Chapter 95:
"Tsunade-sama, what exactly is going on? Why did you call both me and Sakura here at the same time?" Shizune asked.
While she was happy about Tsunade's return, the fact that Tsunade had disappeared right after getting back made her uneasy. And now, she had summoned both her and Sakura together—Naruto and Shikamaru, who were usually busy, were also present, along with... Kabuto, formerly one of Orochimaru's subordinates.
"It's been a while, Shizune," Kabuto greeted her proactively. Shizune gave him a slight nod in response.
Ever since becoming the head of the orphanage, Kabuto had retired from the ninja world and stopped helping people "fulfill their dreams."
"Shizune, Sakura," Tsunade said, glancing at Shikamaru, "after some discussion with Naruto, we've agreed that there are certain things you both need to be made aware of."
"You've probably seen the movie starring Sasuke, haven't you?" Shikamaru asked.
The mention of a movie, given the serious gathering of Konoha's top brass, left both Shizune and Sakura visibly confused.
"Yes, it was a pretty good film. It's gotten really popular recently," Shizune nodded.
"What if I told you it wasn't a movie, but actually one of Sasuke's investigative missions?"
"You're joking, right, Shikamaru?" Sakura stared at him in disbelief. Shizune's face also showed her shock.
Both of them were Tsunade's disciples. Medical ninjutsu skills aside, they had broadened perspectives. They both understood—if zombies were real, it would spell disaster for the entire shinobi world.
"Sakura, we're not joking. That really was a mission Sasuke undertook, and yes, zombies do exist," Naruto said seriously, a stark contrast to his usual carefree demeanor.
"Recently, creatures called Ghouls have appeared in Konoha—man-eating monsters very similar to zombies. The only difference is that Ghouls retain their consciousness."
"At the moment, someone has been bitten by one of them. Our task now is to examine this person and make sure they haven't been infected," Tsunade explained to her two students.
"Yes, Master."
"Yes, Tsunade-sama."
Sakura and Shizune responded in unison.
Konoha Cemetery
The Konoha Anbu were investigating the scene and gathering evidence.
"Don't worry, Mr. Kōsuke Hōji. Your comrade will be fine. Trust in Tsunade-sama's medical expertise," Sai said cheerfully to Zabuza, who stood beside him.
In truth, Zabuza wasn't too concerned about Haku's condition. Having a chunk of flesh bitten off his shoulder wasn't a big deal for a ninja. But he couldn't understand why Konoha was treating the situation with such gravity.
This raised his suspicions, and he couldn't help but feel uneasy.
Zabuza looked around. Besides the Anbu and Sai, Sasuke was also standing nearby, forming a pincer with Sai to keep Zabuza surrounded.
If Juuzou Suzuya had truly been infected by a Ghoul, Konoha would eliminate him without hesitation. And if that happened, his comrades surely wouldn't sit idly by.
Sasuke's presence was precisely to ensure that Kōsuke Hōji could be subdued instantly if needed.
Though Konoha's strange behavior made Zabuza uneasy, he knew full well that he was in no position to resist them right now.
Zabuza was not the kind of hot-blooded fool who would lose his head over an injured comrade.
Despite his anxiety, all he could do was wait. Any rash action would only get him killed by Konoha.
As the Anbu's investigation progressed, Mitsuki's tracks from his escape that night were gradually uncovered. It was only a matter of time before they found him.
"Why are there so many Anbu all over the streets?"
Boruto asked, puzzled as he saw them seemingly searching for something.
"Something must've happened," Sarada speculated. Mitsuki, standing beside her, smiled silently.
He knew very well—the only major incident lately had been the battle that occurred at Konoha Cemetery.
"Ah! That's Uncle Sasuke and Uncle Sai!" Boruto ran up to Zabuza, Sasuke, and Sai. "Uncle Sasuke, Uncle Sai, did something happen? Is there anything Team 7 can help with? It's so boring being stuck in the village lately!"
"...Hey! Idiot Boruto, don't cause trouble for Dad!"
Sarada rushed over and punched Boruto on the head.
"I'm not causing any trouble for Uncle Sasuke! I'm really strong, okay? And don't you think things have been super boring lately? We haven't had a single mission outside the village. It's either finding cats, dogs, or cleaning up trash."
Mitsuki followed as well, though his gaze was fixed on the man standing between Sasuke and Sai.
Zabuza noticed Mitsuki's gaze and asked, "What's your name?"
"...Mitsuki."
"Huh? I've never seen this guy before," Boruto said, now noticing the man talking with Mitsuki.
"This is Mr. Kōsuke Hōji, a guest from outside the village," Sai answered with a smile.
While Konoha saw a lot of visitors nowadays thanks to the peace, it was rare for outsiders to be treated with such attention by both Sasuke and Sai.
He didn't seem like an ordinary guest from outside the village—more like a rogue ninja.
"For Uncle Sasuke and Uncle Sai to treat you like this, you must be really strong, Mr. Kōsuke."
Sarada gave Boruto a surprised look. She hadn't expected him to have a rare moment of clarity.
"No matter how strong I am, I'm still no match for your village," Zabuza said, glancing at Sasuke and Sai at his sides, his words laced with meaning.
Despite the remark, which bordered on mocking Konoha, neither the expressionless Sasuke nor the ever-smiling Sai reacted in the slightest.
"Captain, we've found a new lead," a member of the Anbu reported as he ran over to Sai.
"I see," Sai replied.
As Sasuke, Sai, and Kōsuke Hōji walked away, Boruto whispered to Sarada, "Hey, Sarada, should we secretly follow them? You're curious too, right? Mitsuki agrees with me, don't you?"
"Yeah," Mitsuki nodded. As long as Boruto's plans didn't put his life in danger, Mitsuki was generally on board. Besides, he also wanted to know how far Konoha's investigation into him had progressed.
"Great! Two to one. It's settled."
"Hey, Boruto..." Sarada started, but before she could finish, Boruto had already taken off after them. Mitsuki followed right behind. "You two, wait for me!"
After a brief moment of hesitation, Sarada ran after them as well.
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