Chapter 687 Darkness

Sasuke has always thought that the current self, suddenly seeing an old friend from the past, is not something to be happy about.

Just like meeting Naruto before, although he still feels nostalgic for the past, but when their positions and goals become different, the so-called friends are just a big obstacle on his way.

That's what he said, but when he saw this familiar figure, Sasuke didn't think about escaping or leaving, but just greeted him lightly like before:

"It's Sakura, long time no see."

The tone was extremely flat, as if seeing an old friend who hadn't seen him for a long time, it couldn't arouse the slightest disturbance in his heart.

Sakura's pupils trembled a little, as if she couldn't believe the scene in front of her was real, but after Sasuke spoke, she gradually regained her composure.

The Sasuke in front of him is real.

Although it is different from the past, and the temperament is more indifferent, there are some things that cannot be changed.

In order to achieve a certain goal, the strong will to be desperate, brewing and burying in the eyes, waiting for the moment of explosion.

"Well, long time no see, Sasuke."

Suppressing the trembling in her voice, Xiao Sakura didn't know what to say for a while, her head was empty, and she said such a sentence by accident.

People who came and went seemed a little curious when they saw the two of them standing facing each other.

Sasuke didn't have that kind of interest in being watched by others, so he said to Sakura: "Let's go outside and talk."

As he spoke, he walked out of the gate on his own, and Sakura followed after a slow beat, her breathing was rapid, and she didn't know what she was thinking in her twinkling eyes.

Sasuke stopped at the garden bench in front of the building, where flowers and plants were planted, and occasionally some injured people could be seen, taking a walk in the evening.

Sakura sat on the bench with an excited and complicated mood. She had imagined countless times what to say when she saw Sasuke again, as if she had thousands of words to say. But after actually meeting Sasuke, he couldn't remember anything.

"I heard about you when I was still at Orochimaru two years ago. Fate is really wonderful. I didn't expect that we would meet in a place other than Konoha."

Sasuke sat on the bench, his eyes reflected the scene of the courtyard, and seemed to be a little bit emotional about the impermanence of fate.

"Yes, yes, I didn't expect you to be here, Sasuke. But why didn't I see you before?"

Sakura's sitting posture was a little stiff, and her tone of voice was a little flustered.

I was still talking to Hanami Haruka in the morning, and I was going to the intelligence department to find out about Sasuke, but when I got off work in the afternoon, I met him directly.

Such a dramatic arrangement directly disrupted her arrangement and deployment.

The surprise came so suddenly that she was unprepared.

Facing Sakura's question, Sasuke also answered truthfully: "I have to work at Orochimaru because of some things, and I didn't arrive here until I finished the work."

"Oshemaru? I heard people say it's Sasuke..."

"Ah, it was me who did it. He was originally the target calculated by the ghost country. It happened to be the time to collect the net a while ago, so there is no need to keep him."

Sasuke's affirmative answer made Sakura tremble.

Some things that I don't understand, and the many mysteries blocked in my heart, finally cleared the clouds and mist, and suddenly realized.

"Really? Sasuke, you have become so strong."

Being able to defeat Orochimaru, one of the Sannin, Sakura can imagine that Sasuke's strength at this time is not what it used to be.

"There, I also met Naruto."

Sasuke spoke again.

"Naruto?"

Sakura's tone was a little surprised.

"Konoha's goal seems to be Orochimaru, but he came a step too late. Although that guy has become stronger, his attitude towards things seems to be the same as before. He always holds naive ideas, which is really embarrassing."

"I've also heard before that he and Sand Yin's people teamed up to defeat a dangerous ninja like the Red Sand Scorpion. Sure enough, both you and Naruto have grown a lot."

Thinking of this, Sakura clenched her fist, wondering how far her fist can go now?

In the past few years, although she has also conducted combat training, she has not participated in any actual combat, and basically spends time in the medical department.

The only training was when he was dispatched by the high-level medical department to the western part of the original land country and now the eastern stronghold of the ghost country, where he served as a military doctor for three months, and then he was dispatched back to work in the medical department again.

Therefore, although she is essentially a medical ninja who saves lives and heals the wounded, she also has a strong belief in her heart that she does not want to lose to men.

"By the way, where is Mr. Kakashi? Didn't he come back with you? I remember he went to Orochimaru with you, right?"

Sakura asked this question, asking about Kakashi's whereabouts.

Thinking about it carefully, she and Kakashi haven't seen each other for a long time.

However, compared to Sasuke's defection to Konoha, Kakashi's defection to Konoha is more serious, which makes Sakura's mood more complicated.

In recent years, she has borrowed from the intelligence department of the kingdom of ghosts and learned about Kakashi's past.

