Shuo wasn't dead, but he was close.
Sai held him, his hands covered in sticky blood that kept dripping down.
"Medical Team! Where's the Medical Team!" he bellowed, his voice cracking.
No one answered.
Ruined walls surrounded them, bodies lay strewn everywhere, and screams drifted over in fits and starts.
The Medical Team had all died in the melee earlier.
Gritting his teeth, Sai laid Shuo on the ground, tore open his own clothes, and pressed the fabric against his wound.
But it was no use. Blood still seeped between his fingers, flowing more and more heavily.
Shuo's face was as white as paper, and even his breathing was so faint it was barely detectable.
"You fucking..."
Sai's eyes reddened, his voice trembling. "Didn't you say you wouldn't die!"
Shuo gave no response. He didn't move.
Footsteps sounded in the distance, soft yet carrying a suffocating pressure.
Sai snapped his head up, his heart sinking.
Someone walked toward them-an Akatsuki cloak, orange hair resting against his forehead, purple Rinnegan gleaming coldly in the dim light.
It was Pain, the real Pain, not one of those puppets.
He stood three meters away, looking down at Shuo, who lay covered in blood. His tone was flat. "Is he dead?"
Sai said nothing. He instinctively shielded Shuo, staring fixedly at Pain like a beast protecting its young.
"Move."
Pain's voice remained level, but it carried unquestionable authority.
Sai didn't move. He didn't even blink.
Pain raised his hand, instantly activating Banshō Ten'in.
An invisible force pulled Sai toward him. His throat was clamped tight, and breathing instantly became difficult.
"I'll say it one more time." Pain's gaze turned cold. "Move!"
Sai looked at him. Even with his face flushed crimson and suffocation near, he showed no intention of backing down.
Pain narrowed his