The Land of Demons is located in the northeast, close to the Land of Snow and Forst, near the Land of Lightning. Fumori Masaki couldn't help but think of the battle in the Land of Lightning that he had once taken part in. It was a memory he'd never forget, it marked his first step onto the battlefield.
The others, however, didn't share Masaki's feelings. Having never experienced war firsthand, they were now admiring the scenery around them. This was the territory of the Land of Hot Water, known for its pleasant natural landscape—a place so beautiful that one might forget the urge to return home.
After the First Shinobi World War, the Land of Hot Water realized it lacked the military strength to compete for dominance. It swiftly abandoned its ambitions of supporting a ninja village and redirected its resources toward capitalizing on its natural environment, developing peacefully under the protection of larger nations.
Due to the Fire Nation's impressive showing in the war, the Land of Hot Water chose to ally with it, sending envoys to secure its protection. Because of this, Hot Water Village held a less significant role domestically and gradually stopped training shinobi.
Masaki recalled how Hot Water Village came to be known as the "Village that Forgot War." The Land of Hot Water had recognized its place within the shinobi world, abandoning its former ambitions and choosing a more sustainable path, even if out of necessity. It was, however, the right choice.
The Land of Rain, on the other hand, hadn't followed this approach. Because of Hanzo, the Rain's strength far exceeded its initial potential, tempting it to alter the balance of the shinobi world, ultimately resulting in attacks from all sides.
Currently, though, the Land of Rain hadn't yet earned its nickname of the "Land of Always Suffering." Masaki had some connection with Hanzo, but the peace agreement with Konoha prohibited them from intervening for now. In another ten years, however, the dynamics of the five major nations would likely shift once again.
Reflecting on the past, Masaki couldn't help but wonder how the Taketori clan was doing now. Had they resumed their trade openly within the Land of Hot Water?
"Sensei, are you sure we're allowed to enter another country so openly like this?" Tsunade asked, snapping back from the scenery to remember the peace agreement's restrictions.
"No need to worry," Masaki replied. "The agreement mainly applies to the borders of the five major nations. Entering one of the smaller nations is permitted as long as we're not a large contingent; they tend to overlook it."
This relaxed agreement was due to the nature of shinobi missions, which often required crossing into smaller nations. If border permission was needed for every mission, secrecy would be compromised, negatively impacting mission success. Therefore, the five major nations agreed to allow shinobi from the others to pass freely within the minor countries, as long as no significant forces were present.
For the five nations, their home countries were essential and unshakeable strongholds, while the minor nations served as arenas for influence and covert competition. Future shinobi wars would be fought on these soils to minimize the impact on their own territories.
Events like the Chūnin Exams were designed to demonstrate a village's strength, influencing client nations in deciding which shinobi village to hire. Securing more missions increased a village's economy, indirectly bolstering its power.
With less than ten years left on the peace agreement, Masaki sighed. He was determined to make the most of this period of peace, preparing Konoha for the future.
After leaving the Land of Hot Water, it wasn't far to the Land of Demons. Masaki observed Kana curiously. Despite her noble background, Kana had chosen to travel by foot, keeping up with the group without any signs of fatigue.
"What's the matter, Masaki-Nii?" Kana asked, noticing his gaze.
"Nothing. I just find it impressive that you're not tired. Did you often take walks back in the capital?" Masaki replied, recalling that Kana hadn't trained as a shinobi.
"Not at all," she said with a smile. "It's just a matter of health."
True enough, Masaki thought. To have inherited both Senju and Uzumaki bloodlines, she's naturally strong without any formal training. Although they weren't traveling quickly, her resilience was impressive.
The group finally arrived in the Land of Demons and entered without any issues. As they walked through the streets, Masaki immediately sensed the country's unique character—its architecture, language, attire, and goods all carried a strong religious influence. The Miko (priestesses) here were unique to the Land of Demons and were rarely seen elsewhere.
"Incredible," Masaki murmured. "This country has preserved a traditional Ninshū culture."
Since the decline of Ninshū, the modern shinobi world had mostly moved on to new religions, such as those represented by the Temple of Fire. Although the Land of Demons had adapted to some degree, a strong reverence for traditional beliefs remained.
Masaki, having studied some Ninshū classics, was familiar with these traditions. Kana was equally absorbed, observing the atmosphere with an eager anticipation. She seemed curious about what the former site of Ninshū might hold.
After meeting with local officials, they made their way to the capital. In the Land of Demons, Miko held high status, even surpassing that of the country's ruler—a testament to the country's deeply religious nature.
Masaki and the others were briefed on how the Ninshū site had been discovered before being led to the shrine where the miko resided. The shrine was grander than the Temple of Fire and resembled the mansion of a daimyo.
As they entered the shrine, they noticed that only a portion of the building was open to the public. The remaining areas, where the shrine's staff lived, were tucked away from view. The group was led through a series of corridors lined with beautiful courtyards, each designed with an artistic elegance that reflected the country's pious spirit.
"This is the chamber where Miko-sama usually conducts her rituals," the attendant announced, stopping at a doorway. Bowing, she called out, "Miko-sama, the Konoha shinobis have arrived."
"Thank you. Please, let them in," a soft, soothing voice answered from within.
As they entered, they saw two figures dressed in miko robes seated before them, one older and one younger—likely mother and daughter. The elder miko welcomed them warmly. "Welcome to the Land of Demons, shinobi of Konoha. I am the miko of this land."
Kana returned the greeting, replying politely, "Thank you, Miko-dono."
Masaki followed suit, bowing respectfully. The miko didn't seem concerned with formalities, instead inviting them to sit. Though her appearance wasn't striking, she carried a natural grace that was mesmerizing.
"Are you Kana-sama?" the miko asked. "I've read your writings on Ninshū doctrine. Your insight is profound, even the hosts of the Fire Temple may not possess your understanding."
"You're too kind," Kana replied modestly. "Compared to the temple host, I still have much to learn."
"No, you truly grasp the essence of Ninshū. Today's temples no longer adhere to the original teachings, but your words reflect the spirit of Ninshū," the miko replied, smiling.
"Why is this?" Tsunade blurted out suddenly.
Though her outburst was inappropriate, the miko seemed unfazed. Smiling gently, she explained, "The Land of Demons has always valued tradition. Our people avoided the wars that plagued the rest of the shinobi world, preserving many of Ninshū's original texts."
"I heard the miko role was once part of Ninshū," Masaki commented.
"Not quite," the miko clarified. "According to our records, the miko's role was created after the first generation left Ninshū. The first miko was actually the wife of the head of Ninshū. After his passing, she established the Land of Demons and devoted herself to protecting it."
Masaki's expression grew serious. "Would there be any record of Ninshū's leader?"
Surprised, the miko paused before answering, "Yes, I believe he was called... Ashura."
At the name, Masaki's eyes widened slightly. The legendary Ashura—the younger son of the Sage of Six Paths.