Chapter 187 Maitreya and Shion

  It happened to be evening when I got home.

  Meeted with Yakura in the morning, discussed the future simple plan, and then had a meal with Yakura, the collaborator at noon, and sent him away from the ghost country.

  After all, Yakura's identity is sensitive. Even if he came to the Oni Land this time and has the status of an official visiting envoy, if he stays for too long, it may cause some people's suspicions.

   When dealing with the power of the five great powers, Baishi still appears to be cautious, not daring to be careless.

  After that, I worked for half a day in the afternoon, but in fact it was not as long as half a day. I had already dealt with the matter after three o'clock in the afternoon.

  When he first came to the Kingdom of Ghosts three years ago, Shiraishi was busy with all kinds of government affairs. After everything was on the right track, his subordinates performed their duties and assigned the work well, so they seemed to have more time.

  In the two-story single-family villa, Lei Mingwan was lying on the door in the pet house in the courtyard, Tianyu girl was busy with housework, and the water dragon shrunk in size and swam comfortably in the pool.

   There are three clones guarding the house at all times, which makes Baishi feel at ease.

  When he entered the room, Shiraishi didn't see Liuli, only Ayane was sitting in the living room, and Tian Yunu was busy having dinner in the kitchen.

   "Welcome back, Shiraishi-kun. You come back earlier these days."

   Ayane who was sitting on the sofa said with a smile.

   "Because the matter over there can be handled well by the subordinates. I don't want to raise some incompetent subordinates who only eat and don't work."

  This is Shiraishi's opinion.

  Subordinates have different levels of ability and focus. This cannot be changed, but the sense of participation is a very important experience.

  With a sense of participation, people will have a sense of identity.

   "By the way, isn't Liuli at home?"

   "Ruri went to Aunt Miyoko's and said she would not come back tonight. Asuka and Kazuhime were also taken there."

  Ayane answered Shiraishi's question.

  The Asuka and Yiji she mentioned are the children of Baishi and Liuli.

  Following the idea that men follow their mother's surname and women follow their father's surname, the children's names are Uchiha Asuka and Chiba Kazuhime.

  Different from a natural alien like Ichihime, Asuka, the eldest son, is no different from ordinary Uchiha babies.

  No matter what, if Kazuhime's heterogeneous talent can be regarded as normal, then the blood of the Uchiha clan is too terrifying.

   Baishi nodded understandingly, but did not pursue further.

   "So, there are only two of us tonight, Baishi-kun can bully me at will."

  Ayane showed a smirk with an ambiguous atmosphere, as if deliberately luring Shiraishi to commit a crime.

  After Liuli left, Ayane couldn't restrain her agitated heart and body.

   "Let's talk about this kind of thing tonight. My stomach is a little empty now."

  Baishi smiled wryly, tonight is another day to pay public rations, I hope Ayane will not toss it too late.

   "Tian Yu Nu has already cooked there. Speaking of which, it's been a lot more comfortable outside recently. Konoha seems to have a little smooth sailing. I really want to go over and add a few more fires to make Konoha's new leaves burn more vigorously."

  Ayane is very concerned about Konoha's affairs.

  First, Sand Yin withdrew from the Konoha battlefield, and then Iwa Yin was forced to sign an armistice agreement with Konoha, and now only Yun Yin and Konoha are left to confront each other.

  According to Konoha's recent momentum, Yun Yin may not be able to get benefits from Konoha's hands.

   "Don't mess around at this time, I have more important things for you to do next. Konoha's current battle damage is already very serious. Even if Yun Yin is defeated, in the next few years, he will not be free to deal with us."

  Because Konoha will fall into extremely complicated political internal strife in the future, and there is no way for his own people to achieve unity, let alone external deterrence.

  From the information transmitted by Kakashi, Shiraishi already knew that the root leader, Shimura Danzo, was already secretly about to move.

  Combining the post-war handling problems of the Uchiha clan and the Hyuga clan, it is enough for the three generations of Hokage to have a headache for a while.

   "Where is the country of water?"

  Ayane had no choice but to suppress her heart that was about to move.

