That girl was drenched in blood, yet stubbornly refused to retreat. Alone, she used her life to protect the companions behind her.
Looking at Kushina, who was swaying on the verge of collapse and covered in blood, Ye Zi deeply furrowed his brows. Why did he feel heartache, even anger? Even if that girl's appearance resembled his younger sister's by five or six parts, he shouldn't have felt this way.
He had clearly decided long ago to coldly abandon her, yet the scene before him had shaken his resolve.
Was it because their bond had already taken root... or had that girl's bloodied appearance touched a nerve in his memories?
Ye Zi didn't know. At this moment, he truly didn't know.
Kushina ultimately couldn't withstand the Stone ninja's assault. After squeezing out the last trace of her Chakra and stamina, she was sent flying by a heavy kick from one of the Stone ninja. Another Stone ninja charged toward her as she fell, Kunai in hand.
Cold light filled the ninja's eyes. The black Kunai tore through the air and stabbed straight toward Kushina's heart. He had never intended to kill the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki; he was merely putting on an act and would still hold back at the final moment.
After landing, Kushina looked at the Stone ninja and raised her arm to resist, but it drooped weakly. Despair inevitably surfaced in her eyes.
At that moment, Minato summoned the last of his strength and flashed in front of Kushina, opening his arms with a resolute expression.
"Minato."
Kushina stared blankly at the figure before her, her eyes trembling.
Seeing some reckless fool suddenly appear midway, the Stone ninja's eyes flashed with killing intent.
"Why is everyone so stupid?"
Ye Zi drew his blade as fast as lightning. Chakra coursed