Naruto: Sasuke loves to visit forums

Chapter 207 Shine, Nara clan!
The gate position of Sunagakure Ninja Village is not so much a gate, but more like a "line of natural danger" between a mountain stream.

The loess on both sides stands tall, leaving only a long and narrow tunnel, which can accommodate up to three people walking side by side.

From a military point of view, it has the geographical advantage of "one man can guard the pass, and ten thousand men can't open it".

Following the envoy team and entering the village, Nara Shikamaru felt that his eyes suddenly became brighter.

A city made of yellow sand was right in front of him.

In order to reduce the pressure of wind and sand, the buildings here are all circular structures.

The smooth arcs and curves give people a very peaceful feeling.

Perhaps it’s because of Aiwu Jiwu. When I saw Nara Shikamaru with this kind of architectural style for the first time, I just felt that everything was full of exotic customs, closeness and gentleness.

Looking further away, I discovered that the location of Sunagakure Ninja Village was in a basin surrounded by natural barriers.

If you think about it carefully, this kind of site design is indeed easy to defend and difficult to attack, making it easy to take precautions.

"The result of this matter is a complete failure. Which of you here is not fully aware of this?!"

In the eyes of everyone, some were surprised, some were irritated, and some were sympathetic.

Facing this turmoil, Aburame Zhiwei looked like she didn't see it at all.

But now, Zhiwei just wants to finish the damn manuscript in his hand and end the long-term torture of himself and everyone else.

On the side, Temari, who was attending as a Konoha envoy, could no longer bear it. She slammed the table and loudly interrupted the lengthy meeting.

The architectural layout of the Sunagakure Ninja Village appears to be much more scattered than the regular and orderly Konoha Gakuin Ninja Village.

"enough!"

". Therefore, it is proposed to hold joint military exercises on the northeastern border of the Kingdom of Wind. And vigorously develop joint group ninjutsu.

However, Shikamaru would have noticed if he could overlook the entire village.

“The purpose is to help allied ninja villages increase their income, overcome potential difficulties, and maintain the existing international status quo and peace system.

"Please be aware of who you are."

As soon as these words came out, everyone's eyes were once again attracted to Aburame Zhiwei, and the room became silent again.

"Specialized troops have been sent to take charge of the pursuit of Gaara, the one-tailed Jinchuuriki. The theme of the current meeting is."

Aburame Zhiwei coughed twice slightly, shook the document in his hand, and continued reading:
"Regarding the further design of the mission bounty system, we adhere to the friendly principles of the Wind and Fire Alliance.

Sunagakure Ninja Village, Kazekage Building, in the Council Hall.

His unchanging tone, as boring as the person he was, echoed quietly in the huge room.

However, for a while, no one answered her.

Temari shouted, addressing everyone present.

At the same time, it can also slow down the invasion of wind and sand to a great extent.

After a while, the acting Kazekage Ma Ji sat at the main seat in the conference room and said coldly:

"Break the parts into whole, gather the few into the many, fully mobilize the overall strength, and enhance the national defense strength."

Originally, this was a family matter in the village.

Temari asked loudly.

As soon as these words came out, everyone just looked at her silently.

However, considering many factors, such as Temari's mood and external influence, Yura's diplomatic attendance was not arranged.

Speaking of this, Aburame Zhiwei raised his head and looked around at the faces of everyone in the room.

Just listen, Aburame Zhiwei's boring voice sounded again:
“Revolving around the task order, we can further achieve openness and mutual benefit.

Yes, Yura's team did return without success.

Aburame Zhiwei held a piece of A4 manuscript paper in her hand and read from the script word for word.

"Under the premise that Konoha Jonin leads the team, recruitment is open, and the ninja talents of Sunagakure Village can participate together, and tasks above B level can be completed cooperatively.

"Isn't the top priority right now to get Gaara back?!"

"Cough cough."

That is, with the location of the Wind Shadow Building as the center, various round houses of different sizes radiate outward.

In fact, they have even returned to Sunagakure Ninja Village.

"To promote further talent exchanges and enhance mutual trust and mutual benefit. Now, Konoha Gakuin Village makes the following initiatives to Sunagakure Village -"

"This move is expected to bring new monthly task income to Sunagakure Ninja Village."

"But, Gaara has been gone for so long! There is no news until today!