   "Yakura talked with me in the morning, and he still needs some time to prepare. Now the Kingdom of Ghosts only needs to develop step by step according to the plan. Before the official action, try to avoid extra problems."

  Shiraishi answered Ayane's question.

   "If I remember correctly, the next move should be to deal with the country of the wind. Is it really necessary to take action on that country full of sand?"

  Ayane doesn't have a good sense of the country of the wind. In the impression that the country is either sand or sand, it is a barren land.

   "I have already secretly sent people to investigate. There are important resources that the Ghost Kingdom urgently needs. However, before taking action against the Wind Kingdom, some obstacles on the road need to be cleared, and I will arrange them in the near future."

  Ayane believes that Shiraishi can do these tasks well. This man has never let himself down since he was a child, except for one thing.

   Therefore, I didn't worry about Baishi anymore.

   Today is a rare two-person world, and Ayane no longer asks about these unpleasant things at work.

  After eating the sumptuous dinner prepared by Tianyu Girl, they accompanied Baishi to read a book in the study for a while, and then the two entered the bedroom to start a wonderful night life.

   As for Ayane's body, Shiraishi has long been familiar with it, but every time it brings him a different experience.

  The kind of broad-mindedness that can blend a man's body into it, even drowning, is something Liuli can't compare to.

  Well... To sum it up in one sentence, it is too majestic.

  ◎

  The time soon came to May.

  Konoha and Yunyin have completely exchanged fire.

   Yunyin’s strength is far more difficult than Yanyin’s, and most importantly, there seem to be ninjas in Yunyin who have mastered high-level space-time ninjutsu, and can transfer materials in the camp at will. It is said that Konoha’s yellow flashing Namikaze Minato attacked Yunyin’s camp several times in a row, but failed to destroy Yunyin’s supplies.

  Yunyin's actions undoubtedly proved one point, Konoha's method against the rest of Shinobi villages is ineffective against them.

   It is estimated that the rest of Ninja Village was also afraid of Yun Yin's power when stealing Le Konoha was in a hard fight.

  Before fighting Yunyin, Konoha confronted Sand Yin and Yan Yin for a long time. In fact, he was already exhausted. Repelling Sand Yin and Yan Yin ninjas also paid a considerable price.

  Under such circumstances, he still has to grit his teeth and insist on fighting Yunyin. Konoha is now generally in a state of decline.

   This situation cannot be changed in a short period of time even after the yellow flash enters the Yunyin battlefield.

  The battle between Yun Yin and Konoha naturally cannot affect the ghost country where Shiraishi is located.

  His current focus is not the battle between Konoha and Yun Yin, but the next strategic layout of the Ghost Kingdom.

  At this moment, after the recent years of reforms in the Ghost Country, all industries are full of vitality and are in a period of rapid development.

  Especially the economic and military forces are advancing at an extremely fast speed.

  However, limited by its territory and population, it is still a long way from a big country.

  Population means productivity, and territory means resource production. This is what Baishi attaches great importance to.

  The next strategy of the Demon Kingdom, in Shiraishi's view, is to plunder the population and territory.

  The only way to plunder population and territory is to expand wars abroad.

  But the country of ghosts is a neutral country. If it wants to expand the war abroad, as Yagura said, the neutral country's position cannot be guaranteed.

   To some extent, a neutral country is both a protection and a restriction.

  At least for the current ghost country, the status of a neutral country is a restriction.

  How to face the international situation in the ninja world in the future, Shiraishi has already predicted.

  Weaken the military power of the Fire Country and even Konoha.

  Kigakure will become a dark alliance, and will not become an obstacle to the kingdom of ghosts.

  Yun Yin is fighting Konoha, and he has completed the task of weakening Konoha's power for Shiraishi, and at the same time, Yun Yin's power will also decline.

  The third generation of Tsuchikage Ohnogi of Iwahime is depressed and has already lost his aggressiveness. If the time comes to form an alliance to crusade against the kingdom of ghosts, he will definitely sit on the sidelines.

