"Mei!"
An ANBU operative wearing a fox mask shouted urgently, pressing his attack harder as he tried to hold Hōzuki Zangetsu back.
Hōzuki Zangetsu grinned savagely and seized the opening. Ignoring the other two's attacks, he turned into a stream of water and lunged straight in front of Mei Terumi, a highly condensed blade of water coiling around his kunai as he thrust it at her throat!
"I'll deal with you first, you troublesome brat!"
Mei Terumi was about to lose her life.
In the distance, Lin Ze's gaze sharpened, but he still did not move.
He was waiting for the perfect moment.
At the last possible instant, the fox-masked ANBU threw himself forward, taking Hōzuki Zangetsu's fatal strike squarely in the back. The water blade pierced his shoulder, sending blood spraying!
"Captain!"
Mei Terumi cried out.
The other two ANBU stared in fury, their attacks raining down like a violent storm and forcing Hōzuki Zangetsu onto the defensive.
After that fierce exchange, both sides had paid a price.
Hōzuki Zangetsu had several more wounds. Though none were fatal, his Hydrification Technique had been disrupted repeatedly by Lightning Release, consuming enormous amounts of chakra and leaving his presence noticeably weaker.
On the Kirigakure ANBU's side, their captain was badly wounded, Mei Terumi had minor injuries, and the other two had also expended considerable energy.
The confrontation briefly reached a stalemate. Both sides caught their breath, searching for a chance to land a killing blow.
Hōzuki Zangetsu's eyes flickered as he began considering retreat.
The Kirigakure ANBU watched him closely to prevent his escape.
Now!
A sharp gleam flashed in Lin Ze's eyes in the distance!
Like a leopard that had long lain in wait, he moved in an instant!
With his physical strength, a burst of chakra, and the Wind