Shhk!
The sword pierced flesh.
But it had not pierced Shizune's heart.
Instead, it had pierced Tsunade's body.
She had stepped in front of Shizune, blocking Sora's sword with her own body!
The blade passed between her lavish breasts and pierced her lung.
Blood dripped from the sword onto the ground. Blood spilled from the corner of Tsunade's mouth as she slowly raised her arm and gripped the blade with her jade-smooth hand. Scarlet blood dripped from her palm.
Yet Tsunade seemed oblivious to it all.
Her body no longer trembled, and her gaze was no longer vulnerable. In their place were unwavering resolve and fierce intensity.
"Uchiha Clan brat, you will not hurt Shizune!" Tsunade slowly uttered the words in an icy voice.
Mysterious black lines slowly emerged from the Diamond Mark on her fair, flawless forehead, spreading across her face.
"Strength of a Hundred Seal: Release!"
Tsunade raised her other fist and swung it viciously at Uchiha Sora.
With his sword caught in her grip, Uchiha Sora had no intention of meeting Tsunade's fist head-on. He immediately abandoned the sword, let go of Shizune, and flashed backward out of reach.
Gripping the sword tightly, Tsunade pulled it out of her body and tossed it onto the ground.
"Ninja Art: Creation Rebirth!"
At Tsunade's low shout, the wound through her chest, along with the wounds on her right shoulder and palm, began healing at a speed visible to the naked eye.
Within seconds, her body had completely recovered. Those ghastly wounds had become smooth, flawless skin once more.
"Lady Tsunade! Your hemophobia..." Sitting on the ground, Shizune looked up at Tsunade in delighted surprise.
Tsunade gave Shizune a faint smile. "Don't worry. I won't let myself suffer that regret again!"
Seeing the smile on Tsunade's face, Shizune was overwhelmed