Sakai Kina knew that Yamaguchi Yurie would not intentionally exaggerate the abilities of the nation’s onmyoji in front of her and Maniwa Koken.
Yamaguchi Yurie glanced at Sakai Kina, then said to Maniwa Koken, “Miss Koken, I believe you should know something. Twenty years ago, the Koken family had a great ninja.”
“I know. That great ninja was Lord Koken Ino,” said Maniwa Koken, showing respect in both her expression and tone.
Among the ninjas, the great ninja was an exceedingly powerful existence, and currently, there were no more than five great ninjas in existence.
Yamaguchi Yurie nodded and continued, “Correct, it was Lord Koken Ino. His talent was exceptional, and after reaching the level of a great ninja, he single-mindedly sought to break through to the legendary state of the Boundless Ninja.”
“Coincidentally, at that time, Lord Ino received reliable information that a genuine onmyoji had appeared in this country.”
Maniwa Koken and Sakai Kina looked at each other, listening intently.
“Lord Ino saw the appearance of this country’s onmyoji as a heaven-sent opportunity. If he could obtain the essence of the onmyo techniques from this onmyoji, not only would Lord Ino be on the verge of breaking through to the Boundless Ninja state, but he could also lead ninjutsu into a new era.”
“Finally, Lord Ino decided to personally lead ten senior ninjas to this country to search for the traces of this country’s onmyoji. Once the onmyoji was found, regardless of the cost, they were to capture him and extract the essence and secrets of the onmyo techniques from him.”
Upon hearing this, Maniwa Koken and Sakai Kina couldn’t help but inhale sharply.
A great ninja and ten senior ninjas, such a powerful combination could easily destroy any top-tier family even if placed in the present day.
Seeing Yamaguchi Yurie pause, Maniwa Koken inquired, “Senior Yurie, did Lord Ino and the others find the onmyoji? Did their plan succeed?”
“Lord Ino and the others did find the onmyoji,” a sorrowful expression appeared in Yamaguchi Yurie’s eyes. “Subsequently, they launched a frenzied attack on the onmyoji, attempting to capture him, but…”
“But what?” Maniwa Koken couldn’t help feeling nervous.
“But Lord Ino and the others were completely outmatched by the onmyoji. Ten senior ninjas fell in that battle, and my father was among them,” Yamaguchi Yurie’s eyes filled with even more sorrow.
Maniwa Koken and Sakai Kina wore expressions of disbelief. “It’s dreadful. An onmyoji was able to slay ten senior ninjas!”
For a family to have a senior ninja was already a significant matter, but in this country, an onmyoji could effortlessly slaughter ten.
“How is Lord Ino? What happened to him?” Maniwa Koken asked hastily.
After the sorrow, a fierce glint suddenly appeared in Yamaguchi Yurie’s eyes. “With ten senior ninjas falling and as a great ninja, Lord Ino suffered severe injuries. Not long after returning to the country, he passed away with regret.”
“Before his passing, he left a will, stating that regardless of the cost, ninjas must obtain the essence and secrets of this country’s onmyo techniques. This is crucial for ninjutsu to surpass the onmyo techniques of this country.”
After learning these secrets, the light in Maniwa Koken’s eyes finally dimmed.
This matter was never revealed to her by her father and grandfather, leading her to naively believe that ninjutsu could easily dominate this country’s onmyo techniques.
Reality was cruel. Ten senior ninjas fell, and a great ninja returned home severely injured.
“Miss, you need not despair. Our Yamato people have always excelled at learning. As long as we can obtain the essence of the onmyo techniques, we can integrate them into our ninjutsu. At that time, our ninjutsu will make a great leap and surpass the onmyo techniques of this country,” Yamaguchi Yurie said decisively.
Maniwa Koken’s expression became resolute. “Senior Yurie is right. Our Yamato people are the best at learning. We will learn the onmyo techniques and strengthen our ninjutsu.”
Yamaguchi Yurie sighed softly. “However, obtaining the essence of this country’s onmyo techniques will not be easy.”
“The people of this country are fond of secrecy, and their factionsare quite distinct. Furthermore, the onmyoji of this country have extremely strict requirements for talent. Those who have already mastered the onmyo techniques disdain ordinary talent and are unwilling to take on disciples.”
“Therefore, onmyoji are extremely rare in this country. Sometimes, it is difficult to find any trace for a decade or even several decades after encountering a single onmyoji, as was the case twenty years ago when Lord Ino encountered the onmyoji of this country. Since then, we have not encountered any onmyoji who has mastered the secrets of onmyo techniques. So even if we want to learn, we don’t know where to start.”
Maniwa Koken nodded, a look of realization crossing her face. “I see, so that’s why, for so many years, our predecessors in ninjutsu have not been able to obtain the secrets of the onmyo techniques.”
A sudden burst of realization flashed in Yamaguchi Yurie’s eyes. “I believe that the person you encountered in this country is highly likely to be an onmyoji!”
Maniwa Koken and Sakai Kina exchanged a glance, both of them showing a spark of understanding in their eyes.
“Senior Yurie, I indeed believe that he is highly likely to be an onmyoji. When I faced him, I had that thought in my mind,” said Maniwa Koken.
“That person from this country, at such a young age, possesses strength not inferior to a ninja. You should know that even among my ninja talents, those who reach the level of a ninja at such a young age are very few,” said Sakai Kina.
“I agree with Kiyoi Jonin’s words. That brat, to dare to challenge our Koken family in front of so many people, most likely relies on his identity as an onmyoji!” Anger once again crept onto Maniwa Koken’s face.
“Miss Koken, I suggest that from now on, the matter of Leo, the person from this country who possesses the secrets of onmyo techniques, should be classified as the highest secret of our Koken family. He may well be an opportunity for our Koken family to rise greatly,” Yamaguchi Yurie said solemnly.
“I understand, Senior Yurie. I will personally report this matter to my grandfather. I believe he will be very pleased to hear about this,” Maniwa Koken nodded.
If the Koken family could obtain the secrets of onmyo techniques, then they could surpass the other two major families and become a unique and superlative clan.
“Miss Koken, from now on, we need to utilize all our resources in this country to investigate Leo!” Yamaguchi Yurie’s expression was grave.