  As for Sha Yin...it is the easiest country among the five major countries, and its national strength is the weakest among the five major countries.

   At the same time, it is close enough to the country of ghosts, the land is vast and sparsely populated, and there are many resources in the desert that Shiraishi wants, but has not been valued by other countries—

   Oil.

  But if you want to attack the Kingdom of Wind, you need to find a suitable excuse.

   Found the excuse, there is another problem.

   That is, the kingdom of ghosts is close to the kingdom of wind, but they do not border each other.

   Only when the two countries are dealt with can it border on the Land of Winds.

  Bear Country and You Country.

  Among them, the country of You is influenced by the country of ghosts, and the witch culture is more prevalent, and it has always been ambiguous with the country of ghosts.

  The development of the Kingdom of Ghosts has also driven the economy of the Kingdom of You to a certain extent.

  This country is the springboard for Shiraishi to attack the Land of Winds more favorably.

  The country of bears is more difficult to grasp. This is a small country with a ninja village. Although Shiraishi is not afraid, it is always a bit troublesome to deal with.

   Not only that, the Snow Country in the north is also the goal that Baishi wants to accomplish.

   Combine these small countries into one, and then tear off a piece from the territory of the Kingdom of Wind, you can have the same size as the five major countries.

  In the final analysis, the basis of all this comes from its own powerful force.

   After annexing these regions, it will be difficult for the Kingdom of Ghosts to hide... No, it is estimated that during the planning process, there will be no way to hide it, and it will be targeted by the five major powers.

  But as Baishi thought before, at that time, it was the period when the five major countries were weak, and it was too late to lick their wounds, and even if they wanted to control the country of ghosts, they were powerless.

  The strongest Konoha is separated from the Oni Country by many countries. At most, it is only a verbal warning and threat, but it is not painful to Shiraishi.

  The next development plan of the Ghost Country is to continue to focus on the development of the domestic economy and military power, and at the same time, convey the unique witch culture of the Ghost Country to neighboring countries.

  Finally expand the territory and increase the population.

   This plan was named the ten-year plan by Shiraishi.

   To be completed within the next ten years.

   After all, how to convey witch culture, annex the territories of these countries, how not to arouse opposition and panic from the local people, and let the people recognize the rule of the ghost country all require careful planning. Simply using violence is not feasible and requires long-term ideological guidance.

  The kingdom of ghosts wants to transform, but the status of a neutral country is an obstacle.

  He believed Maitreya Miko had already seen this point.

  Therefore, after formulating this strategy, Shiraishi had to communicate with Maitreya Miko, because the assistance and approval of Maitreya Miko is needed to convey the priestess culture of the kingdom of ghosts to neighboring countries.

  Take the road to the shrine and keep going up along the circular road.

  When he came to the familiar and deserted main hall, Baishi was surprised that there was not a single guard or maid in the shrine palace here today.

  No matter how few people are here, there will still be a few guards and maids left behind, but all of them have disappeared now.

   Moreover, this palace looks the same as usual, but for some reason, Shiraishi always feels that there is something wrong with the atmosphere in the palace, and there is a creepy aura spreading in the air.

  Through the curtain, she stared directly at Maitreya, the miko, who was sitting there as usual.

   "Your Excellency Maitreya, I need a large number of witches."

   Baishi put away his thoughts, and once he got here, he put forward his own request to Maitreya Priestess in a concise manner.

   "A large number of witches? I don't know what Mr. Shiraishi wants them to do?"

   Maitreya did not agree or object, but only asked Shiraishi why he asked for a large number of witches.

  Baishi brewed some words, and said to Maitreya: "Your Majesty Maitreya, I learned from the history of the ghost country that in the past, many witches in the ghost country traveled the world and helped the world. I don't know if there is such a thing?"

   Regarding what Baishi said, Maitreya Priestess did not hide anything, and answered Baishi very naturally:

   "There is indeed such a thing, but it was already in the Warring States Period and before. After the ninja became the mainstream of the era, the shrine maiden has withdrawn from the stage of history. I don't know much about these things, it should have happened a long time ago."

