Sakura's eyes widened as she connected the dots. The same chakra signature, the same technique... It was unmistakable. The attacker who had struck Yamato and the Uzumaki house was one and the same. A chill ran down her spine, and her breath caught in her throat.
Fear crept into her heart, threatening to overwhelm her. She had been so focused on uncovering the truth, but now the reality of the situation hit her like a ton of bricks. The attacker's motives were still unknown, but his skills were undeniable.
Just as Sakura's anxiety began to spiral, a faint whisper broke the silence.
" Inform... Naruto... the turtle... must not... get in his hands..."
Sakura's gaze snapped to the bedside, where Shikamaru lay motionless, his eyes closed. She had thought him unconscious, but his weak voice carried an urgency that sent shivers down her spine.
"Our village's safety... in the hands of... the turtle's safety..."
Shikamaru's words trailed off, and his chest rose and fell with shallow breaths. Sakura's eyes locked onto his pale face, her mind racing.
Turtle? What turtle? And who was this mysterious attacker? Sakura's thoughts swirled with questions.
"Shikamaru, who's the turtle? What do you mean?" Sakura asked her voice laced with urgency.
But Shikamaru's eyes remained closed, his expression serene. His chest continued to rise and fall, the only sign of life.
Sakura stood frozen, her mind reeling from Shikamaru's enigmatic words. Yamato and Boruto watched her, concern etched on their faces.
"Sakura... uh... is everything alright?" Yamato asked, his voice soft and cautious.
Before Sakura could respond, the door slid open, and a frantic voice pierced the air.
"Mama!! Shizune-san fled away from the hospital!!"
Sakura's trance broke, and she turned toward the speaker. Her daughter, Sarada, stood in the doorway, her eyes wide with worry. Mitsuki stood beside her, his expression equally alarmed.
Sarada rushed forward, her words tumbling out. "Mama, we were bringing the wounded villagers to the hospital... and the nurses told us Shizune-san just got up and left! They're really worried! One of the medic-nin asked us to inform you immediately."
Mitsuki nodded in agreement. "We didn't know what to do, Sakura-san. The nurses seemed panicked," he added.
Sakura's thoughts scrambled to process this new information. Shizune, the skilled medical-nin, fleeing the hospital? It made no sense, especially with the village already reeling from the attacks.
Yamato's eyes narrowed. "Shizune-san's expertise is crucial right now. Her leaving doesn't make sense."
Boruto frowned,"Could she be in danger?"
Sakura's instincts screamed that something was terribly wrong. She glanced at Shikamaru, still unconscious, and his cryptic words echoed in her mind: "The turtle's safety..."
Sakura's mind reeled as she struggled to analyze the sudden, dramatic turn of events. The revelation that Shizune had fled the hospital compounded the chaos.
As a skilled medical-nin, Sakura knew she had to tend to the wounded immediately. With Shizune gone, the burden fell squarely on her shoulders.
But another concern nagged at her: Yamato's safety. The attacker might target him again, and Sakura couldn't shake the feeling of vulnerability.
Her thoughts swirled, a maelstrom of worry and urgency. Had the information about securing the mysterious turtle reached the wrong hands?
Just as Sakura's anxiety began to overwhelm her, a clear course of action crystallized.
"Boruto, you'll go to Kakashi Sensei or Sai and tell them that the turtle needs to be secured... the man is after the turtle!" Sakura urged, her voice low and urgent.
Boruto's eyes widened, curiosity and alarm mixing on his face.
"Wait a minute! What turtle? Don't tell me it's—"
Sakura's firm tone cut him off, her expression serious.
"Don't ask, Boruto. They'll understand. I'm sure of it."
Boruto's gaze locked onto Sakura's, searching for answers. But Sakura's resolute expression brooked no discussion.
Sakura's gaze shifted to Sarada and Mitsuki, her expression grave.
"You two will stay here in this room and ensure Yamato Taichou's safety," she instructed, her voice low and serious.
