Ding-a-ling...
The ethereal, pure, and soul-cleansing chime of the bell rang out again.
This time, it was unmistakably clear.
If the last chime had been partially lost in the tense standoff, this time, at the peak of emotional intensity, everyone felt its effect distinctly.
An indescribable sense of peace and tranquility instantly dispelled the murderous intent and suspicion in their hearts.
The fury in Hiruzen Sarutobi's chest was extinguished, the coldness in Rasa's eyes dissipated like smoke, and Kakashi's trembling body slowly settled.
The tightly wound nerves of the other guards abruptly relaxed. Ōnoki's teasing smile stiffened slightly, a flash of surprise crossing his eyes. The strained atmosphere within the entire shrine felt as if it had been gently smoothed over by an unseen hand.
This strange change made everyone present's heart seize up.
What kind of power is this?
A Genjutsu (Illusionary Technique)?
With a hint of doubt, their eyes involuntarily flickered toward the back of the gauze curtain.
"Regardless of who the 'Espada' were in life, regardless of why they were born..." the Miko (Shrine Maiden)Miroku's calm, ethereal voice sounded again from behind the curtain. "At this moment, they are enemies threatening the existence of the entire Ninja World."
"Dwelling on their past is meaningless; it will only shake our resolve and divide our strength."
"I believe everyone gathered here is not to argue over right and wrong."
Hearing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi let out a deep breath, the muscles on his face, taut with anger, slowly relaxing.
"The Miko is absolutely correct," he said, his gaze sweeping over the four Kage. "The past is gone; the future can be pursued."
"The most urgent matter is to seek a solution, not to assign blame!"
He paused, sounding as if he were explaining, yet also advising, and said meaningfully, "Those 'Hollows,' those 'Espada,' they are not formed from a single soul."
"They are a fusion of countless souls that have sunk, been twisted, and mutated by intense negative emotions."
"They have already become entirely new entities, different from who they were in life!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi glanced at the crimson curtain behind him and continued, "Even if their kin stood before them, it would be impossible for them to recognize them."
This sentence seemed to be directed at the other four Kage, explaining the nature of the Hollows. But even more, it seemed intended for the figure whose heart was churning behind the curtain.
Regardless of who the 'Second Espada: White Fang' was in life, he could no longer be the man named Sakumo Hatake.
"..."
Kakashi Hatake's chest heaved violently, not calming down in the slightest despite Hiruzen Sarutobi's words. If, if the 'White Fang' among the 'Espada' was truly his father...
"I won't allow it!" Kakashi gritted his teeth, his voice low. "I won't allow anyone to blaspheme my father's soul!"
Shadow!
Just as his emotions surged, a hand clapped onto his shoulder.
Kakashi instinctively turned his head. Hyuga Kawa smiled at him and said softly, "We'll win."
Kakashi was stunned for a moment. His turbulent heart strangely calmed significantly. He gave Hyuga Kawa a grateful look and nodded slowly.
[Your lie has been judged as [Groundless Assertion]. Kakashi Hatake experiences an emotional fluctuation, reaching a state of [Deep Belief], earning 600 Truth Points...]
"I agree with the opinion of the Hokage-dono."
Inside the shrine, Yagura Karatachi suddenly spoke, saying deeply, "The most important thing now is not to assign blame, but to consider: if this is true, what does it mean?"
At his words, the gazes of everyone present narrowed, falling into a long silence.
What does it mean?
It means that everyone who dies in battle could potentially be twisted and mutated into a 'Hollow,' turning from a comrade into an enemy!
It means the souls of powerful, legendary shinobi who have passed away could all be twisted and mutated, becoming entities they will have to face in the future!
"Damn 'Hueco Mundo (Hollow World)'!" A, the Fourth Raikage, couldn't help but curse, his face filled with unconcealed disgust. "To actually desecrate the spirits of the dead."
He paused, then seemed to think of something, turning to Hiruzen Sarutobi with a cold voice. "Hmph! Just like the Impure World Reincarnation (Edo Tensei) developed by your Second Hokage in Konoha!"
Edo Tensei!
The eyes of the other three Kage present flickered. Of course, they knew about this S-rank forbidden technique; it was no secret in the Ninja World. The Second Tsuchikage Mū, Chiyo, and Kinkaku/Ginkaku had all witnessed Tobirama Senju use it in their lifetime.
Edo Tensei, invented by the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, could summon the soul of a deceased person back to the present world from the Pure Land. However, Tobirama Senju originally used this forbidden technique in conjunction with another called 'Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags,' covering the deceased's body with explosion tags to turn them into human bombs.
The essence of cruelty and desecration was, to some extent, very similar to the methods of Hueco Mundo.
"Raikage-dono, please mind your words. Edo Tensei was sealed as a forbidden technique a long time ago," Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned and retorted. "Furthermore, although it also involves the souls of the deceased, Edo Tensei does not twist the deceased's self-awareness."
