Chapter 350: Sakura Discharged from the Hospital
"Don't worry, Mitsuki. No matter what happens, I'll definitely protect you." Boruto looked at Mitsuki and said solemnly, "For now, let's head to the Hidden Rain Village."
The Hidden Rain Village was currently the base of operations for the Dark Shunhi.
Today's Rain Village was completely different from how it used to be.
Situated at the intersection of the Land of Fire, the Land of Wind, and the Land of Earth, the Hidden Rain Village had undergone a complete transformation under the Dark Shunhi's reforms. It had become a resting and trade hub for merchants from all three nations.
In fact, it had evolved into a free trade zone for merchants from the Fire, Wind, and Earth Countries.
Normally, when foreigners conducted trade in another country, they were subject to various taxes and restrictions. However, locals trading within their own country didn't face such limitations. As a result, conducting business in the Rain Village allowed merchants to circumvent taxes and restrictions imposed on foreign goods.
"This is the Hidden Rain Village?"
Boruto looked around, shocked. The village was vastly different from the last time he'd seen it.
Once a gloomy and lifeless place, the Rain Village was now teeming with vitality.
Former villagers who had left in the past were now gradually returning.
The current Rain Village was even more bustling than the Hidden Leaf Village, especially since the Leaf had suffered multiple rounds of destruction in recent years.
The iconic tower of the Rain Village had now become Shunhi's office.
"Of course it is. Don't worry, Boruto. Mitsuki will receive the best protection here."
This special zone, with its potential to directly impact the economies of the Fire, Earth, and Wind Nations, only existed because of those nations' fear of Shunhi's overwhelming strength.
At that moment, the three-person squad sent to search for Boruto and Mitsuki had just received intel on their latest whereabouts.
After all, in the Land of Fire, hiding from the Leaf Village's surveillance was virtually impossible.
"Judging by the last location they disappeared from, they're likely in the Rain Village..."
Kakashi studied the intel in his hand. The Rain Village held deep memories not only for him, but for all villagers who had lived through that incident.
That was the first time in Leaf Village history it had suffered such large-scale destruction—although by now, destruction had practically become routine.
"The Rain Village..."
Mirai Sarutobi repeated the name. If she recalled correctly, Uchiha Shunhi had been staying there.
"The Rain Village, huh."
Konohamaru echoed the sentiment with a sigh.
"In any case, everyone needs to be extremely careful heading to the Rain Village. After all, it's the stronghold of the one who injured Sakura."
Kakashi added his final warning.
As the Sixth Hokage, Kakashi had some understanding of the Rain Village's current situation, so he wasn't all that surprised. On the other hand, both Konohamaru and Mirai looked visibly shocked.
"This place is so lively."
Konohamaru looked around at the merchants and the constant calls of street vendors, amazed.
"Lord Sixth, is this really the Hidden Rain Village?"
Mirai asked Kakashi for confirmation.
"Yes."
Kakashi nodded. Though the village's economic development was surprising, it was entirely due to its unique geographic location and the immense strength of its current leader.
"Boruto and Mitsuki are here somewhere. Split up and gather intel. Konohamaru, you'll pair up with Mirai."
While both Konohamaru and Mirai were Jōnin, in terms of actual experience, Mirai lagged far behind. Not to mention, her promotion had come largely thanks to a fluke during the Liquid Robot incident.
At the high tower in the Rain Village, Shunhi suddenly said, "Kakashi's here."
As Kakashi's former classmate from the Ninja Academy, Shunhi was extremely sensitive to his chakra.
Hearing Shunhi's words, Boruto entered Sage Mode to sense the area and added, "Big bro Konohamaru and sis Mirai are here too. But it looks like they've split up."
"Looks like the Leaf Village really values you and Mitsuki." Shunhi stood up as he spoke. "Let's go meet them."
The previously sunny sky began to darken with clouds as a light drizzle started to fall.
Merchants on the street grumbled that the forecast had said no rain today, while hastily retreating to their temporary lodgings. The streets of the Rain Village quickly emptied.
"Kakashi."
Hearing someone call his name from behind, Kakashi covertly pulled out a shuriken from his cloak and turned around while throwing it.
He knew that voice all too well—it was Shunhi's.
The Shunhi from this world was still back in the Leaf Village making ramen, which meant this voice had to belong to the Shunhi from another world.
The shuriken was easily deflected by the Dark Shunhi. Kakashi had never intended to defeat him with just that attack—it was merely a setup for what followed.
"Lightning Release: Lightning Transmission!"
He extended the Chidori into a chain, linking it to the deflected shuriken to create a specialized ninja tool. Maintaining this technique required a constant drain of chakra—something Kakashi wouldn't have dared in the past when he still had the Sharingan.
Meanwhile, Boruto encountered Mirai and Konohamaru.
"Boruto, come back to the village already!" After a brief clash, Konohamaru backed off and shouted, "Sakura can never fight again, so Mitsuki's prophecy was wrong!"
"What are you talking about?"
Boruto, cloaked in a tailed beast shroud, frowned at Konohamaru.
He hadn't asked about what happened after encountering Shunhi, when Shunhi helped fend off Sasuke and Sakura. Deep down, maybe he believed in Sasuke and Sakura—believed that not even a Dark Shunhi could defeat the two of them together.
"In truth, Sakura's heart ruptured during her battle with Shunhi. Although Lady Tsunade managed to save her, her heart can no longer handle any intense exertion."
Hidden Leaf Village.
"Sakura, shouldn't you rest a little longer? Getting discharged so soon might not be a good idea."
Since Sakura had insisted on being discharged today, Naruto took time out of his packed schedule to visit the Leaf Hospital.
"Are you the doctor, or am I? Relax—I know exactly how my body is doing. I won't push myself. Besides, isn't the one who always overexerts himself you, Naruto?"
Supported by Sasuke, Sakura looked at Naruto and smiled.
Naruto chuckled and scratched his head. "Alright, you can go home, but make sure you rest well for the next few days, okay?"
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