"Do you know about the Miko's prophecy?"
Takumi slowly spoke, and seeing the others' blank expressions, he said, "The Miko's prophecy is one hundred percent accurate."
"Once the Miko prophesies, it means someone will die."
His words immediately made the others widen their eyes in shock.
"You heard Taruho's words earlier."
"He said: 'As Shion-sama predicted, Suzuki was among the dead.'"
"That is to say, the Miko had already foreseen Suzuki's death."
As soon as he finished speaking, Naruto immediately stood up and said, "Since she knew, why didn't she tell that guy Suzuki?"
"Then he wouldn't have died, right?"
Naruto didn't understand. Such a simple thing, why didn't these people get it?
"It's not that simple, Naruto."
Takumi slowly explained. "The Miko has a very important mission. For that, the Miko must live."
"To ensure the Miko can grow safely, the Miko's prophecy came into being."
"Essentially, the Miko's prophecy actually sacrifices the people around her to preserve herself."
His words completely revealed the truth of the Miko's prophecy.
"What does that mean?"
Neji frowned, feeling he hadn't quite understood. "How can one protect oneself by predicting the death of others?"
"If every prophecy represents the Miko's own death, what would you think?"
Takumi looked at Neji, not answering directly.
But the hint he gave was enough.
"I see."
Neji suddenly understood, his expression becoming solemn. "But in that case, if the person prophesied knows their fate and stays away, wouldn't the Miko's life..."
"The prophesied person isn't chosen randomly, but those who are willing to sacrifice for the Miko."
Takumi slowly spoke, though he actually had some doubts himself.
Because he himself didn't belong to this category.
Yet Shion still prophesied his death.
"Since they are willing to sacrifice for the Miko, even knowing their fate, they won't retreat."
Takumi continued. "Because they know what the Miko represents."
"I still feel this isn't right."
Naruto crossed his arms, his face full of defiance. "And you said she's like me. I don't see how that cold-blooded person is anything like me at all."
"If you had been able to foresee the deaths of those around you since childhood."
Takumi stared into Naruto's eyes and said slowly, "And you knew clearly they were dying in your place, what would you think?"
Takumi's words were like a huge mountain pressing down on everyone's hearts.
"That kind of heavy pressure is not something just anyone can bear."
Takumi slowly said. "She seems cold on the surface, but actually she's escaping."
"She can't bear this heavy pressure, watching close friends around her die one by one because of her. If it were you, what would you do, Naruto?"
Naruto was completely dumbfounded.
He hadn't expected there to be so many twists and turns involved.
But he was still a bit unconvinced.
His childhood was also miserable; everyone in the village disliked him.
But he still maintained a good attitude and loved Konoha.
He wasn't like Shion, escaping her fate.
"I'm different from her!!
Naruto crossed his arms and turned away as if sulking.
"Indeed, she isn't as strong as you."
Takumi said with a smile. "Otherwise, she would have a more mature performance, instead of freezing herself shut, refusing anyone's approach."
"Both of you had what could be called tragic childhoods, but your courage is admirable. If I had experienced what you did, I couldn't say for sure if I would be able to love Konoha as much as you do."
Naruto was a bit embarrassed by Takumi's words, scratching his head and smiling stupidly.
Neji and the others' gazes towards Naruto also changed.
They had never thought so deeply about what Naruto had been through.
They couldn't help but put themselves in his shoes. If they were Naruto, would they still love Konoha as much as he did?
After imagining, their expressions became grave.
Because they didn't know.
Just by imagining, they couldn't possibly picture the scene of Naruto being shunned by the entire Konoha.
Neji was probably the one who resonated most with Naruto.
But his was about the Hyuga Clan's main house and branch house issues.
Because of the Caged Bird and his father's death, he was filled with resentment towards the Hyuga Clan.
But after the Chunin Exams, when Hiashi personally apologized to him, he also eased his inner hatred.
He thought that if he had experienced Naruto's childhood, he might have left this village long ago.
"Although she has sealed off her heart, Shion-sama is actually very kind."
Takumi said with a smile.
"Kind? Where do you see that?"
Naruto still refused to accept it.
"You'll understand soon enough."
Takumi didn't explain directly, smiling as he said, "We have an hour. Everyone rest for a bit; we'll be leaving soon."
"An hour?"
Sakura asked puzzledly. "But aren't we leaving tomorrow?"
"I see."
Neji understood Takumi's idea.
Takumi smiled. Among those present, perhaps only Neji could understand his thoughts.
"What exactly is going on?"
Lee asked, confused. "What are you guys talking about?"
Neji looked at Takumi, and seeing that Takumi had already closed his eyes to rest, he thought for a moment and then explained, "Our mission to protect the Miko is to escort her to the Land of Swamps to seal the demon Moryo."
"That's right."
Lee nodded and continued listening.
Sakura and Naruto also focused their attention on Neji.
"This matter is very urgent, because the front lines have been resisting the invasion of the army created by the demon Moryo."
Neji organized his words and explained. "The Miko naturally knows this; it's her duty."
"But the way she acts, she doesn't seem responsible at all."
Naruto said dissatisfiedly.
Clearly, he still had a huge problem with Shion.
"Naruto, don't interrupt!!"
Sakura punched Naruto in the stomach, physically silencing him.
"She deliberately said we would leave tomorrow, actually to have enough time to find us alone, so she could leave with just us."
Neji said. "We are Shinobi; leaving here secretly is easy."
"Then why is she doing this?"
Sakura asked puzzledly. "Wouldn't it be better to have more people for protection?"
"Too many people can sometimes just be a burden."
Neji explained. "And it's very easy to expose the target. Actually, when protecting a VIP, unless the VIP specifically requests it, the number of protectors shouldn't exceed five."
"A small, manageable number is enough to handle most situations."
"And a smaller group makes it easier to reduce the risk of being discovered."
"But these aren't the main reasons the Miko wants to leave directly with us."
Neji paused, and seeing the others listening attentively, he continued, "She's doing this actually to avoid taking any members of the guard unit."
"Why?"
Naruto asked puzzledly. "Aren't they supposed to protect her?"