"You're... Kabuto Yakushi?"
"We met at the Chunin Ninja Exams a year ago, didn't we?"
"You've changed quite a bit."
"Yes, the past feels like a wisp of smoke... It's only been a year, and I barely recognize myself anymore."
Kabuto Yakushi adjusted his glasses, his smile filled with emotion.
His smile faded, and his eyes instantly sharpened. "What business do you have with Lord Orochimaru?"
Shikamaru took a deep breath, striving not to lose his composure as a Konoha Ninja under Kabuto's scrutiny!
"I have something important to discuss!"
Kabuto Yakushi gave a sinister smile. "How important? More important than finding Lord Hokage, whose very survival is still unknown?"
Shhk!!
Shikamaru's pupils abruptly contracted.
Just as I thought... These people know everything happening in Konoha. They might even—might even know whether Lord Hokage and my father are alive, and where they are!!
Thump! Thump!!
Shikamaru's heart pounded in his chest. He wanted to ask where his father was right that instant! Right now!!! Even if he had to beg in the most abject manner!!
But he couldn't...
Stay calm! Stay calm! Kabuto is clearly testing my mettle. If I lose my head that easily... I'll surrender all control of this conversation!
So Shikamaru clenched his fists and spoke with measured composure. "Perhaps it really is that important... To you, of course!"
"Oh? To us?" Kabuto Yakushi raised an eyebrow and said with interest, "Then I'd like to hear it."
Shikamaru spoke plainly. "By now, everyone knows Naruto destroyed Konoha, and Sasuke was his accomplice!"
Kabuto Yakushi frowned. "Sasuke...?"
Shikamaru spoke with conviction. "Ino and I saw it with our own eyes. When Naruto attacked Konoha, he appeared in Konoha's Control Room and killed Inoichi Yamanaka with a Dōjutsu called Amaterasu!"
Kabuto Yakushi's tone grew emphatic. "Shikamaru, I can tell