Land of Demons.
This is an inland Small Country located between Land of Snow and Land of Earth, and also bordering Land of Bears of South.
Its land area is not large, sandwiched between several big countries and the peculiar Small Country, but because of its unique geographical location and mysterious culture, it occupies a special position on the Shinobi World's territory.
There are no Shinobi Villages in the traditional sense here, nor are there any large-scale Ninja troops.
The security and stability of the country seem to rely more on the ancient inheritance of Miko and the beliefs of the local people.
At this moment, a tall figure with wild white hair and a huge Scroll on his back was stepping onto Land of Demons's Capital.
It is Jiraiya.
He was wearing a Red Eyes coat and Geta feet, with a look on his face that was dusty but full of exploration.
Although Great Toad Sage does not give the specific location of Iwaya Slope.
But after all, Jiraiya has traveled to Shinobi World for decades, relying on his accumulated contacts over the years, his knowledge of various places, and the writer's sense of "story"...
He still combed through the vast amount of information and finally targeted Land of Demons.
"Iwaya Slope..."
Jiraiya muttered this unpronounceable name in a low voice and glanced at the surrounding scenery which was completely different from Land of Fire.
The architectural style here is more simple and rough, mostly built with boulders and dark wood. Wind chimes and cloth flags painted with strange runes are often hung under the eaves.
There is a faint smell similar to Sandalwood mixed with herbs in the air, which makes people feel calm.
There were not many pedestrians on the road, and most of them wore dark clothes. When they saw Jiraiya, the tall Ninja, who was obviously a foreigner, their eyes were filled with surprise or fear.
Land of Demons is a mysterious country that has owned "Miko" from generation to generation.
According to legend, each generation of Miko has incredible power - they can predict death, foresee disasters, and also have the ability to seal powerful monsters.
It is precisely because of the existence of Miko that Land of Demons, this Small Country, can maintain its unique independence and tranquility in the Shinobi World surrounded by wolves, and has not been annexed by the surrounding countries.
For "story collectors" and "mysterious explorers" like Jiraiya, Land of Demons's Miko is undoubtedly a very attractive existence.
He really wanted to see what the legendary Miko looked like.
Is it really like what is recorded in Ancient Text, with an otherworldly temperament and the long river of destiny reflected in his eyes?
Or is she a veiled, mysterious and peerless beauty, as described in some folklore?
Jiraiya's imagination began to spread uncontrollably, and the corner of his mouth even unconsciously evoked a slightly lewd smile.
However, he soon heard a piece of news from the locals that "cooled" him down instantly.
This year's Miko master is just over ten years old.
It is said that he is a little Girl who has not yet fully grown up and seems to have a rather... well, I cannot say that he is naughty, but rather a cute and unruly one.
"More than ten years old!"
The smile on Jiraiya's face froze instantly, the corner of his mouth twitched, and he touched his nose angrily.
For Jiraiya, who has always been very specific in her aesthetic preferences and likes mature and plump beauties...
Little Girl in his early teens?
This was completely outside his "strike zone", so he lost interest instantly.
His romantic fantasy and desire to explore Miko were immediately poured cold water on reality.
"Alas..."
Jiraiya sighed and shook his head helplessly.
"It seems that this trip to Land of Demons is destined to miss out on 'love encounters' or anything like that."
However, he quickly adjusted his mentality.
After all, his primary purpose of coming here is not to see beautiful women, but to find clues to "Iwaya Slope".
As for Miko, since it is a child, it will be easier to handle.
Children tend to be simple-minded. Maybe we can learn some secrets about the ancient inheritance of Land of Demons from her?
Moreover, Girl, who can become Miko at the age of ten and shoulders the important task of sealing monsters, is legendary enough and worthy of exploration.
Jiraiya cheered up again and looked towards the center of Land of Demons.
There, stands a shrine-like building that is obviously taller and more majestic than the surrounding buildings, and has a more ancient and mysterious style.
That should be "Shion Castle" where Miko lives, or the similar Palace.
"So..."
Jiraiya straightened his clothes and put on his cynical yet serious smile again, "Let me, the former Fifth Hokage, pay a visit to the young Lord Miko."
"I hope she won't be as difficult to deal with as Tsunade..."
He muttered quietly, took steps towards the shrine.
On the outskirts of the quaint and solemn miko palace in the Kingdom of Demons, known as "Aster Castle" by the locals, Jiraiya was stopped by a group of solemn-looking miko guards.
These guards are not traditional Ninja, but they have a calm aura and sharp eyes. They are obviously elites who have undergone rigorous training and are responsible for protecting the safety of Miko.
Facing Jiraiya, this uninvited guest who suddenly appeared, had a strong aura, and was obviously a foreigner, they all had undisguised alertness on their faces, and their hands were resting on the hilts of their knives.
The atmosphere was a little tense for a while.
Jiraiya looked relaxed and scratched his head. When he casually announced his identity as "Konoha Shinobi Village Fifth Hokage Jiraiya", something interesting happened.
The expressions on the faces of the Miko guards who originally looked on guard suddenly changed strangely.
The alertness quickly faded away, replaced by an almost "relieved" look, even with a hint of helplessness.
The leading guard even murmured in a low voice. Although his voice was small, it was keenly captured by Jiraiya:
"It turns out to be Fifth Hokage Lord Jiraiya... Then even if we have twice as many people, we can't stop them..."
The news that Konoha Sixth Hokage Naruto Uzumaki recently conquered two major Shinobi Villages with thunderous means has spread like a whirlwind throughout the entire Shinobi World. Even relatively backward Small Countrys like Land of Demons have heard about it.
The weight and deterrence represented by the name "Hokage" have probably reached unprecedented heights in today's Shinobi World.
The guards consciously moved out of the way. Although their eyes were still wary, they no longer posed an obstacle.
After they got out of the way, Jiraiya didn't dare to go inside.
However, one of these guards was an exception.
It was Young Naruto who walked up from behind the crowd. He looked about fifteen or sixteen years old, with a delicate face but a composure and perseverance beyond his years.
He wears different clothes from other guards, and his temperament is more reserved and focused.
Even when the other guards relaxed, he still maintained a high alert posture, his bright eyes staring at Jiraiya like a hawk, and his hand never left the handle of the knife at his waist.
"Sir, how do you prove that you are Hokage?"
This is a bit difficult for Jiraiya, because Jiraiya doesn't even have Hokage Robe, and these people should be even less able to recognize other things.
The leading guard came to Taruho and said respectfully.
"Lord Taruho, Lord Jiraiya has white hair and a tall figure. This gentleman has a dignified appearance and an upright face. He must be Lord Jiraiya."
"This is our Lord Miko's attendant Lord Taruho. In order to reassure Lord Taruho, please Lord Jiraiya use the solution powder to prove that you are not using Transformation Technique."
As a veteran of Shinobi World, Jiraiya knew as soon as he heard it that the other party was playing a double act.
In other words, the older guard unilaterally used the young Kid to make love.
But it's okay, according to the way the other party let him go as soon as he heard that he was Jiraiya, Jiraiya didn't dare to go in!
He is quite happy to show that he is Jiraiya himself.