"It might not be fake. In the Konoha Library, there's indeed a record of a similar event. Around twenty years ago, a major disaster happened in the Land of Demons. It should be the ghostly disturbance Granny Kanoko mentioned."
"But aren't those just demons? There shouldn't be any ghosts in this world, right?" Ayane felt the topic was a bit creepy.
"Surrounding Witch Mire is a very mysterious natural energy, but it seems different from the natural energy we cultivate, as it includes something else."
"Something else?"
"I don't know what that is, but it's definitely not the Immortal Technique formed by combining chakra; it's another kind of special jutsu. That should be the witch's heritage."
Hakushi said this.
Hakushi recalled the peace and goodwill he felt when he visited Witch Mire before, probably also influenced by the witch's power.
"Besides, with even resurrection means available at the toads' nest on Mount Myoboku, the witch's special abilities don't seem so hard to accept."
Crossing his arms in front of his chest, Hakushi reflected on what Granny Kanoko had said. While he couldn't fully believe it, that demonic creature might indeed be real.
Unfortunately, he had been in the Land of Demons for only a short time, so he wasn't particularly knowledgeable about many things.
Furthermore, matters involving undying demons, the more core secrets should be held by the witch herself. The average person only knows this much.
"Could it be that Namikaze Minato really didn't die?"
Ayane, hearing Hakushi mention this, found it incredible; if the dead can be resurrected, then Mount Myoboku's ability must be extremely vast.
"I had someone arranged in Konoha Hospital, and afterward, I had the people Kado left in Konoha investigate. Namikaze Minato, whom I dealt a fatal blow to, was indeed still alive. Shortly thereafter, an elderly green-skinned toad visited Konoha Hospital and took something from Minato."
Hakushi seemed to have witnessed that scene firsthand and told Ayane.
"That's truly impressive. If we encounter it again in the future, we'll need to be more cautious."
"No need to worry too much. If such resurrection means exist, it can only be a Forbidden Technique, and the user must bear significant risks and costs."
Hakushi didn't believe the resurrection means of Mount Myoboku could be used freely without any cost.
Moreover, at the current stage, there's no need to worry about pursuits from Konoha. To deal with Hidden Sand and Hidden Rock, Konoha is already almost exerting all its power, having no extra strength to deal with him.
The most important thing now is to strengthen the powers at his disposal.
"It's about time to rest; Hakushi-kun, I'm a bit tired now."
Ayane yawned.
"You go to sleep first, I still need to think about some things."
"Is that so? Then, good night."
Ayane naturally rested her head on Hakushi's lap, closed her eyes to sleep, a smile appearing at the corner of her mouth.
"The ground is too cold; this way, it's warmer."
With her eyes closed, Ayane specifically explained.
"I didn't say anything about you."
"True, because Hakushi-kun is quite the lecher, I feel like you'll be peeking at my body while I sleep."
"Relax, I won't."
Hakushi assuredly said.
"No thoughts come to mind?"
"Why do you say that?"
"Just casually, regarding controlling my body. A long time ago, I said I didn't want to leave Hakushi-kun's side. Do with me as you wish."
Ayane said this.
"Don't worry, I won't abandon you."
Hakushi said with a sigh.
"Scoundrel."
Ayane whispered these two words.
"Hey!"
Ayane curled up slightly, her breathing much lighter, as if she had fallen into a deep sleep.
Hakushi looked at the quiet Ayane, sighing.
It wasn't the first time he had the thought of making a promise to a woman.
But both of them were irreplaceable to him, cherishing only one person felt too difficult and painful.
For Ayane and Ruri, he felt a sense of indebtedness.
Sometimes he also wondered if he was being too selfish.
◎
The next day, it was still very cold in the morning. Upon getting up, the body was a bit stiff but improved after some movement.
Ayane went to help Granny Kanoko prepare breakfast. After eating, the body felt much warmer.
The villagers also got up early to work. Life here was ordinary, rising at dawn and resting at dusk, day after day, year after year.
Under the witch's protection, the tranquility and peace of this country are enviable by many others.
Not only because of the witch but also because its strategic position is not very important.
Unlike the fertile Land of Fire, added to Konoha's weak diplomatic approach, it inevitably gets embroiled in conflicts on all sides.
Hakushi started investigating in the village, with a population of about two hundred people. They consisted mostly of the elderly, women, and children. Few young adults remained here; conversations revealed that they left the village to work in larger towns to support their families.
The general educational level was very low; most adults knew limited characters, and there was no school or unified educational institution in the village.
Hakushi also subtly inquired about their views on letting children attend school. Most adults were indifferent to the idea.