In her embarrassed rage, Shizune nearly managed to strike her target.
However, Shizune's most vital skill is her medical ninjutsu; she can handle ordinary ninjas, but trying to deal with Aoba was like wishing for pies in the sky.
So, Aoba quickly knocked Shizune to the ground with a simple combo.
"Alright, my bad. After all, that soul-stirring question was indeed embarrassing."
Aoba apologized first, unable to suppress his curiosity and still conflicted. He leaned in and whispered, "Why don't you tell me quietly? I promise I won't tell anyone."
"Go to hell!"
Shizune looked up furiously, her face so red it looked like it was about to bleed.
Well, the world's top ten mysteries just gained a new entry.
What do you do when you go to the bathroom, and there's no toilet paper?
Aoba raised his hand...
Aoba was kicked out of the livestream...
At that moment, Aoba raised an eyebrow, glanced around from the corner of his eye, and said with a teasing tone, "Really?"
Shizune needed help understanding.
Then, in a flash, Aoba disappeared from his spot and reappeared behind a tree dozens of meters away!
Boom!
A large black dog and a man with his face painted were suddenly pinned to the ground by him, both suffering heavy blows.
"Did you sniff your way here? Impressive!"
"Help!"
"Don't come here. Go and inform the others!" Although Inuzuka Akko's head was pinned to the ground, and he couldn't move, he still opened his eyes wide and shouted.
The enemy's strength was beyond imagination. Although he caught them off guard, he subdued him and Kuroboshi instantly; even if others came to their rescue, they would likely be eradicated.
So, the best action was to sacrifice him and Kuroboshi and let the others find reinforcements!
The other hidden teammates cast one last furious glance in this direction but suppressed their instincts and quickly fled with red eyes.
They didn't expect to be discovered by the enemy from such a distance.
But now it was too late for regrets; they needed to call for help quickly.
There may still be a chance to save Akko as well!
Aoba didn't bother with these little shrimp, instead grabbing the necks of Inuzuka Akko and Kuroboshi and walking back.
"It's a hassle. I knew I shouldn't have let you out."
Upon seeing the members of the Inuzuka clan, Shizune finally understood what he meant by "Really?"
But by then, she was no longer concerned with her embarrassment because she didn't want to see someone die trying to save her.
"Let them go, and this is all just a misunderstanding!" Seeing that Inuzuka Akko was about to suffocate, Shizune spoke urgently.
"You seem to have a high status. It looks like Konoha has sent quite a few people to find you," Aoba said, pretending to be unaware, but he was sure those people had come for him.
Since they were now exposed, they couldn't stay here any longer.
Fortunately, he had consumed quite a bit of food in the past two days, so all the masks he brought were packed in his ninja tool bag, ensuring nothing was left behind.
He just needed to get through this last day or so, and then he could retire successfully.
"Give me one reason to let them go."
"You captured me but didn't kill me, which means you must want to use me for some purpose, am I right?" Shizune said while pressing her chakra scalpel against her neck.
"Let them go!"
Aoba was initially startled, then chuckled a bit. Although he had to admit that Shizune's guess was correct, wasn't it too late to threaten him now?
He could complete the mission at any moment now; he would just receive half the reward.
However...
Aoba glanced at Shizune, then at the unfortunate soul in his hand, and casually threw Inuzuka Akko and Kuroboshi to the ground.
If his guess was correct, the reward this time was something he wanted.
Plus, he wasn't some heartless monster; there was no need to let things escalate to the worst possible scenario.
Seeing Inuzuka Akko and Kuroboshi lying on the ground, coughing continuously but still alive, Shizune breathed a sigh of relief, believing she had made the right gamble.
But then, a pair of chilling eyes appeared through the mask right before her.
"Woman, there won't be a next time. Otherwise, even if you can't do it yourself, I'll help you. Understand?"
Shizune recoiled in terror, tripping and falling to the ground as her heart sank.
The adversary was severe...
If there were a next time... it would mean death!
This realization left Shizune with no illusions about having found a way to handle her opponent.
"Go back and tell your Hokage to prepare a billion Ryo in two days, or I'll make my move. Blame it on that busty, violent woman who insisted on troubling me!"
Aoba suddenly kicked Inuzuka Akko away.
This was a warning to Tsunade, although it wasn't particularly significant.
But to prevent the people of Konoha from making wild guesses, he also needed a plausible reason for kidnapping Shizune.
Kuroboshi was trying to sneak back to his master but was frightened into staying still by a glance from Aoba.
"Move again, and you'll be tonight's dinner!"
Kuroboshi: "Meow meow meow?"
Maybe I'm not human, but you are a natural dog!
Kuroboshi was terrified, daring not to move.
Inuzuka Akko was unwilling to leave Kuroboshi behind, but under the circumstances, Kuroboshi had become the enemy's... um, 'dog hostage.'
"Kuroboshi, wait for me! I'll come back to save you!"
After a heartfelt glance, Inuzuka Akko bit his lip and quickly left.
He still needed to deliver the message, and Kuroboshi was probably safe now with Lady Shizune there.
"You're called Kuroboshi?"
Kuroboshi was looking in the direction Inuzuka Akko had left, showing a very human-like reluctance.
But when a devil who wouldn't even spare a 'cute dog' spoke, he immediately sat down, stuck out his tongue, nodded, and showed a pleasing expression.
Aoba couldn't help but glare satisfyingly at Shizune, who always caused him trouble, "Look and learn! You have no sense of being a hostage!"
Before Shizune could speak, familiar socks were stuffed into her mouth.
Then she was tied up.
Shizune wanted to protest but to no avail!
At that moment, Aoba crouched down and gently patted Kuroboshi's head, saying in a mild tone, "I've always been fair. If you want to live and return to your master, you must show your value. Of course, if you don't cooperate, maybe you'll only be able to show your value on the dining table, do you understand?"
Kuroboshi immediately shivered and nodded vigorously.
"Good, you're a good doggy~"
Aoba then placed Shizune, tied up like a rice dumpling, on Kuroboshi's back, "Let's go, move out!"
"Woof!"