I, Uchiha Hikaru, have joined the chat group.

Chapter 202 Kikyo Arrives

"Don't rush."

"Before fulfilling my promise to you, there is one more thing I must do..."

As they were talking.

The purplish-black body of "Wangliang" began to shrink gradually, transforming from its original enormous form, tens of meters tall and resembling a tailed beast, into a humanoid shape two or three meters tall.

However, it is only a rough outline of a "human shape".

Countless thick tentacles still lingered around it, and its purplish-black body exuded an extremely violent and ferocious aura, as if it wanted to destroy everything in its sight. This aura, combined with the surrounding scene of mountains of corpses and seas of blood, sent chills down one's spine at a glance.

"...The priestess of the Land of Demons possesses the power to seal me. Only by killing and devouring her can I eliminate any future threats and exist in this world for a long time. At that time, whether it's conquering this world or killing anyone, I can help you achieve your goals."

Perhaps it's because it's been sealed for too long.

Or perhaps it's because it wasn't originally human.

The voice of the demon was hoarse and awkward, like that of a savage who had just begun to learn to speak. It was indescribably unpleasant to hear.

Obito, dressed in a black robe with red clouds and his face hidden by a mask, frowned and slowly spoke in a low voice: "What do you want to do?"

"If you're planning to infiltrate the palace to carry out the assassination, I can offer you some assistance."

For Obito, who possesses the Kamui eye technique, sneaking into the royal palace or manipulating others with Sharingan genjutsu is a piece of cake.

but……

However, the demon's plan was not like that—

"Oh."

"I don't want you to do this for me."

"I foresaw today's situation before I was sealed away last time, and I prepared some backup plans... Now, it's time to awaken them."

As they were talking.

One after another, purplish-black runes, like tiny snakes, separated from the body of the demon and fell onto the corpses of the cavalrymen whose lungs had been ripped out.

All the corpses that the "snakes" had burrowed into began to turn black and harden, with a layer of keratin, like rock, appearing on their surfaces. Gradually, an aura similar to that of the demon began to emerge from their bodies, and within a very short time, it rose steadily.

Creak, creak—

A tooth-grinding sound.

One by one, the corpses rose from the ground.

At this point, they were completely unrecognizable from their original forms, having transformed into humanoid terracotta warriors clad in armor. Where their heads and hearts should have been, their faces and chests were no longer visible; only clusters of dark purple flames flickered eerily, like ghosts from a story.

"This is……"

"Ghost Corps!"

The leader of the Yellow Springs Cult recognized him.

—This is not the first time that the demon has been sealed away, nor is it the first time that it has been released.

Compared to its own formidable strength, comparable to that of a tailed beast, these "ghost legions" are far more terrifying.

Their appearance is that of lifeless puppets, but each one possesses the power to shatter stone and will resolutely carry out any command given by the demons. More importantly... no matter how many times they are broken, their bodies will repair and regenerate, continuing to fight until everything in their path is completely destroyed.

It is said that this occurred as early as the Warring States period, hundreds of years ago.

The demon once led the "Ghost Legion" to destroy the Land of Demons, and also caused considerable damage to several surrounding countries.

now.

This nightmare, recorded in ancient texts, has recurred.

"You guys."

The demon looked at the members of the Yellow Springs Cult: "As a reward for your efforts in searching for my whereabouts and releasing me from the Sealed Demon Mountain so many years ago, I will grant you some power."

Before he could finish speaking...

Several more purplish-black snakes "separated" from the demon's body and burrowed into the bodies of the Yellow Springs cultists.

soon.

Several cult members felt their bodies begin to heat up, as if an inexhaustible power was surging forth from within them. One of the ninjas tentatively clenched his fist and smashed it against the wall beside him. The solid wall shattered with a crash, and a layer of rock, similar to that of the "Ghost Legion," quietly appeared on his fist.

"This is what it feels like to have power! It's amazing!"

"I feel so light..."

"Lord Wraith, thank you so much for your gift! The Yellow Springs Cult will pursue you to the death and kill the priestess who posed a threat to you!"

