201-205

*Chapter 201: Quick Mastery of the "Yin Seal"*

This wasn’t the first time Uchiha Hikari had brought up wanting to learn the “Yin Seal.”

The last time was late last year, when Tsunade returned to the village and gave Danzo a thrashing. Back then, Tsunade was in a slump, indifferent to everything around her, and Hikari was just starting to experiment with the “Yasaka no Magatama,” a technique to rewrite others’ wills. Not confident in her control, she didn’t dare use Tsunade as a test subject, so the plan was shelved.

Until now—

“…If you’re really set on learning the Yin Seal, I can teach you,” Tsunade said after a long pause, taking a deep breath and speaking softly. “But I have one condition: no matter what happens, you cannot use this jutsu against Konoha’s ninja. Especially not against Shizune.”

“No problem,” Hikari replied without hesitation.

For her, the Yin Seal was just icing on the cake. Besides, it wasn’t an offensive technique—it was for storing chakra, a backup for emergencies. If she ever had to fight Konoha’s ninja… well, she doubted anyone could push her to the point of needing the Yin Seal’s extra chakra reserves.

Unless it’s Might Guy with all Eight Gates open, she mused. That could be a real threat. But even then, the Yin Seal—or even Fire Thunder God—might not cut it. Better to just hop to another world, wait out his ultimate move, and come back when it’s safe.

Tsunade knew this too, deep down. Her condition was more for peace of mind than anything else.

Hikari pushed further. “Besides the Yin Seal, I’m kinda curious about a few other techniques… How about ‘Super Strength’? Willing to part with that? Or maybe the ‘Ninja Art: Mitotic Regeneration’ or the contract scroll for the Shikkotsu Forest? I’m good for it, even if the price is steep.”

Tsunade: “…”

After some haggling, Hikari ended up paying 18 million ryo for lifetime rights to the Yin Seal, Super Strength, and Mitotic Regeneration, plus a month of one-on-one training with Tsunade herself. As for the Shikkotsu Forest scroll… Tsunade flat-out refused to sell, and Hikari had to let it go.

Not that she could’ve signed it anyway—she already had a summoning contract with the Ryuchi Cave. Sure, a ninja could theoretically bond with multiple summoning beasts, but the three sacred grounds were a different story. They weren’t likely to share a contractor, and a misstep could get her rejected by both or even have her contract canceled outright.

Still, Hikari couldn’t help but wonder: What if someone like Eriri or Esdeath signed with Shikkotsu Forest? If it was just raw senjutsu pulling from natural energy, even someone from another world should be able to learn it, right?

She tucked that thought away, planning to ask the White Snake Sage at Ryuchi Cave when she got the chance. With her current strength, she figured she could hold her own in a conversation with the sage.

---

Tsunade took a few days to recover from the mental strain. During that time, she explained the Yin Seal to Hikari through verbal instruction.

As the name suggests, the Yin Seal is a sealing jutsu, and a rare medical one at that. Its core idea is to fine-tune the body’s chakra pathways to create a “reservoir” for storing chakra bit by bit over time. When the moment calls for it, a specific technique releases the seal, unleashing a massive burst of chakra for a huge boost in combat power.

Tsunade had refined the technique further. Her version used a steady trickle of chakra to form a special circuit in the body, constantly repairing and regulating bodily functions to maintain eternal youth. But this upgrade came at a cost: the improved Yin Seal was way harder to master.

In the original story, even Shizune, who’d studied under Tsunade for years, couldn’t learn it due to her limitations. Sakura Haruno, a prodigy among regular ninja, took nearly three years to get it down.

As for Hikari… she could tell just from Tsunade’s explanation that this was no walk in the park. If regular sealing jutsu were a difficulty of 1, the Four Symbols Seal might be a 3, but the Yin Seal? That was a 5, maybe even a 7.

For a moment, it felt like she was back in her old college days, sitting through a lecture on advanced calculus. She could follow along, but it took focus.

But when Hikari actually tried channeling her chakra according to Tsunade’s instructions, things took a surprising turn.

“Huh?” she muttered. “Why does this feel… kinda easy? Way easier than I expected.”

Before she could double-check, Tsunade’s jaw dropped, her eyes wide with disbelief. “You…”

“What’s wrong?”

“…Go look in a mirror.”

Hikari hesitated, then walked over to a mirror, admiring her fair, delicate features for a moment. Then she saw it: right in the center of her forehead, a faint purple diamond-shaped mark had appeared.

The telltale sign of a fully formed Yin Seal.

“Not bad, pretty stylish,” Hikari said, grinning. “Would’ve been cool to pick the shape, though.”

Her next thought: Wait, am I some kind of sealing jutsu prodigy?

But she quickly pieced it together. This wasn’t just talent—it was her body’s unique recovery ability, a gift from her wish to Shenron long ago. Her insane regeneration had been constantly fine-tuning her body for the past year, doing the same kind of work the Yin Seal required. It was a different method, but the result was the same—she’d skipped the hardest, most time-consuming part of the process.

Tsunade, of course, had no idea about any of this. After checking to confirm Hikari had actually mastered the Yin Seal, the forty-something blonde stood there, mouth agape, questioning reality.

“No wonder she’s the Uchiha clan’s ancestral grandma,” Tsunade muttered. “That kind of talent is just…”

“Too bad she’s an Uchiha,” she thought privately. If a genius like this had been born into the Senju clan—maybe even to Nawaki—he might not have…

Tsunade shook her head, snapping out of it. “I’m impressed, but don’t get cocky,” she said, clearing her throat. “Building the chakra circuit is just the first step. What really matters is the size of your ‘reservoir.’ The human body’s chakra pathways have limits, and you can only expand them so much before risking damage. Unless you’ve got a one-in-a-million physique like my grandfather, Hashirama Senju…”

Hikari blinked. She knew all about Hashirama’s freakish vitality—Tsunade’s prized Mitotic Regeneration was basically his passive ability. But Hikari? Her own body was even stronger than his. Hashirama could reattach limbs, sure, but regrowing them from nothing? That was her domain.

If chakra pathway capacity scaled with recovery ability… then yeah, she might just be a Yin Seal prodigy after all.

Since she’d paid for a month of personal training, Hikari decided to take her time mastering the Yin Seal before moving on to Mitotic Regeneration and Super Strength.

