Two People Gradually Drifting Apart

Hinata is rarely serious, and when she is, she's actually quite scary.

Shikamaru: "..."

It must be said that Hinata's words made a lot of sense, but Shikamaru found it hard to agree.

From an international perspective, the Cloud Ninja's infiltration of Sunagakure to steal the Impure World Reincarnation fragments had nothing to do with Konoha.

It is Kumogakure) that disrupts international peace, and it is Sunagakure) that suffers persecution.

The Konoha Ninja' attack on the Cloud Ninja in the Land of Wind will offend not only the Kumogakure but also the Sunagakure.

Especially now, with Gaara vying for power with the Sunagakure's higher-ups, even with Gaara's consent, the Sand Village's higher-ups will still cause trouble for Konoha afterwards.

Hinata did help Sunagakure before, but the situation before and the situation now are two different things and should not be confused.

However, as a wise man, Shikamaru would not consider the issue solely from the perspective of relations between nations. Compared to offending Kumogakure now, it would obviously cause greater trouble for the Shinobi World if Kumogakure obtained the remnants of the Impure World Reincarnation scroll.

From Konoha's perspective, especially from the perspective of the Hokage's faction, Shikamaru clearly believed that the Akatsuki was the greatest threat to the Shinobi World.

Until the Akatsuki problem is resolved, the Five Great Shinobi Villages must maintain a relative balance and peace.

If Hinata were to take action to Impure World Reincarnation Tensei at this moment, even if it offends Kumogakure, Konoha is currently powerful, and the Raikage would at most only make a few verbal accusations.

"Hinata!"

Shikamaru's expression was serious as he said in a deep voice, "You are a flying ninja and possess the Byakugan, Dōjutsu with super-strong insight. Only you can catch up with the Cloud Ninja who stole the Impure World Reincarnation Tensei the fastest."

"If the Sunagakure were to send people to pursue them, they would have to send out multiple small teams to pursue them separately, which would be too risky."

"..."

After a pause, Shikamaru said in a serious tone, "Once the Impure World Impure World Reincarnation of Sunagakure falls into the hands of Kumogakure will inevitably take action against Kirigakure and Iwagakure, and the situation in the Shinobi World will immediately fall into chaos."

"Even the Lord Hokage would agree with me!"

Hinata scratched her head, pondering how to refute Shikamaru's words.

Shikamaru is right. Hinata and has the Byakugan. Those Cloud Ninja have just escaped from Sunagakure. If Hinata goes after them, she can bring Cloud Ninja back very quickly.

'Whoosh!'

As the two were locked in a stalemate, an Anbu appeared in Body Flicker Technique and reported to Temari, "Temari, the people of Kumogakure are accusing Sunagakure of failing to protect their people properly, resulting in their deaths in the war. The people of Kumogakure are currently causing trouble at the Kazekage's Office. Lord Kazekage, please come there immediately."

Temari: "..."

Temari and Shikamaru exchanged a glance, then led the Sunagakure Anbu away in Body Flicker Technique.

Hinata shrugged and said to Shikamaru, "You saw it too, how shameless the people of Kumogakure?"

Shikamaru said anxiously, "That's precisely why we should immediately find those 'dead' Cloud Ninja and leave the Kumogakure speechless."

"You're so naive!"

Hinata shook her head slightly. "Believe it or not, once I find those Cloud Ninja, they will immediately commit suicide, hide the Impure World Reincarnation, and then turn around and accuse Konoha of murder."

"Since these Cloud Ninja have been entrusted with important tasks by the Raikage, we must not underestimate their will!"

This isn't just Hinata's wild imagination; it actually happened in the Original Story, and Hinata and Hizashi Hyuga were the victims.

Since the people of Kumogakure have already pointed out that the person who stole the Impure World Reincarnation has 'died in battle,' then unless they return to Kumogakure alive, they will only be able to die in battle.

Shikamaru had no choice but to patiently explain, "Hinata, compared to offending Kumogakure now, letting them obtain the Impure World Reincarnation would cause greater harm to the Shinobi World."

Hinata looked up at the sky and said calmly, "After graduating from the Ninja Academy, my assigned Jonin was Kakashi Hatake..."

Shikamaru was somewhat confused.

Hinata continued, "I've investigated Teacher Kakashi's background. His father was Konoha White Fang, and the reason why Konoha White Fang committed suicide was because he abandoned the mission to save his teammates."

"If we do anything to harm Konoha without the Lord Hokage's orders, we will not have a good outcome even if we return to the village."

"If the Cloud Ninja dies at my hands, and the Kumogakure threatens war again, even if war doesn't break out, we will still be the sinners of the village!"

Shikamaru frowned and said, "Lady Tsunade isn't that kind of person!"

"Furthermore, I believe that White Fang's approach is correct. Those who abandon their comrades for the sake of a mission may be true ninjas, but they have lost the bottom line of being 'human'!"

Hinata looked at Shikamaru with a serious expression.

"Shikamaru, in the adult world, there is never a distinction between 'right' and 'wrong,' only interests and trade-offs!"

"Two years ago, Sunagakure joined forces with Orochimaru to attack Konoha, but Konoha still wanted to form an alliance with Sunagakure afterward. Because given the situation at the time, only by forming an alliance between Konoha and Sand Village could the restless Iwagakure and Hidden Cloud Village be calmed down."

"Perhaps your consideration is correct..."

Hinata looked at Shikamaru quietly, shook her head slightly, and said calmly, "But I am the heir of the Hyuga Main Family. My actions represent not only myself, but also the entire family."

"... I'm sorry!"

After saying that, Hinata slipped through the window into her room, turned around and closed the window, making a 'V' sign that represented victory.

Hinata felt incredibly cool just now, completely outshining that young Shikamaru in both intelligence and perspective on life.

I am grateful for the teachings of Orochimaru, the philosopher of life, and Itachi Uchiha.

On the hotel rooftop, Shikamaru stood silently amidst the swirling sandstorm.

He and Hinata eventually drifted apart, their paths diverging further and further.

Shikamaru felt that his decision was beneficial to the future of the Shinobi World, and Hinata probably thought so too.

But Hinata cannot do that.

Hinata chose to play it safe for the sake of her clan; not taking action was the best course of action. And for the Hyuga Clan, the future of the Shinobi World might simply be a game of vying for military glory.

Hinata's choice was not short-sighted, but rather a result of their different positions, leading her to choose two completely different approaches from Shikamaru.

Shikamaru and Tsunade wary of the Akatsuki, but Hinata is not.

Hinata is only fourteen years old this year, which is the age when a person grows the fastest.

Last year, Hinata had already fought Pain, the leader of the Akatsuki, to a draw.

This year... according to intelligence, almost none of the Kage who attacked Sunagakure were able to last even a minute against Hinata.

Shikamaru felt a wave of weakness wash over him.

He didn't know why all this was happening. The two of them were best friends when they were teenagers, but now they were drifting further and further apart.

Thinking of his father Shikaku Nara's speculations about the Hyuga Clan...

Shikamaru muttered, "The Shinobi World is really going to be in chaos!"