NOVEL NEXT Chapter 71: Climax (R18)
While Shino's clone embarked on the special journey with his father Shibi...
After a full assessment of his abilities which extended from the lab to the lounge, Shino's main body now comfortably leaned back on the couch.
With an air of nonchalance, his fingers leisurely extended towards the alluring popcorn, like a predator entranced by its prey.
Meanwhile, Karina's head swayed in a harmonious rhythm, her soft, warm lips indulging in another delectable movie snack – a unique hot dog with an audacious topping of mayonnaise. Yum.
Why were they indulging in popcorn and hot dog?
Well, the reason was the virtual movie theater unfolding in the expanse of their lounge!
Hovering at the center of his vision, a holographic cinema screen radiated with colorful brilliance, beckoning the viewers to immerse themselves in the afternoon recording of the riveting live-action Naruto series.
Complementing the central screen were a multitude of other holographic screens, displaying other real-time scenes of interest, capturing the very essence of the events happening in Konoha from different angles and granting an immersive experience.
This was definitely no ordinary viewing experience, and there was definitely a lot of 'plot' captured on their cameras.
But the most interesting of all was obviously the main characters of the show.
At this moment, with Naruto and Sasuke showcasing their brotherly display of love by attempting to shove Rasengan and Chidori down each other's throats on the hospital rooftops, the series had just arrived at one of its climax!
Of course, Shino knew another climax will come soon...
Unknown to the villagers, the fate of their personal battles intertwined with the destiny of Konoha itself...
In the heart of the village, hidden whispers swirled, carrying tales of a brewing storm and a young shinobi's desire for power. The shadows grew restless, the will of revenge blazed.
Beyond the Hokage building, where the night concealed secrets and danger danced amidst the moonlit shadows, the hidden four awaited their debut.
This was the first stage of the Sasuke Recovery arc!
"Karina, how goes the preparations for Operation: Uncle Snake's Leeks?"
[Lord Shino, both decoy and transport drones have been deployed accordingly, arranged along the estimated routes of Sasuke's escape. An underground decoy labyrinth had been constructed to throw off pursuers. Bug monitors have also been distributed in the area, covering a vast expanse of the forest. Once the- Umph-]
A subtle dance of pleasure swept across Shino's countenance, accentuated by the narrowing of his eyes.
Gulp. Gulp. Gulp.
Like a connoisseur savoring a rare elixir, Shino reveled in the symphony of sound effects emanating from the battle, coming from... the movie series he was watching. Obviously.
[Um… Once the Sound Four have been incapacitated, the drones will discreetly harvest the leeks, bringing them back to base. Karina will attempt to acquire targets alive. However, it is estimated it would be difficult to collect the final two. Karina will execute retrieval protocol when a chance arises.]
"Mmm. Good." Shino nodded, "How about the arrangements for the Kaguya boy?"
[Drones have been arranged to collect the target, Kimimaro Kaguya. After he buries into the ground and exhausts himself by triggering his death rattle, the defined collection protocols will execute depending on the predicted scenarios. Estimated probability of acquiring living specimen is 0.001%.]
"Hey, might as well say it's impossible. Hopefully the other leeks would be picked up successfully. After all, they would be very important to our Project Six Paths of- hmm?"
A subtle shift in the atmosphere caught Shino's attention. Seeing Karina sitting up, he arched a brow, "Done?"
"Ha... ha... Karina wants..." In a interplay of emotions, the movie scene transitioned.
"Karina..." Shino leaked a sigh, imbued with both the lure of pleasure and the weight of exasperation, "You're blocking the screen. The show has just gotten to the dramatic part."
In a moment suspended between the realms of innocence and temptation, Karina's lips traced a seductive path, leaving a lingering sensation of desire.
Her gaze, ablaze with longing, forged an intense connection with Shino's eyes, "What is there good to watch about a soap opera between an uninitiated avenger and a washboard. Ha..."
Karina's touch, like a silken caress, delicately aimed the remote at the television.
Leaning in, she whispered with a voice dripping with sultriness, "My dear, let Karina show you a proposal for a drama between a hero and the beauty. Its potential will certainly invoke additional investment in Project SPP."
"Hey." Caught within the labyrinth of swirling emotions, Shino surrendered, his words tinged with a tender affection and doting, "Do as you wish."
Receiving his permission, two tongues immediately intertwined and their hot breath intermingled as they discussed the drama deep into the night.
The theater reverberated with the symphony of battle, each resounding clash blending seamlessly with the live-action unfolding on the side screens - a treacherous gambit orchestrated by the Sound Four, secretly blazing a path out of the village, eliminating every concealed Anbu operatives tasked with monitoring Sasuke and partially disabling the preventative enchantments serving as a warning barrier for the village.
Perhaps, even the dangerous old man would have never predicted the elusive figure destined to seal his doom would so effortlessly slip away from his web of his scrutiny.
Unknown to the bad old man, the released boy will be formidable foe that would challenge his malevolent designs and bring light to the darkness that veiled their paths.
Adding icing to the cake... in targeting the transmigrated Shino, he had a free coffin prepared for him, one he may use before his predestined time.
Wow, the bad old man really hit the jackpot, just like he did after the Uchiha massacre...
And Shino hit many jackpots of his own that night...
When the night deepened, the curtains finally descended upon the cinematic masterpiece, bringing the movie date to an end.
So, Shino tenderly embraced Karina and surrendered to the lull of slumber, recharging for the forthcoming morning episode.
Oh, he's certainly looking forward to it because it will definitely be a morning filled with lots and lots more climaxes...