With somewhat non-transparent gauze curtains and screens blocking the view, unless one ventures inside, they would not know what is happening within; only vague shadows can be seen, leaving a mysterious and unknown impression on people.
Shikaku entered the main hall, and unlike the hot weather outside, the shrine's main hall was not only well-ventilated on all sides but also pleasantly cool, which made him feel rejuvenated, and the fatigue from his long journey dissipated significantly.
Shikaku heard that an appliance company from the Land of Demons developed a convenient device called air conditioning, capable of regulating the temperature of the air within a certain space.
The cool breeze felt inside the shrine's main hall was likely produced by such a device.
He could also hear the faint sound of machinery operating near his ear.
It must be said, this is a very convenient and affordable appliance, beneficial for indoor work in both summer and winter.
On both sides of the hall road, transparent curtains were also used as coverings, allowing one to see witches sitting gracefully behind them, seemingly engaged in essential training coursework.
If one doesn't deliberately focus on these witches, they might feel as if their presence doesn't exist.
Compared to the bustling prosperity of Shion City within the capital, the shrine mostly retains its retro style, filled with historical depth.
"Lady Shion, Mr. Nara Shikaku from Konoha Village is here."
The witch who led Shikaku inside stopped in front of the gauze curtain and reported to Shion inside.
"Mm, you've worked hard."
The voice was ethereal and clean, completely lacking the previously headstrong, somewhat unreasonable trait of a young girl's temper.
The witch respectfully retreated to the side, keeping her eyes on Shikaku's every move.
Although she didn't think he would act out of line, necessary precautions were still essential.
After all, the relationship between the Land of Demons and the Land of Fire is tense now, isn't it?
However, what does Konoha's pursuit of the Land of Demons' military affairs have to do with the witches of the Land of Demons who specialize in exorcism?
Shikaku sat kneeling on a cushion in the center of the hall, with his hands neatly placed on his knees, ready to speak, when Shion's voice echoed in the hall first:
"You will die."
"?"
For a moment, Shikaku thought he had heard incorrectly, or perhaps there was something wrong with his ears?
The witch standing beside him sighed helplessly; here we go again.
For Shion, predicting someone's death is nothing extraordinary, not a flaunt, but of her true, willful nature.
The previous Mire Witch could also foresee people's ways of dying but never revealed anything, choosing to keep the secret of their deaths hidden in her heart.
But Shion is different; she lacks this discretion.
"I'm sorry, envoy, sometimes I can't control myself and speak out what my eyes see... the envoy doesn't mind, right?"
"..."
Can such a prediction of one's death just be uttered casually? Shikaku internally complained.
Originally, his mood was quite terrible as the envoy dispatched by Konoha to the Land of Demons.
Now, hearing about his death prediction made him feel even worse.
Rather than handling affairs in the Land of Demons, wouldn't it be better to go drinking together with Yamanaka Inoichi, Akimichi Chouza? Or find someone to play chess, train with his son, or leisurely watch clouds in the courtyard alone... all these beautiful times are being wasted.
"It's alright, I don't mind."
Shikaku took a deep breath, maintaining a calm expression.
"Hm, that's good, though even if you minded, it wouldn't change anything. After all, my predictions haven't been erroneous so far, rest assured."
"..."
Upon hearing this, Shikaku felt even less assured, somewhat restless.
Can this witch really speak?
If not for his extensive self-restraint, an outburst was not out of the question.
Forget it, treat it as the willful words of a child. Shikaku thought helplessly.
He certainly couldn't argue with a child under ten years old, moreover, considering her status, any slight disrespect could result in the surrounding witches physically "inviting" him out of the palace.
"Lady Witch, my mission as Konoha's envoy to the Land of Demons this time concerns a certain matter."
Shikaku intended to get to the point and not let Shion lead the rhythm any longer.
"Please, envoy, speak."
"It's slightly complex to explain, but my purpose this time in the Land of Demons concerns the three dangerous renegade ninjas, Chiba Hakushi, Uchiha Ruri, and Hyuga Ayane, including the rogue Uchiha and Hyuga Clan ninjas that the Land of Demons is harboring, along with the Uzumaki Clan remnants taken in by the Land of Demons. If possible, we hope that the Land of Demons can give up these individuals…"
Before Shikaku could finish speaking, Shion interrupted:
"Hold on a moment."
Shion interrupted.
Shikaku looked at Shion with puzzlement.
Shion's voice then came from behind the curtain.
"Envoy, are you here representing Konoha, or the Land of Fire? Concerning such diplomatic matters between nations, shouldn't Konoha make an application to the Daimyo's Mansion of the Land of Fire, and then have an official dispatched by the Land of Fire's Daimyo to engage in negotiations?"
Simply put, the identities between Konoha and the Land of Demons are not equal.
Even though Konoha possesses powerful military might, it does not have equal diplomatic relations with the Land of Demons.
Previously, the commercial cooperation between the Land of Demons and Konoha was also arranged through the Daimyo's Mansion of the Land of Fire before personnel were sent to Konoha, rather than directly bypassing the governmental institutions of the Land of Fire to reach direct commercial agreements with Konoha.