Konoha New Era : Third Hokage Ascends

While awaiting reinforcements, Fumori  Masaki  frequently went out to monitor the activities of Jashin followers. Given the presence of Kakuzu, he kept a safe distance, relying on sensory perception to gather the information he needed. The Jashin followers made no major moves, merely occupying the old grounds of the Ninshū and preparing for a ritual. This behavior wasn't unusual, as Jashinists had behaved similarly in the past.

To support his mission, he requested assistance from the Miko, setting up checkpoints around the former Ninshū site. The main objective was to prevent the Jashinists from fleeing, intending to eliminate them all at once. To avoid alerting them, Masaki requested that the surveillance force be minimal—just enough to hold off the Jashinists temporarily if needed.

However, Masaki sensed something unsettling about the Jashinists actions. Though the cultists were indeed mentally unstable—exemplified by Hidan's arrogance—he found it unusual for them all to act so carelessly. After all, some among them came from Yugakure and had received formal training as well as battle experience during the recent wars. It seemed unlikely they would entirely neglect basic reconnaissance, unless they were so confident they saw no need to monitor any developments within the Land of Demons.

"There's something strange about this,"Masaki murmured to himself.

Back at the shrine, he learned that Kana and her team had gone to explore other parts of the grounds. The shrine maintained many Shinto traditions, and visiting these areas was an educational opportunity that Kana embraced wholeheartedly.

This wasn't surprising to Masaki. Kana had always shown self-motivation in her studies, and this pleased him. He believed that a philosophy developed by someone from Kana's world would best serve the people of the Ninja World. His own knowledge was shaped by an entirely different world, though the essence was the same, the nuances were bound to differ.

He headed to the maiden's training quarters. Having been informed in advance, the shrine attendants allowed him entry without question. Upon arriving, he met a young attendant who seemed to be in a hurry. When the attendant spotted Masaki, he exclaimed, "Fumori-sama, it's good you're here."

"What's the matter?" Masaki asked.

"Miko-sama wishes to see you immediately," replied the attendant, turning to inform the Miko of Masaki's arrival.

Entering the training room, Masaki found both the Miko and Maitreya waiting for him. After dismissing the attendant, the Miko spoke with a serious tone, "Fumori-dono, you arrived at the perfect time. There's something urgent I must share with you."

Detecting a heavy note in her voice, Masaki i sensed it was not good news. As expected, the Miko continued, "Maitreya had a prophetic dream last night. She saw dark clouds shrouding your companions, suggesting they may soon be in grave danger. Maitreya's prophecies typically manifest within a day or two. I believe it's wise for you to be on guard."

Masaki had faith in Maitreya's abilities, especially given her future descendant Shion's remarkable foresight powers. He trusted the prediction and felt a growing sense of unease. If something were to befall Kana and her team, it would most likely involve the Jashin followers. The presence of dark clouds indicated as much, and yet Kana and her team hadn't even left the shrine grounds. With no way to signal reinforcements or risk revealing his own position, he wondered how the Jashinists had gathered information on them.

His eyes narrowed as a troubling thought crossed his mind. Though he trusted the shrine attendants, not everyone in the surrounding areas shared the same resolve. The faithful might falter, leaving room for betrayal.

"The Jashinists must have infiltrated our ranks," he said gravely. "They've likely obtained intelligence on our setup here. It won't jeopardize the overall plan, but it could lead to avoidable setbacks."

The Miko nodded in agreement, sharing his concern. For her, this breach was deeply disappointing; the Land of Demons had long upheld traditional beliefs, yet some had abandoned them to embrace the dark allure of the Jashin cult.

"Please excuse me, Miko-dono," said Fengsen Zhenghui, bowing slightly before departing swiftly toward Kana's last known location.

Meanwhile, Kana and her team were being led by shrine attendants through some of the outer buildings. The architecture's intricate designs and the subtle messages they conveyed were fascinating to Kana. Listening to the attendants' explanations, she gained deeper insights into the Ninshū, especially its evolving philosophies that remained true to its essence while adapting to modern times.

Masaki had once advised her to study these philosophies carefully, particularly how to adapt them meaningfully to the contemporary Ninja world.

Accompanying Kana were Tsunade, Hatake Sakumo, and Hattori Heizo. Tsunade, looking visibly bored, glanced around as Kana engaged in discussions with the shrine attendants. She had little interest in the teachings of the Ninshū and was eager to see the reinforcements arrive, looking forward to the upcoming battle with the Jashin followers.

Heizo, by contrast, was impassive. Though equally uninterested, he maintained his composure and occasionally surveyed the surrounding area, conscious of any potential threats. The outer grounds were accessible to the public, which heightened his vigilance.

Suddenly, Heizo's expression shifted slightly. Noticing this, Sakumo asked, "Is something wrong?"

Without answering, Heizo kept his eyes fixed on a man nearby. Following Heizo's gaze, Sakumo glanced over and soon wore a look of concern. "That person…"

"What are you two staring at?" Tsunade joined them, glancing at the man. "Something suspicious about him?"

"He seems to be watching us," Sakumo replied quietly.

"Maybe he's just curious because we're with the shrine attendants," Tsunade suggested.

"I doubt it," Sakumo said, shaking his head. "He doesn't look like a simple visitor."

Both trusted Sakumo's instincts, and their interest in the man intensified. Perhaps sensing he was being observed, the man lifted his gaze, revealing an unnaturally pale face and cold, piercing eyes that slowly turned menacing.

The next instant, he began moving. His actions weren't graceful, more mechanical than human, but his intent was clear—he was heading straight for Kana, who was still deep in conversation with the shrine attendant.