After asking around the city for a while, Shinju roughly pieced together what had happened.
Following the death of the previous daimyo of the Land of Birds, his son Sagi and his long-serving adviser, Kōmei, were both nominated as successors.
Eventually, Sagi gained the support of the people and of the high monk Monk Mōso, ascending to the position of daimyo.
Not long after that, the new daimyo Sagi's younger sister was found dead—and everyone suspected that Kōmei was behind it...
After hearing the story, the ever-curious Naruto raised his hand first.
"I've got a question! If that Kōmei guy wanted to become daimyo, why didn't he just assassinate Sagi directly? Why go after his sister?"
Tenten said, "Maybe he messed up? Maybe the sister got in the way?"
Shinju rubbed his temple, a black line forming on his forehead.
"The real culprit hasn't been confirmed yet. Don't jump to conclusions."
Neji nodded, agreeing with Shinju.
"Let's go meet our mission client, Monk Mōso. He should know more about what's really going on."
...
Before long, the group arrived outside the residence of the high monk, Mōso.
Creak—
Before they could even knock, the large gates swung open on their own.
A young man wearing glasses stepped out. When he noticed the Konoha forehead protectors on their heads, he enthusiastically grabbed Neji's hand, who was standing in front.
"You must be the ninja from Konoha! You're here to investigate the ghost incident in the Land of Birds, right?"
Everyone nodded.
The man with glasses continued, "I'm the one who issued the mission—Chishima."
Naruto tilted his head in confusion.
"But the mission form listed Monk Mōso's residence as the client's address. (‧_‧?)"
Chishima scratched his cheek shyly.
"That's because I work under Mōso-sama, so I just used his address directly."
Naruto asked, "But how'd you afford such a big commission fee by yourself?"
Chishima explained, "The current daimyo of the Land of Birds and I were once very close friends..."
At those words, everyone instantly understood.
A friend of the daimyo—of course he had money to spare!
"Let's not stand outside any longer. Come with me to meet Mōso-sama—he's also very concerned about this ghost incident."
"Alright."
Everyone nodded and followed Chishima into the inner hall.
When the attendants pushed open the doors, Shinju finally laid eyes on Monk Mōso, the high monk of the Land of Birds.
The monk appeared to be in his fifties or sixties, wrapped in a Buddhist robe, a little plump, with a kind-looking face.
However, the instant Shinju saw him, he realized something was off!
That wasn't a monk—it was a ninja using the Transformation Jutsu!
Which meant... where was the real Mōso?
Or worse—had this so-called Monk Mōso been an imposter all along?
Because of his suspicions, Shinju barely paid attention to the conversation between Mōso and Neji's team.
When the talk finally ended and Shinju was about to leave the hall with the others...
The monk suddenly spoke up.
"That red-haired young man over there—I find you very familiar. What's your name?"
Shinju replied politely, "Shinju."
The moment Shinju said his name, everyone clearly saw Monk Mōso's body tremble!
Naruto blinked. "Whoa, Mōso-sama's got a weak heart! He got scared just from hearing a name! (～￣▽￣)～"
Beside him, Tenten quickly whispered, "Hey, Naruto, don't be rude!"
Across the room, Mōso awkwardly wiped the sweat from his bald head with his sleeve and said, embarrassed,
"Ahem, not scared—just... surprised. I didn't expect Konoha's genius Shinju to come all the way to the Land of Birds... (≖╻≖;)"
Hearing that, everyone found it reasonable—after all, Shinju's name was well-known.
But in Shinju's heart, his suspicion only deepened.
That wasn't surprise—he was afraid.
If this monk truly had a pure heart and served the country faithfully, what was there to fear?
In Shinju's mind, there were only two possible reasons.
Either he was hiding money.
Or... he'd done something bad!
After leaving the inner hall, the servants at Mōso's estate arranged lodgings for the group.
Seeing that it was still early, Chishima suggested,
"Why don't I take you to meet the daimyo? This whole situation started with him—meeting him might help your investigation."
Everyone agreed. "Good idea."
On the way, Shinju intentionally asked about Monk Mōso's background.
Chishima explained, "Monk Mōso is an enlightened high monk. He came to the Land of Birds a few years ago while traveling and was invited to stay by the previous daimyo. He's held great prestige here ever since."
Shinju nodded. "So he's an outsider..."
They soon arrived at the daimyo's mansion.
The young daimyo, upon hearing that his close friend had brought guests, instructed his guards to let them in without any airs of authority.
Once inside, Chishima said excitedly, "Sagi, these are the ninja I invited from Konoha! They can definitely help you uncover the truth behind the ghost incident!"
The young daimyo had delicate, almost feminine features. Upon hearing that, his face immediately darkened.
"I told you already—not to meddle in this matter!"
"You think the ghost incident is something you can just investigate on a whim?! (ꐦ ಠ皿ಠ)"
By the end of his outburst, the daimyo hadn't even bothered to look directly at Shinju's team. He waved his hand dismissively, saying,
"Get out, get out! The Land of Birds doesn't welcome you! (′д｀σ)σ"
But as he glanced toward Shinju out of the corner of his eye—
⊙▽⊙ —the young daimyo's gaze suddenly softened, and even his voice turned unnaturally high-pitched.
"So handsome~ (´◊ω◊｀)"
Shinju: Σ(っ °Д °;)っ
He admitted the daimyo was good-looking... but come on, they were both guys!
"Ahem!!"
Realizing his slip, the daimyo quickly straightened his clothes, cleared his throat, and put on a serious face.
"Ninja from Konoha, coming all this way to aid the Land of Birds... it was rude of me just now."
"Someone! Prepare accommodations for our esteemed guests! ( --0027▿--0027 )"
Naruto muttered, "Man, that was a quick attitude change..."
Tenten added, "Is this the power of being handsome? Didn't think it worked on men too! ∑(✘Д✘๑)"
Chishima quickly said, "Daimyo-sama, Mōso-sama has already arranged housing for our guests. No need to trouble yourself."
The daimyo looked disappointed.
"I see... Then let the red-haired young man stay here instead. I'd like to have a little... private chat with him. (◔◡◔)"
Shinju: !!!∑(°Д°ノ)ノ
Was this daimyo's fetish this blatant now?!
No wonder the Land of Birds was haunted—with a daimyo like this, how could it not be?!
Shinju said flatly, "I refuse."
The daimyo looked regretful.
"Don't be so quick to refuse. You could at least think about it..."
Shinju: "No need to think. I refuse! Ծ‸ Ծ"
...
Meanwhile, back at Monk Mōso's residence—
The high monk was frantically packing his belongings, shouting,
"Tell everyone to move out immediately!"
"The people who came this time... aren't the kind we can afford to mess with!"
From above the ceiling came a doubtful voice.
"Boss, they're just a few kids, right? What's there to be scared of?"
Mōso roared, "Shut up and run already! (▼皿▼#)"