Chapter 329: Let Boruto Be Hokage?
Konoha Village. Hokage's Office.
After hearing Kakashi's explanation, Naruto felt conflicted.
"Naruto, a total of seven shinobi have left the village—two Chūnin and five Genin—all of them over twenty-five years old," Shikamaru said as he glanced at the investigation report he had just received from the Anbu.
"There were also two mysterious individuals wearing masks, so we couldn't see their faces clearly. Sarutobi Mirai was taken away by those two. The defectors are currently following them."
"…Sasuke went to see the Daimyō of the Land of Fire, and Future Boruto is still out investigating Orochimaru's abandoned biochemical labs. That means, recovering Sarutobi Mirai… I'll have to trouble you with that, Kakashi-sensei," Naruto said, looking at Kakashi.
"It's no problem. Besides, Mirai being taken also has something to do with me," Kakashi replied.
"I'll go too, Naruto," Shikamaru added. "I'm Mirai's teacher, after all. And Asuma-sensei asked me to look after her before he passed."
"Alright then. Things are quiet in the village right now anyway. In that case, we'll postpone the transport of the ninja intel for now."
…
Outside the Hokage's Office, standing at the front of the Hokage Tower, Kakashi had his hands in his pockets as he stood next to Shikamaru. "Let's head out this afternoon."
"No problem, Sixth Lord. I need to gather a few ninja tools anyway."
After Kakashi vanished with a Body Flicker, Shikamaru turned and looked at Kurenai.
"Kurenai-sensei, I came to check in on you," Shikamaru called from outside. As he was invited in, he noticed a pair of men's shoes at the entryway and asked, "Is someone else visiting?"
"Yes, it's Shunhi. He was Asuma's childhood friend, you know," Kurenai said with a warm smile, as if reminiscing about their days at the ninja academy.
"Shunhi? Is he Mousu's father?"
"That's right," Kurenai nodded. "I never imagined Shunhi would have such a talented son."
Led into the living room by Kurenai, Shikamaru saw Shunhi sitting cross-legged. "Uncle Shunhi."
"Shikamaru, what brings you here? Don't you have work today?" Shunhi asked knowingly—he could already guess Shikamaru's visit was related to Sarutobi Mirai.
"He's right, Shikamaru. What brings you here today?" Kurenai echoed.
"I have a mission this afternoon, so I thought I'd stop by first," Shikamaru explained.
"Even in peaceful times, your missions seem more frequent than ever," Kurenai said.
"That's because we've experienced war. We have to maintain this hard-won peace," Shikamaru said with a smile.
…
"Uncle Shunhi, the ones behind us are catching up," Boruto called out as he leapt from tree to tree, glancing back at the seven Konoha defectors tailing them relentlessly.
"I know," said Dark Shunhi, coming to a sudden halt and turning to face them.
"Put down Sarutobi Mirai!" the lead defector shouted at Dark Shunhi.
"Boruto, take off the mask," Dark Shunhi said.
"Huh?" Boruto looked confused for a moment, then nodded and removed his mask.
"You're… the Seventh Hokage's son, Uzumaki Boruto?!" the lead defector said in shock.
"Since you've followed us this far, you may as well come along. In fact, there are some things we'll need your help with," Boruto said.
Land of Rain — Amegakure.
Sarutobi Mirai slowly regained consciousness. Standing among the seven Konoha defectors, she looked toward Dark Shunhi and Boruto.
"Big Sis Mirai," Boruto greeted her with a cheerful smile.
"Boruto? What are you doing?! You're the son of the Seventh—why are you getting in my way?" Mirai demanded.
"Let me explain. I'm Uchiha Shunhi, from the future…" Dark Shunhi said.
As he spoke, the defectors exchanged skeptical glances with Mirai.
"From the future? Yeah, right…" one of them muttered.
Compared to the others who clearly didn't believe him, Mirai—who had already spent time with Future Boruto—was more receptive to the idea.
"So that's why you're stopping me from completing my mission?" she asked.
"Exactly, Big Sis Mirai," Boruto confirmed.
"In that case, why not return to the village with me and explain everything to the Seventh?" Mirai suggested.
"No. If we go back on a promise already made, it'll damage Naruto's credibility as Hokage," Dark Shunhi said.
"Then what do you intend to do?" Mirai asked.
Dark Shunhi turned to Boruto and said, "I've decided to help Boruto become the Eighth Hokage. If Boruto takes office and revokes the shinobi law Naruto agreed to, it won't damage Naruto's credibility. Although it might strain relations between the village and the Daimyō for a while, once Tentō becomes the new Daimyō, his relationship with Boruto will restore that bond."
"You want me to be Hokage?" Boruto instinctively waved his hands. "No way, absolutely not. I've got no interest in being Hokage."
"Yeah, I agree. Boruto isn't cut out for Hokage," Mirai said with a nod. "He's too unreliable right now."
"Huh?" Boruto gave her a side-eye glance.
"…Fine. Let's put that idea on hold for now. We'll wait until Boruto's willing," Dark Shunhi said. Then he turned to the seven defectors. "What about you? What will you do now? Since Kakashi has already seen your faces, Konoha will definitely list you as rogue ninjas to avoid suspicion. The Fire Daimyō will probably put a bounty on you as well."
"Yeah, you might as well stay here for now," Mirai added.
Land of Water, Border Region.
"Shunhi's report is in. It's time to begin the next phase," Orochimaru said, turning to his No. 4 clone.
"I understand…"
"What's wrong? Something on your mind?" Orochimaru asked.
"I just don't get it—if that guy is so strong, why does he have to resort to these cheap tricks to destroy Konoha?" the No. 4 clone of Gray Wolf asked.
"Probably because he's wary of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Hydra," Orochimaru replied casually.
Although No. 4 was the strongest among all the Gray Wolf clones, he was also the dumbest. That made Orochimaru particularly cautious around him—after all, if someone managed to manipulate him, he could easily turn on Orochimaru. Ever since meeting Dark Shunhi, that fear had taken root in Orochimaru's mind.
"I see. I'll head out now," No. 4 said.