The reason why he betrayed Konoha and assassinated the Three Hokages was simplehatred.

His father Sakumo Hatake died in Konoha's chaotic political struggle, so he wants to spread his fangs to Konoha's high-level, take revenge, and calm his inner hatred.

There is no more justifiable reason for me to carry out actions in the name of revenge.

"He's still in Tianzhi Country. If you want to see him, he will probably come back together in a few days, and Mizuki."

"Mizuki? Could it be Mr. Mizuki?"

Sakura was surprised again, hearing an unexpected name.

Mizuki, of course she knows, an elite teacher with a very good reputation and a very relaxed educational attitude from the former ninja school.

But later I heard that he committed some crimes and defected to Konoha, which surprised the students who had been taught by him.

Even Sakura couldn't believe it when she heard the news.

Now hearing what Sasuke said, the other party is probably also the nail that Oni no Kok took the opportunity to plant on Orochimaru's side.

Thinking of this, the corner of Sakura's mouth couldn't help twitching.

"Well, that guy is cooperating with Kakashi in Tanokuni's operation, and it seems that he wants to transfer some people."

Sasuke nodded.

Unknowingly, as the sun sets, the street lights in the courtyard begin to turn on, illuminating the surroundings and bringing softness.

Summer is approaching, and the evening wind blowing is refreshing.

"Then... Sasuke, you shouldn't leave the kingdom of ghosts, right?"

Finally, Sakura nervously asked this question.

"No, I won't stay in the ghost country for too long, and I still have important things to do."

Sasuke was silent for a while, his black pupils were full of fierceness, so that Sakura sitting next to him could feel the dangerous aura on his body, and began to feel uneasy like sitting on a needle cushion.

"It's better to say, coming back from Orochimaru, my 'revenge' has just begun!"

"Hoo...hoo..."

In the already pitch-black forest, there were bursts of heavy breathing.

On the nearby tree, there is a lantern for lighting to illuminate the open space.

A figure stood on the open ground, hunched over, wiped the sweat off his face, panted heavily, looked at the huge pits ahead, and smiled contentedly.

Right at this moment, there was a bang, the sound of a branch being trampled off.

"who?"

Under the shout of the figure in the open space, a figure stepped out from the shadow behind the tree.

The other party walked over leisurely with his hands in his trouser pockets.

"Yo, good evening, Naruto."

"Uh, why are you here, Shikamaru?"

After Naruto saw the person coming, the vigilance in his eyes disappeared, and he straightened his waist slightly, wondering why Shikamaru came to look for him at this time.

"I have nothing to do, so I came here to see your current situation. However, I didn't expect you to work so hard and practice hard at such a late hour... Besides, you are too exaggerated."

Shikamaru looked at the many deep pits that appeared in front of him, like the giant potholes that were bombarded by countless meteorites, and couldn't help laughing bitterly.

He knew that Naruto was training a new technique, but the power of this new technique was too terrifying.

I heard that a few months ago, Naruto successfully injured the Red Sand Scorpion with a semi-finished new technique.

Naruto scratched his head, with an embarrassed expression of not knowing what to say.

"There is no way, this new technique is too difficult to practice, although I have recently mastered a little trick, but I think it will take a while to fully take shape."

Naruto expressed his conjecture.

The difficulty of cultivation of Helix Wan is originally a difficult A.

In the end, it is necessary to inject wind attribute chakra into it, and even convert it into fairy art later to further enhance the destructive power of ninjutsu. I also know that this is not an easy thing to do.

"It's good to have confidence." Shikamaru nodded, glanced around, and once again put his gaze on Naruto, and said, "Speaking of which, I heard about this mission from Hokage-sama. Don't be discouraged. After all, no one would have thought of the intervention of the Demon Kingdom."

Thinking of this, Shikamaru couldn't help feeling sorry.

What a good opportunity this was, but because of the sudden intervention of the ghost country, they returned without success.

And the worst thing is, I also learned that Sasuke is originally from the country of ghosts, and he took refuge in Orochimaru's command, which means a spy. Not only that, even the person who originally speculated that Kakashi was Orochimaru, the position of this guess has become ambiguous.

In other words, the already powerful Demon Kingdom will become stronger in this operation, which is definitely not a good thing for the enemy Konoha.

"I've seen this kind of thing for a long time, as long as I can meet Sasuke, I'm content."

Naruto said so.

But Shikamaru could still hear the helplessness and annoyance in his tone.

Shikamaru stared at Naruto.

"What's the matter, Shikamaru?"

Naruto blinked in confusion.

"No, nothing. In fact, after this mission, I have always had a bad feeling in my heart."

