The blow was not fatal, but Kurotsuchi showed no sign of breaking free of the illusion herself. Everyone knew she had lost the match.
Uchiha Izumi saw that the match was all but over. She stepped forward at once and released the illusion.
Kurotsuchi felt the world spin. When her vision steadied, the face right in front of hers was Izumi's.
In that instant, Kurotsuchi reached out and pulled Uchiha Mikoto into her arms, gently patting her to comfort her.
It took Kurotsuchi nearly twenty seconds to remember that Uchiha Izumi had used an illusion on her.
She immediately pushed Uchiha Yin away from her. Her expression turned cold and distant as she rose and headed toward Mikoto.
Only when Uchiha Yin saw that Kurotsuchi was all right did he calmly announce, "The winner of this match is Uchiha Izumi!"
Chapter 637: A Crushing Blow
Uchiha Mikoto watched Kurotsuchi approach, her heart aching for her. She hurried forward and pulled her into an embrace.
Kurotsuchi did not resist. She stayed quietly in Mikoto's arms, burying her face in Mikoto's shoulder without saying a word.
If Kurotsuchi had burst into tears, Mikoto might not have been so worried. But the disheveled head resting against her remained utterly still and silent. It was heartbreaking to see.
Nearly half a minute passed without Kurotsuchi stirring. Growing worried, Mikoto shifted her shoulder slightly and asked softly, "Are you all right?"
Her voice was gentle, but it seemed to trip a switch. Kurotsuchi's tears spilled out at once.
Mikoto felt the person against her shoulder give a slight shudder. Then warmth and moisture touched her skin. Kurotsuchi was crying.
Even then, Kurotsuchi stubbornly refused to make a sound, which made the sight all the more heartbreaking.
Mikoto searched for words of comfort, but none came.