Chapter 139

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Summoning Jutsu: Ichikishimahime! 

As the smoke dissipated, a cute little girl with a pair of forked horns on her head appeared before everyone. 

"Do you all know about my horns too?" Ichikishimahime touched the little horns on her head, her smile bright and joyful, "They're just dragon horns, still quite far from real dragon horns." 

Tinkling softly, as Ichikishimahime's delicate fingers brushed over her forked horns, the small silver bells decorating them chimed, drawing everyone's attention back to her horns. 

Clearly, Ichikishimahime was still reveling in the joy of her recent transformation. Having evolved from a white snake to a dragon with horns, especially given her dwelling place known as the Ryuchi's Cave, she found every reason to flaunt her new dragon horns. 

But Kyomu's focus wasn't entirely on Ichikishimahime. 

Looking up, he noted the rapidly approaching Tailed Beast Bomb in the sky. Surveying the surroundings, he observed that the Suna ninjas had begun their retreat, evidently a pre-arranged plan. 

"Great Lady Ichikishimahime, they really do look beautiful," Kyomu complimented, "However, we are in a dire situation, and I hope for your assistance." 

Ichikishimahime nodded, her attention already on the incoming Tailed Beast Bomb, "Speak your request." 

"Can you-" 

"Yes, but it comes with risks," Ichikishimahime interrupted, looking straight at him, "And I'll only ensure your safety, not anyone else's." 

The beings of Ryuchi's Cave, including the great serpents, were known for their straightforward nature, taking responsibility only for their contractors. Looking out for others was, frankly, out of the question. 

Although Kyomu expected such a response, he quickly moved on to his backup plan after her refusal. 

"Great Lady Ichikishimahime, I wish to ask for your cooperation with my comrades to send me over there." 

Understanding dawned on Ichikishimahime as she glanced behind her and touched her lips thoughtfully, catching on to Kyomu's plan. 

"An aerial relay, is it?" 

"Exactly!" 

"I don't get why you're taking such a risk," sighed Ichikishimahime, yet she agreed, "But since you're not afraid to die, I shall oblige." 

Eight seconds had passed, and the Tailed Beast Bomb was nearing its critical approach distance. 

"Ready!" 

Kyomu positioned his sword, Yoei, in front of him, the electrical arc around his body intensifying. Without looking back, he called out. 

Wind Release: Gale Wall! 

Kakashi and Obito executed the jutsu, creating a sturdy wind chakra barrier behind Kyomu. 

The Eighth Gate: Gate of Shock, Open! 

Might Guy activated the seventh gate, surrounded by a blue aura, and delivered a powerful kick to Kyomu's back, propelling him forward with even greater force.

Kyomu, seizing the moment, pushed off the ground with explosive strength, his speed reaching unprecedented levels with Guy's assistance. 

Ichikishimahime's eyes narrowed, and she transformed from her loli appearance into a majestic white dragon. With a swift flick of her tail, she struck Kyomu's back, boosting his speed even further. 

The impact of Ichikishimahime's full-force tail whip, combined with the Gale Wall breaking and the dimming of the electrical arc, might have been fatal if not for Kyomu's robust constitution. 

Coughing up blood, Kyomu felt his internal organs shift but deemed the injury manageable for now. 

With the world blurring past, Kyomu saw the Tailed Beast Bomb approach. Clenching his teeth, he shielded himself with Yoei, hoping to replicate the feat of slicing through the bomb once more. 

As everyone watched, the massive silhouette formed by Kyomu and Yoei collided with the Tailed Beast Bomb. 

Boom! 

At the moment of impact, shockwaves spread across the sky, with ripples of heat radiating outwards.

Then, the bomb split neatly in two, veering away from both the Suna retreat path and the Konoha encampment, missing the battle's epicenter. 

"Kyomu-sama!!!" 

"Invincible!" 

"Victorious!" 

The shouts of triumph and relief from the Konoha ninjas were deafening, contrasting sharply with the Suna forces' despair. 

"How... What can't Kyomu do?" 

This rhetorical question echoed among the Suna ninjas as they faced another profound psychological blow. Yet, the immediate threat to their lives overshadowed this, compelling them to rally. 

"Regroup!!!" 

Rasa's command, filled with desperation, was heeded. Draining his chakra into the ground, he formed a massive cocoon of sand gold around his forces, a last-ditch effort to protect them from the blast's half that was set to detonate. 

The cocoon held firm, sparing the Suna forces from further casualties, a testament to Rasa's formidable will and power. 

"Kazekage-sama!" Chiyo approached, her concern evident. 

Rasa, though visibly drained, dismissed her worries with a wave of his hand. "It's nothing serious, just a bit drained. Let's withdraw; I need to rest," he stated, the weight of their failed attempt and the looming threat of Aragami Kyomu heavy on his mind. 

