[Naruto: Superpower Roulette] Chapter 348 (Patreon)

"Apologies for disturbing you so late. We have a matter that requires your assistance."

Under the cover of night, Shikamaru knocked on the door of Yoichi's medicine shop. When the door opened, Yoichi's expression made his irritation evident. Shikamaru, aware of the strained relationship between them, adjusted his tone and bowed slightly to demonstrate respect.

"Come in," Yoichi said curtly, stepping aside to let Shikamaru and Temari enter.

Once they were seated, Yoichi wasted no time. "What's the issue? Speak quickly—I have other matters to attend to."

Shikamaru cleared his throat and began, "We've recently encountered what appears to be another otherworldly creature—a giant white whale. It's already been slain."

At this, Temari couldn't help but interject. "Wait, the white whale is dead? Who killed it—"

She stopped mid-sentence when she noticed Shikamaru and Yoichi staring at her, and she quickly bit her tongue.

Shikamaru continued, "We don't know much about the creature's abilities. However, this woman, Temari, claims she encountered it yesterday. Since then, she insists everyone has forgotten her existence. She says this is the whale's doing."

Yoichi raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. "A creature that erases someone's existence? Sounds fantastical."

"It does," Shikamaru admitted. "Temari claims to be my wife, but neither I nor anyone else remembers her. I even have clear memories of my actual wife, who passed away years ago. She believes this is all due to the whale's abilities. I hoped you could provide insight."

Yoichi pondered for a moment. He thought of a magical beast from another world that emitted a fog capable of erasing one's existence from memory. However, he didn't reveal this knowledge.

Feigning contemplation, he said, "That's an extraordinary claim. It's hard to imagine such a power exists. Memory alteration on such a scale would be nearly impossible unless divine intervention was involved."

He paused before suggesting, "Perhaps there's another explanation. What if her own memories were altered? If the whale somehow implanted false memories of being your wife, that might explain her conviction."

The idea struck Shikamaru like a bolt of clarity. "That... makes sense. If the whale tampered with her mind, she could genuinely believe she's my wife. But it would explain why no one else remembers her."

Temari slammed her hand on the table, rising in anger. "Shikamaru! How can you listen to this nonsense? You're my husband!"

Yoichi sighed, waving dismissively. "I've told you all I can. If you have further questions, feel free to leave them at the counter. For now, take this debate elsewhere."

Shikamaru stood, bowing slightly. "Thank you for your time. I'll see myself out."

Temari followed reluctantly, glaring at Yoichi before leaving.

Outside the shop, a Konoha ninja approached Shikamaru with a note.

"This is from the Seventh Hokage," the ninja said, handing it over.

Shikamaru unfolded the note, reading its contents with a furrowed brow. The Hokage had queried multiple people, including Sasuke, about Temari. All their responses aligned—Shikamaru's wife was deceased, and no one recognized Temari.

"It seems more likely now that her memories were altered," Shikamaru muttered. He turned to Temari. "You should stay in the village for now. When we have time, we'll look into your situation."

Temari's frustration boiled over, and she grabbed Shikamaru by the collar. "How can you just dismiss me like this? I'm your wife!"

Shikamaru sighed deeply, his expression uncharacteristically stern. "Can you even trust your own memories right now?"

Temari froze, stunned by his tone. She let go, feeling the weight of his words sink in.

"I'll continue to investigate," Shikamaru said, softening his tone. "For now, stay at the village's inn and wait. When we've dealt with the ongoing crises, we'll revisit your case."

He left without another word, heading home to check on Shikadai.

Temari watched him walk away, her heart heavy. For the first time, doubt crept into her mind.

Left with no other options, Temari wandered aimlessly before finding herself back at Yoichi's shop. Frustration and anger drove her to pound on the door until Yoichi appeared.

"What now?" Yoichi asked, his tone weary.

"It's your fault Shikamaru doesn't believe me! What's really going on?" Temari demanded, stepping into the shop without waiting for an invitation.

"Lower your voice. It's late," Yoichi said, motioning for her to follow him upstairs.

Once seated in the dimly lit room, Yoichi placed two cups of tea on the table. "Listen, I've told you everything I know. If you want answers, focus on that whale. Its abilities might hold the key to your situation."

"Do you think it's possible to reverse this?" Temari asked, her voice trembling with a mix of hope and despair.

Yoichi leaned back, studying her. "Perhaps. But it won't be easy. Such a task requires resources—rare and valuable ones. I don't work for free."

Temari frowned. "How much do you want?"

"Not money," Yoichi replied, handing her a list. "I need treasures like these. Gather five, and I'll consider helping you."

Temari glanced at the list, her heart sinking. The items were extraordinarily rare, things she had never even heard of.

"I'll look into it," she said weakly, clutching the list.

"For now, find a place to rest. Come back when you've made progress," Yoichi said, standing to show her out.

That night, Yoichi retreated into his private space, pulling out the mysterious book and other artifacts retrieved from the whale. Though he couldn't decipher the text, the objects emanated a strange energy.

Curiously, despite the whale's alleged power, Yoichi retained all his memories of Temari. He wondered if his connection to another timeline shielded him from its effects.

"Time to get to work," he muttered, summoning his Kamui clone to assist with the research.

As the night deepened, Temari lay restless in her inn room, clutching the list of impossible tasks. In a world where everyone had forgotten her, she was left wondering if even she could hold on to herself.

(End of Chapter)

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