Along the way, the four of them encountered no further attackers. After all, any attempt with a similar lineup would have been futile against them. Now, only an overwhelming force or a shadow-level powerhouse could pose a threat, but the cost of deploying such a force was too steep.
If Reiki and the others were not silenced, their presence would inevitably lead to exposure. Even Shimura Danzo and Sarutobi Hiruzen would struggle to cover up such an event. Even if they managed to survive, the repercussions would be severe.
Three days later, they arrived in Fengcheng, the capital of the Kingdom of Ghosts.
"Is this the Kingdom of Ghosts?" Nozuki said, a hint of unease in her voice. "Something feels strange."
As a perceptive ninja, Nozuki immediately sensed an ominous aura.
"Is that the demon's chakra leaking out?" Reiki asked, glancing at Hatake Sakumo.
"Yes," Hatake Sakumo replied. "I was involved once before, many years ago. If the aura is this intense, the situation must be critical. Why haven't the witches acted yet?" He was puzzled. The chakra's strength indicated that the monster would reach full power within a week, yet Fengcheng appeared calm.
"Let's go see the miko. She should have a plan," Reiki suggested, barely containing his excitement. This city was brimming with injured people, and the potential for growth excited him.
"Reiki is right. We should check things out first," Hatake Sakumo said, leading them into Fengcheng.
The city differed from typical villages—it had walls but no gates. Entry was unrestricted. Despite its open nature, no one had ever dared to attack Fengcheng. The capital was well-defended, and the existence of the monsters and the witches' power deterred even the most daring aggressors. Losing a witch meant the inability to seal the monsters, a risk no one wanted to take. This was why the Kingdom of Ghosts remained independent of any ninja village's control.
"The four of you are Konoha ninjas, correct? Present your mission scroll, and I will take you to see the miko," a guard said, approaching them politely. Despite seeing three young ninjas, there was no hint of condescension in his manner. The professionalism in the Kingdom of Ghosts was evident.
"Yes," Hatake Sakumo replied, handing over the scroll.
The guard led them to the witch's residence—an isolated compound where the monster's chakra felt strongest.
"Miroku Maitreya?" The name appeared on Reiki's scan. His eyes widened as he saw her name marked in black—an ominous sign indicating she was near death.
According to what Reiki remembered, Maitreya should have a daughter, Shion, who would eventually inherit her powers. Shion wasn't born yet, and Maitreya still had to teach her successor. Why was Maitreya already so weakened?
Reiki stifled the urge to shout out a warning. This wasn't Konoha; it would be reckless to announce, "Maitreya, you're dying!" in such a place.
"Please come in. Lady Maitreya is waiting for you," the guard said, bowing and gesturing them forward.
"Thank you," Hatake Sakumo said, and the team entered the courtyard.
As they stepped in, the trio instinctively prepared for battle. The aura was denser here than outside. Was this truly the miko's residence or the monster's lair?
"Don't worry; this is normal," the guard explained. "To resist the sprite's chakra, Lady Maitreya absorbs it herself. However, her body..."
"Zizhu, that's enough," a voice interrupted. A graceful woman with a serene expression appeared—Maitreya Miko.
"We've met before, Hatake Sakumo," Maitreya said with a faint smile. The last time she'd seen him, they had both been young. But she recognized the aura that surrounded him.
"Lady Maitreya," Sakumo replied, bowing. "Do we need to make any preparations?"
"Yes," she said. "Come inside. To weaken the demon before sealing it, we will need the miko's chakra. The next step involves a divine dyeing ceremony."
Maitreya explained that she would use a special secret technique to embed her chakra into their bodies. This would allow them to inflict significant damage on the monster at critical moments.
Half an hour later, the ceremony concluded. Maitreya's already pale face was marked by visible exhaustion.
"Cracked?" Reiki thought, alarmed. On his scan, Maitreya's name now appeared cracked. Her condition was deteriorating rapidly.
"Uncle Sakumo, Lady Maitreya's health..." Reiki began, determined. He had come to this place for experience and growth. Fengcheng was filled with potential opportunities.
Besides, many ninjas had gathered, drawn by the Kingdom of Ghosts' substantial rewards. Some, like Hatake Sakumo, were motivated purely by duty and came without expecting payment. For them, Konoha would record the mission as S-rank, which was a reward in itself.
Reiki couldn't accept Maitreya's imminent death before he'd even started gaining experience. The prospect of her knowledge and power intrigued him deeply.
>>>>>
Up to Chapter 500 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
Gimme power stonesssss
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