Meanwhile, the situation in the Land of Demons was starting to shift.

---

That evening, as the sun set in a blood-red glow, the capital of the Land of Demons stood solemn. In the grand hall at its heart, a woman in a white robe and golden crown sat on an elevated throne, listening to her subordinate’s report.

“…Is it confirmed?” she asked.

“Yes, Lady Miroku,” the general replied. “According to our scouts, the seal on the ‘Moryo’ has indeed been broken, likely by the Yellow Springs Cult. The garrison at Ogutani Castle has gone silent, and General Takanotsume is pulling troops from other regions to reinforce, but…”

He trailed off, but the implication was clear.

“Things don’t look good, do they?” Miroku sighed. “This day was inevitable. Moryo’s existence was bound to draw the attention of ambitious schemers. That it’s happening now is actually a silver lining—at least I still have the strength to suppress it. Ryunosuke, have the five great nations responded to our requests for aid?”

“Yes,” Ryunosuke nodded. “Konoha and Suna have sent ninja. Iwa flat-out refused, and we’re still waiting to hear from the other two.”

He paused, as if remembering something. “Oh, and one more thing. After checking border records, we found something interesting… One of Konoha’s legendary Sannin, Hashirama Senju’s granddaughter, the unmatched medic-nin Tsunade, might already be in the Land of Demons!”

Miroku raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Where is she now?”

---

Later that night, in the western reaches of the Land of Demons, a squad of well-equipped cavalry galloped along an ancient stone road, arriving at the mountain-ringed Ogutani Castle.

“We’re here,” the captain said, dismounting and gripping his sword. “Spread out and search the area. Stay sharp—something feels off.”

The Land of Demons, a small nation north of the main continent, wasn’t as prosperous as the five great nations. Ogutani Castle was no bustling metropolis, but it was home to thousands. Yet now, not a single guard or civilian was in sight. The streets were lined with dilapidated houses, their long shadows stretching under the fading sunset, giving the city the eerie feel of an abandoned graveyard. Even the seasoned soldiers felt a creeping unease.

Suddenly, one of the cavalry spotted something—a pool of blood. Or rather, a gruesome pile of crushed flesh and bone fragments, as if dozens of people had been pulverized into a single, reeking mass under immense pressure.

Another soldier perked up, listening intently. “Hey, do you hear that?”

“What?”

A faint rustling sound broke the silence.

In that moment, everyone heard it—and felt an unsettling, heart-pounding power closing in fast.

“Something’s coming! Get ready!” the captain shouted.

But before he could finish, the stone pavement exploded. A massive, purple-black shadow burst from the ground, coiling like a giant snake. It seized the captain, hoisting him into the air. In an instant, it pierced his chest, tearing through his organs. Blood and flesh sprayed like rain, filling the air with a sickening stench.

“What is that?!” a soldier cried.

Boom! Boom!

The ground kept erupting as countless purple-black tentacles surged upward, each as thick as a tree trunk. They smashed through houses like paper and swept through the cavalry, snapping bodies in half, devouring organs, and flinging remains aside.

In mere minutes, nearly a hundred armed soldiers were slaughtered.

The tentacles slowly retracted, pressing against the ground to lift a massive section of the street, revealing a colossal figure wreathed in purple-black flames. Two glowing red orbs, like giant lanterns, marked its head—its eyes.

“Lord Moryo!” a group of ninja emerged from hiding, gazing at the creature with fanatical awe.

The monster’s gaze shifted to another side, where two figures in black robes with red clouds stood.

“Lord Moryo,” one of them said, bowing slightly. “As agreed, we’ve broken your seal and helped you consume every living soul in Ogutani Castle. Now, it’s your turn to uphold your end of the bargain, isn’t it?”

Chapter 202: Kikyo’s Arrival

“Don’t rush.”

“Before I fulfill my promise to you, there’s one thing I absolutely have to take care of…”

As it spoke, the purple-black mass that was “Moryo” began to shrink. Its colossal, tailed-beast-like form, towering dozens of meters high, condensed into a humanoid shape just two or three meters tall.

But it was only vaguely humanoid.

Countless thick, writhing tentacles still swirled around it, and its purple-black body radiated an aura of ferocious malice, as if it wanted to obliterate everything in sight. Combined with the surrounding carnage of blood and bodies, the sight was enough to send chills down anyone’s spine.

“…The shrine maiden of the Land of Demons has the power to seal me. Only by killing and devouring her can I eliminate any threats and exist in this world forever. Once that’s done, whether it’s conquering the world or killing whoever you want, I’ll make it happen.”

Maybe it was the long years of being sealed away, or perhaps because it wasn’t human to begin with, Moryo’s voice sounded hoarse and awkward, like a savage just learning to speak. It grated on the ears, unsettling in a way that was hard to describe.

Obito, clad in his black-and-red-clouded robe with his face hidden behind a mask, frowned slightly. In a low, measured tone, he asked, “What’s your plan?”

“If it’s about infiltrating the palace for an assassination, I can make things easier for you.”

With his Kamui Sharingan, sneaking into the palace or manipulating others with genjutsu was child’s play for Obito.

But…

Moryo had other ideas.

“Heh.”

“No need for you to handle this.”

“Before I was sealed last time, I foresaw this day and prepared some contingencies… Now, it’s time to awaken them.”

As it spoke, purple-black runes slithered out of Moryo’s body like tiny snakes, burrowing into the corpses of the cavalry scattered around, their insides hollowed out.

The bodies touched by these “snakes” began to blacken and harden, their surfaces forming a rocky, keratin-like layer. Gradually, an aura similar to Moryo’s emanated from them, growing stronger by the second.

Crack, crack—

Amid spine-chilling sounds, the corpses began to rise.

They no longer resembled their living selves. Instead, they had transformed into armored, humanoid puppets. Where their heads and hearts should have been, there were no faces or chests—just flickering clusters of black-purple flames, like ghostly spirits from a story.

“This is…”

“The Ghost Corps!”

The leader of the Yomi Cult recognized them.

Moryo wasn’t being unsealed for the first time, nor was it its first release.

Compared to Moryo’s own tailed-beast-level power, these “Ghost Corps” were far more terrifying.

