Chapter 941 : A Mission!

Ketsueki clenched his fists, “Then… how can we succeed now?”

Having learnt of the constant failures spanning over centuries, all hope was drained from Ketsueki’s face. Spreading Jashin's name beyond their small village now seemed an exercise in futility. How could he succeed when all his predecessors had failed? Even the breakthroughs they had were squashed quite easily.

The Pontiff looked down at him with eyes that carried the weight of centuries and answered, “Because we do not stop.”

He raised a hand and placed it gently on Ketsueki’s shoulder, “Each failure teaches us. Each Grand Priest carries our legacy forward. One day, one of them will not fall. He will rise — above the villages, above the clans — and when he does, we will no longer need to hide.”

The flickering candles danced in silence. Ketsueki bowed again, but this time his voice was hushed, serious. He vowed, “I will not fail.”

“Then prepare,” the Pontiff said, “Learn. Grow. And when the time comes, plant the Seed… and let it blossom into war.”

Ketsueki nodded. With the Pontiff's blessings, he finally left the dim, incense-filled chamber. As he stepped out into the cold corridor, the weight of his new title clung to his shoulders like a second cloak.

The corridor outside the sanctum was dimly lit by flickering torches mounted on jagged walls. Ketsueki took a few steps forward, still absorbing the gravity of the ritual, when two figures rounded the corner and stopped in surprise.

“Ketsueki?” said one, blinking. He impatiently asked, “Is it done?”

It was Riku, a wiry youth with short, spiked black hair and a scar running across his cheek. Next to him stood Juzou, broader in build, with coppery skin and shaggy dark brown hair tied in a loose topknot. Both wore the dull grey robes of disciples.

Ketsueki gave a small nod, still too solemn for words.

Juzou broke into a grin. “So it’s official now, huh? Bishop Ketsueki!”

Riku grinned as well, punching him lightly on the arm, “Guess we have to start bowing when we see you now?”

“You can start by not punching Bishops,” Ketsueki replied with a small smirk.

“Right, right,” Juzou said, dramatically straightening his posture and giving an exaggerated bow, “Oh mighty Bishop, please do not smite us lesser men.”

Riku chuckled, but then both boys fell quiet for a moment. Though they couldn't see the Seed of Jashin, they could sense that Ketsueki had somehow reached closer to their god. Despite their teasing, despite growing up together and being best of friends since a very young age, they couldn't help but feel a deep reverence when they looked at their old friend!

Ketsueki, sensing the shift, softened his expression. He said quietly, “I’ll still keep an eye on you idiots. One of you might end up here too. Just survive long enough.”

That drew a snort from Juzou, “With you watching over us, how can we not?”

“Unless,” Riku added, “you get all high and mighty and forget about your old friends.”

Ketsueki scoffed, “I won’t forget.”

At that moment, footsteps echoed down the corridor. All three turned to see a tall figure approaching — Elder Shimeiryuu. His long, unkempt white hair cascaded over his shoulders like a ghostly shroud, and the mask covering the lower half of his face made him look like a relic from a forgotten time. His pale golden eyes locked onto Ketsueki.

His appearance unnerved Riku and Juzou, who straightened up like startled rabbits. Their banter and boldness vanished the moment they locked eyes with him. Ketsueki instinctively recalled his conversation with the Pontiff, understanding why Elder Shimeiryuu had appeared. Yet, even he was slightly nervous. It was his first time interacting with this revered figure too.

To their surprise, Elder Shimeiryuu spoke in a very easygoing manner, “You'll have plenty of time to catch up later. Come. There’s much to be done. Your formal training begins now.”

“Yes Elder.” Ketsueki followed, casting one last glance at his friends. He smiled faintly, then walked behind the Elder into another long corridor. They walked in silence for several minutes through the winding paths of the inner sanctum, eventually reaching a large courtyard.

Shimeiryuu stepped to the center and turned to face Ketsueki. Ketsueki focused entirely on him when he heard the old Elder say, “You’re sharp, focused, and talented. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be standing here. But that alone won’t let you bear the burden of the Seed.”