Shikamaru expressed his inner anxiety.

"Bad premonition?"

"What do you think Sasuke will do next?"

Shikamaru continued to look into Naruto's eyes and asked.

Naruto's heart skipped a beat.

"This kind of thing..."

"Actually, Naruto, you also understand, it's just that you don't want to think about it. However, the current situation does not allow us to procrastinate. For some decisions, it is better to be firm earlier. Sasuke is likely to... No, he will definitely attack Konoha and take revenge!"

Shikamaru stared closely at Naruto's blue pupils, from his eyes, Shikamaru saw sourness and pain.

Obviously, Naruto also understands this truth.

It's just that, as Shikamaru said, he doesn't want to think about it in this direction...or in other words, subconsciously avoids such a correct answer.

"...Is there no other way, Shikamaru?"

Naruto lowered his head and clenched his fists, still hesitating in his heart.

"His vengeance will not stop until one of our sides is completely down."

Shikamaru broke Naruto's unrealistic fantasy.

"Really? Sure enough?"

Naruto raised his head and looked at the night sky. His blue eyes reflected the cold moonlight, and he didn't know what he was thinking.

Shikamaru nodded, unwilling to say any more, turned and left here, his figure disappeared into the shadow of the forest.

Seven thirty in the evening.

"You have worked **** the report. That guy Lu Jiu is really right. Although you are still young, your ability to do things is quite good."

In the Hokage office where the lights were not extinguished, Tsunade's voice of appreciation came.

Although the task of destroying Orochimaru failed, most of the ninjas and Anbu of Yun Yin and Sand Yin left one after another, but the Chunin exam still needs to continue.

After receiving the information report prepared by Shikamaru, Tsunade tidied it up a bit, then put it aside when he was satisfied, and waited for it to be distributed tomorrow.

"Where, thanks to the help of Sand Yin's Jonin Temari, otherwise I wouldn't have finished it so quickly."

Shikamaru answered modestly.

"If only the young ninjas in the village could save trouble like you."

"If everyone is like me, Konoha should be finished directly."

Shikamaru didn't dare to follow Tsunade's way of thinking, a drop of cold sweat dripped down his face.

Immediately, he straightened his face and reported to Tsunade:

"Just now, I went shopping at Naruto's place."

"Oh? Are you doing psychological counseling work?"

Tsunade became interested.

Shikamaru shook his head.

"Naruto is not that fragile, he can survive at this level. I just want to confirm his inner thoughts, but I found that it still can't."

"Is it because of Uchiha Sasuke?"

Tsunade picked up the water glass and took a sip of water, leaning back on the seat.

"Hokage-sama is really perceptive."

"For a ninja, being too emotional is not a good thing."

"That's right, a ninja's rationality and sensibility should tend to be balanced, otherwise he will suffer a lot in battle, and even bring the risk of death to himself." Shikamaru admitted this point of view, and then changed the subject: "However, in this world, no one should be able to truly balance this point."

"Are you trying to excuse Naruto?"

"No, I want to ask Hokage-sama for one thing."

Shikamaru's expression turned serious.

Tsunade was silent for a moment.

"Tell me."

"I want to personally lead the team to kill Sasuke."

Shikamaru's words were astonishing, and his eyes showed unprecedented determination, as well as a killing intent as cold as winter.

"Naruto doesn't know what you think."

Tsunade continued to drink water, staring at the dimly lit night market outside the window. Although it was doubtful, it was certain that Shikamaru had not revealed any related thoughts to Naruto.

Shikamaru nodded and said: "If he knows what I'm thinking, he will definitely try to stop it. So, I want to kill Sasuke before he attacks Konoha."

"Are you sure that Sasuke will attack Konoha?"

Tsunade put down the cup in his hand, and looked straight into Shikamaru's eyes.

"You don't need to specifically ask about this kind of thing, you can guess it, right? Besides, I think you, Hokage-sama, are already making relevant preparations."

If Sasuke Uchiha was the only one, it wouldn't be worth Konoha's response with such fanfare.

However, Uchiha Sasuke is now backed by the Oni Nation. If the Oni Nation supports Uchiha Sasuke in revenge, then things will become extremely difficult, and it will no longer be Uchiha Sasuke's personal revenge.

Preparing for a rainy day, Shikamaru decided that Tsunade was already taking corresponding countermeasures.

"It's not a very good path to carry everything alone."

Tsunade sighed, unwilling for Shikamaru to make such a choice.

"But now I have a choice, and I don't have the time to wait any longer."

So, what about after that?

"after?"

"After killing Sasuke, will you also get rid of Sakura and Kakashi?"

"yes."