They looked like lifeless puppets, but each one possessed the strength to shatter stone. They followed Moryo’s orders without question. Even more fearsome, no matter how many times they were broken, their bodies would regenerate and keep fighting until everything in their path was destroyed.

Legend had it that centuries ago, during the Warring States period, Moryo led the Ghost Corps to devastate the Land of Demons and wreak havoc on neighboring nations.

Now, that nightmare from the history books was reborn.

“You lot,” Moryo said, turning to the Yomi Cult members. “As a reward for finding me after all these years and freeing me from Sealed Demon Mountain, I’ll grant you a bit of my power.”

With that, more purple-black snakes split off from Moryo’s body, burrowing into the cultists.

Almost instantly, the cultists felt their bodies heat up, as if an endless surge of power was welling up inside them. One ninja tentatively clenched his fist and punched a nearby wall, watching it crumble effortlessly. A rocky layer, similar to the Ghost Corps’, had formed on his hand.

“This is what power feels like! It’s incredible!”

“My body feels so light…”

“Lord Moryo, thank you for your gift! The Yomi Cult will follow you to the end and kill that shrine maiden who threatens you!”

The cultists’ expressions grew even more fanatical, their confidence skyrocketing, as if they were ready to take on the Kage of the Five Great Nations.

On the other side, Obito narrowed his eyes, cautiously studying the cultists.

Though his Sharingan wasn’t as perceptive as the Byakugan, he could sense that their chakra levels had tripled in mere moments. From average Jonin or even Chunin-level strength, they’d leapt to elite Jonin. The Yomi Cult leader, Meido, already near Kage-level, had been boosted to the realm of a strong Kage.

The boost was staggering.

But the drawbacks were obvious.

Their bodies and talents weren’t equipped to handle such immense chakra. They might be fine for now, but over time, their bodies would collapse under the strain.

Not that it mattered.

The Akatsuki only cared about Moryo’s power anyway.

“It’s time to move,” Moryo declared. “Before facing this generation’s shrine maiden, I’ll have a little appetizer to regain some strength…”

At its command, the puppet soldiers formed dense ranks and marched forward with heavy, thunderous steps, like an army of thousands.

…

Early in the morning, Uchiha Hikari woke from her sleep. As usual, she brushed her teeth and washed up in the bathroom, then woke Eri, who was sleeping in the same room. Together, they headed downstairs for breakfast.

As for Esdeath…

She was staying in the same room, of course. But, having served in the Empire’s army, she was used to waking up early. By the time Hikari and Eri reached the dining area, Esdeath had already finished eating and was wiping her mouth with a napkin.

“How’s the food, Esdeath? You getting used to it?” Hikari asked with a grin, sitting down with her tray.

The world of Akame ga Kill had a mix of Eastern and Western influences, but its cuisine leaned heavily Western. Meanwhile, the Naruto world’s food, especially in the Land of Demons, was distinctly Japanese—miso soup, grilled fish, vegetable porridge. It was quite different from what Esdeath was used to.

“It’s fine,” Esdeath replied coolly.

After a pause, she turned to Hikari, her tone sharp. “Where’s that demon you mentioned? Why haven’t we seen it yet?”

“I know you’re itching to fight, but hold your horses,” Hikari said, popping a piece of grilled fish into her mouth and chewing before continuing. “That thing’s probably coming out soon… or maybe it’s already been released and is just lying low somewhere.

Tsunade’s almost fully recovered, so we’ll head to the capital today. That’s likely where Moryo’s headed too. If it doesn’t show up, I’ll spar with you myself. Sound good?”

“…It better,” Esdeath said, unimpressed.

As Hikari ate, she opened the chat group.

[Unnamed @Kikyo: Hey, Kikyo, you ready?]

[Kikyo: …Yes, I’ve gone over everything with Shiori, Blue, and the others. I can head out whenever you’re ready, Hikari.]

“Blue” was the name of the half-demon from Hourai Island. Kikyo had paused her quest for the Sacred Jewel to stay on the island, studying the Cauldron of Resonance in the volcano and working to repair the island’s barrier. Part of this was to honor her promise to the previous shrine maiden, Kanade, and part was because Kikyo secretly adored kids—human or half-demon alike. Shiori and the others, despite their tough pasts, were well-behaved and got along wonderfully with her.

Back in the ninja world, Hikari finished her meal slowly, asked Kikyo to pass on her greetings to Shiori, and returned to her room. She opened Kikyo’s request.

[Kikyo requests to enter Unnamed’s world]

[Unnamed has approved the request]

A flash of white light later, Kikyo appeared in the inn, dressed in her red-and-white shrine maiden outfit, her calm and elegant aura filling the room.

“…So this is your world, Hikari? It feels a little similar to mine,” Kikyo said, glancing around curiously before her eyes settled on Eri.

Eri raised her little notebook: “Hi, Kikyo-nee!”

“You must be Eri,” Kikyo said, smiling softly. “Just call me Kikyo. Nice to meet you.”

It was indeed their first meeting. Kikyo, with her quiet personality, wasn’t much for adventuring and had only visited Yoriko’s world besides her own. Eri had only been to Hikari’s and Brand’s worlds, so their interactions had been limited to the chat group. Still, they weren’t complete strangers.

After some quick introductions, Hikari introduced Kikyo to Esdeath.

“…A friend from another land?” Esdeath raised an eyebrow, surprised by Kikyo’s sudden appearance but not dwelling on it.

Unaware of the chat group, Esdeath assumed Hikari, Eri, Bulma, and now Kikyo were all from the same world, with Kikyo simply teleported in via Hikari’s “Shangri-La.”

Esdeath was far more interested in their strength than their origins.

“Kikyo? Kind of a tricky name, like Akame’s… But you’ve got the aura of a warrior. Want to spar?” Esdeath asked.

“Sure,” Kikyo replied with a gentle smile. “Hikari’s told me a bit about you. If a fight would make you happy, I’m game. But we might need to hold off a bit since the trouble in this country isn’t resolved yet. And, please go easy on me—I might not be your match.”

As the strongest shrine maiden in the Inuyasha world, Kikyo was no slouch. Her masterful archery and barrier techniques, combined with top-tier spiritual power, let her hold her own against even great demons. But Esdeath’s strength rivaled or surpassed that of Inuyasha’s great demons.

