章節 82: Prison Break
Kiba laid on a comfortable futon in the corner of the room, his body still aching from the last mission. The wounds were healing well, thanks to the medical ninjas, and the seals had been broken, but according to Kurenai sensei, he still needed rest to fully recover.
Shino stood nearby, his stoic expression revealing his 'concern' for his teammate and 'friend'.
"Kiba-kun, you should take it easy," Hinata advised, her voice laced with worry. "You pushed yourself too hard back there. Rest is crucial for a complete recovery."
Kiba groaned softly and shifted his position. "Yeah, yeah, I know, Hinata. But I can't just lie here while you and Shino train without me… again."
Shino's eyebrow arched slightly as he glanced towards Kiba, a sly smile on his face. "I understand your eagerness, Kiba, but remember, training while injured will only-"
Kiba's habit kicked in, "Yeah, yeah, I know. But don't worry, I'm already bet- Arghhhh!"
Kiba's scream reverberated in the room as he clutched his head, clearly in pain.
"Kiba-kun!" Hinata's cried, her voice laced with worry, but she didn't know what to do.
As his scream quickly faded away, Akamaru whimpered besides him, nudging Kiba's legs to comfort him.
"It seems you haven't recovered yet, Kiba." Shino's gaze flickered towards Hinata once again. "I spoke to Kurenai sensei earlier. She agreed to bring Hinata and me for joint training sessions, but she demanded that you rest and recover."
"Damn it…why is this happening," Kiba growled, his eyes staring at Shino as he clutched his forehead, "I'll rest up then, Shino. If Naruto shows up, just make sure Hinata doesn't faint from nervousness, alright?"
"K-Kiba-kun, it's not like that!" Hinata denied, a blush on her face as her eyes peeked towards Shino.
Shino offered a faint smile, appreciating Kiba's cooperation. "I'll take care of her, Kiba. Don't worry."
As Kiba closed his eyes, succumbing to much-needed rest, Shino gestured for Hinata to join him in the training area. She hesitated for a moment, glancing back at Kiba's resting form before following Shino with a determined look in her eyes.
They found themselves in a spacious clearing, surrounded by tall trees that whispered in the gentle breeze, alone.
Hinata's head remained bowed, her fingers fidgeting restlessly, betraying an underlying tension. "Shino-kun, where is Kurenai sensei?"
"Today, I'll be training you. Kurenai sensei is watching from afar. You can find her with your Byakugan if you don't believe me," Shino stood ready, wearing his signature sunglasses and a calm demeanor.
"Mm. I believe you, Shino-kun," Hinata couldn't help but feel a mix of nervousness and excitement.
Shino approached Hinata and spoke in his usual composed tone. "Hinata, this training will be essential for our growth as a team. You have exceptional potential, and I believe in your abilities. Let's use this time to hone your skills and... strengthen our bond."
A subtle heat crept across Hinata's cheeks as she nodded in agreement, her voice barely rising above a whisper. "I... I'll do my best, Shino-kun."
The clone, a perfect replica of Shino, stepped forward and began demonstrating various taijutsu techniques optimized by Karina. He moved fluidly, his strikes precise and controlled. Hinata watched intently, absorbing every detail.
"Mm. It's your turn, Hinata. Focus on your breathing and your surroundings, Hinata," With a commanding tone, Shino positioned himself behind Hinata, his strong arms enveloping her small form, guiding their synchronized movements with a purposeful intent. "Be aware of the insects around us. Maintain situational awareness. They are your targets."
Hinata followed Shino's instructions, her eyes darting around as she connected with her chakra. She could sense the presence of the insects, their gentle hum harmonizing with her own energy, and the gentle hum coming from behind her… no, focus, Hinata!
The training session continued, Shino and the clone guiding Hinata through various exercises. They worked on her agility, precision, and combat instincts. With each passing minute, Hinata's movements became more fluid, her strikes gaining strength and accuracy.
Meanwhile, Kurenai stood on the rooftop of a nearby tree, observing the duo, her eyes betraying a hint of helplessness. She was pushing her student into the fire pit herself, yet there was nothing she could do about it.
Suddenly, her eyes fixated on the twilight sky. A messenger bird soared through the air, circling above her position. She knew it was a summons from Tsunade, the Hokage herself.
With a flicker, she appeared besides the training duo, her voice carrying a mix of urgency and concern. "Shino, I've been summoned by Lady Tsunade. Something important has come up. I need to leave immediately. Please continue the training with Hinata."
Shino's expression remained composed, "Understood."
As Kurenai hurried away, Shino's clone continued to train with Hinata. Meanwhile, his main body's attention was already focused elsewhere, preoccupied with the preparations for his harvest.