Staring at Tsunade fearlessly, Shikamaru didn't hide his thoughts.

"Mr. Sarutobi arranged for you to contact Naruto and include him in the group. It seems to be a wrong decision."

Tsunade suddenly said this sentence, which shocked Shikamaru.

In the past, in order to take care of Naruto's daily life and cultivate the connection between Naruto and the village, a smart enough peer was needed to guide him, and that person was Shikamaru.

"No, the third generation"

"Boy of the Nara family, I am the Hokage now. I will not agree to this matter. You are not qualified to bear everything by yourself."

"I know, but if this goes on, Naruto, and the village..."

"A Uchiha Sasuke is nothing to be afraid of!"

Tsunade's expression turned cold.

"But it's not Sasuke's problem now. I'm sure that the Kingdom of Demons will find an opportunity to intervene."

"Is that all you want to say?"

"I would like to ask Hokage-sama for permission."

Shikamaru bent down and made a solemn request.

"Looked up."

Following Tsunade's words, Shikamaru raised his head again.

"You know? You look more and more like a person to me now."

Tsunade's tone softened, and he let out a sigh of relief.

"Like a person?"

"Shimura Danzo."

As soon as the name came out, Shikamaru froze and fell silent.

Tsunade stared into Shikamaru's eyes, where she saw a deep darkness.

"Hey, Shikamaru, this way!"

In the meatball shop open on the roadside, Ino's loud voice came, making Shikamaru, who was about to go home, stop immediately, and looked into the meatball shop.

He saw Ino waving to him, and Choji seemed to be there too.

Shikamaru thought for a while, then turned and walked into the Maruko shop, and walked to the table where Ino and Choji were.

When I got here, I realized that besides Ino and Choji, there were two other people sitting here.

It's Sai and Hinoko from Class 7.

Staying on Sai's face for a moment, Shikamaru asked suspiciously: "Why are you here?"

"I happened to meet on the road, so we came in for dinner together. By the way, Shikamaru, you are still hanging out so late, is it because you are busy with the Ninja exam?"

Ino was the first to ask the question, and patted the empty seat next to him, letting Shikamaru sit down.

Shikamaru didn't refuse either, and sat down directly.

"Yes, although the exam has not yet started, the burden on me is not light at all. I am almost exhausted these days."

"It's Shikamaru who started complaining after only a few days of work."

Ino complained.

The preparations for the Chunin exam have not started for a few days, so she is tired, leaving her speechless.

"Well, although it's only a few days, the workload is really too big, and this time it's a joint exam, so there are more busy content than usual."

Shikamaru explained, then picked up a bunch of three-color **** and ate them.

Has been busy until now, he didn't even eat dinner, just settled here, there is no need to go home to eat leftovers.

"Speaking of which, did you really meet Sasuke in this mission?"

Ino also picked up the meatballs and ate them. Her eyes fell on Sai and Hinoko and asked about it.

"Yes, Senior Ino, but we didn't meet directly. At that time, Sai and I were stopped by people from the Kingdom of Demons."

Hinoko thought about it and said.

Sai smiled without saying a word, just ate the meatball quietly, as if the failure of the previous mission did not cause too many waves in his heart.

"Sasuke, there should be no way to come back."

Ino's tone became sad and decadent, and he lost even the desire to eat meatballs.

"Isn't that obvious? He's already Konoha's enemy."

Shikamaru said calmly.

"It's because of this that I feel distressed."

Ino scratched his hair, feeling his mind was in a mess, unable to think.

"Ino, you really miss Sasuke."

Choji smiled.

"I want you to mind your own business. Compared to me, you should think more about yourself. If you eat so much, be careful not to find a girlfriend."

Ino glared at Choji fiercely.

"It's fine to just let things happen. Dad said that plump men are more attractive."

Ding Ci swallowed the **** one by one, eating and drinking happily.

The corner of Ino's mouth twitched, but he didn't speak.

Soon, the meal was finished, and Ino took the initiative to pay the bill.

Everyone chatted for a while at the door of the meatball shop, and then went home.

"Sai."

"What's up?"

Sai found that Shikamaru had not left, but followed him all the time, which made Sai very curious, not knowing why the other party followed him.

Although the other party is very familiar with Naruto, the relationship between himself and the other party is not really close.

Shikamaru hesitated for a moment, then nodded, and said, "If I remember correctly, you are Shimura Danzo's subordinate."

Sai stared at Shikamaru, but said nothing.

"I have something I want to ask you to do."

"matter?"

The smile on Sai's face disappeared, and there was a look in his eyes.

"I want to meet Shimura Danzo, so I need your introduction."

(end of this chapter)