Seeing Kikyo accept the challenge so readily, Esdeath nodded approvingly.

By afternoon, while Hikari was in Tsunade’s room watching her check Eri’s health, the sound of galloping hooves echoed from the end of the street, stopping at the inn.

Several armored cavalrymen dismounted and rushed to the front desk, questioning the staff before heading upstairs to Tsunade’s room and knocking.

“…Pardon me, are you Lady Tsunade of the Leaf?” one asked.

“That’s me. And you are…?” Tsunade replied.

“I’m Endo Sakumo of the Land of Demons. We saw your name on the entry registry and learned that one of the legendary Sannin had come to our country. It’s an honor… Our esteemed shrine maiden wishes to meet with you.”

“Huh?” Tsunade blinked, caught off guard.

Unaware of Moryo’s revival, Tsunade had come to the Land of Demons by chance and didn’t know the shrine maiden. Puzzled, she ventured, “Is… someone in the palace sick and needs me to heal them?”

“No, that’s not it…” Endo Sakumo hesitated, glancing at Hikari, Eri, and Shizune, as if unsure whether to speak freely.

After Tsunade assured him that Hikari and Shizune weren’t outsiders, the minister spoke. “It’s about a demon named ‘Moryo,’ sealed in the Land of Swamps by the previous shrine maiden… The Land of Demons has already requested aid from several major ninja villages, including the Leaf. Were you not informed?”

“Uh…” Tsunade coughed, not mentioning her semi-estranged status with the Leaf, but her brow furrowed. “Moryo? I think I’ve read that name in some old Leaf archives.”

Chapter 203: Lady Tsunade, You Don’t Want to Miss Out on That Payment, Do You?

“Oh?” Uchiha Hikari’s eyes flickered as she turned to Tsunade. “Spill the details.”

“Uh…” Tsunade hesitated. Her knowledge was limited, even less than what the street vendor had shared a few days ago. She’d only come across the name “Moryo” in an old Konoha scroll and knew next to nothing about it.

Endo Sakumo was in the same boat.

After all, Moryo’s last appearance was centuries ago, long before Konoha or even Hikari existed. After years of war and upheaval, records were fragmented, and what little remained was passed down through oral tradition.

“…But Lady Miroku should know more. She’s a direct descendant of the shrine maiden who sealed Moryo back then,” Endo offered.

“Is that so?” Hikari mused. “Then let’s go meet your Lady Miroku.”

“…Alright.” Endo nodded instinctively, then glanced at Tsunade with slight hesitation. “Is that also your intention, Lady Tsunade?”

“Absolutely not,” Tsunade said flatly. “I just happened to run into her here; we’re not connected otherwise. But if she’s willing to help, that’s probably better for you.”

“Huh?” Endo blinked.

“What’s with the ‘huh’?” Tsunade huffed. “You didn’t think she was my student, did you? This young lady is the head of Konoha’s Uchiha clan. Even the Third Hokage gives her respect, let alone a Sannin like me. If she steps in, whether it’s Moryo or some other monster, it’ll be dealt with easily.”

“...?” Hikari raised an eyebrow.

What’s this? Throwing me under the bus with flattery?

But she quickly caught the glint in Tsunade’s evasive eyes and pieced it together.

Alright, fine.

Tsunade was hyping her up to offload the Moryo mess onto her.

Though Hikari’s “Yasaka Magatama” had forcibly “cured” Tsunade’s hemophobia, without the original story’s argument with Naruto about the Hokage title, Tsunade was still in her slacker mindset. She didn’t see herself as a Sannin and had no interest in getting tangled in something that screamed trouble.

If Hikari weren’t here, Tsunade would’ve already found a way to slip out.

“Come on, Lady Tsunade, you’re too kind,” Hikari said with a playful smirk. “I’m just an ordinary Uchiha. How could my reputation compare to the legendary Sannin?” She paused, then added pointedly, “By the way, I paid for a month of your guidance and medical services, and there’s still about twenty million in outstanding fees. You wouldn’t want to miss out on that payment, would you?”

Their deal had been verbal, with Hikari paying a small deposit upfront. The bulk of the payment was still in her hands, to be settled once the deal was complete. Given Hikari’s status as the Uchiha clan’s “grand matriarch,” Tsunade never worried about her defaulting.

But now…

Tsunade’s expression grew strained.

Hikari smiled faintly. “Don’t worry, I won’t stiff you. But you’ve got to hold up your end of the bargain, right?”

“…” Tsunade fell silent, then let out a resigned sigh.

Endo, meanwhile, didn’t quite follow their exchange but kept his mouth shut, waiting for the outcome.

“Let’s go,” Hikari said.

“Go where?” Tsunade asked.

“To the capital, obviously.” Hikari glanced at Endo. “Which direction is it, and how far?”

“…Due north, about seventy kilometers,” Endo replied after a moment. “We’ve prepared fast horses. If you’re ready to leave, we can go now. We meant to bring a carriage, but time was short, and the situation’s urgent. Please forgive us.”

“No problem,” Hikari said. “Just give me a moment.”

She excused herself to Endo and his group, then headed downstairs to fetch Esdeath and Kikyo. Once everyone was gathered, she signaled them to stand close together. Raising her wristwatch, she activated “Shangri-La.”

As her mental energy poured in, a soft purple glow bloomed, forming a massive teleportation array beneath their feet.

In a flash of light, before anyone could fully process what was happening, their vision blurred. When it cleared, the inn’s room was gone, replaced by a sprawling courtyard surrounded by high walls and palatial buildings.

Spear-wielding guards stationed around the palace noticed their arrival. After a brief moment of shock, they approached.

“?!” Tsunade froze.

It took her a good two or three seconds to whirl around, staring at Hikari in disbelief. “What was that technique… Flying Thunder God?!”

During her last visit to Konoha, Tsunade had heard detailed reports from Sarutobi Hiruzen and Jiraiya about Hikari—her awakening, her slaying of Danzo, and the grand ceremony welcoming her back to the Uchiha clan. They’d also mentioned that Hikari knew Minato Namikaze.

To be honest, Tsunade thought it was far-fetched.

Thanks to Kato Dan’s influence, she knew a bit about souls and their state after death. If Minato had died normally and his soul resided in the Pure Land, it might be plausible that Hikari, sealed in a half-dead state, could’ve encountered his spirit. But Minato’s soul was sealed by the Reaper Death Seal, consumed by the Shinigami. How could he interact with the outside world?

