Chapter 350: Chapter 350
"Hmph! I trust that Shikamaru will find a way to resolve this!"
Temari, after breaking free from the sealing curse, refrained from lashing out further. However, her expression was one of pure disdain as she glared at Yoichi.
To ask her to pay such a price? Absolutely impossible.
"As you wish. To be honest, whether or not you're truly Shikamaru's wife is still up for debate. If you're unwilling, then leave. Just make sure to repay what you owe."
Yoichi's tone was indifferent. He knew that without his help, there was no undoing the effects of the Oblivion Fog. The whale's horn, the key to solving the problem, was in his possession. Temari had no choice but to rely on him.
Unless, of course, Temari and Shikamaru started over, rekindling their bond from the very beginning. But that was nearly impossible.
With Shikadai already six or seven years old and Shikamaru's life consumed by his duties in Konoha, there was no room for a "second chance" romance.
"Just wait. Shikamaru will find a solution!"
Temari's voice was resolute. She had unwavering faith in her husband, confident that their bond could overcome even this bizarre predicament.
"You'd better hurry then," Yoichi chuckled mockingly. "Word is that some of Shikamaru's friends are planning to introduce him to someone new. If you believe you're truly his wife, perhaps you should step in as your own competition."
"What?!"
Temari's face filled with disbelief. While part of her wanted to dismiss it as a lie, the possibility gnawed at her. A simple inquiry would confirm the truth, leaving her heart uneasy.
'What will I do if he actually remarries?'
Images of Shikamaru's wedding to someone else flooded her mind, alongside Shikadai calling another woman "Mom." It was unbearable.
Still, Temari's determined expression didn't falter. She was a former princess of the Sand; she wouldn't let herself be defeated by mere rumors.
"Even if that's true, I trust Shikamaru. He will remember our shared experiences. I won't need to rely on you."
"Suit yourself. The door's over there."
Yoichi gestured dismissively toward the exit. "Don't waste my time if you're not serious. Leave, and don't come back unless you have what I need."
Temari snorted coldly before turning on her heel and storming out of the shop. Though tempted to punch the insufferable man, she knew that causing a scene in Konoha without proper identification would only land her in more trouble.
After leaving Yoichi's shop, Temari made a beeline for the Hokage's office. She needed answers about Shikamaru's potential remarriage. The thought of him moving on while she was still alive was infuriating.
At the Hokage's building, Temari was immediately recognized by several shinobi. Her frequent visits had made her somewhat infamous—a self-proclaimed wife of Shikamaru, constantly seeking him out.
Moments later, Shikamaru stepped out, his expression weary.
"What now? Didn't I tell you to wait for updates? The village has already handed the whale's remains over to specialists. Results will come soon enough!"
His tone was sharp, his patience wearing thin. His workload was immense, and the constant interruptions from Temari only added to his stress.
"This isn't about the whale!" Temari snapped, her own irritation rising. "Is it true? Are you planning to remarry?"
Shikamaru froze for a moment, surprised by her question. After a pause, he sighed deeply and replied, "I have no such plans right now. And even if I did, it's none of your business."
"What do you mean it's none of my business? I've told you over and over—I'm your wife! That whale erased your memories of me!"
"Enough!"
Shikamaru's sudden outburst silenced Temari. His voice was firm, his frustration finally boiling over.
"You've disrupted my work and my life enough with these claims. I've had enough!"
Temari stood frozen, tears welling in her eyes. Shikamaru's harsh words were like daggers to her heart, leaving her overwhelmed with sadness.
"Focus on yourself. The village is busy, and so am I. I don't have time for this."
His voice softened slightly as he continued, "If you truly need help, let me know. But until the whale's mystery is solved, stay put and don't disturb me again."
Without waiting for a response, Shikamaru turned and walked back inside, leaving Temari standing in stunned silence.
For the next ten minutes, Temari remained motionless, her mind clouded with doubt and despair. A nearby shinobi eventually broke her reverie, urging her to move on.
Earlier, she had believed in Shikamaru's ability to solve any problem. Now, for the first time, doubt crept into her heart.
'I can't lose him. I just can't.'
Taking a deep breath, Temari resolved to find another way. She would fight to reclaim her place in his life, no matter the cost.
The next morning, Shikadai was on his way to school when Temari appeared, waving to catch his attention.
"Shikadai, wait! I need to talk to you!"
Before Shikadai could respond, Shikamaru stepped out from around the corner, his expression calm but firm.
"Shikadai, head to school. This has nothing to do with you."
"Got it, Dad." Shikadai quickly obeyed, leaving the two adults alone.
Once Shikadai was out of sight, Shikamaru turned to Temari, his tone cold.
"I told you to stop this. Stay at the inn and wait for the researchers' findings. If you come near my family again, I'll have the ANBU detain you."
"But Shikamaru, I really—"
"Enough!"
Shikamaru's voice was laced with anger. He took a deep breath before continuing, his gaze steely.
"This is your final warning. Don't interfere with my son's life or mine again."
With that, Shikamaru turned and walked away, leaving Temari standing alone once more, her heart heavy with despair.
(End of Chapter)
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