.

The Nine-Tails Fox whimpered and growled, clearly annoyed by Taiichi's "off-field guidance," and was about to explode—

"Uh--!"

A clear and distinctive eagle cry pierced the sky, interrupting the sparring session.

The four humans and the fox looked up at the same time.

They were all too familiar with the cry of the Konoha Communication Hawk. A message arriving at this critical juncture was usually not good news.

All the onlookers saw was an eagle circling twice in the sky, as if confirming its target, before folding its wings and swooping down like an arrow.

Taiichi stretched out his arm to guide the Communication Hawk to land, and then took the letter from the Communication Hawk.

With just a glance, Taiichi's brows furrowed.

This is really something!

Taiichi's expression naturally aroused the curiosity of the others.

What could possibly trouble Taiichi- sensei now?

"Teacher, you look so worried, is something urgent?"

Jiangtai was the first to lose his composure and asked a question, but his tone sounded somewhat eager to try.

Taiichi at him, then ignored him and looked towards the Northern Front, where the Land of Demons was located.

"This time... it's really a bit troublesome."

The three little ones looked at each other, completely bewildered. But Nine-Tails Fox, being a thousand-year-old fox, did have some knowledge. Seeing the direction Taiichi, he immediately made a guess.

"Could it be that something's wrong with the monsters in the Land of Demons?"

The words were spoken vaguely, leaving the three children even more confused, but Taiichi nodded slightly.

"Teacher, Boss Fox, can you stop playing games?" Jiangtai scratched his head anxiously. "What is it that's so serious?"

Taiichi glared at the guy and lightly scolded him, "No self-control." Then he explained to them, "The demons sealed in the Land of Demons Moryo, have escaped. The village sent me to investigate. We can't stay here any longer."

As he spoke, he patted Jiangtai on the head and instructed them, "You wait here for me, I'm going to say goodbye to Hotarubi."

Seeing how anxious their teacher was, the three children realized the seriousness of the situation, but they had no idea what the demonic Moryo the teacher was talking about was.

At this moment, they all turned their gaze to the Nine-Tails beside them, as it seemed he also knew something about that monster.

It was Jiangtai again, still with that impatient tone.

"Boss Fox, tell us, what exactly is this 'Moryo'? Why is even the teacher so anxious?"

Upon hearing this, the Nine-Tails immediately became smug, finally it was its turn to show off in front of others.

He held his head high and puffed out his chest, taking a few steps back and forth on his four short legs before slowly explaining the story of the Moryo to the three little ones.

"The Moryo are Ancient Monster, said to be immortal and indestructible. They caused immense destruction to the world back then, and were eventually sealed away by Shrine Maiden using a life-sacrificing Sealing Jutsu in what is now the Land of Demons— "

Just as Nine-Tails Moryo to the three little ones, Taiichi arrived at the Third Hoshikage's hospital room, where, coincidentally, Hotarubi and Natsuhiboshi were also present.

Taiichi had just explained his purpose when Natsuhiboshi interrupted him in surprise.

"What? Lord Taiichi, you're leaving?"

The original plan was for Taiichi to leave after the handover personnel from Konoha arrived, which would leave no gaps in Hoshigakure's defenses. However, Taichi was Taiichi and then decided to leave ahead of schedule.

"Yes, Lord Taiichi, is there anything we have done wrong in our hospitality?" Yotaka Xing asked from his sickbed, for the Hoshigakure could not function without Taiichi's presence.

"That's not the case."

Taiichi looked at the three anxious people present, and thinking that this matter was not a secret, as the high-ranking members of the Star Ninja would soon receive the information, so he no longer concealed it.

"Something has happened in the Land of Demons. As your neighbors, you should know about the situation with the demons Moryo."

I just received news from the village that the Moryo have escaped their seal, and the Land of Demons has asked Konoha for help. The village has sent me to gather information.

"Don't worry, judging by the timeline, the personnel coming to take over will arrive in two days at most. The Hoshigakure will be fine."

Upon hearing that it was Moryo that had escaped, Ye Yotaka other two fell silent. They really had no reason to stop Taiichi from doing this.

If the village records are correct, the escape of Moryo was a major event that could endanger the Ninja World, something that a small Hoshigakure could not compare to.

Now they actually think it's better for Taiichi to set off sooner rather than later.

That's what they thought, and that's what they did. The three exchanged a glance, and finally, it was Hotarubi who spoke last, "Such an important matter, then, Taiichi, we won't keep you any longer. We hope Taiichi's journey is successful and that you will rid the Ninja World of this great scourge."

When Taiichi came out, he found his three disciples again, and they were gathered around the Nine-Tails, listening to something.

Just looking at that situation, something just doesn't seem right.

Yami listened with great interest, her face beaming with eagerness.

Jiangtai was trembling all over, clinging tightly to Itachi's arm, looking like he wanted to listen but didn't dare. It was clear he was terrified.

