186-190

Chapter 186: Pakura Gets Played 

When Orochimaru heard Shindai say he was already considering concessions, he truly felt that Shindai understood him. And what Orochimaru said this time was sincere; he genuinely wanted to take Shindai on as a disciple. You see, Shindai was a slippery one, clever with words. Orochimaru wouldn't have to worry about bothersome trivialities; he could just let Shindai handle them and focus purely on his research. 

"Orochimaru-sama, aren't you just treating me like a tool?!" Shindai grumbled. "You should agree, right? So, will you talk to Nonou-nee about this?" 

Orochimaru glanced at Yakushi Nonou, who was still busy treating the wounded. He then turned back to Shindai. "You talk to Nonou about it. As for me, I'll need to return to Konoha and speak with Sarutobi-sensei before making a final decision." 

Everything hinged on his discussion with Hiruzen Sarutobi. Only with the Hokage's approval could Orochimaru truly decide. Otherwise, for the sake of his research, he would remain a member of Root. 

Shindai was about to ask "when," when his ninja pouch suddenly beeped. Shindai's face instantly changed. He quickly pulled out the small screen from his pouch and checked it. Sure enough, Pakura was on the move! 

"Looks like it's time to depart," Orochimaru observed, noting Shindai's sudden change in expression. He guessed that Shindai's fiancée, Pakura, must have made her move. He then found a man with a pineapple-shaped hairstyle and said, "Shikaku, the Stone Village ninja sent so many Jonin and still made no progress. They likely won't make a rash move again anytime soon. I'll be away for a while. You'll be in charge of all deployments and command from now on." 

The man Orochimaru called Shikaku was from the Nara clan. Nara clan ninja were famous for their sharp minds, which is why many strategies in war came from them. 

"Yes, Orochimaru-sama!" 

Shindai immediately activated Magnet Release: Iron Sand Wings and took to the sky. He looked down at Orochimaru. "Orochimaru-sama, I'll take you with my iron sand!" 

"No need. Just fly toward your destination. I can keep up." 

"Alright." 

Shindai's heart was a mix of worry, fear, joy, and excitement – truly a complex swirl of emotions. His iron sand wings flapped rapidly as he sped forward. 

--- 

Rasa had finally lost his patience, primarily because he couldn't hold out much longer. The pressure from the Daimyo was immense. The Daimyos of the Five Great Nations were currently discussing an end to the war, and it seemed the Hidden Mist Village was intent on fighting to the bitter end against the Hidden Sand. So, the Daimyo kept urging Rasa to quickly resolve the conflict with the Mist and reach a reconciliation to bring an end to this Ninja War. 

Rasa convened Ebizo and other high-ranking officials to discuss how to reconcile with the Hidden Mist Village. Chiyo wasn't present; she was at home, utterly despondent. However, after half a day of deliberation, they couldn't come up with a single solution. Even Ebizo, the Hidden Sand Village's most brilliant strategist, couldn't think of a good way forward. 

The "Bloody Mist" policy had made the Hidden Mist Village extremely belligerent, making reconciliation through normal means incredibly difficult. Rasa then seized the opportunity to propose using Pakura as a bargaining chip for peace with the Mist. After all, Pakura was the one who had killed the most Hidden Mist ninja during the war, making her the most hated person in the Mist Village. 

Initially, Rasa's proposal was met with opposition. After all, Pakura had rendered great service to the Hidden Sand Village, was hailed as a hero, and was one of the few truly powerful, first-tier shinobi in their ranks. Sacrificing her seemed like such a waste. But Rasa argued that reconciliation with the Hidden Mist was an urgent, crucial matter. He persuaded everyone present that sacrificing one person for peace was well worth it, and they agreed to use Pakura as a sacrifice to achieve reconciliation with the Hidden Mist. 

The Hidden Mist Village also agreed to the Hidden Sand's proposal to use Pakura as a bargaining chip for peace. After receiving the Mist's agreement, Rasa immediately sent for Pakura. Under the guise of a top-secret mission, he instructed her to act as an envoy and deliver an important scroll to the Hidden Mist Village, specifically telling her to leave the Hidden Sand Village discreetly. 

