05x243 - Where I Belong

[bunniefuu]

Hard a-starboard!

Steer to port!

Can't you steer properly, you fool?!

You need to get out of my way!

Our army is on the offensive in this battle.

The Funato appear to be pulling back one after another.

Wow!

Wow!

Are you enjoying the bait, Hidden Mist?

The enemy army has invaded the area of the sea

just as we planned.

Shall we retreat from battle?

No, let's hold on just a little longer.

w*r is just like fishing.

The first one to get impatient loses.

Understood.

By the time they realize what's happened,

they won't be able to remove the hook in their throat.

No matter how hard they struggle!

Where I Belong

Hmm...

Hey!

We're supposed to be returning to the Leaf today.

What are you guys doing?

We were concerned about the piece of paper

the Funato left behind yesterday.

Did you find out anything more about it?

They're just meaningless words written with no rhyme or reason.

It's impossible to know what it's about.

I checked, and it doesn't seem like there's anything hidden,

like a watermark or something in invisible ink.

I can't help but think something important is written here.

I wonder what they were trying to tell their friends?

Maybe you're overthinking it.

They probably just scribbled random things

and did some origami to pass the time.

If that were the case, we wouldn't be struggling.

Could it be?!

What's the matter?!

I had a feeling there might be a pattern to the creases.

The secret message is revealed when you fold up the paper.

See, I told you so!

What...?

What does the secret message say?!

They got us!

No matter how many powerful players the Funato have on their side,

they can't win in a head-to-head w*r against the Hidden Mist.

But the Funato were the ones who challenged them to the battle

that's happening in the northeastern seas, right?

Why would they fight such a reckless battle?

The battle in the northeastern sea is just a diversion, eh?

This message orders an elite squad of Funato

to launch a sneak att*ck on the Hidden Mist Village.

Furthermore, they've hidden their intent...

by avoiding traveling there by sea

and going through this mountainous area

which would normally be difficult for them.

Can Mr. Chojuro and the others make it back in time

from the northeastern seas?

Even if they hurry back, at this point...

Who's protecting the village?

Since they've concentrated on the northeastern seas,

they've only got the bare minimum of staff present.

They won't last very long against an elite squad of Funato.

That's not good!

Anyway, even if it's just us,

we need to head to the Hidden Mist Village immediately!

I appreciate the sentiment...

but I can't allow any of you to get further involved in this conflict.

Huh? What are you saying at this point?

Don't you get it?

This is a w*r!

Until now, we were safe under the pretext

of saving Denki's team and the researchers from the Leaf,

but from here on out, it's different.

This only involves the Land of Water and the Hidden Mist Village.

Do you think we can abandon the Hidden Mist

and just return to our village?!

You're right.

Sarada!

As Hidden Leaf chunin,

we cannot allow our ally, the Hidden Mist Village, to fall.

We will assist you.

As a special advisor of the Hidden Mist, I am grateful.

Naturally, as your friend, as well.

I'd like all of you to help as well...

Please.

I refuse.

We were worked to the bone

for a meager three-year sentence reduction.

Our work's worth more than that.

What are your terms?

Well, that's a no-brainer.

We want complete acquittal in exchange for our participation.

We won't accept anything less.

Understood.

If this mission is a success, I will make sure you go free.

That's probably just another verbal promise...

This time, I shall personally negotiate with Lord Chojuro.

Is that all right with you, Hebiichigo?

I'm not completely satisfied, but we have no choice.

But defending the village

from an elite squad of Funato with this few people

is like asking them to m*rder us.

I have a plan.

We'll get the jump on them

before they reach the Hidden Mist Village.

The route the enemy plans on taking

goes through this rugged mountainous area.

There are only a handful of pathways through it.

Also, no matter which route they take,

they have to pass a certain small village along the way.

I see!

So, if we set up a defensive base there...

Yeah. We'll be able to use the terrain to our advantage.

Paths through a mountainous area will be narrow,

so that should make up for our lack of numbers...

That makes sense. What a well-thought-out plan!

That aside, I'm surprised you knew there was a village there.

Well, I have my reasons.

Let's hurry.

We absolutely cannot afford to let the Funato take down that village!

I'm counting on you to deliver the message to Lord Chojuro.

I‘ll inform him immediately about the sneak att*ck on the village.

When the ship arrives,

we'll take the evacuees to a safe location within the Hidden Mist.

We're grateful for the Leaf's cooperation.

Likewise, we're thankful for your help!

We're going to be dropped off near the Land of Fire.

We'll meet up with Dr. Katasuke in the Hidden Mist Village

along the way.

Please deliver our message to Lord Seventh!

Yes. We shall inform him that you've had a change of plans

and will be taking part in defending the Hidden Mist Village.

Please be careful and make it back home safely!

Yes!

He just abandoned what he was doing!

Where did Boruto go?!

Our ship's fully repaired,

so it seems he's gone to the dock to personally retrieve it...

Since this also means we won't be seeing Ikada again...

Ikada's gone?!

What happened?

I searched his house,

but I haven't seen him since last night.

Last night?

You don't think the Funato got him, do you?

I haven't heard anything like that.

We were also att*cked here,

but we managed to settle things without incident.

I just hope he's safe.

That said, there's no way Ikada would ever run away

from his ship-building training!

He loves boats so much.

He even left behind his precious idea journal.

Where did he go?

Is that the village that's going to be our defensive base?

Yes, that's right.

Aren't you—?!

Well, if it isn't Kagura!

You came back!

Well, just for a little bit...

How've you been?

What is it?

It's been a while since I've seen you two!

Yeah!

That's true.

What's this about?

Actually, this is my childhood village.

I have lots of memories here.