He paused, before continuing with a mysterious tone, “You know how to write seals. Now, I’ll teach you how to live them…”

——

Elder Shimeiryuu’s voice was warm as he approached Ketsueki, who had just finished inscribing a complex sealing array in the central hall.

“Well done,” he said, arms folded behind his back. “You’ve completed your training. From now on, you are a full-fledged Bishop.”

Ketsueki stood and bowed, suppressing the instinctive smile that tugged at his lips. Though he’d known this day was coming, hearing it from the Elder’s mouth gave it weight.

“I am honored, Elder Shimeiryuu.” Ketsueki replied gracefully. It had been 7 years since he began training under Elder Shimeiryuu. He had finally learnt everything he needed to learn to successfully conduct the ritual to create a Grand Priest.

The elder chuckled, “Titles carry burdens, not just honor. You’ve been entrusted with our legacy, boy. What you plant today… someone else may harvest a hundred years from now.”

He paused and walked toward the nearest open corridor, gesturing for Ketsueki to follow and said, “It’s time for you to witness the outer world. You’ll join this year’s scouting mission. Consider it your first step outside the sanctuary.”

Ketsueki blinked in surprise, “Scouting? You mean…”

Elder Shimeiryuu nodded, “Yes, the annual retrieval. We look for children with the potential to serve Lord Jashin in the future and carry our legacy forward. So far, you have only trained and worshipped our Lord. This is your first opportunity for you to truly contribute to our Lord!”

Ketsueki became excited on hearing the news. He could barely restrain himself. Elder Shimeiryuu said, “You leave at dawn. Lady Shiranui will lead the mission. You will accompany her along with Guardians Daiketsu and Sunae. Trust them, and observe carefully.”

——

At the jagged mouth of the valley, four figures gathered. The ocean, still as glass, shimmered under moonlight.

Ketsueki arrived first, dressed in robes marked with the sacred seals of a Bishop. Not long after, Guardian Sunae appeared, her steps silent, dark green eyes scanning the path behind her. She said with a teasing smirk, “Seven years, huh? You’re all grown up now, Bishop.”

Ketsueki returned a smile, “Just don’t ask me to babysit again.”

Behind her came Daiketsu — tall, imposing, yet calm. He chuckled, “We’ll see if you still remember how to move your feet outside the valley.”

Lady Shiranui arrived last, the air around her gently shifting, as if even the mist was wary of disturbing her presence. Dressed in silver and black robes with delicate chains adorning her waist, her pale eyes settled briefly on each of them. After observing them, she said, “Good. You’re all here.”

They bowed in unison.

In a serious tone, she continued, “Once we leave the island, Lord Jashin may not be able to watch over us. So, never let your guard down. Never do anything that can bring trouble to our sanctuary.”

Everyone nodded solemnly. Shiranui added, “Currently, the outside world is embroiled in a great war. Their main forces should be far away from where we're heading, but anomalies can always occur during wars. We have already suffered once due to it. Remember, never underestimate them. Even the ninjas who are far weaker than you can make you suffer due to their viciousness if you lower your guard.”

Daiketsu and Sunae had already been to the outer world a few times prior. So, they already knew about it. However, Ketsueki hadn't had that experience. He quickly absorbed the Elder's wisdom. Shiranui nodded approvingly at his reaction and ordered, “Let's move…”

They ran across the still sea for ten kilometers before the first faint outlines of land came into view. The shore was bleak — a long stretch of jagged rock and ash-gray soil. No birds. No trees. Just the wind.

They continued inland, covering another hundred kilometers without slowing their speed before reaching the first village. A tiny fishing hamlet with barely two dozen huts.

Shiranui raised two fingers. Chakra pulsed invisibly from her body. Within moments, illusions blanketed the village. The residents remained asleep, caught in quiet dreams. Ketsueki and Sunae silently moved through the homes, checking toddlers. All too weak. None were suitable.

They moved on.