04x182 - Ao

[bunniefuu]

This container…

Why is it open?

Exactly what was inside of it?

There are ports!

Is this a data unit?

Judging by its format,

I should be able to use this Scroll Flash Drive.

All right! It looks like I can copy it.

Hopefully there's data that can provide some clues.

You're… the guy who was in Victor's lab!

So, you were still alive?!

What happened?!

Get out of here… Konohamaru!

Hey, Mugino! Hang in there!

What is this?!

Ao

Sasuke, did you find anything out about the Kara?

After accepting Naruto's request,

I went around trying to gather intel on Kara's hideout for a while.

But I couldn't find anything worth mentioning.

I'm surprised that you of all people, couldn't find any leads.

Their hideout might not be above ground.

There's no other explanation

why there's barely any trace of them.

Taking into account the incident with the Divine Tree,

they're able to do things without anyone noticing.

So, I suspect that's most likely the case.

Seriously, what a troublesome organization!

That organization called the Kara has something to do

with Boruto's mark, doesn't it?

We should probably assume this shadowy presence

has evaded our surveillance network

and is operating in secret right this very minute.

We shouldn't let our guard down.

We need power to protect everyone from these mysterious enemies.

I know.

That's what ninjutsu are for… and not Scientific Ninja Tools, right?

Sometimes, instead of offsetting jutsu using other jutsu,

absorbing them will result in less collateral damage.

You quack scientist!

I'll never forgive you for messing up my Chunin Exam!

Long time no see, Young Lord!

What are you doing here?

W-Well…

I called him here for a mission.

Huh?!

A mission?

First off, Boruto…

He's not a quack.

He's got fine skills.

He's another power that supports the Hokage.

Just like Sasuke, whom you admire so much.

The key is in how one uses it, as with any power…

Shinobi are about hard work and guts!

Isn't that what's important?

So, you do understand.

Don't worry.

You're already at the skill level of chunin.

Therefore, I've got a mission for you all.

Transport this prosthetic arm to the High-Tech Research Lab

in the city of Ryutan.

And take Katasuke with you.

What?!

The Research Lab in Ryutan is much bigger

than the one here in the Leaf.

We'll be developing the tool further at the lab over there

using the working data taken from the fight with you, Boruto.

Guard Katasuke and deliver this Scientific Ninja Tool.

This is a C-Rank mission.

That's the situation, Young Lord!

I look forward to working with you!

A C-Rank?

I would have understood if it was B-Rank,

but why is it C-Rank?

Who'd want a mission like this?!

Sarada, Mitsuki…

Keep a close eye on Boruto's mark.

Your role in this mission is to watch over him.

Try not to let him out of your sight.

– Yes, sir! – Yes, sir!

That said, do you think he'll even accept this mission?

He'll come around.

So, what are you going to do?

Are you gonna do this mission?

It's not like I don't understand what my dad is saying.

It's just…

I don't really like… those Scientific Ninja Tools.

Well, I kind of understand how you feel, but I'm going.

It's a direct assignment from Lord Seventh himself.

I've gotta live up to his expectations.

My decision is dependent on yours.

Huh?

I'm not going, if you're not going.

That's my basic policy.

There it is again…

Up until now, that was how I've always felt.

Hmm?

I have my own free will.

So, I'll be going even if you aren't going.

Mitsuki!

That prosthetic is not just any Scientific Ninja Tool,

but it's Lord Seventh's hand.

A hand crucial in protecting our fellow villagers…

including you and me, and your mother and little sister.

This is an important mission to protect something.

Also with the Kara possibly working behind the scenes…

I can't let Sarada face any danger by herself.

Now hold on a second!

I never said I wasn't going! I'm going!

Damn it!

I do have some self-awareness in regard to being a shinobi, okay?

I'm not going to throw a tantrum and reject a mission.

I figured you would say that.

I can't believe you saw right through me!

All right.

The configurations are perfect.

We shouldn't have any issues for a while.

What's the matter?

But there is an issue, Amado.

We still haven't found them…

The traitor who crashed the airship, that is.

What are you talking about?

Wasn't that Victor?

You already dealt with him.

It's true that he really was trying to steal the Vessel.

But there's someone else who tried to use that to their advantage.

Please, just explain it to me so I can understand.

The reason why I was adamant about an unnecessary transfer

was to draw out the traitor.

As a result, they sprang into action just as I expected them to.

Of course, it was someone other than Victor.

Hold on a second.

How do you know it wasn't Victor?

I sensed it. Right before the airship crashed.

I sensed it through Karma that the Vessel had moved.

Did you just say it moved?!

That is a feat that Victor couldn't have achieved.

In other words…

I think it's reasonable to say that someone amongst the Inners

tried to use Victor to deceive us and steal the Vessel.

Amado, ever since I found the Vessel I have been wary.

The Vessel is our long-cherished wish.

I've worried that someone would appear and

make a mistake with something so important.

So, you're saying your fears have come true, huh?

Do you have an idea of who it could be?

Come on, are you telling me you don't know anything?

I told you my thoughts.

I'm sure you understand what this means.

Okay, fine.

I'll go and find the traitor for you.

It's because you're the only one I can ask to do this.

So, I have to investigate that super annoying lot, huh?

This is going to be difficult.

We've arrived at the Hidden Leaf New Town Station…

Please make sure you have all of your belongings with you.

Damn it! It's really crowded.

It can't be helped. They're all unreserved seats.

That aside, Young Lord, thank you so much for coming!

Let's treat this like a vacation and relax!

Sorry, Doc.

