Anna Karenina

The Man Who Disappeared

What? Did I use too much power?

Training by yourself? I'm impressed.

Mr. Sasuke! I heard that you found it!

That means Shojoji wasn't just blabbering, right?

And, what about it?

What else? We can't sit back and relax!

Let's go and find this organization!

Why the rush?

Because of this!

That mark—!

Don't tell me…

you're part of that organization?

I want to find out what this weird thing is about.

Blindly seeking an enemy

without knowing their circumstance or intent invites only death.

But—!

Just focus of becoming capable enough to carry out your assigned missions successfully.

If you can't do that, you'll only be a burden during battle.

I understand that you want to rush out there.

But this is the time to learn from as many people as you can,

and gain experience.

And missions offer the perfect opportunities for that.

Although, I'm one to talk…

I left the village when I was really young.

Did you come all the way here just to tell me that?

Try it on.

That mark on your hand attracts attention.

I'm not gonna act all scared because of it!

No matter who or what may come at me, I'll—

Asking for trouble to come to you is what fools do.

Well, since my teacher is instructing me to do so…

It kinda looks cool!

Listen.

What you have to do right now—

Is to focus on my missions, right?

Fine! I'll complete 'em perfectly and successfully!

No matter what kind they are!

Huh?

C'mon, locating someone?!

For this mission,

you'll be searching for a missing person in the Land of Valleys.

Isn't there a mission that'll test our skills a little more?

Boruto, every mission is equally important!

I know that!

Even though they are ranked.

I know, right?!

Please get more details from the client

who will be waiting for you in the Land of Valleys.

The Land of Valleys is quite far, isn't it?

Searching for anyone in unfamiliar territory is going to be difficult.

That's why I was called here.

Mugino, you're back!

That was long one this time.

Has it been two— no, it's been three years, right?

Yeah… I was finally released.

How's it feel to be back home?

You think he was in jail?

No, stupid!

He was away on a long-term expedition.

We've been on lots of missions together

and I consider him one of my good friends.

Mr. Mugino is familiar with the terrain there,

so he'll accompany you on your mission!

Let me introduce you!

This is Sarada, Mitsuki and…

Boruto Uzumaki!

My mentor was just telling me to get a lot of experience…

So, I'm looking forward to going to a place I don't know, ya know!

We're not going on a little outing.

Don't be a burden, okay?

All right, we leave immediately.

What a bad attitude.

What was the nature of your long-term mission?

It's so boring, it's not even worth telling.

I'd like to know too!

My team's mission was to mediate in conflict-heavy areas.

Conflict-heavy?

Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, Lightning…

When the Five Great Nations formed an alliance,

major wars certainly ceased.

But that pertains only to the Great Nations.

You can say that fighting

between the smaller outlying nations actually increased.

Even though the Fourth Great Ninja War ended a long time ago?

Did you think that the moment the Great Nations stopped fighting,

smaller skirmishes would automatically end too?

Putting out those embers before they spread and burn out of control…

was Mugino and his team's job.

Things look peaceful in this world, but there's an underbelly to it.

It wouldn't be strange if those who still want to destroy the world

are lurking in the shadows.

We just aren't aware of them.

Go to sleep as soon as you're done eating.

We'll be walking all day tomorrow.

I'll go find water.

Mugino not your cup of tea?

It's not like that.

I just feel like he's treating us like newbies.

Mugino's spent a lot of time in conflict-stricken regions.

He just comes across as very unemotional and matter-of-fact.

Just say it. Say that we're inexperienced.

He's saved my life countless times.

You'll understand in time.

This is the Land of Valleys?

Yes. Just as its name suggests,

it's a nation at the bottom of a giant valley.

We've come from the Village Hidden in the Leaves.

Someone by the name of Mia requested for us to come.

I've been expecting you.

I'm Mia.

A medical equipment company was established here,

where once there was nothing.

It attracted talented technicians from many regions.

My husband was among them.

I take it your husband is the one who's gone missing?

Anato is a researcher at the company's lab.

What kind of research?

Since it's related to company interests it's shrouded in secrecy,

so I don't know much.

I just know that he was on the team searching for

resources to use in developing new medical technology components.

Resources for components?

Like unusual plants and their sap, bird's nests, sometimes even animal waste.

In any case, his job was to gather and analyze

those resources from all over the world.

Did he disappear during one of these sourcing trips?

He was supposed to return in one month.

But he didn't and it's been three weeks past that initial date.

Three weeks?!

I've asked the company countless times,

but they refuse to tell me anything, saying they need to protect trade secrets.

That's why I went through a friend

to put in a request with the Hidden Leaf.

I know that Anato is still alive!

Please bring him back!

I'm just so worried about him.

You can count on us!

We'll find him for sure!

Please do!

This is the company where Anato is employed.

So, do you have an appointment?

I already told you!

We don't have an appointment!

We came today to—

Please leave this to us.

What kind of research is conducted here?

This lab conducts R&D of medicines to the manufacturing of prosthetics.

Our company conducts research in a wide range of medical fields.

That's a portrait of Mr. Victor, our proprietor.

After he was seriously wounded in the last Great War,

it became his wish to help others like him who are suffering.

With that desire, he started this company,

and turned it into one of the world's premier medical equipment manufacturers.

I want to know about Anato's disappearance!

Do you have any new updates?

We have also dispatched a search party.

I understand how you must feel,

but please wait until we get an update from them.

Can you at least tell me the location

where Anato's research team went missing?

The movements and actions of the search party are classified,

so even we don't know the details.

Well, that's a not good reason!

Bring Anato back!

Mrs. Mia, please calm down!

Boruto, help us!