Internal Conflict

Several ninjas, clutching kunai in their hands, rushed straight toward Kaguya. As they approached, they leapt into the air, launching a barrage of kunai and shurikens like a flower scattering petals, attacking Kaguya with overwhelming force.

They were not foolish enough to engage in close combat immediately, instead opting to test her defenses with kunai and shurikens first.

"Clang! Clang! Clang!"

The kunai and shurikens were halted before Kaguya, as if blocked by an invisible barrier, making metallic clashing sounds before falling to the ground.

Upon seeing this, the ninjas were not discouraged but rather delighted. They believed that since the silver-haired girl did not counterattack, it confirmed that she was seriously injured and could only passively defend herself.

The ninjas exchanged glances, their eyes gleaming with excitement, and charged forward with kunai in hand, aiming a sudden strike at the chest of the silver-haired girl who was still gasping for breath with her head in her hands.

"Die!"

They knew that only senjutsu and physical attacks would be effective against Kaguya. Since they didn't possess senjutsu, they could only rely on physical attacks. In their minds, victory was assured, and the millions in bounties were as good as theirs. They were already fantasizing about how to spend the money.

However, reality often proves harsher than dreams, and those who take risks driven by greed seldom meet a good end.

Suddenly, Kaguya stood up straight, a flash of coldness in her beautiful eyes, and an imposing aura erupted from her. The attacking ninjas were shocked, as if plunged into an icy abyss, and a trace of fear crossed their minds. They immediately regretted their decision, wishing they had simply fled instead.

Unfortunately, there is no medicine for regret in this world.

Kaguya raised her alabaster-like arm, her palm aimed at the oncoming ninjas, and unleashed a powerful repulsive force, sweeping out like a fierce storm.

The ninjas' chests caved in as if struck by a heavy blow, causing them to spit out crimson blood. They were hurled into the air like cannonballs and crashed down like broken kites, skidding more than ten meters before coming to a halt. The ground was gouged with deep furrows over a dozen meters long.

One of the fallen ninjas lay on the ground, blood continuously oozing from his mouth, his eyes filled with fear and regret. He did not want to die and struggled to get up, but his internal organs were shattered, leaving him beyond saving, even by Tsunade.

Finally, his head tilted, his legs twitched, and he breathed his last.

Thus, all those who had launched the sneak attack were completely annihilated.

"It seems she's not as injured as we thought," A, observing from a distance, folded his arms and said gravely.

Just moments ago, we noticed something unusual about Kaguya. Although we didn't know exactly what had happened, it seemed advantageous to us, and we had already planned to defeat her while she was weak.

But now it seems that's not the case.

"No, something must have happened to her," the Fourth Raikage said with a flash of cold light in his eyes, speaking in a deep voice. "Normally, she wouldn't let anyone get close. Now, she only retaliates when they reach her, indicating that her power has significantly weakened."

Following the direction pointed out by the Fourth Raikage, I looked over and saw Kaguya kneeling on the ground, clutching her head tightly, her face contorted with pain, and crystalline beads of sweat streaming down and dripping onto the ground.

"Don't hesitate any longer," the Fourth Raikage clenched his fist and shouted sternly, "Now is the best opportunity. If we wait for her to recover, we'll have no chance."

"Yes, that's a very valid point. We cannot let that little girl continue her reckless actions," the Tsuchikage said gravely, stepping forward.

"I think we shouldn't draw conclusions so hastily," Mei Terumi, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke. "I believe something must have happened to Kaguya, prompting her to act this way. I don't think it's her true intention, and we shouldn't immediately classify her as an enemy."

"Yes," Tsunade nodded in agreement, saying, "I also know this little girl. Her nature isn't bad, and she's not the type who enjoys killing."

"Are we just going to let her slaughter at will?" the Fourth Raikage said loudly, his gaze intense.

"That's not what I mean," Mei Terumi shook her head slightly and said solemnly, "I want to try another method."

"Another method?" Gaara turned his head in confusion.

"I am sure Kaguya is being controlled by someone, which is why she's doing these things," Mei Terumi's long eyelashes fluttered slightly. "My method is to try to awaken her original consciousness."

"No way," the Fourth Raikage interrupted. "That's too slow. She's currently in a weakened state, and if we don't seize this opportunity, we might never get another chance."

"If she acted under control, then killing her would be an unjust execution, wouldn't it?" Mei Terumi furrowed her brows and argued.

"An unjust execution? Weren't those she killed on the battlefield also unjustly killed?" The Fourth Raikage scoffed loudly. "Should more people die just because of her?"

"So, do we casually decide the fate of others?" Mei Terumi's chest heaved rapidly, showing no sign of backing down.

"Mizukage, I recall you're quite familiar with that little girl," the Fourth Raikage said, his eyes sharp. "Are you trying to shield her?"

"I do know her," Mei Terumi said, placing her hand on her chest and raising her voice. "But I don't think what I'm doing is wrong, and I won't let you harm her casually."

"Hmph, I knew you'd act this way," the Fourth Raikage grunted, his eyes flashing coldly as he clenched his fist. "In that case, I'll take you down first."

As soon as he finished speaking, a powerful chakra erupted from the Fourth Raikage, with tangible lightning chakra crackling around him, radiating a formidable aura.

The Raikage stomped the ground, causing it to crack, and the rocks were instantly pulverized. He rushed toward Mei Terumi like a white lightning bolt, the air pressure from his speed already crashing toward her.

Mei Terumi's face showed no sign of nervousness. Her eyes focused, flashed with cold light, and her fingers swiftly formed seals as her cheeks slightly puffed up.

Since her defeat to the Raikage a few years ago, Mei Terumi had been training diligently, and her strength had increased significantly. Not only that, but she also found ways to counter the Raikage, and now she was fully confident she could defeat him.

But just as she was about to perform her jutsu, a figure suddenly appeared behind her, attacking her back with a fierce wind. Mei Terumi's pupils contracted as she abandoned her unfinished jutsu and turned to defend herself, but it was too late.

"Bang!"

Her head was struck from behind, and she immediately felt dizzy, her consciousness gradually fading. She struggled to turn her head and whispered, "I can't believe it's you," but before she could finish, she blacked out.