Thunder rumbled through the sky, and the rising heat and vapor finally turned into a downpour.
"I'm beyond saving. You shouldn't be doing something so unnecessary."
Dan Katō opened his eyes again, speaking as he coughed up blood. The light in his eyes grew weaker and weaker.
The blood in his body rapidly washed away with the rain, along with large amounts of shattered flesh.
Dan Katō understood Kaedeji's actions very well. It was the resolve to never give up on saving a companion, even in desperate circumstances.
He respected that belief, but he did not agree with it. If those last few seconds had been left to him, perhaps he could have dealt greater damage to Rōshi, forcing him to spend several times more time and effort recovering.
Opportunities to injure an enemy nation's Jinchuriki were rare. If he could do that, Dan Katō felt his sacrifice would be worth it.
Besides, he had never been a match for a Jinchuriki anyway.
"I told you, it's not time to give up yet. The war isn't over. Is this really where you want to stop? Dying is easy. Enduring all kinds of pain and struggling to live is hard. Lady Tsunade is still waiting for you."
Kaedeji raised a hand and pointed. With the last of his fading vision, Dan Katō looked over and saw Tsunade rushing toward them with all her strength, terror written across her face.
"Tsunade... I'm sorry you have to see me like this. It's a shame I won't be able to become Hokage..."
"Shut up! Don't say something so discouraging! I am the greatest Medical Ninja! Since I'm here, I'll definitely save you! Let me see... Your injuries are severe, but they can still be treated!"
Tsunade knelt on the ground, frantically generating Chakra as