--- 

As a ninja, Pakura naturally wouldn't refuse a mission. She took the scroll and departed the Hidden Sand Village. As soon as she left, Pakura remembered the small note Shindai had given her. It said that if Rasa ever gave her a solo mission, she absolutely had to press the red button on the small box. So, Pakura pulled out the box from her ninja pouch, pressed the red button, and continued on her way to the Hidden Mist Village. 

Shindai desperately pushed his chakra to its limits, rushing toward Pakura's location. His chakra was almost completely drained, forcing him to take a break and gather some more. Shindai pulled out his screen and looked at it. "This direction... is it really the Hidden Mist Village?!" 

Shindai estimated that by the time Pakura reached the Hidden Mist Village, he might still be on the road. "No, I have to go faster!" Shindai swallowed two Military Rations Pills. After gathering some more chakra, he continued his journey using his Iron Sand Wings. 

--- 

Three days later. 

Pakura traveled by water, entering the Land of Tea, then by water again, entering the Land of Water, heading towards the Hidden Mist Village. Walking alone, Pakura started to feel that something was off. The source of her unease was Shindai's small note. Shindai seemed to have known all along that Rasa would give her a solo mission. And Shindai must have thought this mission would be dangerous for her. 

Thinking about it more closely, it was indeed strange. She had killed many Mist ninja for military achievements, so the Mist ninja hated her fiercely. This was common knowledge in the Hidden Sand Village, and Rasa couldn't possibly be unaware. As an envoy sent to deliver a scroll to the Hidden Mist Village, it made no sense to send someone so despised by them; her presence would feel like a provocation. Also, when she received the mission, Rasa had specifically told her to leave the Hidden Sand Village quietly, without letting anyone know. 

Pakura's brow furrowed slightly. Something was wrong. Very wrong. Was this truly a legitimate mission to deliver a scroll? It felt like there was a conspiracy brewing. 

The Land of Water, being surrounded by the sea, was prone to heavy fogs at any time. Just like now, Pakura, walking alone in a valley, was surrounded by thick fog, making visibility extremely low. 

A Hidden Mist ninja appeared ahead, walking towards Pakura. "Lady Pakura of the Scorch Release, I've come to welcome you. It is truly an honor to meet you." The Hidden Mist ninja stopped in front of Pakura and smiled. "After all, the fog is very thick. You'll probably need a guide." 

Pakura's guard immediately went up. "Thank you for your trouble, but it's just a valley. I won't get lost." 

The Hidden Mist ninja awkwardly scratched his head. "Ah, you're right, of course. Please, allow me to guide you to the Hidden Mist Village from here. The path ahead is quite complicated, and it's easy to get lost." 

The Hidden Mist ninja stepped aside, gesturing for Pakura to go first. As Pakura walked ahead, she secretly reached into her ninja pouch. 

Chapter 187: Escape 

Pakura, walking alone through a valley in the Land of Water, encountered a Hidden Mist Village ninja waiting to greet her. 

The Mist ninja introduced himself as a guide, ready to lead Pakura to the village. 

Because of her earlier suspicions, Pakura's guard was up. 

As they walked ahead, the Mist ninja's eyes glowed with hatred as he suddenly lunged, a kunai in hand, stabbing towards Pakura's back. 

Feeling the movement behind her, Pakura spun around, swinging the kunai she had secretly pulled out. She sliced clean through the Mist ninja's right arm. 

The Mist ninja hastily retreated, widening the distance between them. The pain from his severed arm twisted his face into a grotesque mask. 

Pakura spoke in a low, dangerous voice, "Why?! I am an envoy representing the Hidden Sand Village, carrying an important scroll for your Mizukage! Why are you attacking me?!" 

Clutching his bleeding wrist, the Mist ninja glared at Pakura with venomous eyes. "To make you taste the same pain our comrades endured, those you, and especially the Hidden Sand, brutalized! Our village's hatred can't be erased so easily. Your death alone is just a small comfort to us. Heh, how pathetic! You still haven't realized it, have you?" 

"You think you're an envoy? Representing the Hidden Sand? You are, but you're a sacrifice for the Hidden Sand! Your village is using your life to achieve reconciliation between the Hidden Sand and our Hidden Mist! Hey, come out!" 

Suddenly, countless Hidden Mist ninja appeared on the valley walls, surrounding the entire area. 

