Two days later, Ninja Academy.
Kitazawa watched the Genius Class training and pondered a question. Should he form a student team to take them to the Land of Demons?
Although they couldn't defeat Mōryō, they could handle Mōryō's Ghost Army. In fact, that was how it was in the original story; Naruto, Neji, Rock Lee, and Sakura all participated.
Thinking this through, Kitazawa decided to bring Hinata, Neji, Sasuke, and Naruto.
Hinata and Neji both had bows now, allowing them to attack Mōryō's Ghost Army from a distance.
Naruto, needless to say, his Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu could overwhelm the numbers.
Sasuke had the Sharingan, and with Lightning Release, Fire Release, and swordsmanship, he wouldn't fear being surrounded.
Just then, Kitazawa sensed something and walked to a nearby tree.
"Kitazawa." Konan appeared before him and said, "The Land of Demons Priestess Shion's request for aid has reached Konoha Village."
"Mm." Kitazawa nodded and left the Ninja Academy.
---
Hokage Office.
Kitazawa entered after receiving permission.
"It seems you already know about the Land of Demons' situation." Tsunade wasn't surprised to see him.
After all, the most well-informed department in Konoha Village was the ANBU. More precisely, most intelligence was sent to ANBU for preliminary processing before anywhere else.
"Mm." Kitazawa nodded.
"When the Land of Demons' Priestess was Miroku, Mōryō broke free once." Tsunade mused, "Judging by its capabilities, although it isn't as strong as a Tailed Beast, it's not far from it—very troublesome to deal with."
"Then I'll go personally." Kitazawa smiled. "Don't you think this is a perfect opportunity to use Wood Release?"
"Indeed!" Tsunade let out a soft exclamation, her eyes brightening instantly.
Given Mōryō's strength, it was certainly a worthy target for Wood Release to reappear in the Ninja World.
"And my bow just happens to be missing a spirit." Kitazawa continued.
"But I recall Mōryō has the trait of being immortal and indestructible; only the Land of Demons' Priestess can seal it." Tsunade reminded him.
"That's not necessarily the case." Kitazawa shook his head. "The Uzumaki Clan's Sealing Jutsu can seal even Tailed Beasts—so why not Mōryō?"
"That's true." Tsunade smiled.
During the last Mōryō incident, the Land of Demons was simply unlucky. It occurred after Namikaze Minato and Uzumaki Kushina's sacrifice.
With Hiruzen Sarutobi unwilling to leave the village, Konoha's Ninja couldn't seal Mōryō. And as for the other villages, their sealing techniques were even weaker.
For instance, Hidden Sand Village. Their Jinchūriki Gaara became a panda-eyed boy because Shukaku surfaced whenever he slept.
The reason was simple: Hidden Sand's sealing techniques were inadequate.
"The situation is urgent, so take your team and depart now." Tsunade paused. "Be careful."
"Mm." After bidding farewell, Kitazawa returned to the Ninja Academy.
He immediately called Hinata, Hyuga Neji, Naruto, and Sasuke.
"Kitazawa-sensei," Naruto guessed, "Are you going to teach us a new Ninjutsu?"
"No." Kitazawa shook his head. "I'm taking you on a mission."
"Is it an S-Rank Mission?" Naruto's eyes lit up, excitement overflowing.
"It is indeed an S-Rank Mission." Kitazawa chuckled. "And we'll be cooperating with Ninja from other villages."
"That's great!" Naruto gave a thumbs-up. "A perfect chance to show Ninja from other villages our Konoha's path of youth!"
Sasuke twitched his lips. Are you sure you're not damaging Konoha's image?
"Kitazawa-sensei," Hyuga Neji asked calmly, "What is the mission's objective?"
"A demon called Mōryō has appeared in the Land of Demons," Kitazawa replied. "Our goal is to seal it."
"That sounds familiar." Naruto scratched his head.
"It's very similar to that mission at Hōzuki Castle," Sasuke said, immediately remembering the Box of Ultimate Bliss and Satori.
"Oh, right!" Naruto's face brightened. "Kitazawa-sensei, is there another wish-making part this time?"
"Not this time." Kitazawa shook his head.