The Yellow Springs cultists' expressions became even more fanatical than before, each one bursting with confidence, eager to immediately confront the shadows of the five great nations.

the other side.

Obito narrowed his eyes slightly, carefully examining the few cultists.

Although the Sharingan's perception wasn't as sharp as the Byakugan's, he could still roughly sense that the total chakra within these followers had more than tripled in that short moment. They had gone from being mere ordinary Jonin, or even Chunin, to elite Jonin in an instant. The leader of the Yomi Cult, Meito, who was already close to Kage-level, had even been elevated to the level of a strong Kage.

Such a rate of improvement is truly astonishing.

However, the side effects are also obvious.

—Given their aptitude and physical constitution, they are actually not capable of handling such a massive amount of chakra. They might be fine in the short term, but if the duration is prolonged, physical collapse is almost inevitable.

but……

It doesn't really matter.

In any case, all the Akatsuki wanted was the power of the demon.

"It's time to go."

"Before meeting this generation's shrine maiden, let's have some appetizers first and recover a little of our strength..."

With a command from the demon.

The soldiers were arranged in a dense formation, marching forward with heavy footsteps, like a vast army.

……

Early in the morning.

Uchiha Hikaru woke up from his sleep, brushed his teeth and washed up in the bathroom as usual, and then woke up Erii, who was sleeping in the same room, and they went downstairs to have breakfast together.

As for Esdeath...

She, of course, also lives in this room.

But she had already developed the habit of getting up early every day when she was serving in the Imperial Army. When Uchiha Hikaru brought Erii downstairs, she had already finished eating and was wiping her mouth with a napkin.

"How is it, Xiao Ai? Are you enjoying the food?"

Uchiha Hikaru sat down beside him with his plate and asked with a smile.

In a way, the worldview of Kill! Red has a bit of an East-meets-West flavor, but the eating habits are more Western.

The menu in the Naruto world is generally Japanese, especially in the Land of Demons, where breakfast consists of miso soup, grilled fish, and vegetable porridge... which is quite different from the dietary habits of Esdeath's side.

"fine."

Esdeath responded with a nonchalant remark.

She paused, then looked at Uchiha Hikaru and said coldly, "Where is that demon you mentioned before? Why haven't we seen it for so long?"

"...I know you're in a hurry, but don't rush."

Uchiha Hikaru put a piece of grilled fish into his mouth, chewed and swallowed it, before mumbling, "That thing should be out soon... or it may have already been released, but it's still hiding somewhere and hasn't appeared in front of us yet."

Tsunade has almost recovered, so let's set off together today to visit the capital of this country. That should also be the destination of the "Mouryou".

"Well, if the 'Wraith' doesn't show up, then I'll fight you myself, is that alright?"

"...That would be best."

Esdeath remained noncommittal.

Next.

Uchiha Hikaru opened the chat group while eating.

[Anonymous @ Kikyo: Miss Kikyo, are you ready on your end?]

[Kikyo: ...Yes, I've already explained the precautions to Shiori and Ran. As long as it's convenient for you, Hikari-san, I'm ready to leave anytime.]

— Xiao Lan is the name of the half-demon on Penglai Island.

During this time, Kikyo has temporarily suspended her collection of the Shikon Jewel and is staying on Hourai Island, studying the "Roaring Cauldron" inside the volcano while working on repairing the island's barrier.

Kikyo did this partly out of a promise to her senior priestess, Kanade, and partly because she herself loves children and is secretly a child-lover. This applies to both human and half-demon children.

Because of their difficult experiences, Shiori and the others, despite their young age, are quite obedient and sensible, and get along very well with Kikyo.

On the ninja world side.

After slowly finishing his meal, Uchiha Hikaru asked Kikyo to send his regards to Shiori before returning to his room and opening the request Kikyo had sent.

Kikyo requests entry into the nameless world.

[Anonymous has agreed to the application]

A flash of white light followed.

Wearing a red and white shrine maiden outfit and exuding an elegant aura, Kikyo appeared inside the inn in the Land of Demons.

