The Rise of Uchiha Clan

Chapter XXXV

Sasuke's resolve wavered, but ultimately, the lure of power was too strong. As he fell deeper into the darkness, his eyes glinted with a determination fueled by the curse mark’s malevolent influence. The need for power, for revenge against Itachi, consumed him, overshadowing everything else.

Meanwhile, the genin of Team 10 were racing towards the hospital. Shikamaru, despite his own severe injuries, was carrying the unconscious Ino. Sweat poured down his face, mingling with the blood from his wounds, but his grip on Ino remained firm. His usually calm demeanor was replaced with frantic urgency as he hurried through the streets.

"Stay with us, Ino," Shikamaru muttered under his breath, his voice filled with an uncharacteristic desperation. He glanced at her pale face, her usually vibrant energy now eerily absent. "Just hold on a little longer."

Beside him, Chouji was struggling with his own guilt. "It's my fault," he murmured, his voice thick with self-reproach. "I was too weak."

"No," Shikamaru replied sharply, his tone leaving no room for argument. "The enemies were just too much for us." He looked down at Ino, her head lolling against his shoulder. "She tried her best to protect us."

As they ran, Shikamaru's mind flashed back to their last encounter. He remembered Ino’s loud, bossy attitude, the way she always seemed to find a way to annoy him. But he also remembered her bravery, her unwavering determination, and the heartfelt conversation they had shared recently. She had spoken of what mattered most to her, her hopes, and dreams.

"Stay with us," Shikamaru whispered again, his voice breaking slightly.

Finally, they burst into the hospital, their presence immediately causing a stir among the medical staff and other patients. Shikamaru’s voice rang out, filled with urgent panic. "PLEASE HELP MY FRIEND!"

Doctors and nurses rushed towards them, quickly taking Ino from Shikamaru’s arms and placing her on a stretcher. They began to assess her injuries, their movements swift and practiced. Shikamaru and Chouji were guided to seats, their own wounds being attended to by other medical personnel.

As Shikamaru sat there, his body finally allowed to rest, the reality of their situation hit him. He watched the doctors working on Ino, his heart pounding with fear and worry. "She has to be okay," he thought, his mind racing. "She just has to be."

Beside him, Chouji was wringing his hands, his face a mask of anxiety and guilt. "We’ll be okay, right, Shikamaru?" he asked, his voice trembling.

Shikamaru turned to his friend, his usually lazy eyes now sharp with determination. "We’ll get through this, Chouji," he said firmly. "We’re a team. We’ll get through this together."

"Asuma-sensei," Shikamaru whispered silently, his voice barely audible as he glanced at Ino through the glass window of the ICU. She was in critical condition, surrounded by doctors and nurses working tirelessly to stabilize her. His thoughts were a mix of fear and determination. "Stay safe," he murmured, feeling the weight of the situation pressing heavily on his heart.

Meanwhile, the battle between the other Jounin and Orochimaru's forces raged on. Tsunade was engaged in a fierce struggle with Orochimaru himself, their clash shaking the very ground beneath them. Her strength and determination were evident, but Orochimaru’s cunning and power were formidable.

Orochimaru smirked, his voice dripping with malice. "Is this all you’ve got, Tsunade?" he taunted, his eyes gleaming with a sinister light. "I expected more from the legendary Sannin."

Tsunade clenched her fists, her resolve unwavering. "I won’t let you harm my village," she declared, launching a powerful punch aimed at Orochimaru. The ground cracked and shattered beneath the force of her blow, but Orochimaru deftly evaded, countering with a swift strike of his own.