Chapter 239:
More and more Konoha Village ninja were rushing toward the Hyūga clan compound.
Seeing the increasing number of enemies, Hiashi Hyūga naturally realized that the longer they dragged things out, the harder it would be for Hinata and Himawari to escape.
Hiashi's Byakugan flared in fury as he charged straight at the liquid-robot version of Shikamaru. But the Hyūga clan's signature Gentle Fist technique, which relied on precise chakra point strikes, had no effect on this kind of opponent.
Shikamaru's right hand morphed into a longsword, stabbing straight at Hiashi.
In a flash of yellow, Minato Namikaze appeared, blocking the longsword aimed at Hiashi's neck with his kunai.
"Lord SpongeBob."
Shikamaru retracted his sword-hand and took a step back as he spoke.
After all, he was just a scientific ninja tool developed by clone Gray Wolf—merely a tool—and he maintained deep respect for all members of S.H.I.E.L.D., with the sole exception of Orochimaru.
"Under orders from the Deputy Director, we need these people to stall Naruto and Sasuke outside."
SpongeBob stated calmly.
"If that's what the Deputy Director commands..."
Shikamaru nodded in acknowledgment.
Outside Konoha Village, the escaping Naruto made a beeline for the location where he sensed Boruto's chakra.
The Imperial Armor sat atop the Imperial Steed in midair, constantly firing down at the fox cloaked in a Susanoo armor on the ground.
The steed's eye ports repeatedly fired lasers. Although Future Boruto fought back immediately with Tailed Beast Bombs, they were effortlessly dodged every time.
Imperial Cannon!
After a brief charge, the steed's mouth fired a powerful energy blast that struck the fox squarely.
Not only did it completely penetrate the Susanoo armor, it even blasted Future Boruto right out of the fox's body.
The Imperial Armor jumped down from the steed and slowly approached the prone Future Boruto on the ground.
"Amenotejikara!"
In an instant, the downed Future Boruto vanished, replaced by Sasuke wielding the Kusanagi Sword.
"Sasuke?!"
Hanabi looked over at Sasuke, then back behind her. There, a panting Future Boruto was being supported by Kakashi as they made their way toward her. She unconsciously let out a breath of relief.
"This guy's insanely strong!"
Modern Boruto stared at the armored enemy who had just manhandled Sasuke.
"That's Kawaki," Sarada said to him.
"What?!" Modern Boruto's face was full of shock as he stared at the Imperial Armor dominating Sasuke. "When did Kawaki become this strong?!"
"Captain Hydra, do you know anything about that armor?"
Kakashi asked the Captain—Obito—while supporting Future Boruto.
"..."
Obito shook his head.
After all, he'd only just been awakened and was immediately thrown into battle by Shunhi. Truthfully, he hadn't even fully grasped the current state of the shinobi world.
"Everyone, prepare to retreat. That armor… it's way beyond what we can handle."
Future Boruto said, staring at the Imperial Armor still engaged with Sasuke.
On the other side, Sasuke, still cloaked in Susanoo, was sent flying with a kick from the Imperial Armor, tumbling across the ground.
"Kawaki!" In that moment, Naruto appeared in Sage Fox Mode, placing himself in front of Sasuke. Though his eyes locked on the armored Kawaki, he glanced back at his friend and asked, "Are you okay, Sasuke?"
"Yeah."
Sasuke climbed back to his feet.
Seeing that Sasuke wasn't seriously hurt, Naruto finally felt relieved. His eyes narrowed as he stared at Kawaki's armor. "Kawaki, what happened to you?"
From the moment Naruto arrived, the Imperial Armor suddenly became sluggish.
"Imperial Armor! What are you doing?! Hurry up and kill Naruto and Sasuke!"
Behind the armor, Evilmoku shouted loudly.
Only then did the Imperial Armor resume movement upon receiving Evilmoku's command.
"You four, go take care of the others."
Evilmoku ordered the four Ancient Ability Beasts beside him.
"Looks like they don't plan on letting us get away so easily."
Modern Boruto muttered, eyeing the four advancing Ancient Ability Beasts as he activated Sage Mode.
Having just learned Sage Mode, Modern Boruto hadn't yet mastered fusing it with the Nine-Tails Chakra Mode to form Sage Fox Mode.
"Armor Fusion!"
Tentō and Shinki transformed together into Armored Warriors.
"Kakashi, stay here and protect Future Boruto. I'll handle the other one."
Captain Hydra—Obito—said.
"I'm coming too!"
Sarada raised her hand as she stepped forward. Shuyu also took a step up beside her.
Konoha Plaza.
All the remaining un-replaced Konoha ninja had gathered there.
"Ino!"
"Sakura!"
Recognizing familiar faces, both parties showed expressions of relief.
"Are you okay, Ino?"
"Yeah." Ino nodded, but then her face turned despondent as she looked at Sakura and said, "But… the entire Yamanaka clan—aside from Sai and me—turned out to be S.H.I.E.L.D. operatives. And my son... I have no idea where he is..."
"I'm sure Inojin will be alright!"
Sakura said firmly.
"Mm!" Ino nodded again, then looked around and said, "Hinata, you're here too!"
Hinata, supporting Hiashi with Himawari beside her, turned to Ino.
"Quiet!"
Shikamaru stepped forward onto a platform and addressed the crowd.
"Shikamaru!"
Temari clenched her fists as she looked up at him.
"Your Hokage—Naruto Uzumaki—has already abandoned you all and fled the village. From now on, Konoha Village will be completely taken over by S.H.I.E.L.D. But don't worry—per the Deputy Director's orders, you won't be executed for now. However, you must all wear suppressors!"
Ignoring Temari's hateful glare, Shikamaru continued and held up a suppressor device as a demonstration.
"What a joke! Big Brother Naruto would never abandon us!"
Konohamaru shook off Moegi's supporting hand and shouted at Shikamaru. But almost instantly, Udon appeared behind him and kicked Konohamaru to the ground.
"Konohamaru, are you okay?"
Moegi hurriedly stepped forward to help him up.
"I'm fine. Thanks, Moegi."
Supported by her, Konohamaru got back to his feet and nodded.
"Sarutobi Konohamaru, I suggest you keep your mouth shut. Otherwise, we won't hesitate to kill you right here."
Ignoring the scuffle, Shikamaru pressed on: "These suppressors go around your neck and will detect any chakra usage. If you try to use chakra, the device will immediately detonate and blow your head off!"
"You've got to be kidding! There's no way I'm wearing something like that!" roared the Fifth Hokage, Tsunade. "And I'm not handing Konoha over to you without a fight!"