Chapter 385: Chapter 385: No Choice (Bonus)

Chapter 385: Chapter 385: No Choice (Bonus)



These enemies were beyond their league now.

The remaining Sunagakure shinobi were no fools; they heard a shout and scattered in all directions.

Running into Takuya meant survival wasn't about fighting back; it was about making it back to the village alive with any piece of intel they could muster.

"You guys, carry back the bodies of our comrades. Leave the remaining enemies to me."

After giving this order, Takuya disappeared, chasing after the fleeing Sunagakure shinobi. "Aaaah!!!"

One after another, the screams rang out as Takuya caught up with each fleeing ninja, taking them down with precision and ruthless efficiency.

The enemies were simply too slow; no matter how many directions they fled, they couldn't outrun Takuya.

"Get moving!"

The Konoha shinobi didn't waste time. They gathered up their comrades' bodies and made a quick retreat, heading straight for the camp to report the situation.

"I knew it!"

Shikashige couldn't help but slam the table when he heard what had happened. Hatake Sakumo, who'd just come back, couldn't help but laugh.

"Senior, even though the Ino-Shika-Cho clan alliance has tried to remain neutral, it seems you still can't avoid all this," Sakumo chuckled.

"What are you laughing at, huh? And the Hatake clan?" Shikashige grumbled.

It's bad enough that he was forced into taking command, but Sakumo actually had the nerve to laugh at him? Like he hadn't pushed all the work onto Shikashige in the first place. What

nerve.

Yeah, Sakumo wasn't smiling anymore.

The hostility and double standards from the higher-ups had already left Sakumo feeling disillusioned.

"Senior, the Hatake clan never really had a choice in the matter, did we?" Sakumo sighed.

Seeing Sakumo's bitter smile and the complicated expression on his face, Shikashige felt a pang of regret.

"Sorry, that's not what I meant. Honestly, Lady Tsunade is still a good choice-at least she's more reliable than Orochimaru."

Sakumo wasn't wrong. The Hatake clan had no choice. But did that mean Ino-Shika-Cho had a choice?

The moment Shikashige was called out by the Third Hokage, his options were pretty much set. Ino-Shika-Cho was equally pushed into siding with Tsunade.

If it came down to a choice between Tsunade and Orochimaru for the position of Fourth Hokage, Shikashige wouldn't hesitate to pick Tsunade.

Sure, Tsunade might be a "fat sheep" in terms of her penchant for gambling, but when it came to official duties, she was never one to falter.

Orochimaru, on the other hand-everyone knew that his partnership with Danzo spelled trouble.

"Forget it, let's not dwell on this," Shikashige sighed, waving his hand dismissively. "Let's talk about Takuya, that damn kid, instead."

Sakumo chuckled, got up, and headed for the exit. Before stepping out, he turned back and said, "Senior, since Takuya's got his own plans, let him test the waters on the battlefield. With his strength, even if he gets surrounded, he'll break through."

"I'll leave the camp matters to you. I have other things to take care of. I'll be off now."

"..."

Around the area were faint markings, simple crescent-shaped burn marks-symbols frequently used by Sunagakure scouts. Any Sunagakure shinobi who had been in contact with Pakura would immediately understand what they meant.

They found a cave to use as a resting spot, conveniently located near a stream, making

washing up easy.

"All yours," Takuya said, tossing some game and seasoning at Pakura before heading into the

cave to rest.

Pakura silently began prepping the game for cooking.

After they ate, Takuya tossed his dirty clothes at Pakura: "There's water up ahead. Wash these. And clean yourself up while you're at it. I don't like having a smelly woman around."

||||

Pakura's face flushed with anger as she stared at the pile of clothes, her voice trembling:

"You're pushing it too far."

"Oh?"

Takuya raised an eyebrow at her, shrugging. "Washing bandage wraps isn't that big a deal. Be grateful I didn't ask you to wash my underwear too."

He added, his tone full of teasing menace: "And make sure they're clean. If you mess them up on purpose, I'll use your clothes as replacements."

Bandages were a staple for shinobi; many wore them for various reasons, Takuya included.

He wrapped his arms and legs in them to reduce the strain on his body when using the Body Flicker or Lightning Release.

Sure, he had plenty of extra bandages, but making Pakura wash them was deliberate-a reminder of her position.

Serve me, fold the bedding, bring me tea-what, you think you can slack off, Pakura?

Someday, I'll repay every ounce of humiliation you've put me through, Pakura seethed, grabbing the clothes and bandages, her face dark as she headed towards the stream. Watching her storm off, Takuya whistled after her: "I've got a few spare outfits if you want to

borrow one."

"Wearing an open-back outfit all the time-you're gonna catch a cold, y'know."

She didn't respond, vanishing into the forest, and Takuya chuckled to himself. "Gave her plenty of chances along the way. She's probably left a whole trail of markers by now. I wonder if the Third Kazekage himself will come out," he muttered.

If he wanted to win against Sunagakure, the best move would be to exploit a weakness in the

Third Kazekage.

And if he could, he'd get a little payback too. He hadn't forgotten the way they'd chased him

around years ago.

That old man had even spread false information about him, leading more enemies to target

him.

Yeah, those grudges-Takuya still held onto them.

Next Bonus: 400-> 700 power stone

(P)(S): If you're interested, you can read up to chapter 450+ at Patreon com/ Emiko1.