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The Fire Temple, with its century-old presence, emanated a profound historical ambiance. Fumori Masaki and his companions followed the Oshō (monks or priests) , who began recounting the temple's origins.
While ninjas considered Ninshu their ancestral history, its teachings had long been forgotten, with only its secret techniques retained while its philosophies were disregarded.
Recognizing this, the Fire Temple's elder priest refrained from delving deeply into Ninshu's doctrines to avoid boring the guests. Instead, he skillfully narrated the temple's history, offering caution about certain areas.
Eager to seize this opportunity, Fumori Masaki spoke up: "Oshō-San, could you enlighten me about the teachings of Ninshu?"
The elder priest, visibly surprised by Masaki's interest, nonetheless agreed to share his beliefs, mindful that others lacked such curiosity. Uchiha Kagami, and Hyūga Kei, along with Rimi, who was familiar with the temple's traditions, also paid close attention.
Meanwhile, Sarutobi Hiruzen and the others, lacking interest, excused themselves and retired to their rooms. The elder priest smiled and led Masaki and his group to a chamber to commence the discourse.
Konoha Village, a pivotal force in the Fire Country, had little direct involvement with the Fire Temple, making any goodwill gestures towards it a welcome development.
During their walk, they encountered two young girls walking ahead. One, despite her simple attire, exuded a regal aura and fair complexion, clearly of noble birth. Spotting the host, she greeted him respectfully: "Oshō-san."
Returning the gesture, the priest's form of address—'Hime-sama'—stunned Masaki and his companions. Given her age, she must be the late daimyo's daughter and the new daimyo's younger sister.
Observing Masaki and his group, the princess discerned their identities from their headbands. The elder priest introduced them, explaining their interest in Ninshu's teachings. The princess, visibly surprised, excused herself, citing pressing matters before leaving.
Once she departed, Masaki and his companions exchanged curious glances. Why would a princess attend the Fire Temple? Could she also be a Ninshu believer?
As they continued, the priest shared insights about Princess Senki. As the late daimyo's cherished third daughter, she sought solace at the Fire Temple to pray for her father's peace in the Pure Land.
In Ninshu's scriptures, the Pure Land was described as a place where souls, upon death, reflected on their best memories before reincarnating anew.
While Rimi, Hyūga Kei, and Uchiha Kagami pondered the existence of such a realm, Masaki affirmed its reality. In his past life, he'd encountered entities like the Uzumaki clan's ghouls and witnessed the creation of the Pure Land.
Masaki concluded that Princess Senki must also be a Ninshu adherent, a thought that sparked a fleeting insight, too quick for him to grasp fully.
Arriving at the chamber, they settled in as the host began his teachings. The Fire Temple, reminiscent of temples from Masaki's former world, differed subtly. Most notably, its teachings still intertwined with Ninshu.
The temple enshrined the Sage of Six Paths and their disciples, names familiar to Masaki from his previous life as mythical figures and, in this world, linked to the Mangekyou's power of the Sharingan.
Reflecting on this, Masaki realized that Ninshu's legacy, although fragmented, continued to influence the world. Even descendants who had forgotten their ancestors were shaped by its teachings.
As the evening drew near, the elder priest concluded, inviting them to return if they wished to learn more. Masaki and his companions departed, discussing Ninshu's scriptures and marveling at their enduring allure.
With Hashirama and Tobirama still attending the late daimyo funeral, Masaki and his group occupied the Fire Temple. Once the funeral concluded, they planned to return to Konoha Village.
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A little bit information:
In Japanese culture, when meeting the host of a temple or shrine, especially in a formal or respectful context, you would typically use the term "Oshō-sama" (お坊さん) or "Oshō-san" (お坊さん). This term is a respectful way to address a Buddhist monk or priest who serves as the host or caretaker of the temple.
The term "Oshō" can be used to address a monk or priest directly or to refer to them in conversation or writing. It signifies their role as a spiritual leader, teacher, and caretaker within the Buddhist community.
Just some information I found. Because it doesn't feels right to write them as "host" only
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