Yet… if she hadn’t met Minato, how could she use Flying Thunder God?

“Wait…” Tsunade’s eyes narrowed. “When you activated that array, there was no sign of chakra. The power came from that thing on your wrist. What is it, a ninja tool?”

Hikari smiled lightly. “Exactly. It’s a ninja tool inscribed with the Flying Thunder God formula.”

“?” Tsunade wasn’t fully convinced.

Of course, Hikari wasn’t about to reveal the truth about her Imperial Arms. “Ninja tool” was a convenient cover.

Tsunade, skeptical but unable to press further, let it go.

Esdeath, however, squinted at Kikyo and Eri, as if something clicked, but she said nothing.

“Who are you, intruding on the palace—Lord Endo, is that you?” a guard called out.

“It’s me,” Endo confirmed.

After a brief exchange with the guards, he turned respectfully to Hikari and Tsunade. “Ladies, this is the palace of the Land of Demons. Lady Miroku awaits inside. Please follow me.”

“Lead the way,” Hikari said.

Guided by Endo, they crossed the courtyard to a residence at the palace’s heart.

The palace’s architecture had a distinct Shinto influence, especially Miroku’s residence. The entrance featured a row of vermilion torii gates adorned with white shimenawa ropes. A quaint stone path, covered in soft moss, led to a wooden house, flanked by ancient trees so thick it took three or four people to encircle them. Their dense canopies blocked most sunlight, casting dappled, surreal patterns on the ground.

As they passed, Hikari spotted a small figure with pale white hair clutching a ball, peeking shyly from the courtyard, flanked by a few guards.

“That’s Lady Miroku’s daughter, Lady Shion,” Endo explained.

“Oh…” Hikari, already familiar with the girl’s name, gave her a few extra glances.

(Hmm… she does look a bit like Hinata.)

(Pretty cute, though. Maybe I’ll bring Naruto to meet her sometime…)

In a matter of moments, they entered the main hall, where the shrine maiden Miroku awaited by the throne.

Miroku was young, barely in her early twenties—fitting, since her daughter Shion was only a few years old. She wore a flowing white robe, her long white hair loosely tied back, crowned with a pure gold tiara. She carried an air of regal authority, arguably more imposing than the Third Hokage.

Well… maybe her youthful beauty helped. A twenty-something queen was undeniably more striking than a sixty-something old man.

“Lady Miroku, Lady Tsunade has arrived, along with Lady Hikari, head of the Uchiha clan,” Endo introduced.

Miroku visibly paused at the name “Uchiha Hikari.”

In Konoha, Hikari was a known figure. Aside from people like Might Guy, who couldn’t remember names, or civilians out of the loop, most knew the Uchiha clan had gained a “grand matriarch” and had heard rumors of her deeds. Outside Konoha, though, her name was far less recognized compared to titles like “Sannin” or “Senju Princess.”

Still, Miroku bowed politely, her tone warm. “I’m Miroku, shrine maiden of the Land of Demons. I’ve long admired your reputations and am honored to meet you today. Please, make yourselves at home. I’ll explain everything about Moryo.”

They settled onto tatami mats along the hall’s sides. Servants soon brought fragrant tea and snacks.

Eri nibbled a pastry, her pale face lighting up with delight. She turned to Hikari, holding up her notebook with “Delicious!” written on it, then offered her another piece.

“…Thanks, I can manage,” Hikari said.

“It’s fine!” Eri insisted.

Unable to resist, Hikari let Eri feed her small bites, then giggled as the girl wiped crumbs from her mouth with the back of her hand.

Their little interaction went mostly unnoticed.

Esdeath gave them a cold glance before looking away, picking up a pastry and chewing it slowly. “…Not bad,” she muttered.

Meanwhile, Miroku began her explanation.

“I’m sorry for summoning you so suddenly, but the Land of Demons is in a dire situation. If we don’t deal with Moryo quickly, its devastation could spread beyond our borders and engulf the entire ninja world.”

“…That serious?” Tsunade raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t it just a powerful demon?”

“It’s more than that,” Miroku said gravely. “Moryo can’t be killed, much like a tailed beast. Even shrine maidens like us, with powers to counter it, can only seal it temporarily. Over time, the seal weakens, and someone always tries to release it…

According to our records and murals, Moryo can use the corpses of those it kills to create ghost-like monsters. They fear no death and slaughter everything in their path, spreading like a virus. If we don’t seal it soon, the ‘Ghost Corps’ will multiply rapidly, bringing unimaginable disaster to the world.”

“…” Hikari’s eyes narrowed.

She’d seen Moryo and its Ghost Corps in the anime. For most people, even ninjas, they were a nightmare. Even elite Jonin like Kakashi and Might Guy couldn’t permanently destroy the puppet-like soldiers; they’d shatter them, only for the pieces to reform moments later.

But… their traits reminded her of Esdeath’s ice knights. Both were essentially immortal. What if the ice knights went up against the Ghost Corps?

With that thought, Hikari nudged Esdeath lightly and whispered, “Hey, Esdeath, quick question… How many ice knights can you make at once?”

*Chapter 204: The Priestess Miroku’s Request*

“I’d say I can whip up about one or two hundred Ice Knights at a time, but then I’d need to take a break to recover,” Esdeath said, giving a rough estimate before turning to Hikari. “Why the sudden question?”

The so-called Ice Knights were actually a secret technique Esdeath had mastered: the “Ice Storm General.” On the surface, it created a squad of tireless, deathless cavalry made of ice. But its real purpose was to store the energy of the “Demon’s Extract” within them, enough to last several days.

When unleashed, that energy could trigger a massive blizzard, devastating enemies within a thousand-mile radius with bone-chilling cold. Weaker opponents might even freeze to death on the spot. In the original story, Esdeath had used this technique to conjure a blizzard that swept through half the Empire, dealing a crushing blow to the Revolutionary Army. It only stopped when her main body was killed by Akame, who had activated her “Yaksha” secret technique.

Of course, there was no need to unleash a blizzard here. That’d wipe out the Land of Demons’ people before Moryo even got the chance.