As for Itachi, his face was full of helplessness, and his body swayed constantly with Jiangtai's trembling. If he wasn't worried that Jiangtai would crush the Shadow Clone, he would definitely use the Shadow Clone to replace himself.

Taiichi's expression was strange. As he walked in, he could hear the Nine-Tails's deception.

"Those Moryo, they're demons, you know? Demons are even scarier than ghosts—"

"Do you know why he's immortal? Have you ever seen a ghost that can die?"

As Nine-Tails kept saying "ghost" and "horror," Jiangtai trembled even more.

Taiichi only just realized that Jiangtai, who was usually so carefree, was actually afraid of ghosts. A ninja being afraid of ghosts, and not even a girl like Yami.

Taiichi approached the three little ones silently from behind. He did see the Nine-Tails, but the "wicked" Nine-Tails remained unmoved and instead spoke more and more terrifyingly.

When the Nine-Tails exaggeratedly said that the Moryo would transform into ghosts and infiltrate other people's dreams to attack, the trembling Jiangtai suddenly felt a cold hand on his shoulder, followed by a chilling sensation that went up to his neck.

Instantly, Jiangtai's eyes widened, his whole body stiffened, even his trembling briefly disappeared, followed by a deafening scream.

"Ah!!!"

Jiang Taiichi leaped three feet high, directly over the head of the Nine-Tails. Upon landing, he couldn't even stand steadily and stumbled forward, turning around to see what was behind him, his face filled with terror.

The scene fell into a deathly silence, broken only by Jiangtai's continuous screams. Everyone stared at Jiangtai in astonishment; even Taiichi hadn't expected his reaction to be so exaggerated.

At this moment, Jiangtai finally realized what was happening. He quickly got up and awkwardly touched the back of his head.

"Um—well—I am a little bit afraid of ghosts." He raised his hand to the crowd, making a small distance between his thumb and forefinger, and whispered, "Just a little bit, you can believe me."

But what greeted him was Taiichi's increasingly serious expression.

"Jiangtai, your fear isn't just a little bit; it's affecting your behavior. We're going to face the Moryo soon, and I need to have a serious talk with you."

"T-Teacher, it's not that serious. I was just startled, that's why I reacted so strongly."

Jiangtai wanted to argue, but what happened next made him freeze in place again.

Without further ado, Taiichi formed a Hai seal and slowly closed his eyes.

However, all three present had cultivated the Sage Mode and achieved some success, so their perception abilities were naturally extraordinary.

The three of them looked at Taiichi's left side at the same time, as if there was something there, and Jiangtai's body trembled again.

That's right, this is the Spirit Transformation Technique, and Taiichi's soul is currently floating beside his body.

Seeing that the three little ones could all sense him, Taiichi nodded in satisfaction. It was clear that practicing Sage Mode hadn't been in vain.

Immediately, he mobilized his Chakra, and his spirit gradually emitted a faint light, transforming from an invisible state into a semi-transparent form. The Chakra vibrated the air, producing a hollow sound.

"This is the soul. After a person dies, they become what you know as a ghost, and their essence is no different from mine now."

Taiichi's spirit floated forward and came to Jiangtai's side, raising his hand to rest on Jiang Tai's shoulder.

Tell me, how are you feeling now? Are you still scared?

Needless to say, anyone who isn't blind can see that Jiangtai terrified.

He trembled all over, even his jaw started chattering, even though he knew that this was the effect of Taiichi's Ninjutsu and not a real ghost.

Yami felt sorry for Jiangtai. It seemed that Teacher Taiichi was planning to use the most violent means to break Jiangtai's fear.

That's really... really... really funny.

If she had a camera, she would definitely have taken a picture of this scene; she could use this as leverage to laugh at Jiang Taiichi!

"Teacher, I feel much better."

"Oh, really?"

Taiichi's spirit approached Jiangtai, with most of its spirit clinging to Jiangtai's body. A chilling aura permeated Jiangtai's mind as Taiichi drew near, causing him to tremble more and more violently.

Of course, Taiichi's spirit itself wouldn't have this chilling aura, but for Taiichi, who has mastered Ice Release, making the air a little colder is incredibly easy.

Seeing that Jiangtai was about to faint, Taiichi knew that he had to proceed gradually and couldn't expect to see results immediately.

Taiichi's spirit returned, and his physical body opened its eyes again, staring at Jiangtai, whose face was now completely bloodless, and began to give him a long and earnest plea.

"Jiangtai, I'm not afraid of the living. What's there to be afraid of in those who can't even survive? It's just another round of killing."

He looked at the three of them, his gaze finally settling on Jiangtai's face. "The journey to the Land of Demons will be fraught with danger. I will give you special training along the way and try to help you overcome this difficulty before we reach the Land of Demons. You must be prepared."

"No way, teacher!"

Jiangtai's pale face flushed red in that instant, and she exuded a sense of despair.

In this situation, Yami and Itachi finally couldn't hold back and burst into laughter, clutching their stomachs.

Even the Nine-Tails let out a strange "whimpering" laugh, its four legs flailing wildly in the air.