The battlefield shifted in an instant. Shinji, who had been at a disadvantage moments ago, had turned the tables in the blink of an eye.
"What?"
Asuma, Chiriku, and the others exchanged glances. They had charged forward prepared to risk their lives to rescue him, yet Hiruko had been utterly defeated the very next second?
"Shinji, how are you?"
Kurenai Yuhi had no time to think. Seeing Shinji so weak that he could barely stand, she rushed forward anxiously and steadied him.
"I'm fine."
Shinji supported himself with one hand on his sword hilt and rested the other on Kurenai's arm. His face was pale as paper as he silently circulated the Chakra within him to recover his strength.
From deep within the flames, Hiruko's screams gradually weakened.
"Looks like it's over."
Chiriku let out a long breath. The Temple of Fire had truly suffered one disaster after another today.
"No! Watch out!"
Asuma warned them sharply, his eyes fixed on the flames.
Everyone tensed, their nerves instantly stretched taut.
The blazing fire crackled as a charred figure rolled miserably out of it. His flesh was blackened and burned, his clothes completely incinerated. He no longer had any of his former arrogance.
Hiruko curled up on the ground, his limbs twitching incessantly. Every inch of his skin was wracked with unbearable pain from the burning.
"Blargh—"
He suddenly pushed himself up and spat out a mouthful of blood. His gaze locked onto Shinji as he roared furiously, completely ignoring everyone else present.
"Damn it! You actually made me this miserable!"
"I'll definitely kill you!"
He, Hiruko, was a ninja from the same generation as the Sannin, yet a Konoha junior had reduced him to such a wretched state.
At that thought, hatred nearly consumed him.
"Let's get him!"
Asuma immediately