Sarada's eyes widened, and Mitsuki's brow furrowed.
"There is a man who attacked him," Sakura continued, her words dropping like stones, "and he is the same man who is causing all this destruction."
The room fell silent, as if the weight of Sakura's words had sucked the air out.
Boruto's eyes darted to Yamato, then back to Sakura, shock etched on his face.
Sarada's face paled.Mitsuki's jaw clenched.
Yamato, still lying on the bed, remained silent, his thoughts swirling behind closed eyes.
The revelation hung in the air like a challenge.
Sakura's serious tone left no room for questions.
Without another word, Sakura turned and strode toward the door.
Her long strides devoured the distance, her determination palpable.
She pushed open the door and stepped out into the chaos beyond, leaving the others to process her words.
The door slid shut behind her, enclosing the tense silence.
Sakura disappeared from view, her focus fixed on the wounded, her heart heavy with concern.
The door closed behind Sakura, plunging the room into silence.
Sarada's eyes drifted to Yamato, her mind racing with doubts. Could she truly protect him from the man wreaking havoc on the village?
Boruto's jaw clenched, resolve etched on his face. He had to inform Kakashi or Sai, no matter the risk. Lives depended on it.
Mitsuki's brow furrowed, confusion swirling in his eyes. How did everything unravel so quickly? Just yesterday, they were focused on the Chunin Exams' second round. Now, chaos reigned.
Yamato lay still, his thoughts consumed by guilt. If only he hadn't gone to that location... Perhaps the village wouldn't be suffering. People like Shikamaru, battered and bruised beside him, wouldn't be paying the price.
Yamato's gaze fell on Shikamaru, his sorry state piercing Yamato's heart like a dagger.
Regret and self-blame warred within him.
The room's atmosphere grew heavier, weighted by unspoken fears and uncertainties.
Sarada's determination, Boruto's resolve, Mitsuki's confusion, and Yamato's guilt hung in the air, a palpable, suffocating presence.
Boruto's thoughts swirled, strategizing how to reach Kakashi amidst the chaos. His mind replayed the attacker's face, fueling his determination.
"Boruto, where were you all this time?" Mitsuki asked, concern etched on his face, his eyes soft with empathy.
Boruto's gaze shifted, his eyes clouding. Memories of the attack flooded back.
"Uh... me? Well, I was at home," Boruto began, his voice hesitant.
Mitsuki leaned in, encouraging,"What happened?"
Boruto's voice cracked,"The house got attacked. I came here with Shikamaru-san to seek help for him... cause he got hurt because..."
Guilt and regret washed over Boruto. He recalled opening the door, Himawari's frightened face, their separation.
"Is something the matter, Boruto?" Sarada asked, observing his turmoil.
Boruto's eyes dropped,"Where is Hinata san?" Sarada's question cut to the heart.
Boruto's voice barely above a whisper.
"Mom went to the Hyuga Clan to visit Hanabi Nee-chan. Himawari and I were home... then that man came. We got separated."
Sarada's eyes widened, shock and worry mixing,"What?! You were separated from Himawari?!"
Mitsuki's face mirrored Sarada's alarm,"Your sister got separated from you?"
Boruto's face fell, anguish written across it.
"Yeah... Mom trusted her to me, but I couldn't... I failed." His voice trailed off, tears threatening.
Mitsuki's reassuring hand clamped onto Boruto's shoulder.
"It's not your fault, Boruto. We'll find Himawari-chan. I promise."
Boruto's gaze lifted, gratitude and hope flickering.Sarada stepped forward.
"Mitsuki's right. He'll find Himawari-chan. You'll inform Rokudaime Sama about the information, and I'll stay here guarding Yamato-san."
Boruto's eyes welled up, emotion overflowing.
"You guys... you'll help me?"
Mitsuki smiled,"Of course, Boruto. We're a team."
Sarada nodded,"We'll get through this together."
Boruto's smile broke through, tears glistening. "Thank you!"
Boruto said,"I had asked her to wait for me at the Ninja Academy."
