The darkness, sensitive to the witch's emotions, fed them back to Orochimaru. It was unclear whether it was due to the evolution and strengthening of the Void power, but this time the feedback was surprisingly clear.
To put it metaphorically. If the dark chakra could only help Orochimaru sense the emotions of those around him, distinguishing between good and ill intentions. Now, the dark chakra was akin to the legendary mind reading, capable of discerning some of the thoughts intertwined within those emotions.
Orochimaru's lips curled into a smile, and a faint blue glow emanated from his body. The Sage Mode chakra, brimming with natural energy, spread out from Orochimaru like a gentle breeze. The guards, who had been locked in bloody battles for days, felt their spirits instantly lift under the influence of this power. They looked at the glowing ninja with surprise.
Miroku, a wielder of demonic power herself, keenly sensed the unique nature of Orochimaru's power. Upon feeling this pure natural energy, her eyes lit up with wonder.
Orochimaru's heart stirred, and he spoke at the opportune moment: "I have heard that the lineage of witches possesses the ability to see through fate and predict life and death for others."
"Since you, Lady Witch, have concerns about the nature of the power within me, why not use your abilities to predict the life and death of these citizens of the Land of Demons?"
Miroku's heart trembled, and her gaze towards Orochimaru grew even brighter. She clasped the bell at her chest tightly, and countless images seemed to flash through her eyes.
A moment later, Miroku's graceful figure emerged from the darkness at the entrance of the altar. She walked with light steps to Orochimaru and bowed gently.
"I, Miroku, the current witch of the Land of Demons, thank Lord Orochimaru for your arrival!"
"Because the aura of the power within you reminded Miroku of Enma, who is sealed away, therefore..."
"I apologize for my rudeness!"
Orochimaru chuckled and shook his head, reaching out to steady Miroku. "The power of demons is a double-edged sword. It is understandable for you, Lady Witch, to have such concerns, and I would naturally not take offense at your caution."
"On the contrary, your willingness, Lady Witch, and that of these guards of the Land of Demons, to remain confined here for generations, spanning a thousand years, for the sake of the ninja world's peace, is a rare spirit of dedication in the ninja world!"
"On behalf of Konoha, I thank your lineage of witches for your contributions to the ninja world!"
With just a few words, the guards, who had not flinched even in the face of death during their battles with the puppets, suddenly found their eyes welling up. They clenched their weapons tightly, wishing they could embrace Orochimaru and weep.
For a thousand years, how many loyal guards had sacrificed their lives in the Land of Demons to guard this cursed seal? Generation after generation, for a thousand years! Yet, had any of the powerful figures living in comfort ever cared about their lives?
This Lord Orochimaru from Konoha had not only saved their lives but also articulated the meaning of their steadfast vigil. This recognition was enough; they could die with peace in their hearts.
Miroku's heart surged with immense emotion. Her slender shoulders trembled involuntarily, and her eyes, though red, struggled to hold back the tears threatening to spill. She slowly shook her head.
"Thank you for your understanding, Lord Orochimaru, but the Land of Demons is also a part of the ninja world. For the stability of the ninja world..."
"Our lineage of witches bears no regrets!"
Upon hearing this, the guards of the Land of Demons seemed to gain a surge of adrenaline. They struck their weapons together and cried out in unison:
"Our lineage of witches bears no regrets!"
Though few in number, their voices resounded like thunder.
The four young ones standing behind Orochimaru listened, their hearts filled with righteous fervor.
"Minato, I feel like I've been elevated!" Nawaki exclaimed, his fists clenched, his face flushed, and his expression animated as he spoke to Minato Namikaze beside him.
"I suddenly understand the true meaning of being a ninja!"
"The dream I made with sensei and my sister to revive the Senju clan and protect Konoha was too narrow in scope!"
"I've decided!" Nawaki waved his fist, his spirit soaring. "My ninja way from now on will be to ensure that everyone in the ninja world lives a happy life like the citizens of Konoha."
"Anyone who dares to disrupt the peace of the ninja world, this Great Nawaki will punch them flat!"
"Sensei, let's go help the Land of Demons defeat that demon!" The other companions nodded simultaneously, their eyes fixed on Orochimaru, filled with the desire for battle.
An unexpected delight! Orochimaru turned his head with a smile and gave Nawaki a look of approval. "Finally, you show some of the spirit of a Senju descendant!" This was a worthwhile endeavor.
Seeing the light in his four disciples' eyes, Orochimaru nodded inwardly and ruffled each of their heads. Even if there were no further gains, the fact that these children had begun to view the world from a broader perspective made this journey of training more than worth the price of admission.
"You youngsters can't help with the matter of the demon." Orochimaru removed his hand from Nawaki's head and shook his head gently. "Kushina, you stay here to help Nonou care for the wounded. Minato, Nawaki, the two of you will be responsible for eliminating the puppets resurrected by Enma's power."
"These are just a portion of them; a large number of puppets will inevitably be summoned by Enma later. Before Lady Witch and I eliminate Enma's threat, not a single one of these guards of the Land of Demons must be harmed."
"Do you understand?"
"Yes!" The four youngsters immediately straightened up, their faces solemn as they accepted Orochimaru's command.
Miroku watched the four youngsters move according to Orochimaru's orders, a hint of envy and nostalgia in her eyes. Once upon a time, she too had elders who cared for her...
"The children of Konoha are truly fortunate to have an elder like you!" Miroku said with heartfelt emotion.
Orochimaru smiled humbly and shook his head. "It is these children who are sensible. I merely guide their thoughts; their future achievements will depend on themselves!"
Miroku naturally did not believe him. She offered Orochimaru a gentle smile and gracefully gestured to the side. "Lord Orochimaru, please follow me!"
"This is the altar where Enma's power is sealed. Do you require me to provide you with any information about Enma?"
Orochimaru chuckled and shook his head, stepping into the altar. "Lady Witch, why do you ask what you already know!"
"The ability of witches to see through human destiny has not already revealed the answer to you?"
Miroku pursed her lips and smiled, quickly following Orochimaru's steps. "It's just an exaggeration of some people who don't understand the witch's abilities. The witch's precognition is not omniscient."
"For example, Lord Orochimaru, although I have seen some of your past, your future is shrouded in ambiguity."
Orochimaru's steps paused slightly, and he turned to look at Miroku with interest. "That's intriguing!"
"What does ambiguity signify?"
Miroku smiled and slowly shook her head. "I don't know!"
"Perhaps, Lord Orochimaru, you might become a strong individual who breaks free from the shackles of fate."
"However, I have already seen my own future!"