strictlysupreme Chapter 885 Surprise!
Chapter 885 Surprise!
The Third Hokage raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. "You want to see Madara? That's a very dangerous decision."
Zhang Hai smiled slightly, his eyes full of confidence: "I have my own plans. Although he is already extremely weak, he is, after all, the founder of the Uchiha clan and the holder of the Rinnegan. If I can personally contact him, I might be able to gain some valuable experience from him. Moreover, no one knows whether Madara still has any power worth using."
The Third Hokage's gaze turned thoughtful. He remained silent for a moment, seemingly considering Zhang Hai's suggestion. "You know, this is an extremely risky operation. If Madara is still alive, even if it's just a lingering soul, that power is enough to destroy anyone."
“I know,” Zhang Hai replied in a low voice, “but that’s precisely why I want to see him in person. It’s not just for the future of Konoha; perhaps it can also help me gain a better chance.”
The third generation looked at Zhang Hai, a complex expression in his eyes. "I understand your thoughts. If you decide to do this, I won't stop you. But remember, no matter the outcome, your life is the most important thing."
Zhang Hai nodded, his resolve unwavering. "Don't worry, I will act cautiously."
The Third Hokage looked at him and sighed: "Go, Zhang Hai. The future of Konoha needs courage and wisdom like yours."
Before leaving the Hokage's office, Zhang Hai exchanged a final glance with the Third Hokage, knowing full well that his decision was irreversible. At that moment, his heart carried not only the future of Konoha but also a deep reflection on his own destiny.
Leaving the Hokage's office, Zhang Hai slowly walked out of the building. The night sky before him was cloudless and the stars were shining brightly, as if witnessing the dangerous path he was about to embark on.
At that moment, Mei Terumi quietly appeared behind him. She was still wearing that simple ninja outfit, her steps light, yet carrying a silent resolve.
“Zhang Hai…” she called his name softly, her voice filled with unspoken emotion.
Zhang Hai stopped and turned to look at her. Mei Terumi's eyes held reluctance and anxiety; she seemed to have sensed his resolve. She opened her mouth, but said nothing, only silently watching him, her heart filled with unspoken worry.
“Mei Terumi,” Zhang Hai took a deep breath and said gently, “I have some things to take care of. This mission might be very dangerous, and I might not be able to come back.”
A flicker of pain crossed Mei Terumi's eyes. She bit her lip, trying to hold back her tears. "I know you've made up your mind. Whatever you do, I'll support you."
Before she could finish speaking, Zhang Hai gently patted her shoulder, his eyes deep and tender. "You understand me, and that's enough. No matter what happens, remember, you're never alone."
Mei Terumi remained silent, gazing at Zhang Hai's retreating figure, her eyes filled with growing confusion and worry. She knew that this parting might be forever, and the faint hope in her heart gradually faded with Zhang Hai's departure.
Just as Mei Terumi was about to turn and leave, a familiar summoning beast—Orb—suddenly appeared beside her. It gently rubbed against her leg, seemingly to offer her some comfort.
Mei Terumi looked down at Orb, and the loneliness and pain in her heart were instantly soothed. She reached out and gently stroked his hair, a faint light flickering in her eyes.
Orb's appearance seemed to be the last bit of warmth Zhang Hai gave her, representing his care and consideration. Although its companionship could not completely fill the void in Terumi Mei's heart, at least she was not entirely alone on this lonely journey.
Mei Terumi stood on the edge of Konoha, gazing back at this familiar land. Behind her, the Konoha gates receded into the distance, while before her lay a vast unknown. At the moment of farewell, countless emotions intertwined within her: pain, regret, and anticipation for the future. Yet, the strongest emotion deep within her was the unspoken promise she had made to Zhang Hai, and his gentle words as he departed: "Parting is for a better reunion."
That simple sentence was like a key, unlocking the knot in her heart. She recalled every word Zhang Hai had said, feeling his profound emotions. Nourished by these emotions, Terumi Mei felt an unprecedented strength within her. Her steps were no longer light, but firm and resolute, as if each step was paving the way for her future. Her former naiveté and dependence were gradually replaced by maturity and responsibility.
Just as she was about to step off this familiar land, a slug quietly appeared beside her. It wriggled its body, looked down at her, and suddenly spoke, conveying a message: "Zhang Hai said that parting is for a better reunion, and your promise will always stand."
Mei Terumi paused for a moment, then a faint smile appeared on her lips. She whispered, "I understand. Thank you, Slug."
The slug gently swayed, seemingly sensing the change in Mei Terumi's heart. With a light leap, it disappeared from her sight. Mei Terumi stood still, took a deep breath, raised her head, and her gaze gradually hardened. She knew that she was about to embark on a new journey, a new challenge. This time, she would no longer rely on anyone; she would walk alone, searching for her own path.
Meanwhile, Zhang Hai's actions unfolded quietly. He stood in a secluded valley, watching Terumi Mei's figure recede into the distance until she completely disappeared from sight. Zhang Hai sighed softly, a complex emotion flickering in his eyes, but he quickly suppressed it, turning to summon his war eagle puppet.
“Thank you, slug,” he whispered, thanking it for carrying out this farewell in his place. Zhang Hai’s gaze pierced the valley, fixed on the distant direction of Iwagakure Village. He knew he couldn’t stay here; his mission had only just begun.
The war eagle puppet soared into the air, carrying Zhang Hai swiftly towards Iwagakure. The wind whistled past his ears, but his gaze, sharp as a hawk's, remained unwavering. His heart was filled with a premonition of the future; the threat to Iwagakure was growing ever stronger. He had to complete his mission as soon as possible, destroy the Kannabi Bridge, and buy time for Konoha. However, Zhang Hai harbored a deeper plan—to find Uchiha Madara and uncover the true power of the Rinnegan. All of this required proceeding cautiously, step by step.
"It's so hard to be a person," Zhang Hai muttered to himself, a bitter smile playing on his lips. He knew he was trapped in a vortex from which he couldn't escape. Every decision he made felt like a deeper trap, but this was the fate of a ninja—there was no turning back.