Then mitsuki nodded saying,"Leave it to me."
Mitsuki and Sarada shared a warm smile with Boruto.With newfound resolve, Boruto and Mitsuki moved to the window.Sarada's parting words carried weight.
"Be careful. We're counting on you both." In unison, Boruto and Mitsuki replied.
"Yeah."
They slipped out into the unknown, leaving Sarada to guard Yamato.
As Boruto and Mitsuki departed, Sarada's gaze lingered on the window. Her thoughts swirled, a mix of concern and surprise.
Boruto's tears still lingered in her mind. She had never seen him so vulnerable.
"Poor Boruto," Sarada thought, sympathy flooding her heart. "He's blaming himself for everything. I wish I could tell him it's not his fault, that he didn't fail."
As she watched Boruto disappear into the chaos, her mind naturally shifted to the task at hand.
Now, she was alone with Yamato, injured and dependent on her protection. A surge of determination coursed through her veins.
"Protecting Yamato-san is my priority," Sarada reminded herself. "Can I truly keep him safe? Am I ready to give my life for him if needed?"
Doubt crept in, but Sarada pushed it aside, focusing on her resolve.
Just as she steadied her nerves, a nagging question resurfaced.
Shizune's sudden departure weighed heavily on her mind.
"Shizune-san's absence feels odd," Sarada thought, furrowing her brow. "She's always been a steady presence, a trusted mentor. What could have driven her away at such a critical time?"
Memories of Shizune's expertise and guidance flashed through Sarada's mind, deepening her concern.
"Is she hurt? Did something happen to her? Or did she receive some urgent message?"
The unanswered questions swirled, fueling Sarada's unease.
The village was ablaze, chaos gripping its streets. Shinobi rushed to evacuate civilians, their voices urgent, mingling with screams and panicked shouts.
Amidst the turmoil, a woman with short, dark blue hair and piercing purple eyes emerged, her elegant features etched with worry. Her pale skin seemed almost translucent in the fading light.
She wore a light lavender sweater, its softness contrasting with the fear hardening her face. Black pants hugged her legs, practical for movement.
The sounds of explosions and attacks grew louder, echoing from Senju Park. Flames danced, casting flickering shadows on the streets.
The woman's gaze darted, searching for a glimpse of familiarity. Her eyes scanned the crowds, desperate to find two precious faces.
Her thoughts swirled, memories of her children's laughter and smiles now tainted by fear. Boruto's mischievous grin and Himawari's gentle smile haunted her.
She had left to visit the Hyuga Clan, never imagining the danger that would unfold. The peaceful morning now seemed like a lifetime ago.
Upon returning, Moegi's promise echoed in her mind.
"I'll bring Boruto and Himawari to the shelter, Hinata-san."
But Moegi never arrived.
The woman's anxiety spiraled. Doubt crept in, her mind racing with worst-case scenarios.
"What if they're hurt? What if Moegi couldn't find them?"
She pushed aside the thoughts, focusing on her children's faces.
Her feet carried her toward her residence, driven by hope.
Maybe, just maybe, her children would be there.
As she turned a corner, her home came into view. The familiar architecture offered a fleeting sense of comfort.
She quickened her pace, her heart pounding.
The door seemed to loom before her, its silence ominous.
With a deep breath, she pushed it open.
"Boruto! Himawari!"
The silence was deafening.
Hinata's desperate cries echoed through the ravaged house, "Boruto...Himawari!! Please answer me!" Her voice cracked, heart heavy with worry.
She frantically scanned the room, eyes scanning every inch, searching for any sign of her children.
The silence was oppressive, punctuated only by the creaks and groans of the damaged house.
Suddenly, a hand settled on her shoulder.
Hinata's instincts flared, adrenaline surging through her veins like a tidal wave.Fear gripped her, primal and overwhelming.She screamed, her voice piercing the air, as she spun around, hands raised in a defensive stance.
Her body tensed, ready to strike, her mind racing with worst-case scenarios.