   "Now I plan to re-use these witches. The distribution range will not be too wide. Let them operate in several surrounding countries. I need them to help me do some propaganda work. I will guarantee the salary and safety."

   Not only that, Shiraishi also intends to change some female members of the military into priestess costumes, and start a cultural invasion of neighboring countries, reducing the difficulty of the ghost country to subdue the surrounding small countries.

   "If you can guarantee your salary and safety, you can lend some to Mr. Shiraishi."

  After all, the witches in the kingdom of ghosts also need to live. Most of the witches live in poverty. If Shiraishi can give them some extra money, Mitreya is also happy to see this happen.

"Grateful."

   "Speaking of which, I happen to have an important matter to tell Mr. Shiraishi."

   Maitreya Miko's voice came from behind the curtain, and it sounded the same as before.

"important things?"

  This is the first time Maitreya Priestess is so cautious. Although she can't hear this feeling from her tone, Shiraishi faintly feels that what Maitreya Priestess will say next must be very important.

  However, no matter how he guessed, Baishi couldn't guess what the important thing Maitreya said was.

  Therefore, Baishi's face became serious, and he said seriously: "Please tell me, Your Excellency Maitreya."

"I am pregnant."

   "?"

  Perhaps it was the meaning of this sentence, which was very jumpy. After hearing this sentence, Baishi sat on the mat and was stunned.

Pregnant?

  After reacting, Baishi's face was full of weirdness, and he resisted the desire to complain.

   "Well, Lord Maitreya, may I ask who your husband is..."

  As far as he knows, the witch Maitreya keeps herself clean, and has never had intimate contact with any man so far.

  Where did this kid... come from?

   It would be a bit too much to say this is a joke.

   But Baishi knew that Maitreya was not joking.

   She is really pregnant.

   Because of this, Shiraishi felt that things were weird.

   "I don't have a husband, and I don't have a good man."

  Baishi remained silent, but a chill came from behind his back.

   "This girl's name is Ziyuan, and she will be born in nineteen months."

   Maitreya Miko said another sentence that shocked Shiraishi.

   "..."

  Baishi immediately widened his eyes, his face full of disbelief.

  Nineteen months from now? born?

  The gestation period of a human woman is about ten months, nineteen months...

  Why is the time so accurate?

  Even gender is confirmed?

   Maitreya shaman's... are they really human?

  Even Shiraishi has to consider the answer to this question.

  From a long time ago, he had a vague feeling that Maitreya Priestess was not a human being.

   But that is just a feeling, and there is no real evidence to prove that Maitreya Miko is not human.

   Now Maitreya Miko said this, if there is no problem with her brain, it means that Maitreya is probably not a human being, at least not a human being in the general sense.

   "It's normal for Mr. Shiraishi to be surprised, and this is the reaction that normal people should have."

   "...Your Excellency Maitreya, can you make your words more simple?"

   "I am not human... including my mother, and all the witches of the previous generation are not human. In terms that Mr. Shiraishi can understand, it is parthenogenesis."

   Also includes the unborn daughter, who is not human either.

   Maitreya Miko told Shiraishi these secrets carefully.

   Baishi was lost in thought.

  An inhuman being became a shrine maiden in Sanctuary, and to be honest, it does sound surprising at first glance.

  But thinking of the toad on Mt. Miaomu, who wants to choose the son of prophecy among human beings to save the world and establish a so-called peaceful and prosperous world, the inhuman status of the witch in the ghost country does not seem to be so unacceptable.

   "Your Majesty Maitreya told me this, what do you want me to do?"

  Baishi took a deep breath, knowing that Maitreya Mistress told him these secrets, he must have something to ask for.

   "I hope Mr. Shiraishi can recognize Zi Yuan as his goddaughter. To human beings, she means a lot."

"…I see."

  Shiraishi just lowered his head to think for a moment, then raised his head and looked at Maitreya Priestess behind the curtain, and nodded in agreement.

  Although Shiraishi didn't know why Maitreya Priestess insisted on doing this, the phrase "for human beings, she means a lot" made Shiraishi more interested.