As they retreated, Chiyo watched Rasa's stooped figure with a complex mix of emotions. The village was all she had left, and she was prepared to make any sacrifice for it. 

"I've lived long enough. Now, let me do this one last, most important thing for the village," she resolved, turning her gaze away from the Konoha camp and towards the path ahead, determined to make her final stand count. 

"Kyomu-sama!" 

The first of the Konoha ninjas to reach the site called out, only to find devastation. Amidst the destruction, they sought the figure of their comrade, Kyomu, whose actions had turned the tide of battle. 

"Tsunade, it's all right now," came a reassuring voice, cutting through the tension. 

There, amidst the rubble, stood Kyomu, battered but undaunted, his protective stance over Tsunade a testament to his resolve.

The sight of blood had triggered her phobia, leaving her paralyzed in the face of danger. It was Kyomu who had shielded her from the blast, bearing the brunt of the explosion to protect her. 

"Blood..." Tsunade whispered, her voice barely audible above the din of battle. 

"I'm here; you're safe," Kyomu soothed, offering comfort in the midst of chaos. "The blood... yours..." Tsunade suddenly realized, her eyes widening in shock.

Where did this strength come from? Frantically, she began to tear at Kyomu's chest, pulling away the remaining shreds of his clothing to reveal the armor underneath.

Panic overtook her as she remembered the feeling of helplessness from her past. "Kyomu, don't scare me like this. Let me see, please let me see. You're covered in blood, there's blood!" 

Kyomu's arms suddenly wrapped tighter around Tsunade, bringing her even closer, his chin resting on her forehead. "Tsunade, it's alright. That's the enemy's blood, not mine. I am the Slayer of Konoha; how could I possibly get hurt? Plus..."

His voice became softer, "I just split a Tailed Beast Bomb. Such feats, I can't possibly be harmed."

"But the blood..."

"It's not as scary as you think."

Their roles seemed to reverse, with Kyomu becoming the protector, offering a sense of security to Tsunade, who appeared much more vulnerable.

"Let me down."

"You're not scared anymore?" Kyomu lifted his chin, looking into Tsunade's eyes, relieved to see her coming back to her senses.

Fear of blood had always been a dangerous trigger for her.

Gently placing Tsunade on the ground, he carefully wiped the blood from her face. "Tsunade, with me here, there's nothing for you to worry about."

Tsunade straightened up, looking down at Kyomu, who was almost a head shorter, and felt a sense of calm wash over her. "I suddenly don't feel as scared anymore. I don't know why."

"Then..."

Before Kyomu could finish, Tsunade pulled him into a tight embrace, her action speaking volumes.

Now it was Tsunade's turn to rest her chin on the top of Kyomu's head. The silence between them was more eloquent than words, with the warmth of Tsunade's tears gently falling on Kyomu.

Kyomu lifted his arms, hesitating before finally deciding to hug Tsunade back. His voice was muffled, "Tsunade, you have me. And when I grow up... No, even now, I can protect you completely. Don't be afraid."

Perhaps Kyomu forgot, such promises shouldn't be made lightly.

And perhaps Tsunade forgot, for a moment, about her fear of blood, comforted by the assurance of safety.

"Everyone, go help with the rescue," Ebisu gestured for others to leave, his voice not particularly loud. "Captain is just fine, really living a 'good' life."

The team chuckled and dispersed, turning their attention to aiding the injured.

"Hey, Genma, what are you doing?" Ebisu protested, pulled away by Genma's firm grip.

"You're too young to understand. You can't peek," Genma retorted firmly.

"But Captain Kyomu isn't much older!"

"But he is Captain Kyomu, and you're not," Genma glared at Ebisu. "Besides, Kyomu is far more straightforward than you. You don't even know what you're thinking."

Ebisu was dragged away, and the rest of the Konoha ninjas followed suit, leaving Tsunade and Kyomu alone.

Then, Tsunade suddenly stepped back, pushing Kyomu away from her embrace, her recent actions having stirred emotions she hadn't fully understood.

"No need to thank me," Kyomu waved off any gratitude as he started to walk away, making it clear he was doing his duty. "As long as you're alright, Tsunade."

Their paths crossed briefly before Kyomu quickened his pace, almost as if fleeing the scene.

"Did that brat just get shy?" Tsunade watched his retreating figure, a gentle smile on her face before she shook her head, dismissing the thought.

She quickly refocused on the task at hand, immersing herself in the medical efforts. The blood, which should have terrified her, no longer held any power over her.

The brief encounter with Kyomu, filled with comforting assurances, was tucked away in the depths of her heart.

Everything was still too early, and yet, too late...

(End of Chapter)