The Opportunity Arrives

What white hair represented, Nanako knew all too well.

In the past, she had worked hard for this very reason, wholeheartedly trying to improve Ye Zi's physical defect.

Minato and Kushina both knew about Nanako and Ye Zi's relationship. After Root was disbanded, they had also learned roughly about Ye Zi's experiences in Root, as well as his astonishing mission completion rate—a record no one in the Anbu had ever surpassed.

Naturally, Nanako, who had been closely connected to Ye Zi, had also been included in the records. They detailed the experiments Nanako had conducted for Ye Zi, as well as Danzo's cruel execution of Nanako.

Whether Kotoha or Nanako, they were both surely very important to Ye Zi.

Kushina looked toward Ye Zi and Nanako in the distance. If she used Nanako to restrain Ye Zi like Madara Uchiha had, then she would never be able to face Ye Zi with dignity.

The situation had improved once more, and Orochimaru let out a slight sigh of relief. At least they would not fall into a disadvantageous position.

"You should leave now," Ye Zi said softly.

The whitening strands continued to increase, while Ye Zi's severed arm and leg regenerated at a visible speed.

Nanako's slightly rough fingers gently brushed over the white strands. Heartache showed in her eyes as the white hair grew more plentiful and the black hair became increasingly sparse.

Just like that, she watched helplessly as Ye Zi's head of black hair turned white.

"Ye Zi, you'll come back, won't you?" Moisture welled in Nanako's eyes.

Ye Zi said nothing. Instead, he reached out and gently stroked Nanako's smooth, satin-like hair. This should be the last time.

"Goodbye..."

Murmuring softly, Ye Zi released her and turned to Tobirama. "Orochimaru, take her away."

The Tobirama controlled by