章節 83: Picking Mission?!
In the sea of holographic displays that shimmered before Shino's eyes, a vast array of missions unfurled, meticulously organized and sent back after Kurenai had undertaken the task of checking for new assignments.
Wait. Perhaps a flicker of uncertainty and bewilderment may arise within those observing, confused over the sudden leap in events. Perhaps some may be toying with the notion that this sequence of events might be a mere illusion or an anomaly, an error that should not happen.
After all, there's no way Shino could be picking the mission, right?
Heh. Wake up to reality.
In the past, Shino had always found himself relegated to the background, his voice unheard and his choices disregarded.
The mission selection process had been dominated by Kurenai's decisions to train the team or the joint votes of Kiba and Hinata. His role had been reduced to that of a mere bystander, his opinions never truly considered or perhaps they had simply forgotten to inquire.
But now, a palpable shift had occurred, his stable rise and domination has finally borne fruit.
Shino now possessed the opportunity to choose through Kurenai, and the significance of this newfound agency was not lost on him.
No longer confined to the role of an observer, he held the power to handpick missions that enticed his curiosity, targeting places that whispered of untold intrigue.
But the irony… Had this chance been presented earlier, it would have held immeasurable value, a priceless tool at his disposal.
Yet, with his expansion already underway and the advent of his new clones, the magnitude of this advantage had diminished, its luster somewhat dulled.
Nonetheless, Shino recognized the potential within this newfound freedom, a chance to navigate the path of his own destiny.
"Still, better than nothing," With a contemplative gaze fixed on the mission list, Shino's fingers delicately brushing against a soft silky expanse of velvety purples and fiery reds, partially obscured on the other side of the ethereal holographic displays.
Immersed in the shadows of anticipation, Shino's piercing gaze traversed the task list of Konoha, each mission beckoning like whispers from the abyss of desires, promising untold challenges and hidden revelations. "The current timeline is at the point when Naruto goes on the Bichoku hunt with Team 8. This should have been originally where the female lead could have some bonding time with the protagonist…"
Karina's discerning gaze locked onto him, a subtle smile playing at the corners of her lips, her tongue moving as she spoke. "But my dear, you've already cut off this road just by not bringing the notion up for the team and trapping the team under the supervision of Kurenai. Not only that, by capturing Suzumebachi, one of the links of the mission is gone. You even stationed zergs near the nest of those bikochu, ready to harvest them. This mission has been completely sabotaged. My dear, really bad."
Ignoring Karina's undertone, Shino's deep gaze shifted from one screen to another, his mind calculating the potential benefits and risks of each mission.
"You seem deep in thought, Shino. Any mission in mind?" Inquisitively, Karina posed her question, her voice threaded with a captivating curiosity, yet her unwavering support was unmistakable, evident in the subtle movements of her head.
Feeling her subtle yet deliberate attempts to capture his attention, Shino raised an eyebrow, his tone measured. "Indeed, Karina. The expansion of our zerg is a crucial aspect to consider. We must choose a mission that allows us to harness our strengths and continue our growth. I'm hoping we can establish a global map, where we have outposts all over the ninja world."
Karina nodded, her fingers absently tracing the handle of his precious weapon. "Agreed. But we also need to consider Kurenai's story, my dear. Her value will eventually be drained, and it is your duty as her student to find a fitting place to bring closure to her journey. After all, I'm sure my dear wants to enjoy special tutoring sessions with his teacher soon."
"Be serious." With a playful tap on Karina's head, Shino's eyes gleamed mischievously as he turned his attention back to the task list, his gaze sweeping through the holographic displays with an air of calmness.
As the duo continued to peruse the mission scrolls, Karina's eyes halted on a particular display nestled amidst the others, quickly bringing it to the foreground.
"Shino, look at this." she exclaimed, her voice tinged with interest as calculations ran through her minds. "There's a mission near the Jofuku mountains. It seems intriguing."
Shino's gaze sharpened as he focused on the task Karina displayed. "Jofuku mountains, you say? A fitting place indeed. Although in the original anime, the old granny didn't have much of a presence, but the discovery of the tainted bugs hinted that the world line may be blended with some strange fiction, and in that fiction, Furofuki controls the Aburame clan when she invades Konoha. It's about time we brought an end to that old granny's story, lest she jumps around later and ruins our control over the Aburame clan," he mused, his tone laced with determination. "But before we proceed, we must consider the details of this mission."
Karina nodded in agreement, expanding the display to reveal the intricately inked words that detailed their next undertaking.
As they read through the mission's contents, they soon realized that it had nothing to do with an old granny or the Jofuku mountains. Instead, it was a request from a nearby village, desperate for assistance.
