In Kumogakure, the battle had become a deadlock.
Gyūki, restrained by the Wind and Thunder Chains, was numb and drained of most of his strength.
But this wasn't some soft, cuddly Two-Tails kitten—this was a mountain of muscle and a true juggernaut.
Even with dozens of ninja pulling in unison, Gyūki continued to roar and thrash violently.
On Kumogakure's side, over a dozen ninja clung to a single, massive chain, faces red and necks bulging as they pulled with everything they had. Squad after squad rotated in and out.
They could still hold on—for now.
But this couldn't last. The longer it dragged out, the more it became a slow death.
Gyūki had absurd stamina; it could wrestle for three days and nights without tiring.
Watching teams cycle in and out, gulping down recovery meds between shifts, Amai grew increasingly anxious.
She had already deployed all the ANBU.
No matter what, the message had to get to Lord Raikage.
Just as Amai felt cornered, a face suddenly forced its way into her mind.
Reiji—Reiji Sakuhō.
The one who had attacked Two-Tails!
According to witnesses, that man had held off Two-Tails alone for nearly ten minutes.
And he possessed that mysterious space-time ninjutsu.
At that thought, Amai suddenly grabbed a nearby ANBU by the collar and demanded,
"Where's Raimei?"
The ANBU shook his head without hesitation.
"I haven't seen him since the battle started. I heard he was sent out on an external mission!"
Just then, another ANBU came sprinting over, panting heavily and dropped to one knee.
"Lady Amai… there's a message from the Temple of Wind and Thunder... they said..."
"What did they say?!" Amai's voice shot up, her tone sharp with urgency.
"They said the Two-Tails' jinchūriki, Taku, died in the Sealing Cavern… and the Two-Tails... is gone!"
Reiji!
The name exploded in Amai's mind.
No doubt—it was him. He'd had his sights on Two-Tails from the beginning!
But why? Out of all the Tailed Beasts, why target Two-Tails?
A searing pain gripped Amai's chest.
On one side was the village that had raised her.
On the other, the man she had secretly fallen for.
Her once-fierce expression twisted into anguish.
"You! Get Tsuchishige to take command! Maintain our formation—I'll be back!"
She turned and dashed off before the words had even fully left her lips.
The ANBU called after her, "Lady Amai! Where are you going? Let us protect you!"
As the one who had led them through the chaos, Amai had earned their complete respect with her unflinching resolve.
In Kumogakure, strength earned worship.
Her sudden departure would be a heavy blow to morale.
Of course Amai knew that.
But she had no choice.
She had reached her breaking point.
An elderly man, rolling on the ground, flames consuming his body.
A child staring blankly, his parents gone.
A husband throwing himself into the blaze to rescue his wife.
Comrades gritting their teeth, risking everything to pin down Gyūki...
Each memory was like a venomous worm gnawing at her heart.
She had nothing left.
She was just a secretary—not the Raikage, not some elite warrior. She had already given her all.
She had to find Reiji Sakuhō—the only person in the village who could use the Heavenly Transfer Technique—and make him relay the intel to Lord Raikage.
Could anyone else do it?
She hated to admit it, but deep down she knew:
No one else could find that cold, unfeeling bastard.
Only she could.
Even if it was a long shot.
Without saying a word, Amai turned and ran straight into the night.
...
The deeper into the village she went, the more wreckage and broken walls surrounded her. The fires still burned, weak but persistent.
Soon, she reached Raimei's home at the edge of the village.
The small house was miraculously intact—but not a single window was lit.
Slowly, Amai's heart sank lower and lower.
Her high heels were gone. The tender skin of her feet was raw and red, but she ignored the pain and hurried toward Raimei's door.
"Thud!" A heavy sound echoed as the door splintered.
Amai rushed into the pitch-black room, desperation driving her.
The air was thick with dust—a clear sign that no one had lived here for some time.
The light in Amai's eyes slowly faded. Her final sliver of hope... vanished.
Overwhelming emotion and helpless despair swallowed her whole.
She felt drained—utterly powerless.
Step by step, Amai walked to Reiji's bed. She looked at the thin layer of dust covering the sheets and pillow, then curled up and lay down.
Her pale green eyes stared blankly at the pillow, while silence and darkness filled the small room.
She didn't know how much time passed before a quiet, resigned voice finally broke the stillness.
"Reiji... did you know?
When I first met you, I actually looked down on you.
You were smooth-talking, always making Uncle laugh, but to me, you just looked ridiculous—like a clown, fake and forced.
Later, I started to suspect your identity. I used every means I could to investigate you.
Back then, all I thought about was how to expose you... how to use you.
You were right all along. I was just a selfish woman.
I never planned to tell Uncle about you—I was afraid he'd act rashly. All I cared about was protecting our clan's interests.
Looking back now... I was such an idiot."
A faint, self-mocking smile tugged at her lips. Her eyes remained fixed on the pillow.
"Then you kidnapped me. I refused to give in.
Even after learning who you really were, even after everything you did...deep down, I still saw you as that brat from the Land of Rain.
But over time, as we spent more time together, I started to get scared.
I'm sorry. I was truly scared.
Because I think... I might have fallen for you.
I stopped being direct. I stopped being brave. I felt guilty, insecure... I even started pulling back from work.
I couldn't even bring myself to look Uncle in the eye.
I'm scared, Reiji. I'm really scared."
Her words fell softly as tears streamed down her cheeks, soaking into the bedding.
"I'm scared I'll betray the village for you.
Scared I'll give up everything for you.
But I'm addicted. I want to be near you.
I want you to shop with me, walk around with me...
Even just sitting quietly next to you would be enough."
"Heh... I'm such a hopeless woman."
With a bitter chuckle, Amai lifted her dust-covered hand and wiped at the tears that wouldn't stop.
She buried all her feelings right here—in the pillow still carrying his scent.
Bracing herself, she forced a weak smile and prepared to leave. It was time to return to her post.
There was no hope left. If she had to die, she'd die alongside her comrades.
She staggered to her feet...
...when suddenly, the sound of a toilet flushing came from the small apartment's lone bathroom.
"Fwoooosh~"
Then came a groan of pain.
"Damn immortal hemorrhoids—so stubborn!"
The bathroom door creaked open. Light spilled into the dark room... and into Amai's heart.
Reiji stepped out, dressed in black, one hand holding up his pants, the other gripping a roll of toilet paper. He hobbled forward awkwardly, leg stiff.
Amai froze, stunned. Then tears gushed down her face, and she screamed through sobs,
"You... you're still here?! Didn't you already take the Two-Tails?! Get out of my village!"
Reiji didn't even glance at the frantic woman. He limped to the window, set down the roll of paper, then pointed toward the massive form of Eight-Tails in the distance.
"That thing... is it alright?"
"It's fine! And even if it's not, that's my problem!"
As she hung her head, face hidden in shadow, Reiji asked again.
"Is it alright?"
Silence.
Then, after a long pause, Amai slowly raised her head.
"No... it hurt me... h-he bullied me... ughhh~"
Tears glistened at the corners of her eyes. Her lips were tightly pressed together, but she forced a tiny smile.
She smiled, trying to please him.
Just like she used to.
But this time, Reiji didn't stay silent.
He stepped forward, wiped away her tears with a frown, and muttered,
"Jeez... that smile is hideous. Doesn't suit you at all."
And with that, he turned and strode straight for the door, no hesitation.
Toward the Eight-Tails.
Amai stood frozen, watching his retreating figure. Tears flowed freely as she choked out,
"I... I only smile for you."