Pakura's pupils constricted. "How... how could this be?!" 

Pakura never imagined that after all her achievements for the Hidden Sand, always rushing to the front lines in the most dangerous situations for her village, her beloved village would now use her as a bargaining chip for reconciliation with the Hidden Mist, hoping she'd be assassinated by their ninja. 

The Mist ninja sneered, "How could this be? What else do you think we're doing here, ambushing you? Damn it, I wanted to be the first to take you down, but you reacted! You chopped off my right arm, so I'll chop off all your limbs!" 

Pakura forced herself to calm down, but the situation... the entire valley was filled with Hidden Mist ninja. It seemed like a dead end. Every escape route was blocked; there was no way out. 

A torrent of shuriken and kunai rained down on Pakura. 

With such a dense barrage of ninja tools, Pakura had nowhere to hide. 

Pakura looked up at the grey sky. Was today the day she would die? 

How unwilling she was! She had dedicated all her passion to the Hidden Sand, only to be backstabbed by the very village she loved so deeply. 

She had even been thinking of bringing Shindai back to the Hidden Sand... but maybe it was better if Shindai never returned to such a village. 

Pakura suddenly froze. 

That's right, Shindai had given her something to save her life. 

She didn't know if it would work, but she had to try. She still wanted to live, she didn't want to die, and she wanted to live to see Shindai again. 

Pakura pulled out the scroll Shindai had given her from her ninja pouch. Unfurling it, she summoned the spherical object from within. 

The sphere quickly floated above Pakura, and from its interior, a large amount of iron sand emerged. 

Powerful magnetism drew the shuriken heading for Pakura towards the iron sand. 

Seeing this, some Hidden Mist ninja charged at Pakura, while others quickly formed hand signs, preparing to blast Pakura with ninjutsu. 

From the surface of the spherical device, many gun barrels emerged. Through the internal lightning-based chakra, they instantly loaded miniature missiles and fired them indiscriminately in all directions. 

Explosions erupted one after another, and rocks continuously tumbled down into the valley. 

At the same time, the sphere also fired numerous poisoned senbon. The Mist ninja whose right arm was severed, still standing near Pakura, was instantly riddled like a porcupine. He foamed at the mouth, rolled his eyes, and collapsed to the ground. 

The spherical device attached itself to Pakura's back. 

The floating iron sand enveloped Pakura, lifting her into the air. 

Pakura murmured in surprise, "This thing can fly even without me controlling it? I thought he was kidding!" 

The reason the iron sand could lift Pakura without direct manipulation was because the sphere itself was a propulsion device. After identifying Pakura, the program within the device activated automatically. 

The iron sand carried Pakura rapidly forward through the air. 

However, the miniature missiles only caused minor disruption among the ambushing Hidden Mist ninja. Seeing Pakura take to the sky, they all used ninjutsu to attack her. 

Pakura dared not use her Scorch Release bloodline limit's flames. 

Because the Scorch Release flames were too hot, they would demagnetize the iron sand, rendering it useless. 

So, Pakura formed hand signs. 

"Wind Release! Great Sickle Weasel!" 

Pakura infused chakra into the wind, creating a wide-ranging tempest. The storm blocked most of the ninjutsu. 

But there were too many jutsu, and some slipped through. Two water bullets—one struck Pakura's back, and the other hit her left shoulder. 

The power of these two water bullets was considerable. The one that hit her shoulder pierced clean through Pakura's left shoulder, and the one on her back made Pakura feel like her internal organs were shaken. A trace of blood spilled from the corner of her mouth. 

"Wind Release: Gale Current Dance!" 

Pakura formed hand signs again, casting a ninjutsu that generated two currents of wind from her hands, accelerating her flight. 

Soon, Pakura escaped the valley. 

The Hidden Mist ninja, their eyes wide with fury, pursued Pakura. 

In a forest, the iron sand lost its effectiveness, and Pakura plunged, falling to the ground. 

"Hiss~" 

Falling to the ground exacerbated Pakura's injuries, making her gasp. 

Pakura checked her left shoulder wound. Although it was pierced, it hadn't hit bone, which was a stroke of luck. 

Pakura pulled out ointment and bandages from her ninja pouch. After applying the medicine and bandaging the wound, she let out a long sigh of relief. 

