Uzumaki Kuming's long blade rested on Aburame Shibi's shoulder, its edge leaving a faint cut across his neck. Aburame Shibi felt the chill against his skin, and his mind cleared somewhat.
"Do it, Jiuming."
"I won't hate you."
Aburame Shibi struggled to sit upright and forced his eyes open to look at Uzumaki Kuming.
The young man's resolve moved Jiuming a little. He asked Aburame Shibi, "Have you made up your mind?"
"Yes. I've made up my mind!"
Aburame Shibi closed his eyes. Tears welled along his lashes but did not fall.
"Don't worry. I'll pass on your words."
Uzumaki Kuming's smile faded. He raised his long blade high and swung it toward Aburame Shibi's neck.
"Stop!" Nara Shikaku saw Uzumaki Kuming suddenly strike. His heart lurched, and he wanted to stop him, but it was already too late. Just as Aburame Shibi was about to die beneath Kuming's blade, the Heavenly Feather Blade stopped abruptly at his neck.
"Captain Hatake, what are you doing?"
Just as Kuming was about to kill Aburame Shibi, Hatake Sakumo suddenly appeared right in front of him. He grabbed Uzumaki Kuming's wrist and stopped his attack.
"Enough playing around. Shibi can't possibly be a spy."
"If you kill a fellow villager, I won't forgive you, even if you're Lord Hokage's disciple."
"This farce ends here."
Hatake Sakumo glanced back at Aburame Shibi, who looked resolute, then released Kuming's wrist and warned him. He had actually seen through Kuming's act long ago. Uzumaki Kuming's strike had no killing intent. Besides, Hatake Sakumo knew the young man well. If he had truly intended to kill Aburame Shibi, he wouldn't have given Sakumo the chance to stop him.
The raised blade had been meant to give Hatake Sakumo the time and opportunity to intervene.
"Oh, but I