“…Using the Ice Knights to take on that monster’s ‘Ghost Legion’?” Esdeath mused after hearing Uchiha Hikari’s plan. “Worth a shot.”

“But on one condition: I get to handle the monster’s main body myself.”

“Deal,” Hikari agreed instantly.

She wasn’t all that interested in Moryo. It was just a savage beast, bloodthirsty and chaotic, with no real value in taming. Better to let Esdeath use it as a warm-up to get a feel for fighting in the Naruto world.

Esdeath’s strength was undeniable—easily super-kage level in the ninja world, and among the stronger ones at that. But the ninja world had tricks she’d never seen before: Hidan’s “Death Possession Blood,” the Scorpion’s poison, Obito’s “Kamui,” or sealing techniques like the “Reaper Death Seal.” Those were unpredictable moves that could catch even someone like her off guard, much like Akame’s “Murasame” had.

So, Hikari figured she’d let Esdeath get some experience here first, then take her to the Hidden Rain Village. That place was probably crawling with the strongest fighters of this era, and the Six Paths of Pain should give Esdeath a fight she’d enjoy.

“By the way…” Hikari’s mind sparked with a thought. “If Danzo’s intel is legit, then Moryo’s awakening probably has Obito and Black Zetsu’s fingerprints all over it, right?”

If that was the case, then…

“Could the Akatsuki be lurking around the Land of Demons too?”

If so, things could get interesting.

---

Meanwhile, Miroku had finished explaining the current situation and began laying out her plan.

“Sealing that monster is the sacred duty of the priestesses of the Land of Demons. As this generation’s priestess, it’s my responsibility, and I’ve long been prepared for it. But my power is only effective at suppressing Moryo—it’s not suited for direct combat. If a ninja gets close, I’m as good as dead.

So, I’m asking you all to escort me to Mount Sealing, about a hundred kilometers from the capital. There’s an ancient array left by the previous priestesses, the perfect place to seal Moryo. It’ll likely come after me, and when it does, I’ll activate the array to seal it away again.”

She paused, then continued, “If you accept this mission, I’ll pay you a generous sum upfront, regardless of the outcome. If we succeed, you’ll also earn the eternal friendship of the Land of Demons. You’ll be welcomed as honored guests anytime you visit.”

“I’ve got a question,” Hikari said, looking up at Miroku on her throne. “I’ve heard you have the power of foresight, right?”

“…Yes,” Miroku replied.

“Can you predict Moryo’s movements?”

“I can, but it’s fuzzy. Moryo’s power comes from the same source as mine, so it interferes with my visions.”

“That’s enough.”

Knowing Moryo’s general location simplified things. Instead of waiting for it to show up like Miroku planned, they could take the fight to it. Even if, as Miroku said, Moryo couldn’t be sealed or killed by conventional means, they could at least weaken it, giving Miroku an easier shot at sealing it.

In the original story, Miroku died during this sealing, passing the priestess role to Shion. But compared to a green little girl like Shion, Hikari was more interested in Miroku, a fully mature priestess who likely held a treasure trove of useful intel.

Meanwhile, Tsunade was swayed by the promise of a hefty paycheck and swore on her title as one of the Sannin to ensure Miroku’s safety.

“Thank you,” Miroku said, pausing. “One more thing: before I knew you two were here, I sent requests for aid to the five great nations. Teams from Konoha and Kumo are already on their way and should arrive soon. It’s just a precaution, not a lack of faith in you, so please don’t take offense.”

“Of course,” Hikari replied.

---

By now, it was getting late. Miroku arranged a lavish dinner, and afterward, Hikari’s group was led to a side hall in the palace to rest up for tomorrow’s mission.

Esdeath got to work creating her Ice Knights. Hikari watched curiously for a bit.

“So, how do these ice statues move? Do they have some kind of will?”

“Sort of,” Esdeath explained. “It’s mostly the Demon’s Extract.”

The Demon’s Extract, derived from a super-dangerous beast, carried a faint residual will. When infused into the ice constructs, it gave the Ice Knights the ability to act on their own, attacking and destroying anything in sight. Esdeath could also imprint simple commands into them, letting her control their actions or even distinguish friend from foe based on specific markers. But at their core, they were still puppets—mindless, unable to process complex instructions.

“Got it,” Hikari said, nodding.

The Ice Knights had their limits, it seemed. Maybe someday she’d take Esdeath to the Land of Snow or track down a survivor of the Mizunotsume clan to see if they could combine the Demon’s Extract with ninja techniques for something new.

---

The night passed quietly.

The next morning, as Hikari stepped out of her room, she was greeted by rows of white, ice-carved cavalry standing in formation outside. Even motionless, they radiated a chilling, deadly aura.

“Not bad, pretty impressive,” Hikari said, walking up to one and tapping its chest. It felt solid, surprisingly sturdy.

As she did, the Ice Knight instinctively swung its sword. Hikari caught the blade between her thumb and forefinger, gauging its strength. “These guys are at least chunin-level in taijutsu, right?”

Creating nearly two hundred elite, immortal chunin-level fighters overnight? That alone was enough to shake the ninja world with a taste of the Akame ga Kill world’s power.

As the Ice Knight tried to move again, and others nearby stirred, a cold voice rang out: “Don’t move.”

The knights froze, one still holding its sword aloft. Hikari stepped back and glanced over to see Esdeath, dressed in her blue battle attire, stepping out of the room. She looked a bit tired.

“How’s your strength holding up?” Hikari asked.

“About seventy percent recovered,” Esdeath said. “Enough to fight.”

“Good.” Hikari pulled a small pouch of Senzu Beans from her pocket and handed it over. “You know these, right? The beans I gave you and Donghai Yunlong before. Use them if you need to, but go easy—my stock’s running low.”

Low, meaning less than two hundred.

Esdeath didn’t know about the Cat Sage, though. To her, a miraculous item like the Senzu Beans being in short supply made sense. Her expression flickered with surprise as she took the pouch.

“…For that monster, one bean would be enough,” she said.

“It’s not just for the mission,” Hikari said with a grin. “Think of it as a gift between friends.”

“Friends… huh?” Esdeath’s eyes softened, and she tucked the beans away.

“Alright, let’s grab Eri and the others for breakfast.”

After eating and chatting briefly with Miroku, they got word that the ninja teams from the great nations had arrived. Moments later, two squads with headbands were ushered into the hall.