I just can't get into that kinda mood.

Strictly speaking, this is a mission.

I can't treat it like a vacation.

C'mon.

Usually, you'd totally be the one treating it like a vacation.

Anyway, there aren't any open seats!

Those over there might be free.

Oh! All right!

Young Lord, I'll handle this.

Excuse me, but do you mind if we sit with you?

Why, if it isn't Lord Ao!

Dr. Katasuke!

Is he an acquaintance of yours, Doctor?

Yes. He's one of my patients.

When was the last time we saw each other?

I just can't remember.

I believe it was, umm… Huh?

When was it?

I'm sorry, I can't quite remember, either.

I'll speak for the both of us when I say,

I don't like growing old.

Are you in the Land of Fire on vacation or something else?

Yes, as a part of my rehabilitation.

I went to the Hidden Leaf to see you.

But unfortunately, you were out.

Oh! I'm so sorry about that!

I was rather busy!

It's fine! Your work and efforts must come first.

Without you, I wouldn't have been able

to enjoy things like this vacation.

That's not true.

It's all due to the effort you put into rehab.

I thought you hated Scientific Ninja Tools?

I do.

But this is a mission.

There's no reason to hate them so much.

The video games and computers you love so much

are also the result of scientific technology.

That's completely different.

I'm saying that there's no need for something like this.

That's not true, Young Lord.

Scientific Ninja Tools were the launching pad,

but currently, the science is mainly used

to develop technology for civilian applications.

For things like prosthetic arms and legs.

Prosthetic arms and legs…

Oh, my!

Excuse me for a moment.

Your wrist seems to be a bit loose.

Much appreciated!

I push them a little too hard sometimes.

Old habits from when I was in active service are hard to break.

That's how it is when you're a shinobi.

You were a ninja…

– old man?! – Hey!

I'm not judging your extremely haphazard communication skills…

but could you maybe be a bit more sensitive?

When I was around your age, I was already on the b*ttlefield.

Which Village did you work for?

Hold on! You too, Mitsuki?!

The Mist.

The Hidden Mist!

We went there on a school trip!

It's a great place!

A school trip, huh?

It seems the Hidden Mist has changed quite a bit

while I've been away.

You haven't been back to your village recently?

No. Not since the Great w*r.

My post ended up in terrible straits.

Aside from me, everyone there d*ed.

It's a miracle that I'm even still alive.

It's all thanks to Dr. Katasuke and Scientific Ninja Tools.

You don't care for them… lad?

Uh, well… I guess…

See?

You'd be dead…

If you'd been my enemy, that is.

As with anything, it all depends on how you use it.

This thing isn't inherently good or bad.

That's my opinion.

Please, Mr. Ao! Don't startle us like that!

I was about to att*ck you.

Sorry, sorry!

Because of you…

I feel like I lost some years off my life, Lord Ao!

Doctor?! Pull yourself together!

Water! I'll bring him some water!

RYUTAN KANON KARIN

The train will be arriving at the platform shortly.

Please stand back.

We have arrived in Ryutan.

Uh, please make sure you have all of your belongings with you.

We've arrived.

Well, please excuse us.

See you at your next check up!

Okay, I'll visit again.

Thanks, old man.

You come to the Leaf often, right?

Hope to see you again sometime!

Sure!

Please give my regards to Lord Hokage.

I will. See you!

The son of the Hokage, Boruto Uzumaki, eh?

What an agreeable young man.

What a surprise.

I never expected an Inner to make a personal appearance.

What happened to Lord Victor?

I always assumed he would be the one

to come and see me if the need arose.

He's dead.

I'm impressed.

Your expression didn't change one bit.

My relationship with him was that of an Inner and an Outer.

That's all.

Why did you go to the Hidden Leaf?

I wanted to see Dr. Katasuke.

What did you want to see him for?

Naturally…

I was planning on k*lling him if he remembered anything.

I see.

As Grass, you're the one who placed that genjutsu on Katasuke Tono…

and brilliantly extracted Scientific Ninja Tool intel from him.

I have a very high opinion of you.

There aren't many Outers that I trust.

Well, thank you.

Let's get down to business.

A bothersome thing has happened, that I think you can remedy.

The Vessel has been lost.

I see. That's a big deal.

I'd like you to retrieve the Vessel.

The Hidden Leaf's already started sniffing around.

It will likely get dramatic. Is that all right with you?

That's fine.

k*ll anyone who gets involved with the Vessel.

Mugino! Pull yourself together!

Konohamaru… Leave me here and go…

Don't be ridiculous!

I'm sure that reinforcements will come!

Don't give up until the end!

There's a crate on the floor by my feet.

It has all the necessary intel and weapons.

Feel free to use them.

That said…

You may not require them at all.

Good grief.

RYUTAN STATION

It seems like Boruto's a little more motivated now, huh?

I'm continuously amazed…

at how you can be so familiar and chat with people you've just met!

Huh?

Well, that's because he was such a good guy, don't you think?

I'd like to see him again and ask him about lots of stuff!

It's been sixteen years since I've seen actual combat…

It seems the prosthetic is still in need of some fine tuning.

The slight reaction lag bothers me,

it seems there are still issues with the actuator's Chakra Sensing!

Maybe if we alter the material for the artificial nerves…!

"Chakra Sensing" my foot!

This is the Seventh Hokage's hand!

It's not some toy for the Scientific Ninja Tool Team!

Next time on Boruto: Naruto Next Generations:

THE HAND

"The Hand"

You keep saying it all depends on how you use the tool…

But I'm not convinced!