Naruto: Echoes of a Distant Home

Across the ocean's surface, two figures sped along, leaving a trail of foamy white waves in their wake. With no other choice, they had to keep moving, but the distance between them and their pursuers was rapidly closing. The time Manda had bought them was entirely eaten away by a few sharks.

These were Kisame's summoned beasts—three large sharks that carried him, Mei, and Ao. Not only were they fast, but they conserved chakra as well.

The pursuit now played out over the sea, with Ye Zi's group clearly at a disadvantage.

During the chase, Kotoe gradually lost consciousness.

The extensive burns, depleted chakra, exhaustion, and unrelenting pain had taken their toll. Eventually, she fainted.

Ye Zi knew when Kotoe passed out. The comforting words he'd spoken earlier now felt hollow.

The pursuers weren't a big concern, but without a medical ninja, Kotoe's injuries couldn't be treated immediately. Her face wounds were one thing, but if this went on much longer, her life would be at risk.

The enemy was drawing closer, and if they kept this pace, they would likely be caught upon reaching the next island.

At that point, they wouldn't have time to deal with their pursuers. It was now a race against time, and if necessary, someone would have to stay behind to cover them.

Based on skill, Ye Zi himself would be the best candidate. If Shin were to stay, it would almost certainly mean his death.

But if Shin took Kotoe, they'd be too slow.

Ideally, he wanted to avoid losing either Kotoe or Shin ; both had become valuable allies.

At that moment, an island came into view on the horizon.

Shin glanced at the approaching island and suddenly spoke up. "Lord Ye Zi, once we reach that island, I'll stay behind to cover you."

He only had to look back to see the three pursuers drawing dangerously close. Running across the sea had already cost both him and Ye Zi some chakra.

One thing was clear: if Kotoe were to survive, someone had to stay back. That someone could only be him.

Ye Zi was faster than him, but only because he'd matched Shin's pace to keep them together.

Shin had chosen to stay behind for a simple reason: to protect Kotoe and the man he respected, Ye Zi.

Hearing Shin's offer, Ye Zi remained silent for a moment, then glanced at Shin before turning back to the front. "If you stay, you'll die."

"I know." Shin's expression was calm; he understood that in his current condition, survival was unlikely if he stayed behind.

Shin's composure surprised Ye Zi. Not only had Shin volunteered before he could even ask, but he'd also prepared himself for death, which was even more unexpected.

For a moment, Ye Zi fell silent. In the past, he might have accepted Shin's offer without hesitation, but now, both Kotoe and Shin had become like his right and left hands. He didn't want to give up either, especially since the situation wasn't yet desperate enough to justify such a loss.

Finding a talented ally wasn't difficult, but finding someone who was both skilled and loyal was rare. Even if such people existed, they needed time to develop.

For instance, the children back at the base would probably obey any command Ye Zi gave, but their current abilities couldn't offer him much.

Ye Zi's silence allowed the island to grow closer in their view, and soon it was almost within reach. Meanwhile, the pursuers had closed in enough to attack.

"Fine."

Just before they reached the island, Ye Zi agreed, though with a hint of unease in his heart.

They had already captured the Jinchūriki, and in his current state, escape would be easy for Ye Zi alone. But Kotoe and Shin couldn't escape so easily, especially with Kotoe critically injured.

Would he sacrifice Kotoe or Shin?

Ye Zi didn't want to lose either, as both were willing to risk their lives for him and had become important to him. But if he stayed behind, Kotoe's risk of dying would increase.

If he stayed, Shin would likely be safe, but Kotoe's fate was uncertain. On the other hand, if Shin stayed, Ye Zi could use Lightning Release to boost his speed and escape the enemy, finding treatment for Kotoe en route.

If Kotoe still had spores in her body, this choice wouldn't be necessary.

Since Shin had made his choice, Ye Zi wouldn't refuse him.

The two arrived on the island in silence, crossing the beach and heading into a small open plain.

Despite knowing the danger, Shin's emotions remained steady, though he couldn't fully understand why.

Perhaps it was due to Kotoe's multiple rescues of him… and now it was his turn.

"Here," Shin said, turning and stopping.

Not far behind them, Mei and her team approached, but suddenly halted.

The fact that Shin had stopped was clearly a sign of sacrifice, but it wasn't enough to make them all stop pursuing.

There was another reason: Ye Zi, holding Kotoe, had also stopped.

Sensing this, Shin was confused and asked, "Why have you stopped?"

Ye Zi didn't answer, his gaze fixed ahead as his brows furrowed.

Four chakra signatures entered his range, closing in fast.

From the forest's edge, four dark figures leaped from the trees, drawing black arcs through the air before landing on the open plain.

It was a team that had no business being here—Team 7, led by Kushina Uzumaki.

Kushina had sensed Ye Zi's unique chakra before he sensed her team's presence. Her sensory abilities were farther-reaching, broader, and more accurate than his.

Upon sensing Ye Zi's chakra, Kushina turned in his direction immediately, her excitement noted by Kakashi and the others. Though she hadn't said anything, they sensed something significant.

"So, is that him…?" Kakashi thought to himself.

The four quickly exited the forest and stepped onto the plain, where the open terrain revealed that it was, indeed, him.

When Ye Zi saw Kushina appear with her team, his expression turned grim.

After their long separation, Kushina felt a swirl of emotions. The night she'd pursued Orochimaru had tipped her inner scale toward one side.

But Kushina was still stubborn, unwilling to convince herself fully. Regardless, she was determined to bring Ye Zi back to the village, simply because, on that night, she hadn't felt any malice from him.

That reason alone was enough.

"Ye Zi." Kushina glanced over Ye Zi's group, her eyes lingering briefly on the unconscious Kotoe in his arms.

With their arrival, the situation turned strange, leaving Ye Zi's group surrounded.

Realizing now why Ye Zi had stopped, Shin turned to see Kushina's group and understood.

They were surrounded, rendering his sacrifice pointless.

Which meant… Kotoe…

Shin's expression darkened.

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Currently on Chapter 327 - Preparations in Advance