Oh, man! Look at you, all grown up and respectable!

I'll bet he still has marks

from all the spankings he got for his pranks!

Of course not!

I can't believe Kagura was like that when he was little!

It's quite unexpected.

So, why are you back in the village?

About that...

The Funato are coming to our village?!

That's right.

Considering the route they're taking...

they'll have to pass through here.

When they do, this village won't be safe...

What should we do?

Hmm...

Let's strengthen the village's defenses as soon as possible!

I want everyone in town to help us.

Yeah!

Since it's coming from you, everyone here will definitely help!

That's right!

Naturally!

Even if we strengthen the village's defenses,

I think it's still going to be difficult to fight an elite squad of Funato.

In order for the Funato to get to the Hidden Mist,

they'll have to take a path that runs past this village.

When they do, I want to hit them with everything we've got.

I noticed it on the way here,

but that path splits into three, earlier down the road, doesn't it?

Yeah.

One of those paths runs through a narrow ravine-like area.

If we can force them there,

I'm sure the enemy will have a difficult time maneuvering.

That's not a bad idea.

If I'm not mistaken,

you have to cross bridges on the other two paths.

I see.

If we take down those two bridges,

the enemy will have no choice but to take the path through the ravine.

Team , Buntan and Kyoho,

I want you to strengthen the village's defenses.

And I want Team and Hebiichigo to destroy the bridges.

I'll go check on what needs to be done.

Understood!

Understood!

Thanks for earlier.

Huh?

You told us about the bridges, remember?

We locked down our strategy, thanks to you!

It's reassuring to have you on our side.

Though it was awful when you weren't!

I told you to let go of me!

Big Brother!

Was that Kawaki?

Big Brother!

Big Brother!

Don't touch me!

What's that about?

It seems he's quite popular.

Your hair's so interesting!

Just go away!

Hey, Big Brother, you're a shinobi, aren't you?

Damn it! What's going on here?

Come to think of it,

Himawari took a strange liking to him as well.

It's run down, but it looks sturdier than we first thought, huh?

Just leave this to me.

My, my... You seem quite confident.

Come on. Let us head to the next bridge!

Metal...

Your butt...

My butt?

W-What?

Ow!

I can't stand watching this.

Huh? Miss Hebiichigo?

Give it to me!

Oh, okay.

You are quite skilled at sewing.

I enjoy doing this, almost as much as k*lling people.

If I didn't wield a sword, I might have held a needle.

Do you really think we can win?

Against an elite squad of Funato with so few of us?

Yes! I think we can do it!

Let us all do our best!

You are so happy-go-lucky...

Pull!

This is going well.

It looks like we'll finish before the Funato get here.

Blockade construction is going smoothly.

Thank you.

I received word that the destruction of the bridges is also going well.

Hey, you have many memories of living in this village

when you were little, right?

Tell me a story from back then.

What were you doing so deep in the mountains anyway?

You know about my grandfather, Yagura Karatachi, don't you?

Yeah.

He was the Fourth Mizukage and, if I'm not mistaken,

I heard the village was terrified of him.

Because I was his grandson,

there was no place for me in the village.

I was moved to this village

because there was no way to guarantee my safety.

Back then, there was no one I could let my guard down with...

besides my sword.

That's practically like getting banished to a remote island!

That's no way to treat a kid!

That's the way things were during that time.

I'd like to put up more blockades,

but we don't have any more logs.

Kyoho should be chopping down trees in the forest.

It seems even Kyoho is having difficulty chopping down enough logs

to surround this village all by himself.

Perhaps we should go help him.

But does this place really hold precious memories for you,

even after all that happened?

This tree is that very reason.

You're so slow!

Hurry up!

Wait, Iwana!

What are you doing?

Why aren't you running away from me?

Aren't you afraid of me?

Why would we run away?

Oh, I know!

You're "it"!

Make sure you count to ten!

Run away!

Run away!

Hurry, hurry!

Hey, are you all by yourself?

Umm... I...

Well... um...

Where are you going?

What?

Let's get this done together!

Oh...

Despite knowing who I was,

the people of this village treated me normally.

Back then, that made me happier than anything.

I won't let the Funato reach this village.

And I will do whatever it takes to protect it.

Even if it costs me my life.

All right, we're done!

You're really powerful, aren't ya?

I'm surprised.

Once the battle with the Funato is over,

I'd like you to help me with some work up in the mountains for the village!

Indeed, this village might become a b*ttlefield tomorrow.

However, by the time that tree grows even bigger,

this village won't be a b*ttlefield, but rather a symbol of peace.

No, I'll make sure it happens!

Yeah, that's for sure.

Reporting in.

We are advancing smoothly.

By tomorrow morning, we will cross the bridge as planned.

Currently, there is no sign of enemies.

For the sake of Lady Seiren, we shall take down the Hidden Mist.

It's been two days since Lady Seiren was injured.

Swear upon the Funato's insignia!

Our blood isn't enough.

This insignia demands the blood of the Hidden Mist!

We finished taking down both bridges!

Good job!

Did everything go okay?

It was easy!

Thanks for your hard work.

You're quite trusting, aren't you?

I tried to take your life, and yet...

you allow me to walk freely.

It was only an attempt, so it's not serious.

I believe in you.

I believe that you can change...

However many times...

You're really too trusting.

Come at us, anytime!

Hebiichigo, I heard you tried to k*ll Kagura.

Were you planning on running away?

But after all we did,

they were only going to take off three years!

That's why we have to win this fight and get a complete acquittal.

If we escape at this point, we'll be hunted for the rest of our lives.

Next time on Boruto: Naruto Next Generations:

RIFT

"Rift"

I don't want to die a pointless death here!