Shino and Karina stood in a dimly lit room, surrounded by holographic displays flickering with information. The tension in the air was palpable as they discussed their preparations for the impending prison break event orchestrated by Mizuki.
Karina, her voice laced with confidence, reported, "I've already deployed our army of Zergs throughout Konoha. They're positioned strategically to intercept and harvest any prisoners we come across."
Shino nodded approvingly. "Good. All that biomass should not go to waste. It was difficult to harvest them while they remained safely under the protection of the Konoha guards, but once they're out, it's a different story."
He paused for a moment, his eyes gleaming with a calculating glint. "Remember, let Mizuki pass. We need him to lead us to the secret research base of the Nara clan. With Mizuki as our scapegoat, we can rummage through and plunder their clan's research without revealing ourselves."
Karina's expression hardened as she absorbed Shino's words. "Understood. The layout around the research base has been prepared. We will lie in wait for Mizuki to knock out the guards and researchers before infiltrating."
Shino leaned closer, his voice low and calculated. "And don't forget about the incomplete strengthening formula and data on the idiot who volunteered for the experiment. Also, retrieve the blood samples of Raijin and Fujin. Their genetic makeup could prove invaluable for enhancing Spiderman's strength."
Karina's brow furrowed in curiosity. "Why not take them completely?"
Shino's eyes narrowed, a shadow of caution crossing his face. "We must consider the risks. Outside of Naruto, they will encounter Shikamaru, who possesses a high IQ, and their past entanglement with Tsunade remain unclear. Plus, their strength surpasses that of the average criminal, and it will be challenging to capture them without causing a commotion unless we recall our Tobey clone, which is clearly not an option."
Karina nodded, her expression resolute. "I understand. We must proceed with caution and avoid unnecessary complications."
"Good. Now deploy some units to escort Kurenai into the Maximum Security Prison."
"Hmm? Is Shino-sama perhaps worried about his little lover?" Karina's lips curved into a pout, her dissatisfaction evident as she heard Shino's command.
Shino nodded as he wrapped his arm around Karina's waist, "Honestly, this teacher of mine only brings me worries, rushing head on with her lover into a prison, full of criminals who lack a women to vent… Did she ever think about what would happen when she is defeated? Although nothing happened in the original anime, this is reality. She belongs to me now, and I can't risk others defiling her. Don't be jealous, Karina, I would do the same for you."
"Mm." Karina's neck tingled as she felt the warm breath against her skin, a sultry sigh escaping her lips, a mix of pleasure and frustration over Shino's persistent concerns. "I understand, my dear. Don't worry, I will ensure Kurenai is safe."
"Very good. Then, let's get this filler over with so I can fill'er up." Shino emitted a low grunt, his actions fluid and calculated, as he skillfully maneuvered through the holographic displays, playing and watching the filler.
The night air whipped against Kurenai and Asuma as they raced across a long bridge, their footsteps echoing through the darkness. The bridge stretched out before them, leading them to the foreboding Maximum Security Prison.
Their mission weighed heavily on their minds, but there was an unspoken tension between them that begged to be addressed.
Asuma, his voice laced with concern, broke the silence. "Kurenai, is everything alright? You've been avoiding me lately."
Kurenai glanced at Asuma, her expression guarded. "I'm fine, Asuma. Just busy with training my students after the recent mission failure. I want them to be independent by our next mission. Many other genin teams have already achieved that level of self-sufficiency. I... I envy you for having a student like Shikamaru."
Asuma let out a low chuckle, his breath mingling with the swirling smoke from his cigarette. "Isn't Shino the same? He's become quite the capable shinobi under your guidance."
Kurenai's silence spoke volumes. Asuma sensed her inner turmoil and probed further. "What's wrong, Kurenai?"
With a wry smile, Kurenai replied, her voice tinged with a mixture of resignation and unease. "It's nothing, really. It's just... unsettling to always have my student be the target of that person."
Asuma's brows furrowed in concern as he considered Kurenai's words. He took a deep drag of his cigarette, exhaling a plume of smoke into the night sky before speaking. "Kurenai, you know the Aburame clan will protect Shino. They are skilled and dedicated. Everything will work out eventually. But for now, we need to focus on our mission."
Kurenai nodded, her eyes reflecting a mix of sorrow and apprehension. She couldn't tell him the truth.
As they reached the midpoint of the bridge, the moon's glow casting an ethereal light upon their faces, both of the couple's face was a calm facade, but the true emotions brewing beneath was unknown. However, the mission didn't allow them to be distracted by their emotions. They both knew that.
With renewed determination, they quickened their pace, their steps becoming resolute. The Maximum Security Prison loomed ahead, a fortress of shadows and secrets.
