~~~
As the days went by...
After returning from the moon, Hao Shuai began living in seclusion.
Of course, what Hao Shuai called seclusion wasn't the kind of closed-door cultivation where one shut oneself away completely. He simply went out less and started living like a shut-in.
But while in seclusion, Hao Shuai keenly sensed that the world was growing increasingly oppressive, as if the whole world were shrouded in shadow, with dark clouds threatening to crush the city.
At first, Hao Shuai didn't think much of it. He focused on cultivating behind closed doors, pondering how to combine ninjutsu with magical power.
The only time he went out was to attend Asuma Sarutobi's funeral.
That's right...
Although Hao Shuai's presence had stirred the world like the flutter of a butterfly's wings, unfortunately, those wings hadn't reached Asuma Sarutobi. He had still died in battle.
He had fallen at the hands of the Akatsuki Organization's immortal duo.
At the funeral...
Seeing Kurenai Yuhi, heavily pregnant, dressed in mourning clothes, and weeping so sorrowfully, Hao Shuai almost awakened a certain Cao Cao-esque streak in himself, if not for his conscience holding him back. Honestly, he'd come close.
Fortunately, after the funeral ended, Hao Shuai returned home and continued his seclusion.
After Asuma Sarutobi's funeral, Shikamaru and a few others went after the immortal duo to avenge him. Hao Shuai neither stopped them nor took part.
He and Asuma Sarutobi had only been casual acquaintances, after all. Asuma wasn't worth making Hao Shuai go out of his way to avenge.
Of course...
Although he didn't go with them, Hao Shuai still told Shikamaru and the others some information about the immortal duo.
It was only a few casual remarks, but they earned him Shikamaru and the others' gratitude. Why not?
As Hao