The moon hung high in the branches.
Late at night, the rain that had been falling since dusk gradually stopped. The moon emerged from behind the clouds, and its clear, bright light spilled across the land.
The bonfire in the middle of the shelter had gone out completely. Everyone inside was fast asleep, except for Jiuming, who sat beside Minato and stared absently at the scene outside.
In an environment like this, even with a barrier set up around the perimeter, someone still had to keep watch at night. Ninjutsu wasn't absolutely reliable, after all. If they ran into a powerful ninja, it wasn't impossible for them to slip through the barrier without a sound.
"Hm?"
"Dai! Teacher Yagyu!"
Minato's voice suddenly rang through the silent shelter. He woke from his coma and sprang to his feet, reflexively clenching his fist. When he felt that he was holding nothing, he quickly pulled a kunai from the pouch on his back.
He thrust it toward Jiuming, who was sitting beside him, aiming straight for the heart. But Minato was weak, and his sudden attack was not particularly fast.
Minato's mind was still back in the middle of the battle.
Thud! Jiuming's expression tightened. He shot out his right hand and caught Minato by the wrist. The Cursed Seal immediately spread from Minato's wrist, sealing off the flow of his Chakra.
Minato was already weak, and the moment his Chakra stopped supporting him, his legs gave way. As he started to fall, Jiuming rose and caught him.
"Jiuming? Why are you here?" Minato's eyes had adjusted to the dark, and he was gradually coming around. When he made out Jiuming's face, he cried out in surprise.
The sound of their scuffle had already woken everyone. Those who had been lying down now