"Orochimaru chose you, not because of your strength, but because of your unique significance to Yukimaru."
Takumi continued. "If Yukimaru couldn't control the Three-Tails on her own, what choice do you think Kabuto, who came along, would make?"
"Expose the relationship between me and Yukimaru, make Yukimaru fall into anger and despair, those negative emotions, in order to increase the possibility of controlling the Tailed Beast..."
Guren said blankly.
She wasn't a fool and quickly figured out the deeper meaning.
At this moment, her faith in Orochimaru began to crumble.
She never imagined that Orochimaru, in order to achieve his goals, would actually use something like this.
What she had always admired was Orochimaru's power, not these schemes and tricks.
"Since you understand, then what result do you think awaits Yukimaru, who has lost her usefulness, when she goes back?"
Takumi placed the cruel truth before her.
It seemed like Guren still had a choice.
But in reality, she now had only one choice.
That was to stay away from Orochimaru.
If she wanted to protect Yukimaru, this was the only choice.
"The situation in the Shinobi World is ever-changing. Soon, the entire Shinobi World will undergo great changes. By then, staying by Orochimaru's side will do you no good."
Takumi continued. "If you want Yukimaru to live, find a place, forget your identity as a Shinobi, and live peacefully with her."
"When I go back, I will report this mission, and I will list you as deceased."
"If Orochimaru learns of such intelligence, he naturally won't care whether you are alive or dead."
"After all, as far as he's concerned, you've already lost your usefulness."
This was the safest option.
It could ensure the lives of both Guren and Yukimaru.
"Why are you doing this?"
Guren looked up, staring fixedly at Takumi.
She was now a bit confused.
Why would Takumi, who should be her enemy, be so considerate of her and Yukimaru?
Clearly, their identities should be that of enemies.
"Because I care about you."
Takumi didn't hide his thoughts. "I don't want to see you die here."
"Why?"
Guren was completely stunned.
She hadn't expected to get such an answer.
She thought Takumi, like Orochimaru, saw some special value in her.
After all, her strength was considerable, and she had the unique Crystal Release.
She could certainly be of help in battle.
But Takumi's answer completely shattered her expectations.
"I like you."
Takumi said honestly. "Rather, I like beautiful women. I don't want to see beautiful women die such an unjustified death."
Guren was stunned.
She stared blankly at Takumi's handsome face.
Even though Takumi's features hadn't yet reached their adult form, they were still very eye-catching.
When he grew up, he would probably be even more charming.
This was the first time she looked at Takumi not as an enemy, but as a member of the opposite sex.
She had to admit, Takumi was the most handsome man she had ever seen.
"It seems you've said this to a lot of girls."
Guren suddenly said quietly.
But after saying it, her face flushed red.
Her eyes were full of panic.
'Guren, what are you saying?'
'How does that sound so much like a plaintive girl?'
Takumi was also taken aback for a moment.
But he had dealt with girls many times before.
This kind of situation was nothing to him.
He casually took Guren's little hand and could clearly feel her resistance.
But Takumi held her hand tightly and didn't let go. Guren struggled a couple of times but couldn't pull her hand out, so she had to let Takumi hold it.
Takumi could clearly feel Guren's body trembling.
"I won't let anyone hurt you."
Takumi said softly. "Beautiful women are a scarce resource in this world. If they just disappear like this, it would be the world's loss."
"Will you come into hiding with us?"
Guren looked up.
"I'm sorry."
Takumi slowly shook his head. "I still have many things to do. There's a great disaster coming that will affect the entire Shinobi World. I must stop it."
"Otherwise, the entire Shinobi World will suffer. I can't let that happen."
Guren looked down.
She knew he certainly wouldn't leave with them.
But she still asked.
Women are always like this, driven by emotion, trying to get answers that are impossible.
But every time, they are met with disappointment.
"You will definitely become a person who influences the entire Shinobi World in the future."
Guren sighed, more like self-mockery. "How could someone like me ever make you pause."
"It's not like that."
Takumi tightened his grip on her hand. "I don't yet have the power to protect all of you. You've seen that person wearing the mask before."
"Facing that kind of elusive enemy, I can't guarantee the safety of those around me either."
"So, having you hide, stay away from the vortex of war, is the greatest protection for you."
"When I have completely resolved the crisis affecting the Shinobi World, I will bring you all to my side."
He stared intently into Guren's eyes. "This is my promise to you."
"..."
Guren stared blankly at Takumi, then suddenly, almost inexplicably, said, "I believe you."
It was as if she was under a Genjutsu; the words came out without passing through her brain.
But perhaps this was also her true feelings.
"Don't worry, it won't be long before I come find you."
Takumi revealed a big smile.
He pulled hard, drawing the caught-off-guard Guren into his arms. "Now, before we part, let's leave each other with a belonging."
Guren's face immediately flushed red.
She hadn't expected Takumi to think of such a thing at this moment.
But she didn't resist either.
Perhaps she was vaguely looking forward to it.
Once, she lived for Orochimaru, like a killing tool in his hands.
And now, she wanted to live for herself.
And this was her choice now.
The sun moved from east to west.
Before they knew it, the sky gradually turned dusky.
Yukimaru slowly opened her eyes, her vacant, unfocused gaze staring at the dusky sky.
She was now very confused, completely unable to remember what had happened before she lost consciousness.
After all, the blow at that moment was too great for her, and her body had subconsciously blocked her consciousness.
Otherwise, the pain of that piercing wound and the destruction of her internal organs would have instantly caused her mind to collapse.
"..."
She subconsciously called out to the person she relied on most in her heart, turning her head and looking around.
Soon, she saw Guren kneeling beside her, seemingly tidying her clothes.
And what felt very strange to her was that Guren's face was very flushed, and she seemed to be radiating a certain glow that Yukimaru longed for.
Very strange.
Beside Guren was that Konoha Shinobi, also seemingly tidying his clothes.