Neji hesitated. During the Hōzuki Castle mission, he had merely stood and watched. He suspected this Land of Demons mission might end similarly.
"Don't worry." Kitazawa noticed his expression and smiled. "You'll be very busy this time."
"Will we face many enemies?" Naruto asked excitedly.
"Especially many." Kitazawa teased, "I just hope you don't get exhausted halfway through."
"I won't get tired!" Naruto pounded his chest. "I'll fight to the very end!"
"That's not guaranteed." Sasuke glanced sideways.
"There's no giving up in my youth!" Naruto grinned. "Sasuke, let's have a youth tug-of-war!"
"No interest." Sasuke refused instantly. Competing with Naruto in stamina was suicide.
"All right, I'll give you one hour to prepare." Kitazawa cut in. "Meet at Konoha's gate in one hour. We depart for the Land of Demons."
"Yes, Kitazawa-sensei!" All four responded together.
After they left, Kitazawa informed Sarutobi Hiruzen and Kurenai as well. He estimated the mission would take about a week, so he asked them to cover his classes.
During this hour, Kitazawa did not wait idly.
He returned to the ANBU Base, rested his head on Konan's lap, and reviewed the list of villages that agreed to Priestess Shion's request for aid.
There were four Ninja Villages: besides Konoha Village, Hidden Sand Village, Hidden Mist Village, and Iwagakure.
It wasn't surprising that Hidden Sand Village and Iwagakure responded. The Land of Demons' south bordered the Land of Wind, and its east bordered the Land of Earth.
If the Mōryō crisis spread, those two would be in immediate danger.
The Land of Lightning and the Land of Water were far from the Land of Demons. Their participation was optional.
Especially Kumogakure, which had deep grudges with nearly every other village. Given their explosive temper, they'd probably start fighting among themselves if they came.
As for Hidden Mist Village, Kitazawa guessed their reason for coming was related to Mei Terumī.
After Mei Terumī became Mizukage, Hidden Mist Village ended the Village Hidden in the Bloody Mist era and actively worked to form ties with other Ninja Villages and major nations.
The Mōryō disturbance in the Land of Demons was a perfect opportunity for them. In a sense, their goals aligned with Kitazawa's.
Although Kumogakure was absent, having Ninja from Hidden Sand Village, Hidden Mist Village, and Iwagakure present as spectators was already enough.
Kitazawa closed the documents, rested for half an hour, then rose and left the ANBU Base.
This time, aside from Konan and Itachi, he brought no other Ninja.
After all, he intended to personally act and suppress Mōryō with Wood Release; other Ninja would merely be observers.
The main reason for bringing Konan and Uchiha Itachi was for them to watch over Sasuke and Hinata. If danger arose, they could intervene instantly.
---
Konoha Village main gate.
Neji's expression grew subtle as he looked at the familiar lineup. After all, the last trip to Hozuki Castle had also included the four of them plus Uchiha Itachi.
Sasuke, on the other hand, was delighted. It was another chance to go on a mission with Uchiha Itachi.
Hinata felt similarly—happy that Kitazawa himself was leading the mission.
"Let's go." Seeing everyone assembled, Kitazawa ran forward.
With so many people this time, he couldn't rely on Konan to fly him. Personally, he thought it was a shame.
Sasuke and the others quickly followed.
Three days later, they arrived at their destination—the Land of Demons' Priestess Shrine.
"Are you a Ninja from Konoha Village?" Taruho looked at Kitazawa and the others, suspicion in his eyes.
He wasn't questioning their identities, but their strength. Sasuke, Naruto, Neji, and Hinata all looked far too young, nothing like official Ninja.
As for Itachi and Konan, they were ANBU and had not shown themselves.
"I am Kitazawa," Kitazawa spoke calmly.
"Kitazawa?" Taruho froze for a moment, then his eyes widened with surprise.
He remembered the name. After the war between Konoha and Hidden Mist Village, Kitazawa's reputation had surged.
And with the widespread adoption of Limb Regeneration Medical Ninjutsu, his name became known throughout the Ninja World.
"Lord Kitazawa, welcome." Taruho immediately changed his attitude, smiling brightly.