"I survived! All thanks to Shindai. Now, I need to find a way to leave the Land of Water quickly, but... where am I?" 

It was unfamiliar territory, and the mist in the forest obscured her surroundings, leaving Pakura unsure of her current location. 

Pakura decided to first find a way out of the forest before figuring out where she was. 

Suddenly, Pakura heard footsteps, and her heart tensed. 

Had those Hidden Mist ninja caught up already? 

Just as Pakura was about to conceal herself, a voice rang out: "No need to hide, Pakura. We're comrades. We've come to support you." 

As they drew closer, there were four people in total, all wearing Hidden Sand Village forehead protectors. 

"Our Hidden Sand Village was deceived by the Hidden Mist, so we've rushed to rescue you. Alright, Pakura, come with us. We'll lead you out of the Land of Water." 

The leading Sand ninja smiled, extending a hand to Pakura, wanting her to follow them. 

Chapter 188: Are You Here to Deliver a Head? 

Having narrowly escaped the Hidden Mist ninja's ambush, Pakura found herself in a forest, where she encountered four Hidden Sand ninja. The leading Hidden Sand ninja extended his hand, offering to lead her out of the Land of Water. However, Pakura recoiled, her eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Those Mist ninja said I was a sacrifice, that the village intends to use my life to secure peace with them. Is that true?" 

The Sand ninja shook his head. "Pakura, how can you believe those Hidden Mist ninja? They're clearly trying to trick you! You're an elite ninja of our Hidden Sand Village; why would we ever treat you as a sacrifice? We are comrades. Hurry, those Hidden Mist ninja are still pursuing you." 

Pakura wasn't convinced. She remained wary. "You four... aren't you the Kazekage's personal guards? Tell me our current location, and I'll leave on my own. I don't need your escort." 

The leading Sand ninja sighed. "Those idiots from the Hidden Mist Village. They couldn't kill you, but they sure blabbed a lot, spilling everything. Since you won't accept a swift end, then don't blame us. Truth be told, we're very reluctant to lay hands on a comrade from our own village. The Kazekage-sama urgently needs to reconcile with the Hidden Mist, and this decision was made after discussions with all the village elders. So, this is all for the village. For the sake of the village, you must die here." 

Pakura's last shred of hope shattered completely, and a profound hatred for the Hidden Sand Village began to fester in her heart. 

"Scorch Release! Fervent Steaming Murder!" 

Four scorching orbs of fire materialized around Pakura. Her eyes blazed with killing intent as she glared at the four Hidden Sand ninja in front of her. "I'll slaughter you all!" 

"Heh, what you're doing now is an act of a rogue ninja. And, Pakura of the Scorch Release, did you really think we'd come unprepared?" 

Three of the Hidden Sand ninja charged at Pakura simultaneously. Pakura flung the four fire orbs behind her at the four opponents. The remaining Sand ninja, who had stayed put, unrolled a scroll covered in intricate seals. 

"Sealing Fire Suppressing Seal!" 

Chakra surged, binding the four fire orbs Pakura had thrown, sealing them within the scroll. The character 'Seal' appeared in the center of the scroll. The three Sand ninja had already reached Pakura. She quickly used Scorch Release again, manifesting several more fire orbs. But the Sand ninja who remained behind immediately pulled out another scroll and used the Sealing Fire Suppressing Seal to seal Pakura's new fireballs. 

Now, Pakura, injured in her left shoulder, could only wield her kunai with one hand, fighting against the three Hidden Sand ninja. She found the situation incredibly difficult. Every time she used Scorch Release, the other ninja would immediately seal her flames. On top of that, the pain in her body was making her movements sluggish. Even worse, Pakura's left arm was almost useless, meaning forming hand signs was excruciatingly difficult, making it nearly impossible to use ninjutsu. 

These three Hidden Sand ninja were clearly Jonin-level. They used Wind Release: Wind Blade, chakra extending from their fingertips like sharp knives, engaging Pakura in close combat. If she could use Scorch Release, Pakura was confident that even if she couldn't win, she could at least escape. But now, her Scorch Release was unusable, her ninjutsu was blocked, and her taijutsu was severely hampered by the extreme pain in her body. 

