Chapter 35

In the midst of the ice wall, as Haku formed a hand seal, the mist within the Mirror Shatter abruptly condensed into water in mid-air. It then transformed into slender ice needles, each as sharp as the Thousand Needles of Death.

Simultaneously, Haku darted out from the ice surface, moving with incredible speed, weaving in and out between the frozen mirrors.

Swift and elusive, his movements left cuts on the bodies of the three individuals within the range.

Each time he entered the ice surface, a shard of ice would be carved from the wall, forming additional ice needles that floated alongside the others in the air.

"Damn it, I can't keep up with this speed!" gasped Sasuke, his body covered in wounds.

Sakura, standing behind him, was struggling to remain stable. If Sasuke could barely defend against the attacks, she had almost no means to withstand them.

"You bastard! Come out and fight me!" Naruto shouted, facing the ice wall.

Among the three, Naruto received the least number of attacks.

Although his body was also wounded, he still had the strength to strike the wall with his fists. However, each time he shattered a piece of ice, it silently condensed into additional needles in mid-air.

Sasuke noticed this problem and shouted, "Idiot! Don't destroy the ice wall. Quickly escape through that opening!"

Weakly, Sakura added from behind, "Naruto, stop being stubborn. Do as Sasuke says! Get out and let Kaze save us!"

Ignoring the nearly half-damaged ice wall in front of him, Naruto didn't look back.

"Don't call for him! I'll get you out of here right away! Even without him, I can still rely on myself and protect you all! Just hold on a little longer!"

Sakura and Sasuke's pleas made Naruto feel conflicted.

Why couldn't he save them?

Why did they have to call for Kaze every time they faced danger?

Why did he have to give up his body?

He was Naruto!

A member of Team 7!

The owner of this body!

A comrade they could depend on!

Why did they have to look at his face and hope for someone else to appear?

In his consciousness, Kaze sensed everything and a wide grin spread across his face, revealing his teeth.

It was time to give him a push.

"Naruto, what you can't do I can, give your body to me."

"Just like what Sasuke and Sakura hope for."

"I will come out and protect them for you, complete the mission for you, and respond to their expectations, after all..."

Kaze's voice paused briefly, filled with a sense of satisfaction that Naruto could perceive.

"They trust me, the mighty Uzumaki Kazekyo!"

Kaze's voice was like pouring oil on fire, pushing Naruto into a state of anger and frustration.

"No!!!"

"I'm about to break this ice wall and save them all!"

"They will trust and rely on Uzumaki Naruto even more!"

"As long as I shatter the ice wall and rescue them, as long as... as long as..."

"Then let me lend you a hand," Kaze's smile was filled with malice.

He shared his Kage level Taijutsu with Naruto for a split second.

Outside.

Boom!

The ice wall, already partially shattered, instantly crumbled with Naruto's strike.

"How is this possible!?" Haku exclaimed in surprise and anger.

Although he deliberately allowed Naruto to accumulate a thousand needles by damaging the ice wall, he didn't expect Naruto to actually break it!

What terrifying force had occurred in that moment?

"It may not be enough, but it will have to do," Haku thought, no longer hesitating.

The thousand needles that hadn't yet fully condensed in the sky rained down the moment the ice wall shattered.

Most of them aimed at Sasuke and Sakura, while a small portion targeted Naruto on the outskirts.

At that moment, Naruto, seeing the outside world, turned his head with excitement and shouted, "I did it! I'll get you out—"

Naruto's words were cut short as the barrage of needles struck him.

All the needles pierced his body's vital points. The pain and weakness made it difficult for him to even stand.

But more painful than his physical wounds was the anguish in his heart!

Sasuke and Sakura, who faced even more attacks ahead, were now lying limp on the ground.

Their bodies were riddled with countless ice needles. A large amount of blood continuously gushed out, staining the ground a deep crimson.

Naruto could clearly see the needles that penetrated their necks and chests, as well as their lifeless, dull eyes.

Just like Torune and the other Root shinobi who had died!

"This can't be happening! It shouldn't be like this!!!"

"It can't be like this—!!!"

Along with Naruto's despairing roar, a message from the system arrived.

[Corruption Points +25,000]

[Current Corruption Points: 28,000]

[Host's Ego Trust and Reliance: 55 (Cannot drop below 30)]

[Host's Ego is in emotional collapse, can switch personalities at any time.]

Receiving the message, Kaze didn't switch immediately. Instead, he applauded Naruto in his mind.

"Clap, clap, clap."

"Just as you desired, congratulations on successfully breaking the ice wall."

But Naruto's voice of retort didn't sound.

With lifeless eyes, he stared at Sakura and Sasuke lying on the ground.

He kept muttering, "This isn't how it should be."

Kaze chuckled and continued calmly, "Naruto, do you know the difference between a king and a pawn?"

"It's not some childish riddle, but about two individuals with the same physical aptitude. Why is one a king and the other a pawn?"

Naruto's eyes flicker, but he still doesn't answer.

Kaze continued, unbothered.

"There's only one answer. The king has higher talent, intelligence, and aptitude than the pawn, which is why the king is the master and the pawn is the support!"

"The king can better explore and utilize their own abilities, the king can protect what they want to protect by any means necessary, and the king can defeat anything they want to defeat without hesitation!"

"But the pawn doesn't have that. They only have mediocrity, they only carry the king to accomplish everything, becoming the king's aid."

"So..."

Kaze switched personalities and appeared outside.

Naruto was forced deep into his consciousness and could only gaze at Kaze.

"Why should I let, a weaker you, into battle?"