The more Mozang spoke, the more agitated he became, his voice nearly breaking into sobs.
"Lord Longqi! I beg you to act! Sacrifice this sinner who has blasphemed against Lord Jashin! Use his blood and soul to wash away the shame he has brought upon us!"
The other end of the call fell silent for a moment. Then a furious rage seemed to surge straight through the screen.
"This happened?! An ordinary doctor dared to profane Lord Jashin's glory and twist the will of his believers?! He deserves death!!!"
Longqi's voice thundered, making the candles on the altar flicker.
"You say he's going aboard the Peace Tour? Good. Very good! How could the blood of one mere doctor quell Lord Jashin's wrath?"
"Since he's courting death by leaving the protection of Kumogakure, I'll sacrifice every living soul aboard that cruise ship to Lord Jashin this time—nobles, ninja, and commoners alike!"
His voice rang with fanatical ambition and devotion.
"This will be a blood sacrifice on a scale never seen before! The Peace Tour will become a vast coffin adrift on the endless sea!"
"With this great sacrifice, Lord Jashin's name will resound throughout the Shinobi World! Let every ignorant fool tremble before his power!"
Mozang and the followers around him shook with excitement. They threw themselves to the ground, chanting fervent praise.
"Lord Longqi is wise!"
"Long live Lord Jashin!"
"Let death and terror descend upon the Peace Tour!"
In the Hokage's Office in Konoha, morning light streamed through the clean windows, bringing a touch of warmth to the room.
Hinata Hyuga was ready to leave. She wore a simple pale-purple kimono, dignified enough for the Hokage's wife yet comfortable for travel.
Her long hair fell smoothly behind her shoulders. Her pure Byakugan eyes held their usual gentleness, along