Hearing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi let out a long breath, and the muscles tightened by Wrath slowly relaxed. "What the High Priestess says is correct."
His eyes swept across the Four Kage as he continued in a low voice. "The past is gone. What matters now is the future. Our priority is to find a solution, not to assign blame."
He paused, as if explaining and also persuading. "Those 'Crimson giant', those 'Espada-class', are not formed from a single soul. They are fused from countless souls twisted and broken by intense negative emotions."
"They are already completely new entities, no longer who they once were." Hiruzen Sarutobi glanced toward the red curtain behind him. "Even if their family stood before them, they would not recognize them."
The words sounded like an explanation to the other members of the Four Kage, describing the nature of 'Crimson giant'. But they also felt directed at the figure behind the curtain. No matter who "Espada-class No. 2 Ryoma" had been in life, it could never again be the man called Ryoma.
Kakashi's chest rose and fell sharply, showing no sign of calming. If the 'Ryoma' among the 'Espada-class' truly was his father, then he could not accept it. "I will never allow it," Kakashi said through clenched teeth. "I will never allow anyone to defile my father's soul."
Just as his thoughts churned, a hand landed on his shoulder. Kakashi turned his head and saw Ryoma smiling faintly at him. "We will win," Ryoma said softly.
Kakashi froze for a moment, then felt his mood settle for reasons he could not explain. He gave a grateful look and nodded slowly.
"I agree with the Hokage's view." Mei Terumi suddenly spoke inside the Shrine. "What matters most now is not blame, but what it means if all of this is true."
The room fell into silence as everyone thought it through. It meant that anyone who died in battle could be twisted into a 'Crimson giant' and return as an enemy. It also meant that powerful Ninja who once dominated the era might already have become threats they would one day face.
"Damn that 'Void Realm'." Ryoma cursed, his face full of open disgust. "They actually defile the Undead of the dead."
As if recalling something, he looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi and sneered. "Just like that Impure World Reincarnation your Konoha Second Hokage developed." At the mention of Impure World Reincarnation, the Four Kage exchanged sharp looks.
They all knew of this S-rank Forbidden Technique. In the Shinobi World, it was no secret that Second Hokage used Impure World Reincarnation in life, and Chiyo's grandson and the Gold and Silver Brothers had seen it too.
"Impure World Reincarnation, created by Second Hokage could summon the souls of the dead from the Pure Land of the Sage of Ryoma back to the Living World. At the time, Second Hokage paired it with another Forbidden Technique known as Mutual Multiplying Explosive Tag, covering the resurrected bodies with Explosive Tag to turn them into living bombs."
The cruelty and defilement of this method were disturbingly similar to the methods of the 'Void Realm'. Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned and spoke firmly. "Ryoma sir, watch your words. Impure World Reincarnation has long been sealed as a Forbidden Technique."
"And while both involve the souls of the dead, Impure World Reincarnation does not twist their self awareness." He continued calmly. "It certainly does not turn them into irrational Guai creatures filled with hatred and destruction like those Zetsu things."
Ryoma snorted heavily and said no more about Konoha. Instead, he turned his gaze toward the curtain. "High Priestess, for beings like 'Crimson giant' that resemble demons, does your Land of Demons have a better way to eradicate them?"
Everyone looked toward Miroku. His question voiced the urgency they all felt. Finding weaknesses was one thing, but eliminating the source and facing threats on the level of the Espada-class was the real challenge.
Behind the curtain, Miroku shifted slightly, as if about to answer. At that moment, a deep rumbling rose from beneath their feet. The ground of the Shrine shook, murals rattled, and dust fell from the ceiling.
"What is going on?" The Five Kage Summit frowned, but none of them panicked. A guard in Land of Demons attire rushed in and knelt on one knee.
"Miroku my lord," the guard said urgently. "The ghost legion has broken through our last line of defense and is advancing toward the Shrine. They will arrive here soon."
He lifted his head and spoke solemnly. "Please evacuate with us. This place is no longer safe."
The undead stone statues had already reached this far. Ryoma stood up with a snort, lightning crackling around his body. "Leave? I want to see just how impressive this so called 'Espada-class' really is."
With a sharp burst of lightning, his figure turned into a blue flash and shot out of the Shrine faster than the eye could follow. Behind the curtain, Darui and Two-Tails Jinchuriki changed expressions and followed him at once.
The remaining members of the Four Kage exchanged looks. Their expressions ranged from grave to calculating to doubtful. They suspected the Miko might be using them, but none of them felt fear or Wrath.
Together, the five of them represented the strongest open power in the Shinobi World. One 'Espada-class' was not enough to make them shrink back.
"Third Kazekage sir, Mei Terumi sir, Onoki sir," Hiruzen Sarutobi said as he stood. His gaze passed over Third Kazekage, Mei Terumi, and Onoki. "Moryo aims to destroy the Five Great Nations and rule the entire Shinobi World."
"That makes him not just an enemy of Land of Demons, but a common enemy to us all." He continued without hesitation. "This is also a chance to test just how powerful 'Crimson giant' and the 'Espada-class' truly are."
With that, he vanished from the Shrine. Third Kazekage followed with a cold snort, turning into a stream of sand. Mei Terumi moved next.
"Let us go and see what they are worth," Onoki said lazily. His body floated up as Kurotsuchi and an oddly excited Deidara guarded him, and they flew out together.
Kakashi and Ryoma exchanged a look. The former disappeared instantly, while the latter was about to leave when a gentle, distant voice stopped him. "Ryoma sir, please stay."
Ryoma halted and turned toward the curtain. "High Priestess, is there something else?" he asked, eyes flickering slightly.
"Ryoma," Miroku said directly. "I have seen your future." Ryoma narrowed his eyes, a trace of caution rising within him.
Then her next words made him pause. "I saw you use the power of the shaman to kill Moryo," she said softly. "That means only you can save Land of Demons and the Shinobi World."
"You are the savior of the Shinobi World." The certainty in her voice left no room for doubt.
Hearing the prompt echo in his mind along with her words, Ryoma's expression turned strange. People who loved prophecy and fate were always like this. Did those who believed in fate always end up fooled by it?
"High Priestess," Ryoma said with a forced frown. "Please do not say such baffling things." Miroku did not seem surprised.
"I know you cannot believe it yet," she replied slowly. "But please accept my power. I believe this is something you will need."