A sudden, broad movement exacerbated the pain in her left arm's wound, causing Pakura to falter. The Sand ninja immediately seized the opportunity. Pakura was kicked in the abdomen, sent flying backward, and slammed heavily into a tree trunk. Pakura gasped, barely catching her breath, and for a moment, she couldn't move. 

The three Sand ninja charged toward Pakura, their Wind Blades ready to pierce her. Pakura stared at the scene unfolding before her, despair in her eyes. Was this truly the end? Would she not escape death? 

Suddenly, a massive iron sand spear descended from the sky, directly piercing one of the three Hidden Sand ninja, pinning him to the ground. In this critical moment, Shindai finally arrived, his eyes blazing red as he glared fiercely at the remaining Sand ninja. 

The Sand ninja frowned, looking up into the sky. They spotted Shindai, and a familiar figure beside him – Kamunari, missing an arm. That iron sand spear earlier? Shindai had formed it from Kamunari's arm. Pakura, too, struggled to look up, her eyes wide with disbelief. 

How did Shindai get here? 

When Shindai saw the heavily wounded Pakura, he exploded in a fit of rage. He manipulated Kamunari, turning it into a pile of iron sand. "I haven't even bullied her this much myself, and now it's your turn to do it?!" 

"Magnet Release! Iron Sand Cylinder!" 

The iron sand transformed into a massive cylinder, violently crashing toward the three Hidden Sand ninja in front of Pakura. Aside from the one already impaled by the iron sand spear, the other two retreated to the side of the Sand ninja who had remained still. The ninja impaled by the iron sand spear was instantly crushed into a bloody mess. 

Shindai manipulated the iron sand back into Kamunari's form and began firing small missiles, bombarding the three surviving Hidden Sand ninja. Shindai spared a moment to turn his head, asking worriedly, "Hey, Pakura, are you alright?" 

Pakura coughed, spitting out a mouthful of blood. "I'm... I'm fine. Not dead yet." 

A vein throbbed on Shindai's forehead. He turned back, glaring at the three fleeing Sand ninja. "Just bear with it! I'll get revenge for you, just wait!" 

Pakura stared blankly at Shindai's back, lost in thought. Suddenly... she felt like Shindai looked kind of cool? Pakura's cheeks flushed slightly. She snapped back to reality, shaking her head vigorously, which, in turn, pulled at her wound, making her wince and gasp again. 

Hearing Pakura's sharp intake of breath, Shindai quickly rushed to her side, concern etched on his face. "Pakura, are you really okay? Don't push yourself. All I have are military rations pills. Eat these to recover some chakra first." 

Shindai grabbed a handful of military rations pills directly from his ninja pouch and shoved them into Pakura's mouth. Caught off guard, Pakura's mouth was completely stuffed with the pills. "Mmph..." 

Who eats military rations pills like that?! 

Pakura saw the three Hidden Sand ninja charging towards them. Her mouth full, she couldn't speak, so she desperately pointed behind Shindai. Shindai turned, seeing the Sand ninja rushing at them. He grinned menacingly. "I was afraid you guys might try to run!" 

"Magnet Release! Iron Sand Wave—" 

Just as Shindai was about to activate his jutsu, his body spasmed, and he collapsed stiffly onto the ground. 

Pakura quickly spat out the military rations pills from her mouth, enduring the pain to reach out and cradle Shindai's head. "Shindai, what's wrong with you?!" 

Cold sweat poured down Shindai's forehead. "I... I ran out of chakra..." Shindai had been pushing his chakra reserves to the limit for travel, using every bit he had to keep going. His body simply had no chakra left, and he was completely out of commission. 

"Huh?!" Pakura's expression became one of utter horror. Seriously, is this guy here to just hand over his head?! 

What do you think will happen next for Pakura and the suddenly incapacitated Shindai? 

Chapter 189: Save Me! 

Shindai totally crapped out at the crucial moment! He'd been over-exerting his chakra rushing here, and now after using a few jutsu, he was completely out of commission, lying on the ground unable to move. 

Pakura, at this point, was utterly flustered. 

Just a moment ago, she thought Shindai was a little handsome... Handsome my foot! 

Originally, only one of them had to die. Now, it looked like both of them were goners. 

Pakura desperately dragged Shindai behind her, then with a strained effort, formed hand signs and conjured another fireball. 

