Anna Karenina

Mr. Jugo…

I'm sorry, but it looks like it's beyond our control now.

I think we should just let them handle it.

I know you're worried.

But we're not experts,

and I don't think there's anything more we can do.

I know that.

Besides, Mr. Tosaka is with them, so…

right now, I think we should go and look for Sumire.

It's hard to think that she returned to the Leaf Village all by herself.

Yeah, but…

I just have a bad feeling about this, ya know.

Jugo's Reinforcements

Are you sure we can keep going this way, Nue?

Wasabi, Namida…

If I just follow your chakra…

What is it, Nue?!

Oh?

You noticed my presence?

What an interesting summoning!

Who are you?!

I want to ask you some questions.

Is that all right with you, young lady?

This man is…

strong!

Nue!

No, don't!

Whoa!

I see.

If that's how you wanna play…

Water Style: Great Water Arm!

Hey!

Sumire!

Hey! Class Rep!

Damn it! Where did she go?

Mr. Jugo as well as the Class Rep…

At this rate, we're at a dead-end!

What was that just now?

Nue…

Damn it. What was that?

Hey, don't fight with kids!

She's the one who started it.

Sumire?!

Who are you?! What did you do to the Class Rep?!

Wait, Boruto.

Huh?!

It's been a while, Suigetsu.

What are you doing here of all places?

Hey! What a coincidence, Sarada!

Ms. Karin?!

Huh?

What's going on?

She just fainted from exhaustion and shock.

Her life's not in danger.

Thank goodness!

Hey, what did you do to the Class Rep?!

I went easy on her. Besides, I'm the victim here.

The beast that hangs around her suddenly attacked me.

You mean, Nue?

She can't even control her summoning.

Talk about being inexperienced!

What are you two doing here?

What else?

To take Jugo back to Lord Orochimaru's.

To take Mr. Jugo back?

Judging from your reaction, you know where Jugo is, don't you?

Start talking.

Well…

So he came here to save the birds, huh?

Then we can't waste any time.

Where are you going, Suigetsu?

To get him back from that investigative team

from the Land of Rivers as soon as possible.

Are those his orders?

Of course.

His Curse Mark is special.

If outsiders find out about it, no good will come out of it.

Same goes if they find out

about his link to Orochimaru as well.

Well, I highly doubt that they can treat him.

But the villagers rejected us.

That's none of our business.

If they try to interfere, I'll just use force.

Just a minute! Are you serious about that?!

Listen, I'm not playing little kid games here.

It can't be helped if a few outsiders get mixed up in this.

A few—?

Then what about the birds?

Mr. Jugo stayed here to save the birds

that were infected with the Curse Mark…

Who cares if that's delayed?

I don't know what Jugo was up to, but this takes priority.

Aren't you Mr. Jugo's friend?

You'd let everything that Mr. Jugo's risked his life for go to waste?!

Hey, you're being annoying.

You just met Jugo so you know nothing, kid.

Why should I listen to you lecture me?

What about you?

You don't know a thing about how much Mr. Jugo has done here!

Hey, Boruto!

Yeah, I don't.

But you're still the one who doesn't understand.

What did you say?!

Okay, okay. That's enough.

They're just kids. Don't take it so seriously.

I'm not.

Okay, so do you have any other ideas?

Please.

Just wait until the Class Rep regains consciousness.

What good will that do us?

Wasabi and Namida were attacked and infected with the Curse Mark.

Don't you guys want to find out

about the connection with the Curse Mark too?

I see…

It would definitely be good to have that info.

Ms. Karin!

Hey, don't go deciding things on your own…

Don't be hasty! Don't act without proper intel.

Weren't we told that before we left?!

Whatever… Suit yourself.

All right, then!

Huh?

Sarada and I will take over from here.

So go away, boys.

She probably just wants to talk to Sarada alone.

You're actually quite a softie, aren't you Suigetsu?

You're annoying. Got that?

Don't worry, she'll wake up soon.

Right.

How are those glasses? Are they working out okay?

Thank you, they are!

That's great, I'm so glad!

We hardly had any time together the last time we met.

Um… Thank you so much, Ms. Karin.

Back then, and just now too. You always seem to be saving me!

Oh, don't worry about it! I've known you since you were born.

We're not related, but you're very dear to me.

You mean, I'm like family to you?

I wonder about that.

For people like me, it's natural not to have any family.

But, for better or worse, I guess Jugo and Suigetsu are like family.

That's why, even though Suigetsu acts like that,

he's worried about Jugo.

You've known each other a long time, my dad as well.

Well, yeah.

And your dad has his very own family now.

She'd get better instantly, if she could only bite me!

Huh? Bite?

Yeah, we could revitalize her if we made her bite my arm or wherever!

I have that ability!

Wanna try biting me, Sarada?

Uh… No, I'll pass!

Oh, you're awake, Jugo!

That's right. I…

Don't push yourself.

The tranquilizer should be taking effect.

Where am I?

A facility set up by the investigative team

from the Land of Rivers.

I'm here because they asked for my help.

It's well-equipped,

so I should be able to formulate a serum to help the wild geese, too.

Please help me, Jugo.

The wild geese?

But…

Boruto and the others asked us to, as well.

I see.

There you go.

I haven't forgiven you for hurting the Class Rep, okay?

Sure, as you wish.

So… What do you want?

I want to warn you.

Since you don't seem to understand Jugo at all.

What do you mean?

His Curse Mark.

It's a burden he was born with and he's destined to have for life.

He can't escape it.

He knows that better than anyone else.

That's why he tries to isolate himself as much as possible.

Is that so he doesn't get people involved and hurt?

We tried too for a time, to find a way to help him.

We don't need you to lecture us.