Enemy. Danger. Protect herself.
The face before her was a blur, but her instincts didn't care.She was ready to defend herself, to fight for her life.But before her hands connected, a firm grasp enclosed her wrist.
The touch was like a lifeline, pulling her back from the brink. "Relax..." a familiar voice whispered, gentle and soothing.
Hinata's gaze locked onto a fugure which was none other than Shizune. Shizune's face, illuminated by the faint light.Her panic ebbed, replaced by relief and confusion.
"Shizune-san..." she stammered, uncertainty creeping into her voice.Shizune's expression was...off. Her eyes seemed duller, her smile absent.The usual warmth and kindness were replaced by a neutral mask.
But Hinata's trust in Shizune overrode her doubts.Shizune was here. That's all that mattered.
"Shizune-san, what are you doing here?" Hinata asked, her voice laced with wariness.
Shizune's grip on her hand remained firm, a steady anchor in the chaos.
"I think you were looking for something," Shizune replied, her voice low and measured.
Hinata's mind snapped back to her children.
"Boruto...Himawari! Please answer me! It's your mom!" she cried out, her voice cracking. Shizune's expression didn't change.
Hinata's unease grew, but she pushed it aside... As she looked into Shizune's eye's .Something didn't feel right to her.
Shizune started to go upstairs towards Boruto's room.
Hinata followed Shizune upstairs, her heart filled with gratitude. The silence between them was complete, but Hinata didn't notice. She was too busy envisioning her reunion with Boruto and Himawari.
As they climbed, Hinata asked, "Shizune-san, do you know what happened here when I was not here?" Shizune's voice was flat. "Shikaku's brat got hurt, because of your son...then your son left the house with him."
Hinata's brow furrowed. What did Shizune mean? Shikaku's son...isn't that Shikamaru-kun? Why would Shizune-san adress Shikamaru-kunas 'Shikaku's brat'?
Hinata stopped on the stairs, turning to Shizune. "Erm...Shizune-san..." But Shizune opened the door, her eyes locked onto Hinata's. "Over here...Here are your children."
Hinata entered the room happily, her voice filled with relief. "Boruto...Himawari..." But the room was pitch black, the lights extinguished. Hinata's smile faltered.
Where were her children? Why was it so dark? A shiver ran down her spine.
Hinata's eyes scanned the dark room, her heart sinking. "Shizune-san, my children, they're not—"
But before she could finish, Shizune's fist hurtled toward her face.
Hinata dodged barely in time, her eyes widening in shock. Shizune's punch crashed into the wall, leaving a gaping dent.
"Shizune-san, what are you—"
There was no time for questions. Shizune's leg swung out, striking Hinata's abdomen.
Hinata flew across the room, crashing into the hallway wall. She slid to the floor, gasping.
Shizune's smile twisted, her eyes glinting. "Heh...so weak. And people call you Hokage's wife."
Hinata's shock gave way to alarm. What had happened to Shizune? She struggled to rise, her eyes locked onto Shizune's.
But Shizune's gaze seemed different, colder. Hinata's instincts screamed warning.
Hinata wiped the blood from her mouth, her eyes locked onto Shizune's as she stood up, her tone laced with a mix of concern and caution. "You're not the Shizune-san that I know." The words hung in the air, heavy with uncertainty.
Shizune's smile twisted, her voice low and menacing. "Heh...then you have all the rights to kill this woman." Her eyes seemed to gleam with a malevolent intensity, sending a shiver down Hinata's spine.
Seeking answers, Hinata activated her Byakugan. "Byakugan!" she whispered, her eyes transforming as the Hyuga clan's treasure awakened. The room exploded into vibrant colors, chakra signatures flaring like white threads.
Shizune's signature pulsed, familiar yet distorted. The flow was erratic, like a turbulent river crashing against the shore. Hinata's gaze locked onto Shizune's eyes, searching for a glimmer of the woman she once knew. But something was off, a subtle yet unmistakable shift.
