Shino glanced around carefully before speaking to Konohamaru and Kakashi.
"Then, I'll leave. I still need to find the location of those who will attack the Academy City," Shino said in a flat tone, but his eyes reflected seriousness.
Kakashi nodded slowly. "Alright, we understand. Be careful out there."
Konohamaru, with a sour expression, added, "Try to find out as soon as possible. I don't like keeping an eye on that woman and her daughter in secret. It's too much trouble."
"I understand," Shino replied calmly before turning and walking away from them.
After distancing himself, Shino quickly headed towards a secluded spot in the Southern District. Once there, he stopped for a moment, ensuring no one was following him. With a swift motion of his hand, Shino created several Shadow Clones.
The clones wore long black cloaks that covered their bodies, along with black fabric masks that fully concealed their faces. After receiving brief instructions from Shino, they scattered, moving toward the Dark Market silently, like shadows gliding through the night.
Meanwhile, Shino, now far from the Southern District, arrived at a quiet spot in the Eastern District. There, Shino paused and altered his appearance. With practiced technique, Shino's form faded, and his true identity as Haruto was revealed.
Haruto took a deep breath, his face now more relaxed. With calm steps, Haruto began walking toward the Academy City. There was no sign of haste on his face, despite the tense situation.
The reason behind his calmness was simple. Haruto knew that the Shadow Clones he sent were sufficient to complete the task. Haruto had already accounted for everything, including who he needed to pursue: the mysterious group that had recently purchased large quantities of explosives in the Dark Market.
Haruto's suspicion pointed toward an organization known as the Soul Collectors. He strongly believed they were behind the threat. They were the first target that Haruto needed to eliminate.
However, one thing still nagged at Haruto's mind: the mission given by the System. Haruto's status was still not completed. This meant there was something bigger behind this group's actions. Haruto knew he had to dig deeper to uncover the true purpose of the Soul Collectors.
By sending the Shadow Clones to track, follow, and locate the headquarters of the Soul Collectors, Haruto hoped to fully uncover their plans. If the clones succeeded in finding everyone involved and learning their true plans, then the mission given by the System would be considered complete.
Haruto had initially thought the mission was over, as Bellina had already provided information about the Soul Collectors' plans. However, reality proved otherwise. The System had not marked the mission as complete, a clear sign that something still remained hidden.
This brought several possibilities to Haruto's mind. Perhaps the future had changed, causing the Soul Collectors' attack plans to differ from what Bellina had revealed. Or, there could be another group involved in the threat against the Academy City. Whatever the reason, the mission to fully understand the group's plans was still ongoing.
That's why Haruto decided to leave the task entirely to the Shadow Clones.
The suspicious appearance Haruto had chosen for the clones was not without reason. Haruto recalled an old saying: "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." In a place like the Dark Market, where many suspicious individuals gathered, appearing mysterious made them less conspicuous.
With their mysterious appearance, they were expected to easily blend into the shadowy world without immediately raising suspicion.
That was why Haruto entrusted this task to his clones, now disguised as mysterious figures.
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[Announcement: A New Novel Has Been Added!
The Puppet Maker in the World of Naruto
A man who is a scientist, researcher, and expert mechanic in robotics dies in a massive explosion that occurs in his laboratory while developing an advanced robot project. However, instead of experiencing death as he thought, the man awakens in another world—a strange place with vast stretches of desert.
There, the man is surrounded by people who can jump high, calling themselves ninjas. The confusion he initially felt grows as he realizes that this world is not unfamiliar to him. This is the world of Naruto! However, there is one thing that surprises him.
"Isn't this Sunagakure? Why am I not in Konoha? This poorest village... Oh my God, this is serious!"
Now, in the midst of a new life filled with danger and uncertainty, the scientist must find a way to survive in Sunagakure, a harsh place full of limitations. With his robotic knowledge, can the man change his fate in this ninja world, or will he fall along with the village?]
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