Approaching the foreboding prison, Kurenai's senses tingled with a growing unease. There was an eerie silence hanging in the air, unsettling her instincts. She warned Asuma, but, against her better judgment, she and Asuma pressed forward, their determination overriding the nagging doubts in their minds.
As they stepped through the prison gates, the silence remained unbroken. Kurenai's gaze swept across the desolate surroundings, her instincts screaming that something was amiss. Yet, they continued, cautiously but unwavering in their resolve.
It took mere minutes for their ill-fated decision to reveal its dire consequences. Like a merciless wave, the criminals descended upon them, overwhelming the duo with sheer numbers and ferocity. Kurenai and Asuma fought valiantly, but the odds were stacked against them.
Soon, they found themselves defeated and sprawled upon the cold, unforgiving ground. Most of the criminals, their target Mizuki in tow, departed triumphantly. However, a few of the remaining criminals, their eyes filled with lustful intent, leered at the exhausted Kurenai, who valiantly defended the unconscious Asuma despite the fact she could escape.
Shino, watching the events unfold from his holographic broadcast, remained calm and calculated. His eyes flickered to another screen, where Naruto was sprinting towards the prison, still some distance away. He shook his head, knowing the danger that awaited his teacher, and turned to Karina, his voice firm.
"Eliminate the scums," he instructed, the weight of the situation reflected in his tone.
With a swift nod, Karina commanded the bugs hidden in the shadows, her skills honed and deadly.
Meanwhile, Kurenai's eyes quivered with a mix of desperation and anticipation. She knew that her fate hung in the balance, a fate worse than death for female ninjas.
But in an instant, a swarm of invisible insects erupted from Kurenai's body, their hunger insatiable. They enveloped the remaining criminals, devouring their flesh mercilessly. The sound of their agonized screams filled the air, mingling with Kurenai's gasps.
As the bugs returned to her body, Kurenai's tense body relaxed as she breathed softly, her voice a fragile echo amidst the chaos. "Thank you."
With the immediate threat neutralized, Kurenai gathered her remaining strength, collecting the corpses into scrolls before gently lifting the unconscious Asuma from the ground. The weight of her wounded lover pressed upon her, but determination fueled her every step as she made her way out of the blood-stained prison.
Meanwhile, Naruto, unaware of the carnage that had unfolded, finally reached the prison entrance. His eyes widened in confusion as he beheld a scene of blood stains and emptiness. Questions raced through his mind, "Where is everyone? Is this the wrong prison? Did I get lost?"
The following day, Tsunade's anger and shock reverberated through the room as she slammed her hand on the table. Her face, contorted with frustration, demanded answers as she received the report of the ransacked Nara clan research facility. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily upon her, and she wasted no time in seeking information.
"Are there any leads on who could be responsible for this?" Tsunade's voice crackled with urgency, her eyes fixed on Shizune.
Shizune, her voice tinged with a hint of disappointment, responded, "No, Lady Tsunade. The only lead we have is Mizuki, but he claims innocence. You're well aware of the results of our interrogation."
Tsunade clenched her teeth, her lips pressed into a thin line. "Why does anything related to Orochimaru have to be so damn troublesome?" she muttered under her breath, her frustration evident.
Shizune continued her report, delivering more unsettling news. "Most of the escaped criminals remain missing. We cannot determine if they managed to escape or are hiding within the shadows."
Tsunade's hand moved to rub her temples, her expression marked with deep distress. "It's inconceivable that this could happen without an insider's involvement. But we have no leads, and the methods used are all too familiar, just like that old man's."
"Old man?"
"Danzo."
The weight of their helplessness settled upon them, a stifling silence enveloping the room. Shizune's gaze met Tsunade's, both understanding the futility of their pursuit against the cunning old man concealed within the very walls of Konoha.
Shizune's voice cut through the heavy air, bringing a new concern to the forefront. "What should we do about the complaints regarding your alleged dereliction of duty, Lady Tsunade?"
Tsunade waved her hand dismissively, her focus fixed on the greater issues at hand. "Ignore them for now. We have more pressing matters to attend to."
She then shifted her attention to the condition of Kurenai and Asuma, their injuries weighing heavily on her mind.
Shizune relayed the news, informing Tsunade that Asuma was confined to his bed, while Kurenai was in a better state, expected to make a full recovery soon. The fact that Kurenai had even expressed a willingness to check on available tasks filled Tsunade with a sense of relief.
Breathing a sigh tinged with gratitude, Tsunade uttered, "Fortunately, we didn't lose too much combat power this time."
As Tsunade stamped a document in frustration, she couldn't help but voice her concerns, almost as if to the universe itself. "I just hope nothing else goes wrong. We can't afford any more setbacks."
Her ominous words seemed to foreshadow the treacherous road ahead.
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票