"The village of Kurosawa, located near the border of the Land of Fire, an unnamed village in the original anime," Shino murmured, her voice devoid of empathy. "Nothing special, they are simply plagued by a series of mysterious disappearances. The villagers are frightened, and they seek our aid to uncover the truth behind these unsettling events. Very cliché."
Shino's analytical mind immediately kicked into overdrive, his companion sensing his growing resolve and decisively offering her in-depth analysis. "Shino, these disappearances could be an excellent opportunity for our zerg expansion-"
[Umm. If we solve this mystery, we can solidify our reputation and gain the trust of Kurosawa's inhabitants. Perhaps we can use them in our search for the target, Furofuki. After their value is depleted, we can also transform the unknown village into an experimental facility or biomass.]
Shino nodded in agreement, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Then, let us accept this mission, Karina. Contact Kurenai, let her arrange the rest."
[Affirmative, Shino. Instructions had been sent out.]
In a quaint shop nestled within the village, Kurenai sat in solitude, relishing the taste of strong sake and savoring the spicy delight of takowasa.
Suddenly, her tranquil moment shattered as a holographic interface materialized before her, captivating her attention with its ethereal glow.
Her movements stilled, a faint sigh escaping her lips as she gently set down her sake. With a swift exchange of currency to the shop owner, she embarked on a purposeful journey, her steps guiding her towards the towering edifice of the Hokage building.
Entering the Hokage's office, Kurenai found herself face-to-face with Tsunade, whose piercing gaze held a depth of wisdom and power that commanded respect. The air crackled with a silent understanding as Kurenai sought approval for the mission she was about to claim.
Tsunade leaned back in her ornate chair, a subtle smile playing upon her lips as she observed Kurenai's determined visage. "You're looking well, Kurenai," she began, her voice carrying a tone that blended authority and curiosity. "It seems you've recovered from your injuries. What brings you here today?"
Kurenai's eyes met Tsunade's, a mixture of resolve and purpose gleaming within their depths. "Tsunade-sama, I've come to take on a task for Team 8," she responded, her voice steady and unwavering, "The village of Kurosawa is besieged by a series of mysterious disappearances. They seek our aid, and I believe it can serve as a good tempering for my students and avoid the troubled times, also let their troubled hearts regain confidence."
Tsunade nodded, her expression contemplative. "I have heard rumors of the unsettling events revolving around your students," she acknowledged.
"It seems a dark cloud has descended upon one of their clans. Are you prepared to undertake this mission, Kurenai? The Kurosawa village is located near the border, and it may be a bit far for support. The path ahead may be treacherous, it's good to avoid the wind but that man may not sit still."
A flicker of determination flashed across Kurenai's features as she met Tsunade's gaze. "I am ready, Tsunade-sama," she affirmed, her voice carrying a resolute tone. "With the strength of my team and our unwavering resolve, we shall unravel the mystery that plagues Kurosawa village, and break through any obstacles in our way. I swear, by my life, the future of our village will return intact."
Tsunade's eyes softened, an air of trust enveloping the room. "Very well," she conceded, her voice filled with a quiet confidence. "I look forward to your return, Kurenai. I believe you're a strong woman and it's good you are willing to pay heed to the genins, and I hope after this mission, you can believe in your children and entrust it to them. Their future is waiting, I can bet on it-"
"Tsunade-sama!" Shizune's timely interruption disrupted the conversation, her presence marked by the hushed whisper of paper meeting wood as she deposited yet another stack of documents upon Tsunade's desk, eliciting an unexpected flinch from the Hokage herself.
"Alright, alright, I get it, Shizune. Really, if you don't want me to say it, then you should find me a good place and let me release some steam. This time, I'm sure I will win them all back..."
Ignoring the comedic antics between the teacher and student, with a bow of gratitude, Kurenai turned to depart, her steps infused with purpose and determination, yet a hint of envy couldn't help but arise in her heart. If only her student was as easy to get along with.
Oh, it was but a wistful thought, for even her thoughts were no longer under her control.
She could feel it – the palpable sense of devotion tingling through her veins, the brewing willingness to relinquish herself and give everything to him. Yet, she was left acutely aware that her allegiance had become an inescapable entanglement, where even the threads of her own existence were no longer subject to her command.
Even now, within the depths of her being, there was a disconcerting absence of resistance. There was no escape, she could only belong to him sooner or later.
With a determined shake of her head, Kurenai banished the melancholic tendrils of thought, refusing to succumb to the weight of sorrow that threatened to ensnare her, as she embraced a resolute focus on the task at hand.
The mission to Kurosawa awaited, and she would lead her team through the labyrinthine mysteries that awaited them, driven by a shared conviction to fulfill his purpose.
The stage was set, the players poised, and the destiny of Kurosawa village hung in the balance as the tale of Team 8 began to unfold. Will it be one of growth… or tragedy?
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票