The Konoha team was led by Kakashi, followed by Hayate Gekko, Genma Shiranui, and a Hyuga clan member. The Kumo team, sporting their village’s headbands, was led by a woman with long blonde hair tied in a ponytail—Yugito Nii, the Two-Tails Jinchuriki.

Kumo was probably the most lenient village when it came to their Jinchuriki. Both Killer Bee, the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, and Yugito were treated as elite jonin, trusted to lead missions solo. Bee had even fought alongside the Fourth Raikage, Ay, during the Third Ninja War, clashing with Minato Namikaze before he became Hokage. No other village gave their Jinchuriki that kind of freedom.

As soon as Kakashi saw them, his expression turned to shock. “Lady Tsunade? And… Lady Hikari? What are you two doing here?!”

“Lady Hikari?” The Hyuga ninja, the only one whose name Hikari didn’t know, studied her curiously. “So you’re the Uchiha ancestor everyone talks about? You look so… young.”

He seemed about to activate his Byakugan to take a closer look.

Hmph!

With a sharp grunt, Hikari’s icy glare stopped him cold, her arms crossed. “A warning: don’t try using your Byakugan on me. I’ll take it as a hostile act. If you want to walk out of here alive, behave.”

The Byakugan’s x-ray vision was a touchy subject. If this Hyuga were a woman, Hikari might’ve let it slide, but a guy trying to peek at her—even just to check her chakra—was a serious overstep. Sparing him on the spot was already her showing restraint.

Kakashi quickly stepped in, apologizing profusely.

Meanwhile, the Kumo team, who didn’t know Hikari, stood nearby, whispering among themselves. Though their voices were low, Eri, with her dragon-hybrid senses, picked up every word and jotted them down in her notebook for Hikari to read.

As expected, their chatter was about Tsunade and Hikari—two unexpected guests not mentioned in Kumo’s intel. Hikari, a “mysterious Konoha ninja,” especially piqued their curiosity. Eri and Kikyo, dressed in priestess robes, were mistaken for Miroku’s kin.

Moments later, Miroku, also in priestess robes, entered with Endo Sakumo. “Everyone’s here,” she said. “I’d love to host you properly, but time’s short. This morning, I received a carrier pigeon report: Moryo has awakened. It’s already razed several towns near Ogutani Castle overnight and will likely reach the capital soon. Please, we need to move quickly.”

“No problem,” Hikari said.

The group made quick preparations and set out. Hikari created a shadow clone to join Esdeath and her Ice Knights, heading toward the location Miroku predicted Moryo would appear. Her real body, along with Eri and Kikyo, stayed with Miroku, moving toward Mount Sealing, over a hundred kilometers away.

Chapter 205: Obito’s Plan

The journey was tense for Kakashi and his team.

Days ago, Konoha had received the Land of Demons’ plea for help. After deliberation and reviewing what little information was available, the mission was classified as “Super S-rank.” This meant they could face multiple enemies at or above Kage-level strength.

One was Moryo.

From fragmented records in ancient scrolls, its power was said to rival a tailed beast. If Miroku hadn’t assured them in her letter that she could seal Moryo with the help of ninja villages, Konoha might have hesitated to take on the mission.

The other threat was the leader of the Yomi Cult.

According to intelligence, this ninja was formidable, potentially nearing the strength of the Five Kage if the rumor that “Moryo can share its power with others” held true.

There was also the possibility of additional enemies.

For Kakashi and his team, this mission carried a real risk of death.

In contrast, Uchiha Hikari and Eri seemed completely at ease, as if they were on a spring outing. They even stopped to snap photos at scenic spots—using Eri’s phone.

The girl was no longer the clueless, innocent figure she’d been at the start. She was becoming more like an ordinary girl, picking up everyday knowledge and even getting the hang of using electronic devices.

As for Kikyo, she was already deep in conversation with Miroku.

Though from different worlds, the two were kindred spirits as shrine maidens. Moryo shared some traits with Naraku, and Kikyo was curious about how such a creature came to be.

By noon, when the group paused for a brief rest, Hikari glanced westward.

“By my estimate…” she mused, “Esdeath should be running into Moryo right about now.”

…

Elsewhere, Hikari’s shadow clone and Esdeath stood on a floating ice platform, gliding low over the western Land of Demons. Behind them trailed a grand procession of ice knights, like an army on the march.

Along the way, they spotted scattered groups of the “Ghost Corps” wreaking havoc in villages and fields. Lightly armored soldiers and villagers wielding pitchforks fought desperately to hold them off, covering their companions’ retreat.

“That thing…” Hikari frowned. “It’s deliberately spreading these puppets to cause chaos.”

She was about to say something to Esdeath when the latter raised a hand. Instantly, several ice knights broke off from the group, charging toward the puppets in the village below. From above, it looked like a white arrow piercing a black quagmire, scattering the Ghost Corps in moments.

“Hm?” Esdeath caught Hikari’s gaze and raised an eyebrow. “What’s the issue?”

“Nothing,” Hikari replied. “I just didn’t expect you to care about the lives of those weaklings.”

“…They’re just civilians,” Esdeath said, her expression unchanged. “Weak as they are, they should at least die with some purpose. Being killed by mindless puppets is too pathetic.”

“Is that so?” Hikari said noncommittally.

They pressed on, splitting their forces as they went.

In numbers, Esdeath’s ice knights were far outnumbered by the Ghost Corps. The knights were born from the power of her “Demon’s Extract,” while Moryo’s puppets were made from the corpses of its victims, nearly limitless in supply. But each ice knight was stronger, able to take on three puppets at once. Both sides were effectively immortal, reforming even after being shattered, so the knights could hold back the Ghost Corps long enough for civilians to escape.

Hours after leaving the capital, Hikari and Esdeath reached the location Miroku had foretold: Inashiki Castle.

According to maps, it had once been a bustling city of nearly ten thousand. Now, it was a dead husk.

Buildings lay in ruins, streets stained dark red with dried blood. Puppets roamed the wreckage, ghostly flames flickering in their skulls. As Hikari and Esdeath arrived, the puppets swarmed toward them like sharks drawn to blood, their numbers overwhelming—a sea of dark figures that sent a chill down the spine.

“…Water Style: Water Shockwave!!”

