Although Shinji himself didn't know exactly what the other party's grand plan was, it didn't stop him from making reasonable guesses.
Just as he said, what could a group of top-tier cursed spirits be planning to do? What could they accomplish?
And what in this country would be worth their effort?
It's obvious!
The only possible target worth their joint scheming is Kirigakure!
Once Kirigakure is completely destroyed, the entire military strength of the Water Country would be essentially nullified.
Plus, since the Water Country is located in the middle of the ocean, an island nation isolated from the mainland, even if other humans wanted to help, they would be powerless for a while.
At that point, the Water Country would become a paradise for cursed spirits to survive and grow.
The humans there wouldn't be exterminated but would be ruled and raised, becoming food and nutrients for the cursed spirits to strengthen themselves.
By then, even if the other major countries on land reacted, it would be too late.
How many troops and resources could they muster to cross the sea and counterattack the Water Country, which had already been occupied by cursed spirits?
Don't forget— the most powerful cursed spirit there is the embodiment of the ocean!
Those human reinforcements might not even set foot on the Water Country's land, being intercepted along the way and buried in the sea!
Shinji could think of these possibilities, and naturally, Terumī Mei could as well.
That's why her expression turned unusually grim.
This intelligence was indeed extremely valuable to Kirigakure, which still knew nothing about the situation. A hundred cursed objects weren't worth much—though she obviously couldn't produce them right now.
Of course, the authenticity of this intelligence still needed her to judge and investigate.
There's no time to delay; she prepared to return to the village immediately.
"This intelligence is too important. I hope you can come back with me to Kirigakure and explain the truth to the elders' council."
Shinji shook his head directly. "Unless I'm brain-dead, I won't go. I'm just a wandering ninja, and I don't want to get involved in this. As for how you handle this intelligence—whether you believe it or not—that's your business."
"Are you really planning to leave here?"
It was as if she suddenly thought of something, and Terumī Mei asked.
Honestly, Shinji hadn't made a final decision—he just had that idea.
After all, with his current strength, he couldn't face multiple top-tier cursed spirits working together. Even with Hidan and Afei, it wouldn't be enough unless Afei was willing to transform into another identity to have a chance.
And that was under the premise that the enemies hadn't activated their domain.
Moreover, he was very skeptical about Kirigakure's resistance outcome.
Remember, the Water Country is their main base. The fact that a group of cursed spirits had already united and prepared to attack them, yet they remained unaware and continued to face the current cursed spirits with their usual methods, was basically courting death!
Just because cursed spirits wouldn't do certain things before doesn't mean they wouldn't now.
The most terrifying thing about cursed spirits is that they are always growing and learning!
And humans are their best teachers.
Sneaky, treacherous, forming alliances, uniting against outsiders, feinting east while striking west—these cursed spirits have already learned too much.
But Kirigakure itself is neither united nor proactive.
They are in the open, while the enemy lurks in the dark.
Even their strength might not be superior—what kind of fight would that be?
And in the end, regardless of victory or defeat, Kirigakure would suffer severe damage.
The only thing that might still tempt him to stay is the chance to pick up some cursed souls during the chaos of the battle.
Whether to take that risk or not, he hadn't decided yet.
But that didn't stop him from talking nonsense.
"It's true. I don't think you can handle the upcoming danger easily. Since those powerful cursed spirits can unite and prepare to attack you, they must have already assessed each other's strength and believe they have a chance of winning."
"So, tell me, Water Shadow, besides the obvious forces, are there any hidden trump cards? Like the Jujutsu Kaisen?"
Terumī Mei remained silent and frowned tightly.
There were no more hidden trump cards in Kirigakure now.
The Three-Tails, following the death of the previous Water Shadow, Yachiru, might have been reborn somewhere, or might not have.
The Six-Tails Jinjuriki had defected from Kirigakure for various reasons and was now missing.
The Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Hidden Leaf were shattered—only Mangetsu Hōzuki with his twin blades, Hiramekarei, remained. The others had either been taken by traitors or sealed away, unavailable for use.
Oh, right—the severing sword was in the hands of this bastard right here.
Plus, the tyranny during the Blood Mist Village era had basically cut off most of the bloodline limits within the Water Country.
Now, Kirigakure's hidden trump cards weren't hidden at all—they had already exhausted almost all their strength just to hold on.
"Looks like there are none left."
Seeing Terumī Mei only frowning without speaking, Shinji understood their current situation.
"Regarding this mission's reward, I'll need you to send someone to deliver it as soon as possible."
Terumī Mei suddenly moved. "Wait a moment. I can hire you to join Kirigakure's camp."
"Hiring someone is your freedom, but I can also refuse. And I don't think you can afford the 'price.' The Water Shadow knows—I'm not interested in money."
Terumī Mei pursed her alluring lips, then hesitated, recalling the mark on her leg. She asked, "Is this how you treat your own people, too? The same attitude and the same price?"
Shinji was momentarily stunned. "Uh, that's not it."
"Then fine, I'll be straightforward. I need the help of the organization now. Didn't you say that the core principle of our sect is to eliminate cursed spirits? Now's the time. Are you planning to sit back and watch?"
Damn!
Shinji realized he had really underestimated this woman—she was quick to turn his words against him.
He could choose to ignore her, but doing so would be a different matter altogether.
If Terumī Mei survived, she would definitely not let him or the Jashin Cult go.
From ally to enemy, it's simply not worth it.
But he wouldn't agree so quickly.
"I need to think about it. Our sect's core principle is to eliminate cursed spirits, yes, but we wouldn't go to our deaths willingly. Do you think we'd still go if we knew the danger was huge? Impossible!"
"Just use this time to transmit the intelligence back, then come up with a plan."
"Based on your response plan, I will make the final decision—whether to stay or leave."
Terumī Mei didn't say anything this time, just nodded. "Alright, then."
Before leaving, she thought for a moment, then added, "Regarding the severing sword, I'll try to persuade the elders to let you use it temporarily when we return. No one will come to bother you about it."
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