Opening the mission panel:
Emergency Mission: Seal the Demon (Completed)
Mission Requirement: Help the shrine maiden successfully seal Moryo's avatar
Mission Reward: 3% portrayal progress
Tenya smoothly completed the triggered mission and gained another 3% portrayal progress, now at 83.5%. However, he did not unlock any new skills.
Returning to the town, the streets were filled with cries and shouts. Many people staggered to their feet, looking like they had just survived a fierce battle, their clothes torn and dirty.
"What happened?"
"Wasn't I sleeping at home? How did I end up here?"
"Ouch… my eyes! Who attacked me? Show yourself!"
"Who ripped my clothes? I just bought these!"
Ignoring the noisy crowd, Tenya headed back to the inn. He found that everyone inside, from the receptionists to the guests, was tied up with rope, all cursing loudly.
Entering their quarters, Tenya saw a group of people lying on the ground. Familiar faces like Chief Jouichi and Captain Shuji were bound tightly among them. The remaining guards were in the same situation.
Nearby, Kakashi and Might Dai stood ready, looking on guard. They only relaxed when they saw Tenya return.
"Untie them; the situation has been resolved," Tenya said calmly.
Kakashi and Might Dai quickly set to work, freeing everyone from their bonds.
"Mr. Tenya, what exactly happened?" Jouichi asked, his eyes full of confusion.
"There was a bit of a situation, but it's over now. Don't worry about the details," Tenya replied, waving his hand dismissively. He had no intention of explaining further to Jouichi and the others, who were just ordinary people and didn't need to know too much.
After sending Jouichi and the rest away, Kakashi and Might Dai approached Tenya, their expressions curious and probing. They clearly wanted to know what had happened.
The story of the demon Moryo and the shrine maiden from the Land of Demons was somewhat known among the ninjas of Konoha. Tenya didn't see the need to hide anything and briefly explained the situation to them.
"Hiss, I didn't expect a part of Moryo to escape. It's a good thing we stopped it in time; otherwise, the entire ninja world could be in trouble," Kakashi said, inhaling sharply. "Moryo's ghost army is a formidable force. If it were revived, the ninja world would be far from peaceful."
Might Dai, who also seemed to know about Moryo, nodded gravely. "It's a good thing that shrine maiden from the Land of Demons was there. If Moryo's avatar had escaped, who knows how many people would have suffered."
"Even in this incident, the entire town's residents were affected. If we hadn't sealed Moryo's avatar in time, who knows how many more would have died," Kakashi sighed, continuing, "I heard from my father that this demon is immune to ninjutsu, taijutsu, and kenjutsu. Only high-level genjutsu can hurt it, but even then, it's hard to kill and can only be sealed."
"We're lucky things didn't get out of hand this time," Might Dai said, finally relaxing.
After chatting for a while, the three dispersed.
Tenya and his group set off again the next day after breakfast. The journey continued without incident. Passing through the borders of the Land of Demons, they eventually reached the Land of Snow, their mission's destination.
Upon arriving in familiar territory, Jouichi and his men finally felt relieved. As their guide, Jouichi proudly introduced various landmarks and details of the Land of Snow to Tenya and his companions, trying to get closer to them. Having witnessed the strength of the Konoha ninjas, he no longer dared to underestimate them.
At the entrance to the royal city, Tenya noticed a group of people waiting. At the front stood a tall, imposing man with a short beard, exuding an air of authority. Beside him were six Snow Ninjas, each with considerable strength.
As Tenya scrutinized the six ninjas, they returned his gaze with a look of challenge. It became clear to Tenya that this was Fubuki Nadare and his men. The tall man with the beard was likely Fubuki Nadare, the brother of Kazahana Dotou, the ruler of the Land of Snow. Nadare had plans to seize power, and his welcoming stance suggested he intended to intimidate Tenya and his companions.
Tenya recognized only Rouga Nadare among the six Snow Ninjas, but he didn't know the other five. These ninjas were generally of special jonin level, with two being of elite jonin strength, a formidable lineup.
Kakashi and Might Dai eyed the six Snow Ninjas warily, their expressions becoming serious. Tenya remained calm, glancing at the six before focusing on Fubuki Nadare, curious about his intentions.
Jouichi and the others noticed Fubuki Nadare's group and their faces changed. "Prince Nadare, who are you waiting for? Could you let our team enter the city first?" Jouichi asked, running over, his plump belly jiggling, and bowing respectfully.
"Hmph," Fubuki Nadare snorted but didn't say anything more, merely stepping aside and waving his hand. The six Snow Ninjas moved, clearing the path to the city gate.
"Thank you, Prince Nadare," Jouichi bowed again, organizing his men to enter the city.
The atmosphere among the convoy was tense. Neither Jouichi nor Shuji dared to breathe loudly, and the remaining guards kept their heads down, not daring to look up.
Tenya and his companions followed the group, moving slowly. Tenya remained indifferent, his expression unchanged. However, Kakashi and Might Dai stayed tense, ready for a sudden attack from the six Snow Ninjas.
As the three passed by Nadare's group, Tenya felt a shift. The gate ahead vanished, replaced by an abyss.
"Genjutsu?" Tenya's eyes narrowed as he activated his Mind Zen, breaking free from the illusion and returning to reality. He quickly identified the Snow Ninja who had cast the genjutsu and retaliated with his full-power Secret Sword: Oboro Slash.
Seeing Kakashi and Might Dai still trapped in the illusion, Tenya tapped their shoulders, freeing them. The three continued to move forward, following the convoy.
Watching them leave, Fubuki Nadare turned to the six Snow Ninjas.
"What do you think of those three's abilities?"
"Pfft!" Before the Snow Ninjas could respond, one of them suddenly vomited blood and collapsed.
"Jin!"
"Jin, what's wrong?"
"Jin, are you alright?"
The remaining Snow Ninjas looked shocked.
"He's dead!" Confirming this, their faces turned grim. Jin had used genjutsu to test the three, only to lose his life.
"How did he die?" Nadare asked, looking at Jin's body.
"He died from a genjutsu," one of the leading Snow Ninjas replied through gritted teeth.
"Do you think those three Konoha ninjas pose a threat to our plans?" Nadare asked, looking at the leader, Fuyu.
Fuyu, adjusting his emotions, said, "Of the three, only the leader is a threat. The other two aren't much of a concern. Jin likely died at his hands. We must avenge him! I'll take down his two teammates in front of him and then offer his head to honor Jin's death."
"Then find an opportunity to eliminate those three Konoha ninjas. My plan cannot afford any mistakes," Nadare said, his gaze icy.
"Yes, we will follow your orders!"