After successfully passing through border checks, Hoshino and his group embarked on the road to the capital of the Land of Demons, guided by the guards.
The scenery of the Land of Demons is completely different from that of other countries. Ancient stone buildings are layered along the mountainside, with vines climbing on the gray tiles, and a faint sandalwood scent permeating the air.
The stone lanterns lining both sides of the road are carved with intricate runes, and even in the daytime they faintly glow with a bluish light, clearly containing some kind of magic.
Occasionally, women dressed as shrine maidens would pass by, and upon seeing the visiting group, they would merely nod slightly, their expressions calm and distant.
The journey was uneventful, and even the usual caravans or travelers were rarely seen; the entire country seemed shrouded in a tranquil and mysterious atmosphere.
As evening fell, Hoshino's group arrived at the capital of the Land of Demons.
The towering city walls were covered with ancient Sealing Jutsu, and the city gate was constructed of jet-black boulders, with a flag embroidered with purple Tomoe patterns hanging above it, swaying gently in the evening breeze.
The taxi guards, also wearing bronze masks, silently checked the documents before waving them off.
Upon entering the city, the streets are wide and clean, and the buildings on both sides are simple and solemn in style. The copper bells hanging under the eaves ring softly in the wind, producing an ethereal sound.
There weren't many pedestrians on the street, most of them dressed in dark robes and walking leisurely. Occasionally, someone would cast a curious glance at Hoshino and his group, but they would quickly look away and continue with their own business.
"As expected of the mysterious Land of Demons..." Hoshino murmured in admiration, "The atmosphere here is completely isolated from the conflicts of the Shinobi World."
Led by a guide, the procession passed through several quiet streets and finally stopped in front of a magnificent palace.
The palace's architectural style blends features of a shrine and a castle, with a tall torii gate standing in front of the main entrance, and behind it, layers of steps leading directly to the main hall.
"This is the residence of the priestess, and also the heart of the Land of Demons."
The guide bowed slightly and said respectfully, "The priestess is aware of your arrival. Please follow me inside."
Hoshino nodded, signaling the cyborg ninja behind him to remain on guard at the door. He then straightened his robes and stepped onto the stairs.
Maids dressed in white shrine maiden robes stood on both sides of the steps, holding long staffs and with solemn expressions.
As Hoshino climbed higher, a gentle breeze carried a refreshing floral fragrance.
Upon arriving at the main hall entrance, the guide stopped and stepped aside.
"The priestess is inside, please come in."
Hoshino took a deep breath and pushed open the palace door, which was engraved with mysterious runes.
The light inside the hall was soft, and candlelight burned quietly in bronze lamps.
On the high seat in the very center, a girl dressed in a purple and white shrine maiden's robe sat quietly. Her eyes were like the deep night sky, and her long hair cascaded down her shoulders.
She is none other than Shion, the current priestess of the Land of Demons.
"Welcome to the Land of Demons, Hoshino of Sunagakure."
Shion slightly raised her eyes, looked at Hoshino, and a faint smile appeared on her lips.
Hoshino was slightly taken aback, not expecting that the shrine maiden of the Land of Demons was a little girl about the same age as him.
Shouldn't it be that guy named Miroku? Is he already dead?
However, he quickly composed himself and gave a polite bow.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Shion."
Shion blinked, tilting her head slightly to examine him, seemingly curious about his reaction.
"You look younger than I expected... but you're a bit taller than me."
Her voice still carried a hint of immaturity, but her tone was surprisingly calm.
Hoshino couldn't help but laugh, "You're even more... well, more approachable than I imagined."
Shion gave a soft hum, a hint of pride appearing on her small face. "I am the priestess of the Land of Demons, of course I must be more composed."
After saying that, he jumped down from the high seat.
Yes, she 'jumped' down, her movements as light and agile as a kitten, completely unlike her previous dignified demeanor.
"But since you're a child too, we don't need to be so serious, right?" She winked, a sly smile playing on her lips.
Hoshino paused for a moment, then chuckled, "You're right."
Shion nodded in satisfaction, then clapped her hands.
Soon, several maids came in carrying tea and snacks. On the exquisite porcelain plates were various desserts and fruits, as well as two cups of steaming flower tea.
"Since you're here for 'academic exchange,' let's eat and chat."
Shion sat back down in her seat and gestured for Hoshino to sit down as well. "That's how adults always talk about things anyway."
Hoshino couldn't help but chuckle, but still obediently sat down. He hadn't expected the shrine maiden of the Land of Demons to be so lively in private.
However, this actually makes the negotiations go much more smoothly.
" Shion seems to know a lot about what's going on outside?" Hoshino asked tentatively.
Shion picked up a pastry, took a bite, and mumbled, "Um... Although the Land of Demons rarely contacts the outside world, I still know what I need to know."
She swallowed the food in her mouth and added, "For example, your Sunagakure's Reform Society, those prosthetic bodies you invented, and that ' Shinobi Alliance ' thing."
Hoshino smiled but didn't reply.
After a moment, he picked up the teacup, gently blew on the steam, and said, "This tea is very special; it has a... calming flavor."
"This is brewed with ' Calming Flower ' from the back mountain of the shrine; only shrine maidens can pick them." Shion rested her chin on her hand, her tone tinged with a hint of smugness. "Outsiders can't drink it."
"Then I am truly honored."
"Drink more if you like, anyway, I don't usually have anyone to drink tea with." Shion smiled and poured him another cup.
"No one's keeping you company?" Hoshino, somewhat surprised. "Don't the maids keep you company and chat with you?"
"They're so serious, always saying things like 'The priestess should be mindful of her manners.'" Shion mimicked the maid's rigid tone, making Hoshino burst out laughing.
The evening breeze outside the hall blew through the carved wooden windows, causing the candlelight to flicker gently.
Hoshino noticed that when Shion was laughing and joking, crumbs of sweets would often accidentally get on her wide shrine maiden sleeves.
This detail made him suddenly realize that the witch in front of him, who was revered as a goddess by the people, was essentially just a ten-year-old girl.
He reached out and pushed the celadon tea saucer towards Shion, watching her pick up the teacup and sip without any suspicion. He suddenly thought of those ninjas of his age in Sunagakure who had been transformed into combat weapons.
The sandalwood scent unique to the Land of Demons wafted slowly through the hall, allowing his slightly tense nerves to relax for a rare moment.
"Oh, right!"
"Your Sunagakure's prosthetic technology..." Shion suddenly leaned closer, her eyes sparkling, "I've heard that even lost limbs can regenerate?"
Hoshino nodded and said, "Theoretically, yes, but it requires adaptation to the Chakra pathways. Speaking of which, this technology was originally inspired by Sealing Jutsu. Your Land of Demons..."
As he spoke, he gently swirled the teacup in his hand, his gaze inadvertently drifting to the towering city walls outside the window, where the afterglow of the setting sun was gilding the ancient runes with a golden edge.