With Steel Release reinforcing it, his hand should have been as hard as iron.
But just as he applied pressure, ready to crush Kabuto to death, his entire right hand seemed to lose its Steel Release state.
He had not released it himself. An outside force had caused it!
While Hiruko was still reeling in confusion, Gua had already reached him.
His short sword rose and fell.
It happened in an instant!
Shing!
The blade sliced through Hiruko's wrist. After a bright arc of steel, blood sprayed out.
Hiruko's eyes widened.
He could not believe that someone could still hurt him even after he had acquired Steel Release!
But the searing pain was undeniable. His hand had fallen off.
Blood gushed out!
"Aaargh!"
Hiruko screamed in agony, then quickly put distance between himself and Gua and Kabuto.
Thud!
Kabuto fell to the ground.
Gua immediately stepped forward to check on him.
Kabuto coughed violently, overwhelmed with relief. He had actually survived.
Just a moment ago, he had thought he was going to die.
He could also tell that Hiruko had wanted to toy with them.
When Gua charged over, Hiruko had planned to crush him to death at the very last moment.
But at that final moment, the hand Hiruko had wrapped around his neck changed.
The grip around his throat felt different. It was no longer as hard as iron, but soft and yielding.
Kabuto looked at Gua with mixed emotions. Gua was a complete mess now, his signature short Uchiha hair hanging loose.
Those piercing Mangekyo eyes seemed to hold endless pain and sorrow.
Kabuto had never seen Gua so grief-stricken. Was it because of him?
For a moment, Kabuto felt touched.
"Thank you, Gua. I'm all right."
Gua nodded gently, then carefully withdrew the hand supporting Kabuto,