In fact, there are still certain rules behind this seemingly scattered design.

Perhaps, this is also to resist the strong winds in the desert area.

Shikamaru noticed as he continued walking inside.

According to Sunagakure's expectations, such a nakedly sensitive topic as the "mission bounty system" would not be discussed in this meeting.

Regarding this initiative, the hawks and doves in Sunagakure Village behaved very differently.

The people on the left all had happy expressions on their faces, obviously grateful, and looked relieved.

The people on the right side all had angry expressions. When they heard "Konoha Jounin leads the team", they felt so humiliated that they were almost on the verge of having a seizure.

However, in the face of solid economic income, everyone still pricked up their ears and waited for the price offered by Konoha.

"Five hundred million taels."

Aburame Shiwei's calm words echoed throughout the conference room.

The expressions of all Sunagakure personnel changed drastically, and they were all united in shock and greed.

After a while, the agent Kazekage Ma Ji cleared his dry throat and said:
"My friends from Konoha have come from afar. Your sincerity and yearning for peace are really touching. It's already late today, so why don't we break up the meeting first and talk tomorrow.

"Sunagakure Ninja Village has prepared a banquet for our distinguished guests, especially to welcome you!"

Aburame Shi was slightly relieved. Such role-playing really made him feel very burdened.

Even on the battlefield, he had never found it so difficult to cope with.

I saw him nodding immediately, with a dull look like "the guest does as he pleases".

That night, during the banquet, Sunagakure Ninja Village arranged a song and dance performance for everyone.

Everyone lined up in two rows and sat on the ground.

On the low tables in front of everyone, local specialties such as powdered liver, grilled beef tongue, yokan, candied chestnuts, and many fruits are placed.

In the hall, the dancers wore gorgeous costumes, either long skirts or short robes that were close to the body, revealing a unique desert style, and danced to the rhythm of the music.

Their dance is light and elegant, as if they are dancing with the desert wind.

Their figures sway under the light of the lights, sometimes spinning gracefully, sometimes jumping enthusiastically, like elves in the desert, blooming with unique charm.

Halfway through the banquet, everyone was drunk.

The officials and attendants also stood up from their seats and danced with the dancers.

The music also changed from luxurious and mysterious at the beginning to completely passionate and unrestrained.

Although the Konoha envoys and others were not adapted to this enthusiastic culture, everyone showed joyful expressions and enjoyed this rare moment of relaxation.

Nara Shikamaru watched all this with great interest, his eyes occasionally glancing at Temari who was diagonally opposite, and Maki, the acting Kazekage on the main seat.

Temari across from her was seen drinking one glass after another of strong liquor, and her originally fair face turned slightly red under the influence of alcohol.

Her eyes were filled with endless sorrow.

Finally, Temari slammed the cup to the ground, stood up, and staggered towards the acting Kazekage Maki.

Not long after, a loud quarrel came back from the direction of the main seat.

He stood up and stood on tiptoes and looked around, only to see Temari in tears, pointing at Maki fiercely, as if she was scolding something.

However, the drunk girl was quickly carried out with the help of Kankuro and several ninjas.

The originally lively banquet was not interrupted by this small disturbance.

However, Markey's mood was greatly affected.

After sitting for a while, he got up and left.

Nara Shikamaru finally waited for this opportunity.

He started decisively, followed by the acting Kazekage Ma Ji, and together they came to the balcony of the banquet building.

The bright moon is like a hook, and the round sandcastles look like a sea of ​​silver under the moonlight.

For some reason, the moon here always feels bigger than that of Konoha Ginnin Village.

"A very fierce girl, right?"

Nara Shikamaru quietly appeared behind Maki and started chatting.

However, at this moment, Marky just wanted to be alone and quiet for a while.

Seeing the Konoha kid following behind him, a trace of annoyance flashed in his eyes.

However, due to his identity, it was not convenient for him to have an attack, so he had to snort coldly in his nose and treat it as a response.

"However, this kind of girl who dares to love and hate also has her own unique charm. Speaking of which, my mother has this kind of character."

Nara Shikamaru, however, had no idea and walked directly to Maki's side, looking at the moonlit night scenery of Sunagakure Ninja Village with him.

"To tell you the truth, I like Temari very much. I like her so much that I want to take her home as my wife."

