Chapter 147: Pakura's Change
Pakura didn't believe Sasuke was sincere in the deal until he sent Sandfall and Kuji Tokiwa almost a hundred miles away, and she saw them disappear into the mountain gorges. She knew that with the limited personnel of the Konoha Hundred, it was unlikely they would send troops to pursue them.
"Pakura, when I lift the seal, you won't think of running away, will you?" Sasuke threatened her, staring intently into her eyes. "Or do you want those dozens of captive Sunagakure ninjas to die because of you?"
"Hmph!" she snorted, but promised proudly: "White Blood Demon, I don't have as many conspiracies as you. As long as you keep your promise, I won't bother leaving."
"Good," Sasuke nodded.
"What are you waiting for? Unlock me now!" she said, turning her back to him.
Sasuke noticed her attire, more practical for desert combat than modest. It was a strange combination of innocent appearance and the reputation of a lethal warrior. Calmly, he performed the hand seals and pressed both hands onto her back, undoing the formula.
"Ying Ning~," she felt a tingle and couldn't help but softly moan. The rub of his hands and the chakra returning to her body caused her inexplicable embarrassment.
"Alright," Sasuke said after a moment.
Once released, Pakura felt weak and slumped. Sasuke caught her to prevent her from falling. "Are you okay?" he asked, worried that the seal had weakened her. He needed her Scorching Release power for the upcoming battle.
"Don't take your filthy hands off me," she said, recovering. Her face flushed, and she slapped his hands away. When Sasuke let go, his fingers brushed her skin for an instant, a contact that felt strangely intimate in the tense situation.
"Hmm~," she moaned again, and then reacted. "Pervert, die!" she shouted, embarrassed and furious, kicking him.
Sasuke dodged her. "Misunderstanding, it was all a misunderstanding."
"Hmph! Pervert!" she snorted.
"Time is short, let's head back," he said, changing the subject. He called Shirotaka, who landed in front of them. Sasuke jumped onto its back, and Pakura reluctantly followed. The space was limited, and their bodies were almost touching, which enraged her again.
In the air, a glint of killing intent flashed in her eyes. She was about to unleash a scorching fire ball at Sasuke's back. But she stopped. She knew the White Blood Demon was cunning; he must have a contingency plan. And if she killed him, the Konoha Hundred would undoubtedly slaughter the prisoners.
"Hey, don't you want to try it?" Sasuke's mocking voice echoed in her ears. "What if the sneak attack succeeded? I thought you wouldn't be able to resist, so I could have an excuse to kill one or two of the captives and wake you up. What a shame!"
"Hmph! You truly have evil intentions," she said, terrified. She had almost fallen into his trap.
"Hehe!" he smiled. Under the intuition of his radar, Pakura's secret actions were visible. He had tested her and confirmed that she genuinely cared about the prisoners.
Feeling the warm breath of his laughter in her ear, Pakura was filled with shame and indignation. She wanted to burn him into a mummy, but she could only surrender, feeling an unprecedented helplessness.
When they returned, Tekudo, seeing the once arrogant Pakura now docile behind their captain, gave him a thumbs-up in admiration. Kurama Kon, on the other hand, became a little depressed, her hostility towards the Sunagakure kunoichi transforming into envy.
With Pakura finally "honest," Sasuke felt relieved and prepared to lead his forces.
"Let's go!" he gestured with his hand, and the elite Konoha Hundred headed to the ambush site.
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