   Can we think that the specialness of witches is for the entire human group?

  Besides, Maitreya Mistress helped him a lot, but it was just a request to admit her daughter, and he was too embarrassed to refuse.

   "As a reward for agreeing to this matter, Mr. Shiraishi doesn't need to ask me for instructions on what decision he wants to make in the ghost country in the future, and he can decide on his own."

   Maitreya Miko's words are equivalent to allowing Shiraishi to sit in the position of the leader of the kingdom of ghosts, replacing the supreme status of the miko.

   "Is it okay to do this?"

  The joy that came from heaven made Shiraishi unable to adapt immediately, and he also couldn't figure out what Maitreya Priestess wanted to do.

  Giving all your power to others, it feels like you are explaining your funeral.

   "No problem, because the ghost country is actually a country without an owner."

   "Unowned country?"

   This was the first time Shiraishi had heard such a statement.

  But then Maitreya Miko avoided talking about Shiraishi's doubts. She was obviously avoiding something, which might have something to do with the establishment of the Kingdom of Ghosts and the origin of Miko.

   "Mr. Shiraishi, do you have anything else to do?"

   "It's gone. Let's call it a day. I'll leave first, Your Excellency Maitreya."

  Shiraishi stood up from the cushion, ready to leave.

   "By the way, there is one more thing I forgot to say. Before the baby in my womb is born, that is, in the next nineteen months, Mr. Shiraishi had better not get close to the shrine here, otherwise, I will not guarantee the safety of your life, Mr. Shiraishi."

  It is obviously a very dangerous thing, but in Maitreya Miko's mouth, it is like a trivial matter that is usually seen.

   Next, the shrine will become very dangerous.

"Understood."

   Baishi sighed quietly in his heart, no wonder there is no one in the palace today, they have already been driven out by the witch.

  Witch girl and child, is it such a dangerous thing?

   That is to say, starting from today, in the nineteen months before the child is born, there is no way to visit Maitreya Miko.

  Nineteen months later, he could come to ask Maitreya Mistress what the truth of the matter was.

  Walking out of the palace, Baishi wanted to leave along the road down the mountain, when he suddenly sensed something and looked back at the palace.

  An unprecedented malice turned into a strange purple fog, covering the entire palace at some point.

  Shiraishi could hear the monster-like roar in the palace, as if he was furious, roaring at Maitreya Miko.

  The voice was full of all kinds of evil thoughts, which made Shiraishi feel instinctively dangerous and uncomfortable.

  It was daytime, but Shiraishi felt that the sacred shrine on the mountain under the sunlight had become spooky, as scary as sprites and monsters.

   Immediately, he thought of the name of the girl Maitreya Miko was going to give birth to—Shion.

   That is the same name as the capital city of the Oni Country and the national flower of the Oni Country.

  Baishi thought to himself, the priestess who inherited this name must be of great significance.

  Stopping and staring at the palace for a long time, the evil cries of the monsters in his ears became louder and louder. Baishi woke up from the false alarm and accelerated his pace down the mountain.

  Just now, a distorted idea of ​​wanting to kill people crazily and destroy everywhere appeared in his mind. Obviously, his will was unconsciously affected by some kind of existence.

   If you continue to stay here, I am afraid that you will be deeply affected by this evil thought.

   "Are there monsters and monsters that have been handed down in the kingdom of ghosts since ancient times?"

   Baishi murmured.

  Baishi has already heard about the legend of monsters and monsters in the kingdom of ghosts, and has collected some information in the past to support some of his guesses.

  But for monster sprites, the data and information are intermittent, and many things cannot be verified.

   All I know is that it is an undead monster that only shrine maidens can deal with.

  Has some kind of mysterious power, can control the army of terracotta warriors and horses. There have been stories of large-scale invasion of the ninja world, and the land of various countries has been ravaged by the terracotta warriors and horses.

  And the roaring and furious monster that Shiraishi felt in the palace just now is like the evil thoughts gathered by human beings.

  If that is the real body of the monster sprite, things will become very interesting.

   I really want to dissect it on the test bench.

  (end of this chapter)