With Kitazawa's strength—one man equal to ten Jonin—bringing four children was no issue.
"Uncle, we're very strong too!" Naruto gave a thumbs-up, flashing a toothy grin. "Don't underestimate our youth!"
A question mark slowly appeared on Taruho's face.
Sasuke subconsciously rubbed his forehead. At this rate, he could only hope he wouldn't be paired with Naruto after graduation. And Rock Lee had to be added to that list as well.
Neji's expression tightened, and he and Sasuke silently shared the same thought. Such teammates were best avoided.
"Have the Ninja from the other Ninja Villages arrived?" Kitazawa asked, clearing his throat.
"The Ninja from Iwagakure have arrived, but those from Hidden Sand Village and Hidden Mist Village have not yet." Taruho replied, "Please rest for now. Once they arrive, we will depart together."
"What about Mōryō?" Kitazawa continued.
"It hasn't reached the Land of Swamps yet." Taruho explained, "The Ghost Army moves slowly, and they don't know where the sealing ground is."
"Don't Mōryō's soul and body sense each other?" Kitazawa asked, puzzled.
"Because of the seal, the sense is weak, but given enough time, it will eventually find the location." Taruho paused. "We have about one week left."
Just as Kitazawa was about to respond, four Ninja wearing Iwagakure headbands stepped out of the shrine.
"Lord Kitazawa." The captain of the Iwagakure squad stepped forward and introduced himself. "My name is Kitsuchi."
"So it is Lord Kitsuchi. A pleasure to meet you." Kitazawa smiled. "I have long heard of your great reputation."
Kitsuchi was the son of the Third Tsuchikage Ōnoki and the father of the Fourth Tsuchikage, Kurotsuchi.
"Compared to Lord Kitazawa, my name is nothing worth mentioning," Kitsuchi replied politely. Unlike Ōnoki, he was calm and steady.
He then introduced his three teammates—Jonin-level Ninjas who had not appeared in the original story.
"These are my four students." Kitazawa introduced them in return.
"I presume they are all top-tier geniuses." Kitsuchi glanced over them subconsciously.
Although he didn't know them personally, their surnames were famous. However, he found Naruto the most curious.
With his yellow hair, why was his surname Uzumaki? Still, he didn't ask further.
After exchanging greetings, Taruho led Kitazawa to their quarters.
"The Ninja from Iwagakure all look so serious," Naruto muttered.
"That is normal." Neji reminded him, "They are not our comrades, so they will naturally remain cautious."
"But I think Teacher Kitazawa is very easygoing." Naruto scratched his head.
"Teacher Kitazawa is different," Neji replied, slightly awkward.
"They all seem very strong," Sasuke said suddenly.
"Mm." Neji agreed. "They shouldn't be ordinary Jonin."
"It seems doing so many missions has sharpened your judgement." Kitazawa smiled, then introduced Kitsuchi's identity.
"The Third Tsuchikage's son?" Naruto exclaimed. "Doesn't that make him like Uncle Asuma?"
"He is a bit stronger than Asuma," Kitazawa replied after a moment of thought.
Just then, voices sounded from outside the door.
"That voice sounds familiar." Naruto instinctively looked out the window.
Kitazawa already knew the speaker—Ao of Hidden Mist Village.
He stood and opened the door.
"Lord Kitazawa." Ao was briefly startled, then stepped forward to greet him.
"Chōjūrō!" Naruto spotted an acquaintance and shouted cheerfully.
Hidden Mist Village had sent four people. But Kitazawa only recognized two: Ao and Chōjūrō.
Chōjūrō was already in his trademark appearance from the original story, Hiramekarei strapped to his back.
"Naruto." Chōjūrō paused, then answered.
Although he had lost to Naruto, he accepted the defeat wholeheartedly—and made Naruto the goal he would chase.
Ao glanced over, surprise showing on his face. He had thought bringing Chōjūrō out for experience was already quite bold, but Kitazawa was even more excessive, bringing four students.
Although the four of them had performed brilliantly during the exchange meeting previously held by Konoha Village and Hidden Mist Village, especially Naruto.
With his astonishing Chakra and Samehada, Ao estimated he could reach Jonin level.
