Thank Goodness, It's the Family Guardian Hero-We're Saved!

"Roar~!"

As Number One's life force completely faded away, the Abdominal Mouth embedded in his waist let out a bloodcurdling roar.

Then, the Abdominal Mouth gaped wide, and its black-hole-like suction devoured every last remnant of Number One's body. The horrifying sight sent chills down Tsunade's spine.

Gurgle, gurgle~

Just before Number One's flesh was completely destroyed by the Abdominal Mouth, Shukaku's Hoard, which he had been clutching tightly, rolled all the way to Number Four's feet.

Yet Number Four did not even spare a glance for the enhancement item that had dropped. He turned and walked toward Tsunade nearby.

"Were you hurt?"

Seeing that Tsunade was unharmed, Number Four, who had been hesitating in place, finally let out a relieved breath. He found his current state quite strange as well. Under normal circumstances, he would never have cared whether a human lived or died.

But when facing Tsunade, a voice had suddenly appeared somewhere deep within him, repeatedly telling him to protect his family.

"I'm fine. Gin-grandpa's Secret Scroll saved my life."

Looking at Number Four's slightly unfamiliar and clumsy tone and movements, Tsunade gently shook her head. With a complicated look in her eyes, she asked two questions.

"Who exactly are you? And where did my grandfather go?"

"I am... Agh!"

Just as Number Four was about to say something, the underlying code buried deep in his subconscious was triggered. A splitting headache struck him, and he clutched his head as he bent over in agony.

This was the command code Jigen used to restrain every Clone. Once a Clone tried to reveal any clue about their organization, their brain would be flooded with mental energy. If they forcibly leaked secrets, the only outcome was dying on the spot.

"What's wrong with you?"

Seeing Number Four suddenly reveal