The sealing formula on the mine tunnel's rock wall slowly faded, leaving behind only charred lines.
Hiei Hyuga's body lay limp on the ground. The eyes once occupied by the Watcher Seed were gradually regaining their clarity. His breathing was as weak as a candle flame in the wind, each inhalation carrying the raspy sound of fluid in his lungs.
Kurenai Yuhi clutched the wound in her abdomen as blood seeped through her fingers. Leaning against the rock wall, her face was pale, but her gaze remained fixed on Hyuga Xiao.
Xiao stood where he was, the lingering warmth of Pact Stone energy still resting in his right palm.
His Tenseigan Prototype had faded, reverting to an ordinary Byakugan. Yet the data-like coldness in his eyes was slowly melting away—when Kurenai Yuhi had been wounded, the fury and panic that surged from the depths of his heart had shattered the icy layer of Divine Erosion like a heavy hammer.
"Cough... cough cough..."
Hiei Hyuga suddenly began coughing violently, blood spilling from the corner of his mouth.
Xiao's gaze shifted slightly. He crouched down and pressed his fingers against Hiei's carotid artery. The pulse was weak, but it was still beating. More importantly, the presence of the Watcher Seed had vanished—at least temporarily suppressed by the seal.
"You... you are..." Hiei's eyes gradually focused on Xiao's face. "A child... of the Branch House?"
His voice was so hoarse it was nearly inaudible.
"Hyuga Xiao," Xiao said calmly. "The thing inside you has been sealed."
"Sealed..." Hiei's eyes went unfocused for an instant before immense fear flooded them. "No... it can't be sealed... It will..."
"What will it do?" Xiao pressed.
Hiei's breathing quickened. He struggled to sit up, only to realize he no longer had the strength even to raise an