Nara Shikamaru placed his hands casually on the balcony and continued.

Markey is not interested at all in the troubles of growing up and falling in love with this kind of adolescent boy.

Just as he was thinking about how to politely leave or drive away Shikamaru, he heard the other party say:

“However, her mother died in childbirth when Gaara was born.

"Her father, the Fourth Kazekage, was also brutally murdered by Orochimaru last year."

Marky came back to his senses and didn't know why the other party wanted to mention this well-known past event. "Now that her parents are dead, I'm afraid you are the only person who can play the role of the elder in the family and arrange her marriage."

Nara Shikamaru spoke sincerely, as if his son-in-law was coming to his door.

At the same time, these words far exceeded Ma Ji's expectations.

Yes, this child, these three children, only have themselves.

The annoyance that had accumulated in his heart for many days temporarily receded, and a trace of tenderness uncontrollably rose in Ma Ji's heart.

"Temari told me that although you are very strict, you have always tried your best to teach the three siblings.

"In her opinion, you seem to be closer to me than your father."

Nara Shikamaru took advantage of the victory to pursue him and continued to speak softly.

Yes.

Marky sighed inwardly.

The Fourth Kazekage was busy with official duties.

As the teacher and boss of the three children, it can be said that I watched the three siblings grow up bit by bit with my own eyes.

The time they spent with him was far more than that of the busy Feng Ying.

Ma Ji looked at the village he loved so much, and the scenes of the past appeared before his eyes. In his heart, he just felt that the burden was unbearable and exhausted.

"This time, Gaara's defection, as his master, I'm afraid you are no less hurt than Temari and others, right?"

"!"

The most vulnerable part of Marki's heart was suddenly shaken, and he instinctively sensed the danger.

He forcibly suppressed the turmoil in his heart, turned his head, looked squarely at the young man next to him for the first time, and asked coldly:

"What do you want to say?"

"nothing."

A gust of wind blew by, and the young man shrank his neck and hugged his shoulders tightly.

The night in the desert is unexpectedly cold compared to the blazing day.

"I, indeed, like Miss Temari very, very much. But as a ninja, my personal emotions cannot override Konoha's.

"However, in my opinion, your feelings for Gaara, Temari and others are deeper than your feelings for the Sunagakure Ninja Village."

Faced with Maki's defense, Nara Shikamaru's tone remained unchanged and he still talked to him like a casual conversation.

"You are wrong. Although I only represent Feng Ying, I also know how important the responsibility is."

Marki shook his head and said seriously:

"Although, as you said, the three Temari siblings are indeed very important to me.

"However, compared to the village we want to protect, those personal bonds are something that can be completely discarded!"

Shikamaru nodded secretly in his heart, but pretended to be surprised on his face and exclaimed:

"That's strange.

"The fourth Kazekage fell, the Tailed Beast Jinchūriki fled, and the older generation of ninjas did not care about world affairs. Nowadays, the strength of Sunagakure Ninja Village is empty, which has become an open secret in the ninja world.

“Right now, the Allied Powers and the Konohagakure Ninja Village want to help Sunagakure tide over the difficulties and maintain peace in the shinobi world and itself.

“By then, with the recovery of Sunagakure’s strength, Gaara will surely be captured again.

“But at that time, Gaara, who had caused great trouble, might have a more difficult time after returning to the village.

“On the other hand, if Sunagakure Ninja Village continues like this, then the reduction in the military budget of the Country of Wind will never be restored.

"In addition to the surroundings, the Kingdom of Earth and the Kingdom of Thunder are already eyeing each other. Whether it is war or friction, if we are not strong enough, we will eventually be humiliated by other countries.

"By then, coupled with the tight external budget, a large number of Sunagakure ninjas will have no choice but to be displaced. It is even more unavoidable that the ninja family and their secret ninjutsu will flow to other countries.

"The best case scenario is that Sunagakure is divided up smoothly. The worst case scenario is that there will be smoke everywhere, and the Fourth Ninja War will happen again, which is also unknown.

"However, as a rebellious ninja, Gaara, no one will care about him anymore.

“In this future chaotic world, you can live freely.

"In the face of Konoha's peace proposal, you showed such hesitation today. I thought that the future of the entire Sunagakure and the shinobi world, in your personal heart, is not as good as the possibility of Gaara Sunagakure."