"Nor does it turn the deceased into the kind of monster that has lost all reason and is filled with hatred and the desire for destruction."
The Fourth Raikage simply gave a heavy snort but did not continue to target Konoha. Instead, he turned to the figure behind the gauze curtain.
"Miko-dono," he asked, "For creatures like the Hollows, which are similar to demons, does the Land of Demons have any better method for their complete eradication?"
Everyone looked toward Miroku. The Fourth Raikage's question voiced the urgent need in everyone's hearts. Although the Hollows' weakness had been found, the key was how to thoroughly eradicate their source and how to deal with the threat of the Espada.
Behind the gauze curtain, Miroku's figure stirred, seemingly about to answer.
However, just at that moment.
Buzz! Buzz!
A series of heavy, immense vibrations began to emanate from beneath their feet. The floor of the entire shrine shook slightly, the ancient murals on the walls rattled, and dust drifted down from the dome.
"What's happening?"
The five Kage frowned, but they showed no panic.
"Miroku-sama!"
A guard dressed in the attire of the Land of Demons entered the shrine, his voice filled with urgency and solemnity. He knelt on one knee. "I deeply apologize for interrupting the meeting!"
"However, the Ghost Army has broken through our last line of defense. They are closing in on the shrine and are expected to arrive here very soon."
The guard raised his head and said in a heavy voice, "Please, Miroku-sama and everyone, evacuate with us. This place is no longer safe."
The Ghost Army, those 'undying' stone statues, have actually reached here?
"Hmph, what are we running for!"
The Fourth Raikage suddenly stood up from his seat, electricity crackling around his body as he boomed, "I'm going to see for myself what's so great about this so-called 'Espada.'"
Zzzzzzt!
Accompanied by a burst of harsh electrical crackle, his figure instantly transformed into a blue flash of lightning and charged out of the shrine with speed that was nearly impossible to track.
"Raikage-sama!"
"Boss!"
Darui and Yugito Nii behind the curtain changed their expressions. The two of them also turned into streaks of light and rushed out in pursuit.
Inside the shrine, the remaining four Kage exchanged glances, their expressions varied: solemnity, calculation, suspicion.
They suspected the Miko might have used them, the five Kage. But surprisingly, there was no fear or anger.
The five of them collectively represented arguably the strongest visible power in the Ninja World. They were not easily frightened or intimidated by one 'Espada.'
"Kazekage-dono, Mizukage-dono, Tsuchikage-dono..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi stood up steadily, his gaze sweeping over Rasa, Yagura Karatachi, and Ōnoki. "Mōryō's goal is to destroy the Five Great Nations and rule the entire Ninja World."
"Therefore, he is not just an enemy of the Land of Demons; he is our common enemy."
"Furthermore, this is an opportunity. It will allow us to verify the true power level of the 'Hollows' and the 'Espada.'"
With his words spoken, he no longer hesitated. His figure flashed, and he, too, disappeared from the shrine.
"Hmph!" Rasa let out a cold snort, his figure transforming into a sand shadow and following closely.
"Espada!" Yagura Karatachi's eyes flashed with cold intent. He quickly followed, accompanied by Ao and Mei Terumī.
"Let's go, let's go. Let's see what they're made of," Ōnoki said slowly, his body floating up. Kitsuchi and an inexplicably excited Deidara guarded his sides as they flew out of the shrine.
Kakashi and Hyuga Kawa exchanged a look. The former disappeared from his spot. The latter was about to leave as well when a light, ethereal voice called out.
"Hyuga Kawa-dono, please stay."
Hyuga Kawa stopped and turned to look toward the gauze curtain, his eyes subtly narrowing. "Miko-dono, is there anything else?"
"Hyuga Kawa," Miroku said directly, "I have seen your future."
Hyuga Kawa instinctively narrowed his eyes, a sense of apprehension rising in his heart.
But the words that came from Miroku's mouth next caused him to pause slightly.
"I saw you use the Miko's power to kill Mōryō," Miroku said softly. "This means only you can save the Land of Demons and the Ninja World."
"You... are the Savior of the Ninja World."
[Your lie has been judged as [Deception of the Heavens]. Miroku experiences an emotional fluctuation, reaching a state of [Deep Belief], earning 5000 Truth Points]
"..."
Hearing the system prompt in his mind and Miroku's absolutely certain words in his ear, Hyuga Kawa's expression turned odd.
What is it with these people who love playing with prophecy and destiny?
Is it the curse that those who believe in destiny will inevitably be deceived by destiny?
"Miko-dono," Hyuga Kawa feigned a frown, his tone unreadable. "Please don't say such incomprehensible things."
Miroku was not surprised by his reaction; his reaction was exactly what was expected.
"I know it's hard for you to believe right now," she merely said slowly. "But please accept my power."
"I believe it is what you need."
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