Kapitel 280: Chapter 280: The “What If” Between Us
Was showing a glimpse of resolution really the same as making a decision? It wasn't so simple to abandon all the feelings that had become a part of one's memories.
Kushina was special to Ye Zi, the reason for his constant hesitation and indecision. Yet he had already stepped onto a path leading to the end, and only now, as the scales tipped, did Kushina suddenly realize the truth.
Feelings need time to settle, and they also need time to be let go.
If words alone could easily break all bonds, then the world would know far less suffering.
But… she was now his enemy.
Kushina understood this truth, and now, she had to protect Team Seven and rescue Rin from Ye Zi's grip.
Chasing after Ye Zi, trying to pull him back—this had always been her goal, a determination that now felt like a bitter consequence of her actions. Her innocence had finally started to shatter.
Golden chains of despair held the three Mist ninja captive, stealing away their hope.
In a time when the Hidden Mist Village desperately needed new leadership, their Mizukage had vanished. It seemed that he was slipping away from them entirely.
From their unbound eyes shone different glints, yet with the same core emotions: frustration, anger, and shame at their helplessness.
While keeping the golden chains in place, Kushina walked toward Kotoe.
As promised, she would heal Kotoe, and afterward, Ye Zi would release Rin.
"Shin, keep an eye on those two kids." Ye Zi spoke coldly as he watched Kushina approach.
From the beginning, he had not taken Obito and Kakashi seriously. The only real threat from Team Seven was Kushina herself, though Obito's brief outburst earlier had caught his attention.
Shin nodded in understanding, then gently laid Kotoe down on the grass, silently hoping that Kushina could fully heal her.
To avoid any potential surprises, Ye Zi pulled Rin a full ten steps away from Kotoe. This decision was made based on the speed of Kushina's golden chains.
As she reached Kotoe, Kushina could now examine her injuries more closely. In her eyes was a tangled mix of emotions.
Right now, you must be very important to him, she thought, unlike me… We're different. He's the wind, and you're the weightless leaf that rides upon it.
If I could make the same choice as you, what kind of outcome would it bring?
Maybe I wouldn't have to face this sorrow, or make such painful decisions.
A surge of complicated emotions stirred within her, bringing forth thoughts she knew she shouldn't dwell on.
But she was someone who had lived through war and loss, who deeply understood the pain of losing one's home and family, and so she cherished the peace of the Hidden Leaf Village, where she had spent over a decade.
This was the difference between her and Kotoe and the reason she couldn't easily let go.
Perhaps the reason she'd grown so close to Ye Zi was because of their similar experiences… as war-torn survivors. They shared similar origins but had chosen different paths.
With a slight shake of her head to cast aside these distracting thoughts, Kushina's face grew serious as she extended her hands over Kotoe's injured face, a soft green glow spreading from her palms, gently soothing the pain-ridden expression on Kotoe's face.
As a student of Tsunade, one of the Sannin, she had a talent that Tsunade herself had called exceptional, and her skills in medical ninjutsu had nearly reached Tsunade's level.
Ironically, it had been Ye Zi's desperate attempt to save her that had inspired her to learn medical ninjutsu in the first place. She had successfully become Tsunade's apprentice and, through rigorous training, had mastered the art.
And yet… despite learning medical ninjutsu because of him, she had never had a chance to use it on Ye Zi.
In silence, she healed Kotoe, the sadness in her heart building up bit by bit.
Nearby, Shin held Eihō, the tip pressed against Kushina's unprotected neck.
This was Ye Zi's intention.
Seeing this, Obito and Kakashi both tensed and began to move.
"It's alright," Kushina's calm voice held them back.
"Kushina-sensei…" Obito's three-tomoe Sharingan glared with fury at Ye Zi.
Kakashi, gripping his short sword, kept his eyes on Ye Zi, ready to strike.
Ye Zi didn't spare a glance for their reactions. His gaze remained focused on Kotoe and Kushina, and as the healing began, he loosened his grip on Rin slightly.
Despite the loosened hold, Rin gripped Ye Zi's hand tightly, trying to pry it away with no success. She pressed her lips together, watching Kushina from ten paces away with trembling eyes.
It was because of her that Kushina-sensei was in such pain.
Though Kushina's expression was calm, her red-rimmed eyes revealed the sorrow building within her heart.
The Mist ninja, with their mouths sealed shut, could only glare in anger.
Obito and Kakashi held their breaths, prepared for any sudden change.
Shin tightened his grip on his weapon, keeping watch over Kotoe as she was treated.
Kushina continued to focus on Kotoe, while Ye Zi watched them both in silence.
As the soothing green light covered Kotooe's pain-ridden face, her expression began to ease.
The once-blurry injuries started to mend before their eyes, a testament to Kushina's skill.
Seeing this, Ye Zi's tense expression softened just slightly.
He could feel the gradual change, calming his breathing.
Once she had treated Kotoe's face, Kushina moved on to her other wounds.
The injuries were extensive, covering much of Kotoe's body. Even with her skill, a full recovery would take time.
She carried out her promise seriously, giving her full attention to healing Kotoe, seemingly without even considering that Ye Zi might break his word.
Even though they were enemies now, despite understanding the reality, she was still willing to trust him.
The soft glow of medical ninjutsu seeped into Kotoe's wounds, gradually closing them and restoring her battered body.
Despite the support of the Nine-Tails' chakra, simultaneously maintaining the golden chains and performing meticulous healing was extremely taxing. By the time she was halfway through, sweat had begun to bead on Kushina's forehead.
Her expression was intense and focused, a stark contrast to her usual bold, lively demeanor.
Ye Zi's gaze shifted from Kotoe's healing form to Kushina's face.
Time changes people. Perhaps, this was her turn.
If you could just let go of the burdens you carry, everything would be simpler.
But because she couldn't let go, who knew what the final outcome would be, left hidden in darkness.
As Kotoe's condition improved, the divide between them grew clearer.
Two paths separated, each leading in opposite directions.
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