Chapter 395: Armored Warrior Squad
Konoha Village.
Inside the Hokage's Office.
"Boruto, we've received a message from your future self."
Shikamaru walked into the office, holding a scroll sent back by Future Boruto.
Boruto, who had been busy with official duties, immediately put down his work and looked up at Shikamaru with eager eyes.
"Uncle Shikamaru, what's the intel?"
"We've found Himawari."
Knowing exactly what mattered most to Boruto, Shikamaru smiled as he handed over the intel.
"Really?"
Boruto quickly took the scroll from Shikamaru.
Although the report mentioned that Himawari had turned into a demon, the fact that she was still alive was enough to bring him comfort.
"If Mom hears about this, she'll definitely be really happy too."
"In addition, according to the intel, Orochimaru has been sighted within the Land of Iron. And also... Venom."
Boruto's expression turned serious as he continued reading the report.
It mentioned that Venom was immune to both ninjutsu and taijutsu. So far, its only known weakness was sound—and most importantly, it was a black, viscous living organism.
"We need to bring this thing back to the village as soon as possible."
The moment Boruto saw it, he immediately realized its significance.
"Yeah," Shikamaru nodded. "That's why I've decided to go personally."
"Take two squads with you: Sumire's team, and the Armored Warrior Squad."
The Armored Warrior Squad consisted of Tentō, Shinki, and Kagura.
"The Armored Warrior Squad? Is it really okay to let those three leave the village?"
Even though the Alien Beasts hadn't shown up for a while, Shikamaru didn't believe they'd give up the chance to sabotage the Armored Warriors.
"During this time, the three of them have been through intense special training. Their current strength can't be judged by how they were before."
After transforming into Armored Warriors, the trio had become quite formidable—even by Konoha standards.
"Alright then."
Shikamaru nodded and turned to leave the Hokage's office.
At the main gate of Konoha Village—
"We finally get to leave the village."
Tentō stretched lazily. He had been stuck in the village learning Fire Release techniques and undergoing stamina training.
"Yeah."
Kagura nodded with a smile. Like Tentō, he had been training in Water Release and taijutsu. Beside him, the usually quiet Shinki was undergoing similar training, focusing on Wind Release alongside his physical regimen.
"Is everyone ready?"
Shikamaru appeared in front of the five-person group and greeted them.
"Yes."
"Great. Then let's move out. This time, we're heading to the Land of Iron to carry out a mission: our goal is to escort something back to Konoha. I'll be leading this mission. If anything happens to me, Sumire will take command."
After numerous missions, Sumire had demonstrated solid leadership abilities.
If this mission hadn't been so critical, Shikamaru would have had no issue with letting Sumire lead on her own.
Land of Iron.
Himawari, biting a bamboo muzzle, squatted on the ground watching ants. Future Boruto and Mitsuki, working together, swiftly eliminated the demon before them after only a few moves.
"You're a demon… yet you help humans?"
The demon's bitter final words faded as it perished completely.
"By now, the group from the village should be arriving soon. Let's head back."
Future Boruto turned to Mitsuki as he spoke.
"Yeah."
Mitsuki nodded.
"Himawari, let's go."
Future Boruto turned to the little girl.
Himawari, who had been squatting and playing, immediately dashed into Future Boruto's arms when she heard his voice.
Residence of the Daimyō of the Land of Iron.
Tetsubaki welcomed Shikamaru and his team from Konoha.
In just a few days, she had consolidated power—rallying a group of officials who showed genuine repentance, while executing others as a warning to the rest.
And since she could dispose of the "forgiven" ones at any time, those spared were now absolutely loyal to her, too afraid to rebel.
"Lord Daimyō."
Although it was a small country, and Tetsubaki had once stayed in Konoha, she was now the daimyō of the Land of Iron. Respect had to be shown.
"Just call me Tetsubaki."
Tetsubaki smiled. Though she appreciated Shikamaru's courtesy, she didn't want to overstep. After all, Konoha was still the most powerful village in the ninja world, and the Land of Fire remained its greatest nation. Besides… the one she liked was still in Konoha.
"Where's Boruto?"
"He went out to hunt demons. He should be back soon."
Just as she finished speaking, Future Boruto and Mitsuki arrived at the daimyō's residence.
"Mitsuki?!" Sumire looked in surprise at the Mitsuki beside Future Boruto. "No… you're not Mitsuki."
It hadn't been that long since they'd last seen each other. No matter how fast Mitsuki grew, he couldn't have aged into his mid-twenties already.
"Hi, I'm a clone of Mitsuki."
The man smiled at Sumire.
"Mitsuki's clone?"
Shikamaru looked at him, then at Future Boruto. Since Future Boruto trusted this clone, Shikamaru didn't press further.
He trusted Future Boruto deeply—after all, during the past crisis, he had played a major role in saving Konoha.
"Venom is sealed in here."
As he spoke, Future Boruto handed Shikamaru a metal box.
Shikamaru accepted the box and nodded, resisting the urge to peek inside.
Though being possessed by Venom brought immense power, they needed to study it carefully before releasing it. Until then, it was best left sealed.
In fact, Shikamaru intended to treat Venom as a hidden trump card to protect the village.
"What about Himawari?"
After taking the box, Shikamaru asked Future Boruto.
"She's in this wooden crate." Future Boruto pointed to the box on his back. "Demons are burned to ash in sunlight, so Himawari hides in the box during the day."
"She fits in there?"
Sumire asked curiously from the side.
"Yeah. As a demon, Himawari seems to have gained the ability to freely shrink and enlarge her body. Oh, and Mitsuki too—he's a demon as well. But for some reason, he can walk around in daylight. I've taken blood samples from both of them. I hope you can bring them back to Grandma Tsunade for research."
Shikamaru accepted the two vials of blood.
He didn't suggest that Himawari and Mitsuki return to Konoha—after all, demons feed on humans. Bringing them back would only increase the village's risk.