The leading Sand ninja looked angrily at Shindai behind Pakura. "Seriously, I didn't expect this traitor to show up and get Monroe killed! It seems you and this traitor are quite close, Pakura. The Kazekage's decision was right after all; you must die. And now that this traitor is here, we'll just kill him too. That'll take care of all our worries." 

Pakura looked at the charging Sand ninja, a troublesome situation indeed, and anxiously said to Shindai, "Shindai, can you move? If you can, run! I'll buy you time." 

"Can't move, but... I still have a trump card!" 

Even though Shindai couldn't move right now, he wasn't worried in the slightest. 

Shindai took a deep breath and yelled, "Lord Orochimaru! Help!" 

Orochimaru slowly rose from the ground, facing Pakura and Shindai. 

Pakura tensed up instantly upon seeing Orochimaru. After all, the Hidden Sand and Hidden Leaf were enemies right now. And the man before her was a top-tier Leaf ninja, one of the Legendary Sannin, Orochimaru himself. How could she not be nervous? 

But remembering Shindai's shout of "Lord Orochimaru," Pakura also knew that Orochimaru was Shindai's helper. Still, her body's instinctive reaction was unavoidable. 

The three Sand ninja immediately stopped dead in their tracks when they saw Orochimaru, staring in disbelief. "Orochimaru? Why are you here?!" 

Orochimaru ignored the three Sand ninja, not even giving them a glance. He stood with his back to them, his gaze fixed on Shindai. 

Orochimaru looked at Shindai and said, "Aren't you usually quite rational? You pushed your chakra to the limit to rush here, knowing full well you wouldn't be able to fight due to chakra depletion even if you made it. Is it because of your fiancée that you've become so irrational?" 

Shindai was utterly mortified. 

Don't say it out loud! 

Pakura wasn't his fiancée at all! He only said that to get Hiruzen Sarutobi to go all out to help him! 

Now, saying it in front of Pakura? That's blowing his cover! 

"Fiancée?!" 

Pakura turned, her gaze probing the sweating Shindai behind her. 

Seeing Pakura's reaction, Orochimaru raised an eyebrow, immediately understanding. 

"Oh? It seems you lied to Lord Hiruzen." 

Shindai felt incredibly guilty, not daring to meet Pakura's or Orochimaru's gaze. "N-no, I didn't lie! Everything I said was true... just a little bit embellished." 

The three Sand ninja, seeing Orochimaru completely disregard them and chat with Shindai, were enraged. They formed hand signs, preparing to attack Orochimaru. 

Orochimaru turned to the three Sand ninja behind him and softly said, "Snake Authority Binding." 

In an instant, three white snakes tightly coiled around the three Sand ninja, rendering them immobile. Then, the three snakes opened their mouths, revealing two sharp fangs, and bit into the ninjas' necks, injecting poison into their bodies. 

The three Sand ninja's blood vessels immediately turned black, and their bodies twitched uncontrollably. In just a moment, they died from the poison. 

Shindai watched as Orochimaru effortlessly dispatched the three Sand ninja and felt an overwhelming sense of relief. 

It was so good that Orochimaru came along. 

When he got the chance, he definitely had to hug and passionately kiss Hiruzen Sarutobi's big forehead. 

Thanks to Hiruzen Sarutobi's suggestion, he would have been toast if he had come alone. 

After eliminating the three Sand ninja, Orochimaru looked to his front left. "Those Mist ninja are catching up. Should we move to another location? You two seem unable to move right now." 

Orochimaru used the Summoning Jutsu, summoning a giant snake. 

The snake's tail coiled around Shindai and Pakura, then Orochimaru jumped onto the snake's head, and the snake slithered away from the area. 

Shindai was incredibly awkward right now—no, more than awkward. 

Because the snake only had one tail, and one tail wrapped around two people meant they had to be in close contact. 

And right now, Shindai's vision was dark, and his breathing was labored. 

Pakura's cheeks were crimson, and steam was practically coming out of her head. 

"Hah! Phew!" 

Shindai struggled to lift his head, seeing the light again, taking a deep breath. At the same time, he saw Pakura's flushed face. He tried to speak, but the snake suddenly made a turn, and Shindai's vision went dark again. 

Pakura warned, "You brat, don't you dare go too far!" 

