A new series of prose novels, stemming from the global Naruto franchise. Naruto's allies and enemies take center stage in these fast-paced adventures, with each volume focusing on a specific clan member, ally, team... or villain. Two years after the Great Ninja War, Shikamaru spends his days running around, hands full, as one of the key protectors of Konoha. Then one day, it is reported that a large number of ninjas from every region are missing. Even Sai has disappeared. And the place where the missing shinobi end up is the mysterious Empire, the Land of Silence. As a ninja, as an adult, to protect everything he is responsible for, Shikamaru must battle against the shadow of a new generation.