After shaking hands with Pakura and Anko, Shishou, disguised as Mr. Lurigan, also shook hands with Kakashi.
Kakashi, due to the strain of the Sharingan, looked exhausted. The Mangekyō Sharingan consumed a lot of energy, and Kakashi couldn't deactivate it.
Shishou then proceeded to shake hands with the other ninjas as well.
Maintaining appearances was crucial. He didn't want anyone to suspect his true intention of getting closer to Pakura and Anko.
Of course, this was only his own thought.
Uchiha Izumi, who had observed Shishou's behavior from start to finish, knew better. She had already guessed his intentions but chose not to reveal them.
Both she and Shishou had disguised their faces, so they weren't worried about Kakashi and the others discovering their identities.
"I am Mr. Lurigan, and she is Ikari."
"We are wandering mercenaries who came here after seeing the priestess's bounty."
As Shishou introduced himself, the the giant centipede arrived at its stop.
As soon as they arrived, they were warmly welcomed by the palace soldiers.
The soldiers had witnessed Shishou's giant centipede crush all the puppet soldiers along the way, so they were thrilled to see such powerful reinforcements. The looming shadow of death that had hung over them for days finally lifted.
Inside the shrine palace.
A six or seven-year-old girl was diligently studying at a table, while behind her, the priestess Miroku watched with a stern expression.
Before long, Miroku noticed Shishou and his group being led into the shrine by servants.
Nodding to the group, Miroku continued to focus on the girl.
"At a time like this, she's still teaching a student?"
Seeing that their arrival didn't interrupt the lesson, Anko grumbled discontentedly.
"Miss Anko, I'm afraid you've misunderstood."
Shishou smiled as he spoke.
Seeing the puzzled looks from those around him, Shishou explained further:
"The priestess has likely resigned herself to perishing alongside the demon Moryo. By insisting the student study, she is probably ensuring the continuation of the priestess's legacy."
"This…"
The group was stunned but quickly realized Shishou's deduction was likely correct.
Otherwise, the priestess wouldn't be prioritizing such a task at such a critical moment.
Taking a deep breath, they were all filled with admiration for the priestess's resolve and courage.
"Sorry, I misspoke."
Anko apologized repeatedly.
Kitsuchi, Pakura, and Kakashi looked at Shishou with newfound respect, impressed by his quick and accurate deduction.
Noticing Uchiha Izumi's admiring gaze, Shishou smiled slightly, thinking:
I've read the script.
Making such a deduction is a piece of cake.
Priestess Miroku glanced at Shishou in surprise, not expecting him to understand her intentions so well. She continued to instruct the girl seriously.
Shishou and the others waited patiently, feeling no sense of neglect.
An hour later.
"Mother."
The young girl, having finished her studies, hugged Miroku, tears streaming from her eyes.
"Shion, remember your duty."
Miroku gently stroked Shion's hair, smiling tenderly.
Then she turned to the servants.
"Take Shion underground. Do not come out until Moryo is sealed."
"Yes."
Two servants stepped forward and led Shion away.
"Mother…"
Shion allowed herself to be led away, keeping her eyes fixed on Miroku.
Once Shion was gone, Miroku turned to Shishou and the others.
"Apologies for the wait."
"Now, let's discuss the main issue."
...
Before long, Miroku explained the situation they faced in detail.
Moryo, a demon summoned by the cultists of the Yomi cult from another world, quickly took control of the cult.
After seizing control, Moryo demanded that Miroku join him to dominate the world together.
With the power granted by Moryo, the cult leader, Yomi, created the undead puppet army outside.
When Miroku refused Moryo's offer, Moryo, unable to breach the priestess's barrier, sent the puppet soldiers to wreak havoc across the Land of Demons, hoping to force Miroku into submission.
Shishou and his group were tasked with protecting Miroku as she traveled to a cave in the Land of Marsh, the Sealed Demon Cave, where she could use the cave's power to seal Moryo.
After hearing Miroku's plan, Kitsuchi, Pakura, and Kakashi all looked at Shishou.
The journey from the Land of Demons to the Land of Marsh was long and dangerous. Among the ninjas present, only Shishou, with his giant summoning beast, could safely and smoothly escort the priestess.
It wasn't that Kitsuchi, Pakura, or Kakashi couldn't protect the priestess, but it would be much riskier.
Shishou wasn't surprised by the plan to go to the Land of Marsh.
Traveling there wasn't difficult for him either.
What troubled Shishou was how to ask Miroku for the sealing technique.
After all, she was risking her life to seal the demon for world peace.
It seemed a bit heartless to demand compensation now.
Seeing everyone looking at Shishou for his decision, Miroku asked in confusion:
"Mr. Lurigan, do you have any concerns?"
"Ahem~"
Shishou cleared his throat and looked at Miroku.
"Priestess, I need to discuss the compensation for this mission with you in private."
"Is that so? Mr. Lurigan, please follow me."
Miroku, understanding his point, led Shishou to a side room.
Uchiha Izumi, glancing at Kakashi and the others, decided to follow them quietly.
However, she didn't interrupt but stood guard outside the side room.
Kitsuchi and the others weren't surprised by Shishou's request. After all, he was a mercenary, not a savior, and had no obligation to help without compensation.
They had come partly because the Five Great Shinobi Villages wanted to show respect to the priestess, but also because they had received some payment.
"Mr. Lurigan, what do you want?"
In the side room, Miroku spoke first.
She had learned about Shishou's summoning beast from her subordinates and knew he was crucial to their mission, so she treated him with utmost respect.
"Priestess, you wouldn't want to leave Shion behind and live alone, would you?"
Shishou didn't state his request directly but asked a rhetorical question.
"What do you mean, Mr. Lurigan?"
Miroku asked, puzzled.
Looking at Miroku in her priestess attire, Shishou spoke frankly:
"The demon isn't invincible. There are many similar beings in the ninja world."
"After luring the demon to the Land of Marsh, I can help you suppress it temporarily for a few minutes."
"This will allow you to set up the sealing array without sacrificing your life."
Hearing that Shishou could help suppress the demon and recalling his summoning beast, Miroku's eyes lit up.
If possible, she didn't want to die.
After all, her daughter was still young, and she couldn't bear to leave her behind.
Miroku immediately asked:
"What does Mr. Lurigan want in return?"