"Really?!"
Shion could hardly believe it, her wide eyes fixed on Uchiha Shinji.
Shinji nodded lightly. "Yes."
His decision to let Shion join wasn't just because her priestess powers might be useful for counter-invading the Demon Slayer world. There was a more significant reason: Shinji was no longer as worried about his identity being exposed.
Now over ten years old, he was far from the helpless eight-year-old he'd been when he first arrived in this world. He had the strength to protect himself.
Even if Shion accidentally revealed his identity, it wouldn't be a matter of life and death. At worst, he'd lose Hidden Leaf's protection and resources.
Of course, staying in Hidden Leaf, the foremost shinobi village, to grow safely and secretly build his forces was far preferable to wandering the world. So, it was best to keep his identity hidden if possible.
With this in mind, before Shion could celebrate, Shinji said gravely, "But you understand how sensitive my hidden identity is, right? If it gets out, both you and I will be hunted by the village. That'll be trouble for us!"
Shion's expression turned serious, realizing the gravity of the situation.
She wasn't worried about her own safety but feared that her recklessness could implicate the Land of Demons. She quickly nodded. "Shinji, don't worry. I swear I won't tell a soul!"
Seeing Shion grasp the stakes, Shinji didn't dwell on it. Instead, he briefly explained the purpose of forming the Akatsuki and the invasion of the shinobi world by the 'Upper Moon' demons.
When Shion learned that the notorious 'Upper Moon' organization was actually a group of demons from another world invading the shinobi world, causing a crisis, her playful curiosity vanished.
Frowning, she said, "Shinji, if their large-scale invasion has already spread pollution, doesn't that mean our world is doomed?"
Shinji didn't deny it, nodding as he explained, "Under normal circumstances, yes. But it's not entirely hopeless. As I mentioned, their invasion is suspicious, so we have a slim chance. That chance lies in counter-invading their world and finding the mastermind behind it all!"
During his explanation, Shinji avoided mentioning the concept of the 'Lampbearer' or revealing that he was the guardian of the shinobi world. He simply outlined the consequences of the Demon Slayer world's invasion and his strategy to counter it.
Shion blinked. "Counter-invade their territory?!"
Shinji nodded. "It's the only way."
Shion pointed at Shinji and herself. "J-Just the two of us?"
"What, scared?"
Shinji smiled.
"Scared? Me?!" Shion's eyes darted, then she stammered, "I just think the monsters' lair must be a really terrifying place!"
"Maybe so!" Pausing, Shinji said, "Whether you go is your choice. I won't force you."
After some hesitation, Shion lifted her head. "I'll go!"
Shinji's lips curved. "Since you've decided to go, I'll be putting you through intensive training. No complaining!"
Shion stood tall, resolute. "Fighting alongside you to save the shinobi world? I'm not afraid of anything! Shinji, train me as hard as you want!"
"Let's go, then!"
Shinji turned and started walking.
"Now?!"
Shion was stunned but quickly caught up with him.
Shinji had long had a plan for training Shion.
As the priestess of the Land of Demons, Shion's potential could directly rival Moryo, the demonic beast that had once destroyed several nations and briefly terrorized the shinobi world.
Moryo's strength was comparable to a tailed beast.
In Shinji's view, among the nine tailed beasts, perhaps only a complete Nine-Tails could suppress Moryo. The other eight likely wouldn't stand a chance.
Under normal circumstances, the priestess of the Land of Demons, as Moryo's counterpart, was slightly stronger than the beast.
Shion's talent was among the greatest of all the Land of Demons' priestesses. She was currently limited only by her youth and lack of mastery over her priestess powers, which made her unable to defeat Moryo.
Once Shion fully embraced her priestess powers, Moryo would have to steer clear of her!
Soon, Shinji brought Shion to a secluded training ground.
After confirming no one was around, Shinji said calmly, "Shion, warm up your body. We'll start with taijutsu training!"
"Taijutsu again?!"
Shion looked puzzled.
Shinji explained, "Taijutsu is the best way to hone a shinobi's ability to react in battle. Once you've mastered taijutsu, you won't panic when facing an enemy."
Shion nodded thoughtfully. "No wonder Yakumo, despite her powerful Wood Release, still trains taijutsu so diligently."
Shinji said, "What you lack most right now is composure and adaptability in combat. High-intensity taijutsu sparring can help you build those skills."
As the priestess of the Land of Demons, Shion possessed chakra reserves comparable to a tailed beast.
A shinobi with low chakra reserves might not necessarily be weak, but one with massive reserves was guaranteed to be strong. Refining chakra required a fusion of mental and physical strength, so a shinobi with immense chakra was undoubtedly exceptional in both mental and physical prowess.
In terms of physical strength, among the academy's geniuses, perhaps only Karin could match Shion.
Others, like Naruto of the Uzumaki clan, Kimimaro with his 'Dead Bone Physique,' or Yakumo with implanted First Hokage cells, were slightly inferior to Shion.
As for academy prodigies like Sasuke or Neji, they were far behind her.
"Get ready, here I come!"
With a warning, Shinji attacked.
Thud, thud, thud…
In an instant, the two engaged in fierce taijutsu combat on the small training ground.
Shion hadn't wasted her year or two at Hidden Leaf's shinobi academy. Especially after Yakumo grew stronger, Shion trained even harder.
Her progress seemed slow mainly because her teammates were Yakumo and Kimimaro. Compared to those two, her taijutsu naturally paled.
After a flurry of exchanges, Shinji gradually increased the intensity.
Under his escalating attacks, Shion began to falter. After taking a few punches, she was sent flying by a kick from Shinji.
Thump.
Crashing heavily to the ground, Shion rubbed her backside. "Ouch!"
Shinji commented, "Not bad, a bit better than I expected!"
Shion stood up, puffing her cheeks. "What do you mean, 'a bit better than you expected'? Did you think I was completely useless?!"
"Not at all!" Smiling, Shinji said, "I mean, with this foundation, I can start teaching you the 'Breathing Techniques' right away!"