Taruho reached out and gently pushed open the wooden door.
Creak~
The hinges gave a faint squeak.
A richer herbal fragrance drifted out through the doorway, mingled with an unfamiliar scent and what seemed to be a faint trace of sandalwood that soothed the soul.
Along with it came a girl's voice, slightly young but striving to sound solemn and dignified, reciting some sort of incantation or scripture.
There was also a man's voice, weak and unsteady yet exceptionally gentle and clear, patiently offering explanations and guidance.
"Lady Miko, the Hokage of Konoha wishes to see you and Mr. Katō."
Taruho entered first and respectfully announced their arrival.
His voice interrupted the lesson inside.
The voices in the room immediately fell silent.
Jiraiya followed Taruho into the room.
It was an elegantly furnished, solemn side hall. A soft carpet covered the center of the room, with a low table and cushions arranged on it.
A little girl who looked barely over ten sat upright in the place of honor, dressed in shrine maiden robes, with long, pale golden hair and delicate features.
Jiraiya immediately concluded that she must be Shion, the current Miko of the Land of Demons.
Opposite her floated a translucent male soul. His outline was somewhat indistinct, but his appearance in life and gentle demeanor were still recognizable.
It was Dan Katō.
At Taruho's announcement, Shion and Dan both turned toward the doorway.
When he saw the tall, burly man behind Taruho, with his wild white hair and bold bearing, Dan Katō froze for a moment before irrepressible joy and excitement spread across his face.
"Lord Fifth," he said, his voice trembling slightly with weakness and excitement. "It's been so long!"
His translucent form struggled to straighten a little as he greeted Jiraiya.
Beside him, however, Miko