Chapter 937 Something's Wrong
Chapter 937 Something's Wrong
He glanced into the distance, clearly sensing that something was wrong. "I've used up too much chakra and can no longer continue fighting."
Mabui frowned in displeasure, but she knew that Kakuzu's request was not without reason. Although she was unwilling to work for this selfish man any longer, she understood his predicament. So, instead of refusing immediately, she nodded gently.
“Okay, I’ll help you.” Mabui’s voice was calm, but her heart was far from at peace. She looked at Kakuzu and suddenly felt as if she were being swallowed up by the chaos of this world, her own will becoming increasingly blurred in this complex game.
However, just as she was about to turn around, Kakuzu had already mounted his motorcycle and was about to speed away. But the motorcycle's "flight" didn't go as he wished. Kakuzu, driving at high speed, lost control and overturned, crashing heavily to the ground. Azabui, hearing the loud impact from a distance, froze in shock.
Immediately, an involuntary smile appeared on her face. She knew she shouldn't be happy, but the humor of the scene still brought her a sense of relief. Her smile, though brief, was enough to ease the long-suppressed inner pressure.
Just then, Hiruzen Sarutobi was atop the tower in Konoha, lost in thought. His gaze pierced through the scenery outside the window, his heart filled with doubt. Zhang Hai hadn't appeared as promised, and Hiruzen felt a pang of unease. He began to suspect that Zhang Hai was no longer willing to cooperate with Konoha, and might even have a new target.
Hiruzen Sarutobi closed his eyes, recalling the words Zhang Hai had left on the scroll: "I don't abandon the mission like Konoha's White Fang. After this battle, what I owe Konoha will be settled." Zhang Hai's words concealed too many unsolved mysteries. He didn't seem to have completely given up on cooperating with Konoha, which only made Hiruzen Sarutobi more confused.
"What exactly is Zhang Hai's plan?" Hiruzen Sarutobi murmured, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes.
Hiruzen Sarutobi stood atop the tower of Konoha, his gaze piercing the vast sky, settling on the distant, mist-shrouded mountains and the rooftops of Konoha Village. A gentle breeze ruffled his robes, but the tranquil scene offered no solace. His heart was filled with complex emotions.
He reflected on Zhang Hai's departure, that man, his former comrade, the warrior who had fought alongside Konoha. Zhang Hai's actions were like a sharp knife, severing their relationship. He realized that although Zhang Hai had never forgotten White Fang's death, his attitude towards Konoha had become increasingly complex, even carrying an unyielding resentment. Unlike White Fang, Zhang Hai hadn't unconditionally dedicated himself to protecting Konoha. Instead, his actions gradually revealed his coldness and ruthlessness.
Sarutobi couldn't help but smile bitterly, recalling a sentence Zhang Hai had once told him: "Everything I do is for the people I care about. As for others, they are just sacrifices." At that moment, Sarutobi understood that in Zhang Hai's eyes, Konoha was nothing more than a chessboard. Every move he made was carefully calculated to maximize his own benefit, rather than for the future of Konoha.
"Is Zhang Hai an angel or a devil?" Sarutobi asked himself softly, his heart filled with doubt and unease. Zhang Hai's actions displayed both admirable decisiveness and incomprehensible ruthlessness. Everything he did seemed to emphasize one idea: only by subjugating the world can true change occur.
Sarutobi turned to look at the scenery outside the window, a sense of helplessness and anticipation rising in his heart. He hoped that Minato could shoulder the heavy responsibility of Konoha and hold the village together through the coming turmoil. "Minato, if you succeed, Konoha may still have a future," he prayed silently, hoping that the young Hokage could lead Konoha out of its predicament and usher in new hope.
However, Sarutobi knew in his heart that the road ahead would not be easy. Zhang Hai's ruthlessness and scheming might make Konoha's future even more unpredictable. He couldn't help but recall the days when he fought alongside Sakumo Hatake in his youth, when Konoha was full of faith and hope. But now, facing an enemy like Zhang Hai, his faith had begun to waver.
Just as Sarutobi was lost in thought, Tsunade's decision reached his ears. Tsunade seemed to have made up her mind to leave Konoha. She had seen certain unchangeable truths in Jiraiya's scroll, her expression grave and complex. Jiraiya tried to persuade her to stay, but Tsunade's words remained unwavering.
"I have no one left to care about. Konoha is no longer home to me." Tsunade's words were like a sharp knife, piercing Jiraiya's heart. A trace of pain flashed in Jiraiya's eyes, but he did not stop her. He simply watched silently as Tsunade removed the Konoha headband and revealed that carefree smile.
"Why are you leaving?" Jiraiya couldn't help but ask, his voice choked with emotion. "Do you know that there are still many people here who need you?"
Tsunade didn't answer, but turned around to leave. "If you're willing to come with me, stay. Otherwise, leave with me," she said coldly, her tone devoid of any warmth.
Shizune stood to the side, her eyes filled with confusion and bewilderment. "Tsunade, are you really leaving?" she asked softly, her gaze full of incomprehension. Looking at Tsunade, a strange sense of loss rose within her. She knew that this departure might mean never being able to return to her former life.
Tsunade didn't answer immediately. Instead, she looked down at Shizune, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes. "If you're willing to come with me, stay by my side. Otherwise, you can stay."
Shizune silently watched Tsunade, and finally made her decision. She knew that no matter what, Tsunade was family to her. She nodded silently, "I'll go with you."
Tsunade smiled slightly, turned and left, Shizune following behind her. Jiraiya stood there, watching their figures gradually disappear, his heart filled with helplessness and regret. Perhaps, all of this had already changed irreversibly.
Meanwhile, Zhang Hai and Scorpion quietly returned to Konoha. Dressed in Anbu uniforms, their steps were light yet firm. Relying on his exceptional memory, Zhang Hai quickly found a place he used to frequent—a card-making shop run by a long-time Konoha shopkeeper.
When he pushed open the shop door, the owner recognized him at a glance, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. "Mr. Zhang Hai, is it really you? You've finally arrived!" the owner greeted him warmly.
Zhang Hai didn't rush to greet the boss, but went straight to the point and said, "I'm here to collect my dividends, but I'm not here for the money. I want to discuss something with you."
EBE