Hinata's heart sank, her mind racing with possibilities.
Her voice barely escaped her lips. "What?!" The word echoed through the hallway, a mixture of shock, horror, and despair.
Hinata's mind racing, she grasped the situation. Shizune was trapped in a genjutsu, her mind manipulated by an unseen force. Determination hardened Hinata's resolve. She had to break the genjutsu, free Shizune from its grasp.
But first, she needed to get close.
Shizune's eyes flashed with hostility, her stance tense. "Come closer, Hokage's wife," she sneered. "Let's see how long you last."
Hinata approached cautiously, her Byakugan scanning Shizune's chakra signature. The distorted flow pulsed with dark energy, making Hinata's skin crawl.
As she drew nearer, Shizune unleashed a flurry of punches. Hinata dodged, her movements fluid, but Shizune's speed and agility had increased.
A kick sent Hinata crashing into the wall. She rebounded swiftly, her eyes locked onto Shizune's.
Shizune's smile twisted. "You're no match for me."
Hinata charged forward, her fists clenched. Shizune countered with a vicious uppercut, but Hinata sidestepped, her Byakugan guiding her.
The battle raged on, their movements blurring. Hinata's focus narrowed to a single goal: reach Shizune.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Hinata saw her chance.
With a swift motion, she closed the distance, her hand extending toward Shizune's shoulder.
Shizune's eyes widened, her arm rising to block, but Hinata was relentless.
Her fingers brushed against Shizune's shoulder, making contact.
Hinata's fingers wrapped around Shizune's shoulder, her chakra surging through the contact. She focused her energy, attempting to dispel the genjutsu.
But the genjutsu held firm, its grip on Shizune's mind unyielding. Shizune's eyes flashed with malice. Her legs seemed to shimmer, revealing hidden kunai.
With deadly precision, Shizune struck. Hinata barely reacted in time, but a kunai sliced across her cheek, below her left eye.
A crimson gash opened, blood trickling down Hinata's face. She recoiled, her hand releasing Shizune's shoulder.
Pain seared through her cheek, but Hinata's concern was Shizune. Why hadn't the genjutsu broken? What dark force held Shizune captive?
Hinata's gaze locked onto Shizune's, searching for a glimmer of recognition. But Shizune's eyes remained cold, unforgiving.
"You're weak," Shizune spat, her voice dripping with venom.
Hinata's mind raced, seeking answers. Why hadn't the genjutsu broken? A memory stirred, recalling her father's lesson: "If a genjutsu resists breaking, consider the impossible...Uchiha Clan's genjutsu...the Sharingan's influence."
Her thoughts echoed with alarm. Only two Sharingan users existed: Sarada and Sasuke. But neither would manipulate Shizune like this. Hinata's doubts swirled.
Who could be behind this sinister genjutsu?
Breaking it became her top priority.
Shizune's gaze seemed to pierce through Hinata, her eyes gleaming with an otherworldly intensity.
Hinata steeled herself. She had to shatter the genjutsu, no matter the cost.
Hinata's eyes locked onto Shizune's, her mind racing with a delicate strategy. To free Shizune from the genjutsu, she needed to disrupt the controlling chakra. The Gentle Fist, her clan's signature technique, was her best bet.
With precision, Hinata focused her chakra, targeting the specific point that would knock Shizune's controlled chakra off balance. Her hands formed the intricate seals, her fingers extended in a gentle yet potent gesture.
The air vibrated with anticipation as Hinata's fingers hovered inches from Shizune's skin. Shizune's gaze seemed to falter, a fleeting glimmer of the woman beneath the genjutsu.
And in that instant, Hinata struck. Shizune's eyes widened, her body stiffening.
---
Quiz Question:
What motivates Hinata to use the Gentle Fist technique on Shizune?
A) To defeat Shizune and protect herself
B) To break the genjutsu controlling Shizune
C) To test Shizune's strength
D) To provoke Shizune's attacker
Share your answer in the comments below!