'Naruto Shippuden' episodes 488, 489 spoilers: Shikamaru takes on dangerous mission in show's brand new arc

Now that Sasuke's journey of atonement has ended, the long-running Japanese anime series "Naruto Shippuden" will be taking on a brand new arc featuring Konoha's finest cloud-watcher. What kinds of adventures and misadventures will Shikamaru face as he goes out on a mission to the Land of Silence?

In the recently concluded story arc, Sasuke's journey of atonement ended on a positive note thanks to the influence Naruto has had in his life, something that he was able to passed on to Chino before they ended up killing each other. Sasuke made Chino believe that a world where people cared for and shared in each other's pain could be attained, and along with thoughts of finally coming home to Konoha, Sasuke seems determined on working hard to keep that promise.

The next episode of "Naruto Shippuden" kicks off a new arc, which is also inspired by a light novel. "Shikamaru Hiden: A Cloud Drifting in Silent Darkness" featured Shikamaru on a mission to hunt down and assassinate the charismatic leader of the Land of Silence, Gengo, before the Shinobi Union goes out to war against the said village. The novel was written by Takashi Yano and illustrated by Masahi Kishimoto.

Shikamaru's story arc begins two years after the Fourth Shinobi War. Being one of Konoha's key protectors, it's no wonder the Sixth Hokage, Kakashi, called on him to go on a very sensitive mission, as shown in the trailer for "Naruto Shippuden" episode 489.

Titled "Shikamaru Hiden: A Cloud Drifting in Silent Darkness, Part 1: The State of Affairs," the upcoming episodes will see Shikamaru flying solo as he tries to unravel the mystery behind the disappearances of many shinobis in every region, including the group that Kakashi has initially sent out with Sai on the helm. They suspect the samurai-run village, Land of Silence, to be behind it.

In the novel, Shikamaru was assisted on his mission by two key characters in their own individual ways. In order to give himself a compelling reason to come home alive, he reminded himself of the promise he made to his late teacher Asuma, that he would teach Asuma's daughter, Mirai, how to fight.

The Fifth Kazekage's sister, Temari, having suspected something's off with her friend, gained her brother's permission to tail Shikamaru and provide him with any assistance he would need. Temari would later on become Shikamaru's wife and who would bear him a son in the final pages of the novel.

"Naruto Shippuden" episode 489 will air on Thursday, Jan. 12, at 7:30 p.m. Japan time on TV Tokyo, while the light novel, "Shikamaru Hiden: A Cloud Drifting in Silent Darkness" has been translated to English by Jocelyne Allen and is available for purchase online.