Shindai struggled to lift his head again. "What's it got to do with me?! I can't move either! I'm being forced! You think I want this? I can barely breathe!" 

More steam billowed from Pakura's head, and the redness in her cheeks deepened. She gritted her teeth. "So, it's my fault then?!" 

"It's not your fault, but it's not my fault either... Ugh..." 

The snake's body lurched again, and Shindai's face was again forced into Pakura's chest. 

Shindai struggled to lift his head again and continued, "Blame this snake! You can't take it out on me!" 

With Shindai's face bumping against her, Pakura was mortified and furious. "Just stop talking and stop moving around!" 

Shindai looked troubled. "But... I need to breathe!" 

Pakura's expression instantly froze. He actually had a point. 

"Just choke to death then!" 

After some time, the trio finally arrived at a cave. 

"I'm warning you, you can't get mad at me over this! I was forced, remember that! And stop moving, I'm putting medicine on you!" 

Shindai, having regained some mobility, was applying the medicine Orochimaru gave him to Pakura's wounds. 

Pakura really wanted to punch Shindai right now. She had been trying to forget about the whole incident, and this Shindai just had to bring it up again. 

Orochimaru said to Shindai, "We'll leave after an hour of rest. Now's your chance to show your manly prowess." 

Shindai's eyelids twitched violently. 

Just tell me to convince Pakura to join the Leaf, but why does Orochimaru have to talk about "manly prowess"?! 

That was just bragging between him and Hiruzen Sarutobi, it wasn't meant to be taken seriously! He didn't have any "manly prowess." 

Ever since he met Pakura, he'd gotten plenty of slaps from her. 

Pakura looked at Shindai with a somewhat hostile gaze. "I'd like to hear about this fiancée you mentioned." 

Shindai felt goosebumps all over his body. He knew he was in trouble! 

Chapter 190: Agreement 

Pakura demanded to know what Shindai meant by "fiancée." Shindai knew, deep in his gut, that if he actually explained the full story and revealed the grand fib he'd spun for the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi himself, he'd be getting a massive slap across the face, for sure! 

So, Shindai deftly changed the subject. "Pakura, how about you come live in Konoha with me from now on?" 

Pakura's brow immediately furrowed. "Huh?" 

Shindai then laid out the situation for her. "I think you understand what's happening better than I do. Rasa set you up, intending to use the Hidden Mist ninja to eliminate you. If they failed, then those Hidden Sand ninja assigned to watch you would finish the job themselves. The goal was to ensure you died in the Land of Water. Even if you survived this, you can't go back. This kind of decision wouldn't have been Rasa's alone; it means virtually all of the Hidden Sand's higher-ups agreed to it. If you return to the Hidden Sand Village, how would you even live there? Who knows, that scoundrel Rasa might try to pull another fast one on you. I know you're furious right now, that the Hidden Sand Village betrayed you, and you resent them. So, there's no need to go back. Come with me. Come live in Konoha." 

Pakura slowly lowered her head. Resent the Hidden Sand Village? Of course, she did! She had given everything for the Hidden Sand, only to end up in such a predicament. 

Shindai glanced at Orochimaru, giving him a subtle look, signaling for him to chime in. After all, Orochimaru was also a high-ranking member of Konoha; his words carried the weight of the village. 

Orochimaru spoke, "Shindai had predicted that you might face betrayal from the Hidden Sand Village. That's why he went to our Third Hokage and asked him to instruct our spy in the Hidden Sand Village to give you that transmitter. Shindai was ready at any moment; as soon as you pressed that button, he would rush to save you immediately. He came all the way from the border of the Land of Fire and the Land of Grass, stopping only when his chakra was completely depleted to gather a bit more. Otherwise, he didn't rest at all. I am here with Shindai because the Third Hokage wished it. Therefore, we would be very welcoming if you chose to join Konoha. And it's clear you and Shindai have a strong bond, one that's very important to each of you. Since the Hidden Sand Village, which you deeply cherished, has betrayed you, then why not stay with Shindai, who is so important to you? I can promise you on behalf of Konoha that we will not force you to do anything you don't want to. It's perfectly fine if you don't wish to become a Konoha ninja; living as a regular villager in Konoha is also an option." 