Hikari formed hand signs and unleashed a torrent of chakra-fueled water. It surged from the city gates, crashing inward with waves several meters high, toppling the puppets like bowling pins. Though fearless, they were still bound by physics.

Then, Esdeath leapt from the ice platform, landing on the water’s surface.

The moment her feet touched down, the water froze beneath her.

Crouching, she pressed both hands downward.

“…Frost Inferno!!”

Her chest’s “Demon’s Extract” mark flared. A wave of freezing air erupted outward.

The temperature plummeted.

One moment, the gates were a churning flood; the next, a blanket of frost swept out from Esdeath, encasing everything in a massive fan-shaped radius. The flowing water solidified, trapping the submerged puppets in icy prisons.

Ice sprouted like bamboo shoots—spikes, pillars, then towering icebergs nearly a hundred meters tall. In mere moments, Inashiki Castle became a silver-white frozen wasteland, enveloping several city blocks and still spreading.

“…” Esdeath glanced toward the city’s heart. “There’s someone else here.”

“Hm?” Hikari asked.

“There are still living people in this town. Probably the master of these puppets.”

“?” Hikari raised an eyebrow.

Moryo was here?

“That direction, huh… I can sense a chakra signature. Let’s check it out!”

As she spoke, a BOOM echoed from a district miles from the gates, accompanied by a burst of crimson light.

Hikari and Esdeath exchanged a glance, then sped toward the sound—one in the air, one on the ground. A powerful chakra signature, laced with thick bloodlust, was rushing toward them.

It was really here?

Just as Esdeath had sensed survivors through her expanding ice, those on the other side had noticed them.

As they approached, several whooshes cut through the air. A handful of ninja-like figures appeared on nearby rooftops, shouting, “Stop! Who are you?”

“Lord Moryo is feeding. Disturb him, and you die!”

“…Lord Moryo?” Hikari paused mid-air, squinting at the group, noting their lack of forehead protectors. “Yomi Cult?”

“So, you’re ninjas here to hunt us?” one sneered. “I don’t know which village you’re from, but since you’re here, you’re not leaving!”

With that, a Yomi Cult ninja charged forward. As he ran, his body grew a thick, rock-like armor, each step leaving massive footprints on the rooftops. Leaping into the air, he swung a fist at Hikari.

“Not bad momentum,” Hikari said, slowly drawing her blade from her back. “But… too weak.”

With a swing, her Dragon Bone Blade, now over four meters long, unleashed a torrent of energy.

“Crescent Moon Rush!!!”

A forty-meter blade of energy tore through the sky, engulfing the ninja. His eyes widened in panic as he raised his arms to block, but the blade swallowed him, hurling him backward.

BOOM!!

A sonic boom erupted with a wave of white energy. In seconds, the ninja was blasted hundreds of meters, vanishing mid-flight. The blade’s momentum carried on, slicing through dozens of rooftops before crashing into a tower, reducing it to rubble amid falling stone.

Even after demolishing the tower, the Crescent Moon Rush traveled hundreds more meters before fading.

“?!” The remaining Yomi Cult ninjas froze, dumbfounded.

Was that swordplay or ninjutsu? How could it be so powerful?!

“Sorry, might’ve overdone it,” Hikari said. “For you guys, the normal Dragon Bone Blade would’ve been enough.”

She withdrew her spiritual energy, shrinking the blade back to normal, then nodded at Esdeath below. “The rest are yours, Esdeath. Moryo’s probably ahead. Clear them out, and we’ll go take a look.”

With that, Hikari used her Flight Technique to ascend higher, squinting at the distant mountains. The thick trees obscured her view, but she felt eyes on her.

“Who’s watching us?”

…

“How… is it her?!”

Outside Inashiki Castle, on a hillside miles away, Obito, clad in his black-and-red-clouded robe, stared in shock at the tiny figure in the distance, his masked face betraying disbelief.

“Who?” asked another figure in a matching robe, raising binoculars to follow Obito’s gaze. “Huh, why’s there a girl flying? Is that Iwagakure’s Lightweight Boulder Technique? A disciple of the Third Tsuchikage? And that other one—looks like an Ice Release bloodline limit user.”

“…” Obito was silent for a moment before speaking in a low voice. “That’s the Uchiha I told you about.”

“…The Uchiha clan’s grand matriarch?” Hiruko, a recent recruit to the Akatsuki, blinked in surprise, his eyes glinting. “I recall she has Mangekyo Sharingan like you, right? If I—”

“If you want to die, I won’t stop you,” Obito snorted. “Your Chimera Technique is impressive, but with the bloodline limits you’ve absorbed so far, you’re nowhere near ready to face her. One of her Mangekyo abilities is Tsukuyomi, one of the strongest illusion techniques. A single glance, and you’re trapped in her illusion space. Even I’m not confident I could counter it. With your stolen three-tomoe Sharingan, you don’t stand a chance.”

“Is that so?” Hiruko said, unconvinced but eager.

As a former Konoha ninja and peer of the Sannin, he knew the Uchiha well and coveted the Sharingan as much as Orochimaru. A pair of Mangekyo Sharingan would perfect his Chimera Technique.

Obito, meanwhile, was lost in thought.

“Didn’t Black Zetsu say she was in the Land of Fields recently? How is she here? When did she arrive? Why didn’t we get any intel?”

“And who’s that woman with her? That ice ninjutsu is unreal—stronger than even the Yuki clan’s best before they were wiped out. Where did Hikari find her? The Land of Snow?”

A flurry of questions swirled in Obito’s mind.

But he quickly realized something else.

With Hikari here, Moryo was unlikely to escape, though its strength meant it wouldn’t go down easily. This was his chance to rush to the capital, where Miroku’s defenses would be thin, and kill her, flipping the situation in his favor.

Miroku’s guards were likely just Konoha and Kumo ninja squads. Eliminating them would weaken Konoha and pave the way for his plans.

“Let’s go, Hiruko,” Obito said suddenly. “No point sticking around. Time to do what needs to be done.”

“…You mean?” Hiruko asked.

“Kill the shrine maiden Miroku and bring her body back,” Obito replied. “According to Zetsu’s intel, her power is tied to Moryo’s. If Moryo devours her, its strength will more than double. Once that happens, nothing will stop it.”

(End of Chapter)