"It's okay, Shion-sama won't mind."
Taruho said with a smile.
Then he led the way, followed by a large group.
Besides the five of them, there were also several people from the camera crew.
Soon, they arrived outside Shion's room.
Takumi looked and realized it was exactly where Shion had been attacked earlier.
Thinking about it, it made sense.
After all, being attacked in the middle of the night, Shion was probably in the middle of sleep.
So being in her own room was normal.
But it was strange that there was no dedicated reception room for guests.
Clearly, the Miko was the leader of the Land of Demons.
"Shion-sama, the Konoha's Shinobi have arrived."
Taruho said outside the door.
"Come in."
Shion's voice came from inside, trying to sound composed.
Takumi could tell, because Shion was still young at this time, not even an adult.
But she had been the center of attention of this country since childhood, and her mother had died when she was young.
So when facing others, she would deliberately imitate her deceased mother, trying to project an air of authority.
It sounded somewhat authoritative, but what Takumi sensed more was youthfulness.
Putting aside his thoughts, he followed Taruho into the room.
Shion, like a regent queen, sat upright behind a curtain, her face unclear.
But he could see she was wearing solemn attire, and on her head was a crown unique to the Miko of the Land of Demons.
Taking off their shoes and entering the room, they sat in a row before Shion.
In the corner behind them, the cameraman quickly set up the camera, trying his best not to make any sound.
"This is the Miko of the Land of Demons, Shion-sama."
Taruho knelt beside them, his upper body pressed to the floor, showing his respect for the Miko.
As he introduced her, the curtain slowly rose, revealing Shion's dignified appearance.
Shion opened her eyes and glanced at the camera, frowning slightly, seeming to dislike its presence.
But Takumi keenly saw a flicker of delight in Shion's eyes for an instant.
Clearly, as Taruho had said, Shion liked it.
It was just that, as an important figure of the Land of Demons now, she was putting on airs.
"Konoha Jonin, Takumi, captain of this mixed team."
After Taruho introduced Shion, Takumi began his self-introduction.
"Hyuga Neji."
"Rock Lee."
"Haruno Sakura."
"Uzumaki Naruto, pleased to meet you."
Seeing that Naruto's introduction was a bit flippant and disrespectful to Shion, Sakura discreetly elbowed him in the stomach, immediately making his expression more serious.
"Due to last night's attack, the guard unit lost many people."
Taruho reported on the previous night's attack. "As Shion-sama predicted, Suzuki was among them."
Suzuki was Taruho's good friend.
"It's only natural, isn't it."
Shion's voice sounded extremely cold and detached, even somewhat indifferent. "My safety is their long-cherished wish, after all."
Naruto slowly raised his bowed head, staring blankly at Shion.
He hadn't expected to hear such indifferent words from Shion's mouth.
"Hey!"
Thinking of those who had died tragically, Naruto suddenly felt he couldn't accept it. He suddenly stood up, about to rush forward, but Takumi grabbed his collar.
"Sit down."
Takumi said calmly.
"But…!"
Naruto was unwilling. He looked at the seated Shion and felt unwilling for those who had died.
The person they had risked their lives to protect turned out to be so heartless and ungrateful.
Naruto truly felt unwilling.
"If you don't know the situation, don't interrupt."
Takumi said calmly.
"I'm tired today."
Shion seemed not to have noticed Naruto's earlier action at all, saying calmly, "Let's leave for the Land of Swamps tomorrow."
"Taruho, I'm tired. Show the guests to the guest rooms."
As she spoke, the curtain in front of her lowered again.
"Yes, Shion-sama."
Taruho again pressed his body to the floor.
Afterwards, everyone took their leave and left.
Naruto still seemed sullen and unhappy.
He was very dissatisfied with Shion's unfeeling attitude.
And even more dissatisfied with Takumi for stopping him.
"My apologies."
On the way back, Taruho said apologetically, "Actually, Shion-sama is a very good person."
"Huh?"
Naruto pulled a long face. "With an attitude like that? Are you crazy?"
"Actually, Shion-sama wasn't like this when she was little, but since the previous Miko passed away, she gradually became this way."
Taruho turned back with a helpless smile. "It's not Shion-sama's fault; the pressure on her is just too heavy."
"What pressure could she have?"
Naruto still felt dissatisfied. "Even so, couldn't she at least say a few words to mourn those who died?"
"Naruto."
Takumi said in a deep voice. "If you don't know the specific situation, don't speak rashly."
"But!"
Naruto refused to accept it. "I just can't stand her attitude."
"I'll explain when we get back."
Takumi said calmly.
Soon, Taruho led the group back to the previous guest room.
The cameraman followed the entire way, not missing any shot.
"Please rest here again. I'll call you when it's time to eat."
Taruho said at the door.
"Thank you for your hard work."
Takumi nodded, watched Taruho leave, and slowly closed the door.
"Takumi, what are you still trying to defend that girl for?"
Naruto remembered what Takumi had said earlier, and seeing Takumi close the door, immediately said dissatisfiedly, "If you ask me, we shouldn't bother with such a heartless person!"
"She is the VIP we are supposed to protect."
Takumi said calmly. "Actually, she's a lot like you, Naruto."
"Huh?"
Naruto didn't think he had anything in common with that cold-blooded person.
"Demon Fox."
Takumi slowly uttered two words, and Naruto's expression immediately changed.
"It seems you remember. No wonder."
Takumi ignored Naruto's worsening expression and slowly continued, "Because of this reason, you were shunned by adults since childhood, and they wouldn't let their children play with you either."
"You've been alone since you were little."
With every word Takumi spoke, Naruto's expression grew darker.
The others looked on with unbearable expressions.
Not knowing the situation, it was one thing, but after learning part of Naruto's background, they all felt he had been treated very unfairly.
None of those present knew what had happened back then.
The Nine-Tails Rampage was something they had only heard about; they didn't know the specific details.