Orochimaru understood Hiruzen Sarutobi's intentions. So, it didn't matter if Pakura didn't want to serve Konoha; they just needed her bloodline to remain within Konoha. 

Pakura let out a long breath, then looked at Shindai. 

Shindai gazed at Pakura with an eager expression. "Pakura, come on! I have a home in Konoha now, you know. You can live with me, and I'll take care of all your meals from now on. How does that sound?" 

Pakura had already mentally agreed, but hearing Shindai promise all meals, she asked, puzzled, "How would I know you can cook?" 

Shindai replied, "I'll take you to our neighbors for meals! Our neighbors are Minato Namikaze, Konoha's Yellow Flash, and I even have an older sister in Konoha named Kushina Uzumaki. They're both amazing cooks!" 

Pakura's eye twitched. "Your 'all meals included' plan means mooching off other people's homes?!" 

Shindai, though not entirely in the right, puffed out his chest defiantly. "Exactly! Why cook when you can mooch? And cooking means washing dishes—it's too much trouble. I hate washing dishes most of all. Kushina-nee has asked me to wash dishes so many times, I just wipe them with a rag and shove them into the cupboard without even washing them." 

Pakura was almost speechless. "Your nerve is as thick as ever. You'll mooch off people but won't even wash a dish. But it seems you're living quite well in Konoha." 

Shindai nodded. "It's alright... but if you came, then it would be even better!" 

Seeing that Pakura still hadn't agreed to go to Konoha with him, Shindai thought she was still hesitating. He grit his teeth, stomped his foot, and went all out. He needed to get Pakura to Konoha first, no matter what! 

"Pakura, if you come to Konoha with me, from now on, if you say one, I won't say two! If you say east, I absolutely won't go west! How's that?!" 

Orochimaru and Pakura's eyebrows twitched simultaneously. Orochimaru, hearing Shindai's words, couldn't help but notice they were the exact opposite of what he'd said to Hiruzen Sarutobi in the Hokage's office. 

But Pakura's eyes lit up. "Oh? Is that so... then I'll go!" 

Shindai let out a long sigh of relief. She finally gave in! He knew he could renege on that promise later. If Pakura hadn't agreed, Shindai was about to offer to be her personal servant. 

Orochimaru stood up. "We've rested enough. It's time to go. So, congratulations in advance on joining Konoha, Pakura." 

Pakura nodded. "I must also thank Konoha for being willing to take me in." 

Orochimaru looked at Shindai. "Come on, man. Time to move." 

Shindai instantly cursed under his breath. Why didn't I notice Orochimaru was such a master of passive aggression before?! 

Shindai asked Pakura, "Do you want me to carry you?" 

"You?" 

Pakura looked Shindai up and down, her eyes filled with disdain. 

A vein throbbed on Shindai's forehead. "What kind of look is that?! Get on!" Shindai squatted in front of Pakura. He was determined to make a good impression on her! 

Pakura climbed onto Shindai's back. When Shindai stood up, things got awkward. Shindai wasn't very tall right now, so with Pakura on his back, her feet were dragging on the ground. 

Pakura taunted, "Little brat, let me go. You can't even carry me." 

Faced with Pakura's mockery, Shindai absolutely couldn't stand it. "Shut up! Just stay still on my back! Who says I can't carry you?!" Shindai, with Pakura on his back, charged forward. 

Orochimaru watched Shindai rush off and called out, "You're going the wrong way." 

Shindai slammed on the brakes, leaving four distinct marks on the ground. Why four marks? Because in addition to Shindai's two footprints, there were also Pakura's two footprints. Pakura, still on Shindai's back, rolled her eyes. 

If you're short, don't try to act tough! I'm the one suffering! 

Pakura tried to hint at it more subtly, even bringing up Shindai's recent promise, "If you say one, I won't say two; if you say east, I absolutely won't go west," hoping he'd put her down. But Shindai, desperate to prove himself, wasn't listening. 

"No way! Just give up on that idea. I'm carrying you, and besides... who believes that kind of talk anyway?!" 

Pakura stared at the back of Shindai's head in disbelief. She knew Shindai would try to backpedal, but she never expected him to do it so quickly! 

What do you think will happen on their journey to Konoha, with Shindai's questionable carrying skills and even more questionable promises?