Samui stared intently at Shi Xiu, her expression stern. Her gaze was like two icy arrows, aimed straight at him.
Darui, whom Samui had just pulled back from the brink of danger, let out a long sigh of relief, as if a tremendous weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
Darui looked at Shi Xiu with lingering fear, relief and apprehension mingling in his eyes.
His gaze drifted to the sword in Shi Xiu's hand, and an indescribable ache welled up inside him.
Though it was no legendary blade, it had accompanied him through more than a dozen years.
Memories of the days they had fought side by side and shed blood together came flooding back. He couldn't bear to part with it.
Meanwhile, Kakashi and Nara Luling stepped in front of Shi Xiu without hesitation. They stood straight and alert, watching their opponent's every move.
Heimu Wu and the others finally came to their senses. They quickly drew their kunai, gripped them tightly, and took up a defensive stance as they warily watched the Kumogakure forces across from them.
The tension reached a breaking point. Both sides were poised for a fight, and battle seemed moments away.
But at that critical moment, Shi Xiu suddenly hurled the sword in his hand toward Darui.
The blade flashed through the air, hurtling toward Darui with blinding speed.
Darui reacted at once, swiftly raising a hand to catch the sword Shi Xiu had thrown.
At the sight, Samui felt a wave of relief. She knew their side was at a disadvantage.
After a brief exchange of glances, Samui and Darui decided to order a retreat.
Just as Samui was about to call out, Shi Xiu spoke first.
"Hmph. It's been a long time since I've had a proper workout. Since I've run into you today, I'll deal with you first. Once I've finished off you small fry, I have more important business to attend to."
Shi Xiu's lips curled into a cold smile, and his eyes glinted with murderous intent.
Samui's expression changed drastically at his words. Desperate, she shouted, "Fall back!"
But Shi Xiu wasn't about to let them go so easily. He gave a cold laugh and spoke in a voice as icy as a thousand-year-old glacier.
"You think you can come and go as you please? If I let you escape that easily, where would that leave my reputation?"
A blood-red glimmer suddenly flashed in Shi Xiu's eyes.
A moment later, a torrent of blood-red chakra surged from his body, spreading outward like a rising tide.
The chakra rapidly gathered and solidified, gradually taking the form of a giant dozens of meters tall: a blood-red Complete Body Susanoo, clad in sturdy armor and wielding a sharp tachi.
Samui and Darui stared wide-eyed at the enormous Susanoo before them, like a demon descended upon the world. Their faces filled with despair.
They had never seen such terrifying power. Its massive form radiated an overwhelming pressure that made their blood run cold.
Some of the less hardy ninja even fainted on the spot, collapsing to the ground.
The Konoha Ninja, Kakashi among them, looked no better. Every one of them stared at the Complete Body Susanoo in shock, mouths slightly agape, unable to utter a word.
Shi Xiu hovered steadily at the Susanoo's forehead, looking down at everyone with cold, merciless eyes.
At a thought from Shi Xiu, the giant Susanoo slowly raised its powerful arm and gave a seemingly casual wave.
A thunderous crash rang out. More than a dozen Kumogakure ninja were instantly blasted to pieces by the immense force, blood spraying everywhere in a horrific scene.
At the sight, Samui fought down the terror churning inside her and shouted at the top of her lungs.
"Fall back! Everyone, retreat!"
Her voice was hoarse with fear, but still rang out clear and loud.
At her words, Darui immediately turned and led the remaining ninja in a desperate retreat.
Samui ran with the group, but her mind kept racing. She had to find a way to get word of what had happened here—and information about the mysterious, powerful Complete Body Susanoo—back to the village as soon as possible.
But just as Samui's attention wavered, a huge blood-red hand descended like lightning and caught her as she raced through the trees.
"Samui!" Darui cried out in alarm. Instinctively, he started to turn back and rescue her.
But the moment Darui moved, Samui's stern voice stopped him.
"Keep retreating! The important information has to reach the village safely!" Her tone was firm and resolute, leaving no room for argument.
Pain and hesitation flashed across Darui's face, but in the end, he gritted his teeth, turned around, and continued fleeing for his life.
Meanwhile, Shi Xiu stood still, watching Darui disappear into the distance. He didn't seem in any hurry to pursue him.
Then Shi Xiu slowly turned his gaze to Samui, trapped in the enormous hand of the Susanoo.
With a slight wave of his hand, he dispelled the Susanoo. Then he raised his other hand and murmured, "Wood Release: Bind."
As his words fell, countless thin vines suddenly burst from the ground.
They grew and spread like serpents, instantly binding Samui's hands and feet.
The vines were incredibly tough. No matter how hard Samui struggled, she couldn't break free.
The tight vines accentuated Samui's already curvaceous figure, making it appear even more striking.
Shi Xiu's gaze unconsciously lingered on her, and his heart stirred slightly.
Samui clearly noticed his heated stare. She abruptly lifted her head, her beautiful eyes blazing with anger and humiliation as she glared at him.
At the same time, Shi Xiu sensed several strange looks coming from behind him.
He didn't need to turn around to know how the others were looking at him.
Realizing he had let his gaze linger, Shi Xiu felt awkward. He hurriedly looked away and coughed twice, trying to cover up his embarrassment.
Just then, Heimu Wu walked steadily over to Shi Xiu. Once he reached him, he bowed deeply in a respectful, formal salute.
When he raised his head, Heimu Wu's face was full of sincere gratitude. He said earnestly,
"Thank you so much! We'll have to trouble you to take these prisoners back to Konoha Village!"
Shi Xiu gave a slight nod in acknowledgment. Then he effortlessly picked up Samui, who was lying on the ground.
Samui shot him an angry, resentful glare, but Shi Xiu acted as if he hadn't noticed.
Meanwhile, Kakashi and Nara Luling quickly took the other two prisoners from Heimu Wu and the others.
Once the prisoners had been handed over, Shi Xiu rested his other hand lightly on Kakashi's shoulder. Then he slowly turned his head toward Nara Luling.
Nara Luling froze, apparently not understanding at first why Shi Xiu had turned to look at her.
But a moment later, she seemed to realize what he meant. Panic flickered across her face, and she hurriedly put an arm around Shi Xiu's waist.
Everyone around them couldn't help glancing over at the sight.
Heimu Wu and the others were especially baffled. They stared at Shi Xiu and Nara Luling, completely at a loss as to what they were doing.
Nara Luling clearly noticed the strange looks from those around her, and couldn't help lowering her head.
In an instant, her snow-white neck flushed a faint pink, like a peach blossom blooming in spring.