Listening to Nara Shikamaru's words, Deputy Kazekage Maki's mood continued to fluctuate.

He has also heard information about the movements of the Kingdom of Thunder and the Kingdom of Earth.

Facing the future deduced by Shikamaru, he didn't know it in his heart.

However, no one has ever deduced it all in front of him so straightforwardly.

The thoughts of the martial arts factions in Sunagakure Ninja Village also influenced him.

At this time, once the whole village takes refuge in Konoha.

Then, Sunagakure's future independence may only get worse.

For Ma Ji, joining Konoha or remaining independent is just a choice between two poisonous glasses of wine.

The choice in Shikamaru's mouth just seemed better.

Over time, it will also damage the foundation of the village.

Thinking of this, Ma Ji replied:
"Konoha Ninja Village is indeed a hidden dragon and a crouching tiger.

"I didn't expect that a little chuunin from Konoha could already tell such a complete truth.

"Before, I really underestimated you."

"It's just small talk."

Nara Shikamaru lowered his eyes and said humbly.

"It's just that you said that the Earth Kingdom and other forces are eyeing our Sunagakure Ninja Village. So, what I want to ask is, what are the differences between Konoha and other major Ninja Villages?"

Ma Ji no longer sugarcoated the situation and directly asked the fundamental question he was most concerned about.

Opposite him, Nara Shikamaru seemed to have expected it. His expression did not change and he immediately replied:
“Fewer sacrifices, more time, and the absolute guarantee of independence in the short term.

“The hidden worry from Konoha is the future.

"I am afraid that the violent overthrow of the Kingdom of Earth and the Kingdom of Thunder will only take place in these few days."

"!"

This answer really surprised Marky.

He originally thought that the other party would say some nonsense to express determination, such as "The friendship between Konoha and Sunagakure has a long history" and "The Alliance of Wind and Fire is impregnable".

Unexpectedly, the other party directly admitted that Konoha did have ambitions, and was really seriously analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of the future compared with other ninja villages.

At the same time, Shikamaru's honesty finally helped Maki see the current reality clearly.

Yes, the weak eat the strong.

Empty strength is Sunagakure's original sin, and it is also the fundamental problem why all this happened.

However, if he joins Konoha, it means he can buy some more time for the village.

Then the Sunagakure Ninja Village in the future will still have a glimmer of hope.

"I understand."

Thinking of this, Ma Ji nodded slowly and said:

"Perhaps Konoha is indeed our best choice right now."

Shikamaru breathed a sigh of relief, feeling that it was really cold on the balcony, so he answered:
"Then I won't bother you anymore."

After saying that, Shikamaru turned around and prepared to leave.

"Wait a minute!"

Just as Shikamaru was about to leave, Deputy Kazekage Maki stopped him again.

Shikamaru turned around in confusion, only to see that the other party's serious expression relaxed, and he said with a smile in his eyes:

"Actually, I don't want Temari to marry too far away.

"But if the other party is you, I can consider it."

Hearing this, Shikamaru was greatly surprised. He blushed with embarrassment and stammered:

"Then, thank you first, thank you Kazekage-sama."

After saying that, Shikamaru seemed to be running away and left.

In the shadows on the side, Temari, who was rushing towards this side with great momentum, only heard the last conversation between the two.

He was suddenly startled and almost sobered up from the wine.

She stood there blankly, feeling strange in her heart. She didn't know whether it was shame or fear.

In the darkness, the only thing that could be heard was her "pounding" heartbeat.

At the same time, the Kirigakure Ninja Village was thousands of miles away.

Relying on the good foundation laid by Uchiha Sasuke in assisting the coup, Nara Shikaku's diplomacy progressed extremely smoothly.

At this time, the mission had successfully achieved all expectations.

I am packing my bags and starting towards the Kingdom of Thunder.

"Ah!"

In the Sunagakure Ninja Village, Nara Shikamaru sneezed.

I felt vaguely uneasy in my heart.

Obviously, everything went as smoothly as he expected.

So, where does this uneasiness come from?
There seemed to be a shadow cast on the moon outside the window.

If you look carefully, the shape of the dark cloud seems to be like a poisonous snake with its mouth open, quietly waiting for its prey.

(End of this chapter)