But Sasuke, Neji, and Hinata were slightly inferior. Ao's impression of them was still based on the exchange meeting, so he didn't know their current strength.
Moreover, he didn't think they could have made significant progress in such a short amount of time.
After exchanging greetings, Ao and the others followed Taruho and left.
"Go back to your rooms and rest." Kitazawa reminded them, "Only by being well-rested can you handle the fierce battle ahead."
"Yes, Teacher Kitazawa." Sasuke, Hinata, and the others returned to their respective rooms.
At dusk, the Ninja from Hidden Sand Village finally arrived, also a group of four. Kitazawa recognized one—Baki.
In the original story, Baki held an extremely high position within Hidden Sand Village, serving as the squad leader for Gaara, Kankurō, and Temari.
Of course, at this point in time, Gaara and the others were still young and had not appeared in the Land of Demons.
The night passed without incident.
---
The next day, 9:00 AM.
The Ninja from the four Ninja Villages gathered at the Priestess Shrine. Kitazawa also saw the Land of Demons Priestess Shion. Her appearance was similar to that in the original story, just younger.
"On behalf of the Land of Demons, I thank you all for your assistance." Shion stood up from her seat and spoke.
After speaking, she took an extra look at Sasuke and Hinata. There was no helping it; four children suddenly appearing among a group of Ninjas was naturally very noticeable.
However, she didn't say anything. After all, Konoha Village sending Kitazawa was already sufficient.
Shion hesitated for two seconds, then walked in front of everyone.
"Priestess, may I ask what the matter is?" Kitsuchi looked at Shion, who had stopped in front of him, and asked.
"It's nothing." Shion met his gaze and immediately activated her precognitive ability.
Soon, various images appeared before her eyes. But what surprised her was that she had seen these images before—they were the same ones she saw when predicting Taruho's future.
Thinking this, Shion walked over to Baki. After stopping for two seconds, she walked toward Ao. However, the images she saw were still the same; there was no change.
Until she looked toward Kitazawa.
"How come you have nothing?" Shion couldn't help but blurt out. It was the first time she had seen someone immune to her precognitive ability.
Kitazawa raised an eyebrow. His only unique feature lay in the system. Could it be the system's ability?
"I heard that the Priestess can foresee a person's life and death." Kitsuchi suddenly thought of something and spoke.
"How is that possible?" Baki asked, frowning.
Ao looked thoughtful. Before coming, he had conducted an investigation and found that Shion indeed possessed this ability.
But he had only regarded it as a legend. After all, in the Land of Demons, the status of the Priestess was extremely high, comparable to a deity, so it was normal for some exaggerated stories to circulate.
"That was presumptuous of me. I apologize," Shion said, regaining her composure.
Everyone looked at each other, but said nothing. Shion was their employer. According to the Ninja code, during a mission, everything revolved around the employer, and they certainly could not harm the employer.
This rule was followed even by Zabuza Momochi, who had become a Rogue Ninja.
In the original story, he could even tolerate Gato's bossiness. It wasn't until the very end, when he no longer wished to live, that he killed Gato and took him down with him.
"I won't say anything unnecessary. Let us depart now and ensure we stop Mōryō and its Ghost Army." Shion's second sentence concluded the brief meeting.
Everyone understood and left the Priestess Shrine together.
The Land of Demons only dispatched two people: Shion and Taruho.
The reason was simple. Aside from Shion, no one else was of use.
"Lord Kitazawa, could you carry me for a bit?" Outside the Priestess Shrine, Shion proactively asked.
Although she possessed the power of the Priestess, her physical constitution was no different from an ordinary young girl. In the original work, Naruto was the one who carried her on the journey.
Shion asked Kitazawa to carry her now because the failure of her precognitive ability just now made her realize he might be the key figure in this mission.
"I'll carry her." Hinata immediately said.
"Naruto, you carry her." Kitazawa glanced at Hinata and instructed.
"Huh?" Shion looked doubtful. A look of suspicion appeared on Shion's face.
"Don't worry!" Seeing this, Naruto immediately gave a thumbs-up and said, "I have plenty of strength and youth!"
The group headed toward the Land of Swamps.
At this point, the stage for Wood Release was set.