12dz Chapter 918, is that right?
Chapter 918, is that right?
"Is that so?" He chuckled softly and whispered, "Are you willing to sacrifice everything for Konoha, including everything between us?"
Tsunade's heart was like a turbulent sea, its waves threatening to engulf her reason. She bit her lower lip tightly, her hands trembling slightly. She had imagined this moment countless times—what would she choose if it truly came to pass? Her emotions, her responsibilities, her promises—all intertwined, causing her immense pain.
"Konoha," she finally whispered, her voice choked with emotion, "Konoha is more important to me."
At this moment, Zhang Hai's expression turned cold, yet the sense of loss remained. A flicker of disappointment flashed in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure. "Have you really made this choice?" He gently walked up to her, pressing his hands firmly against her shoulders. "I want a clear answer, Tsunade."
Tsunade's eyes were fixed on Zhang Hai's gaze, and the inner struggle made it almost impossible for her to breathe. She forced herself to straighten up, trying not to show weakness. "Yes, Konoha is more important." Her voice was firm, but her tone revealed an indescribable pain.
Zhang Hai looked at her quietly, as if he had finally received the answer he had been longing for. A relieved smile appeared on his face, as if a heavy weight had finally been lifted from his heart. "Thank you, Tsunade," he said, his tone calm and indifferent, as if this emotional tug-of-war was merely a trivial game to him.
However, what happened next caught Tsunade completely off guard. Zhang Hai slowly reached out and gently pulled her into his arms. At that moment, the two embraced tightly, as if trying to etch each other's scent and warmth into their hearts. Tsunade's body trembled slightly in his arms; she could feel Zhang Hai's body temperature, and also his faint indifference.
"Give me one last hug." Zhang Hai's voice was low and filled with complex emotions. "If we are destined not to spend the rest of our lives together, then let me keep you in my memory in these final moments."
Tsunade closed her eyes, a surge of indescribable emotion welling up inside her. She knew this embrace might be the last time she saw him, the last time she would feel his warmth. Her arms encircled Zhang Hai's back, tightening slightly, as if trying to hold him tightly, to prevent him from disappearing.
But at the very moment of the kiss, Tsunade felt a strange sweetness that quickly spread across her lips, as if something was quietly flowing within her. She suddenly realized something was wrong, her face paling. A strong intuition told her something was amiss. She abruptly pushed Zhang Hai away, her body almost giving way, her knees buckling as she nearly collapsed.
"You..." Tsunade looked at Zhang Hai in horror, "What did you do?"
Zhang Hai maintained his calm smile, looking into her eyes without any remorse. Gradually, Tsunade felt her chakra being sealed, unable to be mobilized. She tried desperately to release her power, but to no avail. Her body became heavy, her limbs felt like they were filled with lead, and she couldn't move.
“This is a special kind of poison,” Zhang Hai explained calmly, his voice completely unwavering. “You shouldn’t be here. War is a man’s affair. You can go back; Konoha is waiting for you.”
Tsunade felt an indescribable rage surge through her. She clenched her teeth, her whole body trembling. "Zhang Hai! You betrayed me!" she shouted. "You actually betrayed me! You knew I would give everything for Konoha, but you..." Her voice gradually choked with sobs.
Zhang Hai's eyes remained cold, as if none of this mattered. "You can hate me, but you can't change the facts." He turned around, his gaze falling once more on the battlefield ahead. "You no longer have the strength to resist, Tsunade. Now, go back." His words were filled with unwavering resolve, as if he had long since let go of his feelings for her, with only his own mission driving him forward.
Tsunade felt a sudden, sharp pain in her heart, a torrent of emotions surging within her as despair and anger intertwined. Faced with this betrayal and cruel reality, she felt powerless. She had once believed she could change her fate, but now, she could do nothing.
"I will never forgive you, Zhang Hai." She whispered almost inaudibly, her eyes flashing with resentment and pain. "Whether I come back alive or not, remember this: your betrayal will forever be etched in my heart."
The mountain wind remained biting, carrying the pre-battle atmosphere of Kikyō Mountain like a veil unwilling to be lifted. Zhang Hai stood on the edge of the cliff, gazing down at the distant valley, his hands behind his back, his brow unwavering. His gaze was as deep as the sea, as if he had already foreseen his future destiny.
“Xiyan.” His voice was deep and calm, but there was an unbreakable determination in his eyes.
Yugao stood behind him, a hint of doubt in her eyes. She knew what Zhang Hai's decision meant; it wasn't just a choice to fight, but also an abandonment of emotions. She lowered her head, unable to meet his gaze, her heart filled with complex emotions. Zhang Hai's task for her was to take Tsunade away and send her back to Konoha.
"Understood," Xi Yan replied. She glanced at Zhang Hai, a nameless worry welling up in her heart.
“No matter how she reacts, you must take her away.” Zhang Hai’s voice was completely calm. “This is not just about personal feelings; it’s my plan, and the future of Konoha is also part of it.”
Yugao nodded and turned to carry out the order. However, just as she was about to leave, Tsunade's voice suddenly rang out, filled with anger and pain: "Zhang Hai! What do you mean by this!"
Tsunade stood at a distance, glaring at him, her fists clenched, her chest heaving violently. Her eyes held an indescribable anger and despair; she resembled a wild beast driven to the brink, her gaze sharp and sorrowful.
"You're actually taking me away?" Tsunade's voice trembled with tears. "You're making me leave Konoha, abandon everything, is this your choice?"
Zhang Hai looked at her coldly, without a trace of pity in his eyes: "This is not what I want, but it is the choice we have to make, Tsunade." His voice remained icy, as if all emotions had been cast aside. "You understand, I cannot let you continue to participate in this battle. You are the pillar of Konoha, and your safety is more important than anyone else's feelings."
"I don't need your protection!" Tsunade roared angrily. "Who are you?! Were all those things you said lies?!"
She rushed forward, forcefully shoving Xi Yan aside, and tried to walk towards Zhang Hai, but Xi Yan calmly blocked her way.