As for the demonic creature Moryo currently causing havoc in the Land of Demons, there's no denying it's a threat not to be underestimated. But ultimately, that's all it is—a threat.
The Shinobi World is filled with powerful individuals. Take Nagato with the Rinnegan, for example—he alone would be more than enough to deal with Moryo. So, even if the shrine maiden fails to seal Moryo, the creature could never truly conquer the entire Shinobi World.
Moreover, in Hyuga Kagami's hazy memories, this seemingly frail shrine maiden of the Land of Demons actually wielded incredibly powerful sealing techniques. If nothing has changed, it was through her own self-sacrifice that the monster Moryo was ultimately sealed.
Collecting his scattered thoughts, Hyuga Kagami began to form a plan in his mind.
After a moment, he glanced at the pink-cheeked little girl beside the shrine maiden and asked, "Is she your daughter? What's her name?"
Before the shrine maiden could answer, the little girl piped up in a sweet voice, "My name is Shion!"
The shrine maiden smiled and gently stroked little Shion's hair, her expression full of affection.
Hyuga Kagami squatted down and playfully teased, "Oh, so your name is Shion? That's a beautiful name."
Shion stared at him curiously, mustered up her courage, and asked, "Mr. Ninja, your mask looks really fun. Can I try it on?"
Smiling, Hyuga Kagami took off his hawk-faced mask and handed it to her.
Clutching the mask, Shion giggled as she began hopping around the temple hall in delight.
Watching the carefree little girl, a hint of sorrow flashed across the shrine maiden's face.
From her expression, Hyuga Kagami could tell she had already made up her mind. Even if it meant sacrificing herself, she would give everything she had to seal Moryo for good.
He asked, "Your Highness, are you truly confident you can seal that monster?"
The shrine maiden lowered her head. "For the sake of everyone's happiness, I will seal it. I must."
"Even if it costs you your life?"
She looked at Hyuga Kagami, puzzled by his question, but still nodded resolutely. "Yes. Even if I have to give my life."
Boom...
A violent explosion suddenly echoed from outside the hall.
Without a doubt, the battle had begun.
Calling Shion over to stay close, Hyuga Kagami retrieved his ANBU mask and stood guard in front of the mother and daughter.
Outside, the explosions grew more frequent. The palace trembled faintly as shouts of enemies, cries of defenders, and wails of the wounded all blended into chaos.
Though his eyes stayed fixed on the temple gate, Hyuga Kagami's thoughts were elsewhere.
Whether this mission was a coincidence or a subtle test from the Third Hokage, one thing was clear—now that he was in the Land of Demons, he couldn't miss this heaven-sent opportunity.
Having made up his mind, he quietly said, "Shion is still so young. I imagine you wouldn't want her to live alone in the world."
The shrine maiden looked even more confused. "What are you implying?"
Hyuga Kagami replied frankly, "That monster isn't as powerful as you think. At best, it's on the level of a Tailed Beast. In the Shinobi World, there are only a few ways to suppress such power—but there *are* ways."
Understanding the deeper meaning behind his words, the shrine maiden fell silent, contemplating.
Before she could respond, Hyuga Kagami laid out his terms: "I need a special resource from the Land of Swamps. If you're willing to help me obtain it, I will do everything I can to ensure your safety."
The shrine maiden didn't mind the extra payment, but she found it hard to believe that a boy of fourteen or fifteen like Hyuga Kagami could really suppress Moryo.
Still, with no better options, she asked, "What is it you need?"
"Purple Mud Resin," he answered.
Purple Mud Resin was not only extremely expensive but also incredibly rare. Gathering enough on his own would take at least three to five years.
But with the influence of the shrine maiden—who was highly respected in both the Land of Demons and the Land of Swamps—things would become far easier. It would also serve as a perfect cover to prevent anyone from tracing his interest in the resin back to his secret project: creating an artificial Tailed Beast.
Frowning slightly, the shrine maiden asked, "As far as I know, Purple Mud Resin is used in sealing techniques. What do you want it for?"
Hyuga Kagami didn't answer her question directly. Instead, he reaffirmed, "As long as you help me gather it, I'll ensure your safety. I give you my word."
This wasn't an empty promise.
Between his Third Kazekage puppet and Shisui's Susanoo, he had the means to suppress a Tailed Beast-level threat in a short amount of time. Moryo wouldn't be a problem.
Once Moryo was restrained, the shrine maiden would be free to carry out the sealing without needing to perish alongside the monster.
"Very well, I accept."
Although Purple Mud Resin was valuable, it wasn't a national treasure. The shrine maiden didn't hesitate much.
With the deal struck, the two of them lapsed into mutual silence.
Only little Shion, oblivious to the gravity of the situation, looked back and forth between the two adults, puzzled as to why they had suddenly stopped talking.
Soon, several robed cultists from the Yomi sect burst into the temple.
Without hesitation, Hyuga Kagami activated his Revolving Heaven Technique, drawing the cultists toward him. In a flash, he took them down using his Gentle Fist, all within mere seconds.
The panic had just begun to rise on the shrine maiden's face when the threat was already eliminated.
She hadn't even gotten a good look at the enemies before they were defeated. After a long pause, she whispered in awe, "You truly are an exceptional shinobi."
"I promised to protect you, and I intend to keep that promise." Hyuga Kagami added, "One more thing—I hope we can keep this agreement between us."
She nodded gently. "You have my word. I won't tell anyone."
Some time later, the chaos outside gradually quieted.
Before long, shinobi from Konoha, Sunagakure, and Iwagakure returned to the temple. The leader, Pakura, reported, "Most of the Yomi cultists have been dealt with. The rest are no threat."
The Iwagakure decapitation squad captain added, "We're ready to move out anytime."
Kakashi nodded silently.
Hyuga Kagami scanned the group. Though they looked a bit worn, none of them seemed seriously injured. Clearly, the battle had been intense in scale, but not in resistance.
This wasn't surprising. All three villages had sent elites. Against cultists whose only strength was large chakra reserves but whose skills were only on par with mid-level ninja, they stood no chance.
Seemingly reminded of something, Hyuga Kagami asked, "What about the cult leader of the Yomi sect?"
Guy burst into hearty laughter. "That guy took a solid hit from a Chidori. He managed to flee, but I doubt he'll survive."
Hyuga Kagami vaguely recalled that it was a surviving member of the Yomi sect who sparked the events leading to Moryo's resurrection over a decade later. Still, he wasn't sure if that survivor was the same one who escaped today.
But that no longer mattered. Who could say what the world would be like ten years from now...?