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[Naruto: Superpower Roulette] Chapter 366
🕑 Added 2025-01-26 16:00:14 +0000 UTCNight had fallen, and the three members of the Nara family were seated at the dinner table.
Shikamaru and Shikadai exchanged a glance. They both noticed that the food tonight tasted off—it was either too salty or too bland. But seeing the expression on Temari's face, the father and son dared not comment.
Resigned, they dipped their tempura into the miso soup to balance the saltiness, making it just palatable enough to eat.
"I…"
Temari thought of the words Yoichi had told her earlier that afternoon. She set down her chopsticks, opened her mouth to speak, but stopped after uttering just one word. When Shikamaru and Shikadai turned their attention to her, the words caught in her throat.
"What's wrong, Temari?"
"I want to return to Sunagakure."
Silently apologizing to the Nara father and son, Temari still chose to speak. Though she understood that Yoichi might not release the recording even if she didn't go, there was still a slim chance he would.
Only two more times. Once she retrieved the items, Temari was determined to find a way to make Yoichi pay with his life.
"That incident is over now. When you last visited, you didn't have a proper chance to talk to Gaara or Kankurō, so it makes sense you'd want to see them again this time."
Shikamaru nodded, understanding her reasoning.
"Father, what happened last time? Why do I have no memory of it?" Shikadai asked curiously. The previous incident had been strange, and neither his father nor mother was willing to share any details.
"That's a classified matter, Shikadai," Shikamaru replied sternly. "You should know better than to pry into things you're not supposed to know."
Setting down his chopsticks, Shikamaru turned to his son. "Shikadai, after dinner, prepare yourself. You'll accompany your mother back this time."
"Huh? Got it…" Shikadai reluctantly agreed, though he wasn't thrilled. Temari usually brought him along on trips to Sunagakure, but last time's ninja academy exams had kept him from going. With no such obstacles now, it was clear he'd have to go this time.
However, he had also promised Inojin to help investigate something about Aunt Ino.
"There's no need for Shikadai to come," Temari interjected, surprising both father and son. "He should stay in Konoha and focus on his studies. His grades aren't even near the top of his class."
Both Shikamaru and Shikadai were taken aback. Temari had always insisted on taking Shikadai with her to Sunagakure. Using his grades as an excuse was unprecedented, especially since the Naras didn't typically stress academic performance. Temari had always left Shikadai's training in Shikamaru's hands.
Shikamaru sighed, sensing an unusual tension. Ever since the memory loss incident involving Temari, he had felt this underlying unease, and it only seemed to grow stronger.
"Alright, if that's what you think, just be careful on your trip," Shikamaru said, his expression neutral but his thoughts swirling.
After dinner, Temari cleared the dishes and went upstairs to take a bath.
Hearing the water running, Shikamaru set down his newspaper and quietly returned to the bedroom. He had suspected something for some time but hadn't been able to confirm it.
Forming a series of hand seals, the shadows under Shikamaru's feet came to life. They crept into the gaps under the bed, inside the wardrobe, and around the nightstand. With the Nara clan's shadow technique, there was no need to open drawers or disturb anything; the shadows could explore every crevice without leaving a trace.
"Nothing… nothing… wait, what's this?"
Shikamaru's eyes snapped open. His shadow had discovered a small bottle hidden beneath Temari's clothes.
Using his shadow to retrieve the bottle, Shikamaru opened it and inspected the pills inside. He didn't recognize them, but the family's medicine was always stored in a cabinet on the first floor. Why was this bottle hidden under clothing in the wardrobe?
Could Temari's recent changes be related to these pills?
Hearing the water stop upstairs, Shikamaru quickly took one pill, wrapped it in paper, and returned the bottle to its original spot. He silently left the bedroom and returned to the living room, resuming his newspaper reading.
Meanwhile, in the bathroom, Temari wasn't preparing to leave the bath as the sound of running water suggested. Instead, she stood frozen, staring at her reflection in the mirror. On her lower back, she saw a peculiar mark resembling a flower, which made her heart skip a beat.
It didn't take long for her to realize who was responsible. Only Yoichi could have done something like this.
"That bastard…"
Temari's fist slammed into the tiled wall in anger. The flower mark on her lower abdomen hadn't even faded yet, and now there was another on her back. Fortunately, she had been avoiding intimacy with Shikamaru lately; otherwise, he would have noticed.
After a moment of silent fury, Temari calmed herself, clenching her fists tightly. She reminded herself repeatedly: "Only two more times. After that, if that bastard doesn't keep his promise, I'll fight him to the death."
Still, the thought of the tape made her mind involuntarily replay those wild, intense scenes. Her breathing grew heavier, and she found herself sliding down to sit at the edge of the bathtub, her teeth sinking into a towel.
"Shikamaru…" she murmured under her breath, but the image in her mind was of another man—a strong, muscular figure. Only thoughts of him could push her further.
After calming down, Temari washed herself again before dressing and returning to the bedroom to pack for her trip. She knew Yoichi had tampered with her body, but for now, she had to endure. Two more times, and she could reclaim her life.
The following morning, Temari woke early to prepare breakfast. After waking Shikadai and ensuring both father and son had eaten, she turned to leave.
"I'll be off now, Shikadai. Your father will take care of you while I'm gone."
"Got it, Mom."
"Shikamaru, I'm leaving."
"Take care, Temari," Shikamaru replied, his gaze deep with meaning. "If you need any help, just let me know. We're family, after all."
Temari froze for a moment, then avoided his gaze, her voice faltering. "I… I know. I'll bring something tasty back for you when I return from Sunagakure."
"Safe travels!"
Without waiting for Shikamaru to finish, Temari stepped out the door, put on her shoes, and left.
After she was gone, Shikamaru left some money for Shikadai and headed out as well, leaving the boy alone at the breakfast table. Shikadai sighed at the mess left behind, muttering, "What a drag…"
"Thank you, Shizune-senpai."
"No problem. It's a simple matter," Shizune said, taking the pill Shikamaru handed her and entering the medical room.
Time crawled by. Half an hour felt like an eternity to Shikamaru.
Finally, the door opened, and Shizune stepped out.
"Well? What is it, Shizune-senpai?"
"It's just a vitamin pill, Shikamaru. Why would you bring me something so ordinary?"
"W-What?"
Shikamaru was stunned. "Are you sure this is just… a vitamin pill?"
"Yes. If that's all, I'll be heading back. I have plenty of work to do at the hospital."
Shizune left, leaving Shikamaru holding the pill, deeply puzzled. Had he been mistaken? Did Temari's changes have nothing to do with the pills?
"Maybe I've been too tense lately…"
As Shikamaru left the hospital, he bought a bottle of vitamin pills, convinced he might have been overthinking things.
Meanwhile, on a train heading to the Land of Hot Water, Yoichi found Temari in the last car, sitting quietly in the farthest seat.
(End of Chapter)
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