After Kirishima Jin finished speaking, the atmosphere inside the formation completely changed.
The civilians who had been hiding behind Mei Terumi just moments ago were now looking at her differently.
Fear, hesitation, confusion, anger.
And an indescribable terror.
Mei Terumi stood at the very front. Blood was still flowing from her lower back, and a blade had cut open her shoulder as well.
She did not turn around.
She could feel every gaze behind her.
But she had to stand there.
Because if she retreated, the people behind her would all die.
Kirishima Jin stood outside the vortex, smiling happily.
"Lady Mei Terumi, it seems today's gains are even greater than I expected."
As he spoke, he raised a hand.
"Continue."
The black-clad ninja within the formation immediately moved.
They did not dare step on the acidic liquid left behind by Lava Release, so they began avoiding the ground and used kunai, shuriken, and ninjutsu to force a kill from afar.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!
Cold flashes flew at the crowd from all directions.
Mei Terumi gritted her teeth and formed hand seals. Water surged up, knocking aside all the kunai in front of her.
Ao was also tied down by several ninja. He wanted to turn back and protect the crowd, but the enemies around him lunged at him like madmen, giving him no chance to break away.
A child ran outward in terror, nearly rushing to the edge of the vortex.
Mei Terumi's expression changed. She dashed over and yanked the child back.
The instant she bent down, another short blade stabbed toward her from the side.
Pfft!
The blade slashed across her arm, and blood immediately sprayed out.
Mei Terumi gave a muffled groan and sent the man flying with a backhanded palm strike.
She could still fight.