Belief

What kind of deep-seated grudge made them refuse to let him go even in death? The gruesome scene practically needed to be censored.

Although Yūhi Kōka was dead, there was still another Root member. Even Yuu had not expected Shi Hebei to be a Root member, much less a medical ninja responsible for rescue work at the field hospital.

The black snakes entangled Shi Hebei, but Yūhi Kōka's roar at the moment of his death had still reached his ears.

"Yūhi Kōka actually died."

Shi Hebei held kunai in both hands, his face filled with shock and his heart a tangled mess. A Special Jonin had been killed in battle against him—did that not mean Uchiha Yuu possessed the strength of a Special Jonin? Combined with the black snakes before him, he was no match for either of them. He had to find a way out.

Once fear took root in his heart, he became hesitant in battle. Shi Hebei retreated several steps, trying to widen the distance between himself and the black snakes. At the critical moment, his body suddenly stiffened as Uchiha Yuu's cold, merciless voice sounded behind him.

"Shi Hebei, do you think you can escape?"

Uchiha Yuu stood atop a boulder, looking down at Shi Hebei. Panic flashed through the other man's eyes. Seeing the black snakes blocking his path behind him, he knew there was no possibility of escape. Yet the powerful will of a Root ninja kept him from surrendering and waiting for death.

"Looks like I'll die here today."

There was a hint of mockery in his voice, perhaps because he had seen through death and the harsh training of Root.

"Then let me see your true strength!"

Facing the full-force eruption of a Special Jonin, Uchiha Yuu did not dare be careless.