Yoichi's prophecy left everyone in the room stunned.
The idea of monstrous creatures and natural disasters from another world was unimaginable, yet if the prediction were true and such a creature appeared near Konoha, the consequences would be catastrophic.
And with only three days—or even the possibility of it happening the next second—the weight of the situation pressed heavily on everyone's shoulders.
Naruto rested his chin on his hands, his expression somber as he pondered. Even Shikamaru, known for his quick thinking, found himself at a loss.
After a moment of fruitless deliberation, he finally asked, "Why hasn't anything like this happened before?"
"Who says it hasn't? Don't the Ōtsutsuki qualify as disasters?" Yoichi's retort left Shikamaru momentarily speechless. The Ōtsutsuki clan, particularly during the Fourth Great Ninja War, had indeed brought calamity of unimaginable proportions, nearly destroying the ninja world.
"Not to mention, if it weren't for Kaguya's sudden betrayal of her companions a millennium ago, the ninja world wouldn't have stood a chance," Yoichi added.
"Kaguya had companions?" Naruto and the others were visibly shocked by this revelation.
"Of course she did. In fact, the most powerful Onmyōji clans of that time were wiped out by her companions. They slaughtered the Onmyōji to the point where no one dared resist before planting the Divine Tree."
Yoichi continued, "This was the greatest disgrace in Onmyōji history, but it's been over a thousand years. The second attempt to resist Kaguya wiped out nearly all traces of Onmyōji techniques."
Naruto nodded thoughtfully. Sasuke had speculated that Kaguya was preparing for a greater enemy. If her companion had turned against her, it made sense why she had created an army of White Zetsu.
"That's all I have to say, Seventh Hokage. Truthfully, I didn't have to share any of this," Yoichi said, his tone calm as he prepared to leave.
"Thank you for your time today," Naruto said, his expression apologetic. "I'm sorry for all the questioning. I know Shikamaru can come off as too cautious."
"It's fine. I'm used to it." Yoichi smiled faintly.
"I'll walk you out," Ino offered, following him out of the office.
As they exited the Hokage building, Ino called out, "Yoichi!"
He slowed his pace, and she quickly caught up. "Are you upset?" she asked, tilting her head to look at him.
"If not for you, I wouldn't have bothered mentioning any of this. I could easily avoid any disaster myself, but I'm worried about you, Ino-san," Yoichi replied, his words making Ino blush.
"Enough! Don't say such things out here," she whispered, glancing around to ensure no one was within earshot. Satisfied that they were alone, she continued in a quieter tone, "Shikamaru is just being cautious. I apologize on his behalf."
"It doesn't matter. I have nothing to lose," Yoichi said, then leaned slightly closer. "Ino-san, would you like to come over for a while?"
"No way! I know you're up to no good!" she exclaimed, though her reddened face betrayed her embarrassment.
"It's just because I miss you," Yoichi teased, grinning.
"You're such an idiot! Stop saying things like that!" Ino hurriedly changed the subject. "By the way, I understand you're an Onmyōji, but I'm curious—what exactly can an Onmyōji do besides making secret medicines? Are they similar to ninjas?"
"Not at all. If we were like ninjas, we wouldn't be called Onmyōji," Yoichi explained. "Our combat abilities are comparable, but our techniques extend to controlling weather, communicating with the afterlife, and even resurrecting the dead."
Ino's eyes widened in shock. "Resurrecting the dead? Communicating with the afterlife? Is that really possible?"
"Of course. Onmyōji were once the overseers of the Pure Land, which was under their jurisdiction before ninjas came into power."
After a pause, Yoichi added, "If you want to see someone who's passed away, I can help you—provided they've been gone for less than fifty years."
"Really? You can do that?" Ino's voice trembled with emotion. Her father had died in the Fourth Great Ninja War, leaving many things unsaid between them.
"Of course. What seems difficult for ninjas is simple for me," Yoichi assured her. He had deliberately mentioned this ability to solidify his identity as an Onmyōji and to gain trust.
Besides, Ino wasn't the only one in Konoha with unresolved feelings for lost loved ones. He was certain other women harbored similar regrets. He, Yoichi the Onmyōji, had come to address those very regrets.
Ino grabbed his arm excitedly. "Can we do it now? Can I see my father?"
"Come to my place," Yoichi said. "I have the necessary preparations there. Bring something that belonged to the deceased—it will help establish a connection more quickly."
"I'll go get it right away!" Ino said, hurrying off toward her home. She couldn't wait to finally speak with her father again.
(End of Chapter)
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