Li made a hand signal to Minato. The moment Minato saw it, he froze—it was the signal for "I'll cover you." Minato took a deep breath. In truth, Li's speed was now hardly inferior to his own. If they truly fought Iron Earth at close range, Li might even hold the advantage.
But Li had already finished his hand seals. A streak of electric light shot from his fingertips, and Chidori Current turned into a straight line in his hand, hurtling directly toward Iron Earth's shoulder. Iron Earth realized it at once and dodged aside, but in that instant, Minato had already cut half the distance between them.
Iron Earth realized that as well. Neither of the two pursuing him was weaker than he was, and he held no absolute advantage in speed. The Iwagakure ninja who wanted to help simply could not keep up; trying to intercept Li and Minato would be no different from throwing their lives away. At this rate, it was only a matter of time before they caught him!
Suddenly, delight appeared on Iron Earth's face. "Tianye Yuan! Catch Lord Tsuchikage!"
With that, he hurled the Tsuchikage in his arms forward. Tianye Yuan had already rushed ahead and caught the Tsuchikage in her arms. At the same time, Iron Earth spun around and abruptly exchanged a punch with Minato. Minato was a speed-type ninja—how could he match Iron Earth in a contest of strength? He was immediately forced back several steps, but then he promptly tangled with Iron Earth again.
Li's speed suddenly increased severalfold as he charged fiercely at Tianye Yuan, roaring, "Tianye Yuan, you actually dared betray me! I'll kill you!"
Tianye Yuan's face showed a trace of disdain. With a wave of one hand, the fragments of that massive shield Zuode had