"...Is this Ms. Hikari's world? It looks somewhat similar to mine."

Kikyo looked around with a hint of curiosity, then her gaze fell on Erii.

The latter then held up her little notebook at the opportune moment: "Hello, Kikyo-neechan!"

"Is this Ms. Erii?"

Kikyo recognized her, then smiled and said, "Just call me Kikyo. Nice to meet you."

Kikyo and Erii were indeed meeting for the first time.

After all, Kikyo has a quiet personality and doesn't really like adventure. So far, apart from her own world, she has only been to Miko's place. Erii has only been to Uchiha Hikaru and Brand's places, and they don't have much interaction with each other. However, they do have some online communication, so they don't feel like strangers to each other.

After a few brief pleasantries...

Hikaru Uchiha then introduced Kikyo and Esdeath to each other.

"...A friend from a foreign country?"

Esdeath frowned, somewhat surprised by Kikyo's appearance, but didn't think too much about it.

Esdeath was unaware of the chat group.

Up until now, she still believed that Uchiha Hikaru, Erii, Bulma, and now Kikyo, all came from the same world, and that their sudden appearance was simply because Uchiha Hikaru had brought them from elsewhere using "Shangri-La"...

Esdeath was more concerned with their strength than with their origins—

"Kikyo? That's a bit of a mouthful of a name, like Akame... But you have the aura of a strong person about you. Shall we fight?"

"Sure."

In response to Esdeath's inquiry, Kikyo gave a gentle smile: "I've heard some things about your situation from Hikari-san... If the battle will bring you joy, I'm willing to participate. However, the time may have to be postponed a bit, as the calamity facing this country has not yet been resolved. Also, I ask General Esdeath to show mercy, as I may not be your match."

As the strongest priestess in the Inuyasha world, Kikyo is actually quite powerful. With her superb archery skills and barrier techniques, plus top-tier human spiritual power, she can hold her own even against powerful demons.

However, Esdeath's strength is in no way inferior to that of the great demons in the Inuyasha world, and may even surpass it.

Seeing Kikyo accept the challenge so readily, Esdeath nodded, showing an approving expression.

Time flew by and it was already afternoon.

While Uchiha Hikaru was in Tsunade's room, watching the latter examine Erii's body.

A sudden, hurried sound of horses' hooves came from the end of the long street and stopped in front of the town's inn.

Several cavalrymen in armor dismounted and hurried to the counter, where they began to inquire with the inn's staff.

Then they went upstairs and headed straight for Tsunade's room, knocking on the door.

"...Nice to meet you. Are you Lady Tsunade from Konoha?"

"It's me...and who are you?"

"I am Endo Sakumo from the Land of Demons. I saw Lady Tsunade's name on the entry registration list and learned that the legendary Sannin of Konoha has arrived in the Land of Demons. We are truly honored... Our esteemed priestess wishes to invite Lady Tsunade to meet with us."

"what?"

Upon hearing this news, Tsunade was completely dumbfounded.

She knew nothing of the "demons'" resurgence, and her arrival in the Land of Demons was purely coincidental. She had no prior knowledge of the priestess, so she could only ponder the situation while tentatively asking, "Um... is it that a prince in the palace is ill and would like my help to treat him?"

"No, that's not it..."

Endo Sakumo glanced hesitantly at Uchiha Hikaru and Erii, as well as Shizune beside her, seemingly unsure whether to reveal the truth here.

After Tsunade stated that Uchiha Hikaru and Shizune were "not outsiders" and there was no need to avoid suspicion, the minister from the Land of Demons slowly spoke: "Actually, this matter is related to a demon called 'Mouryou' that was sealed in the Land of Swamps by the previous priestess... The Land of Demons has already sent requests for assistance to several major ninja villages, including Konoha, regarding this matter. So, Lady Tsunade was unaware of this?"

"this……"

Tsunade coughed, not mentioning that she and Konoha were practically out of contact, but then frowned: "You mean... 'Mouryou'?"

"I think I've seen this name in Konoha's ancient documents."

(End of this chapter)