Hakushi said in a helpless tone, "Can't you see the situation clearly by now? I didn't expect you to be such a foolish woman. I don't want to die with you guys; I want to live well."
After speaking, he looked up at the four from Root and said to the captain among them, "I'm a Medical Ninja, posing the least threat to you, and I'm the most useful. I'm willing to join you, whether you control me with a curse or poison, I don't want to die. How about giving me a chance?"
The captain really was considering it.
Indeed, as Hakushi said, he posed the least threat, and they were currently in urgent need of Medical Ninjas for forbidden human experiments.
As for whether Hakushi would betray them, it really wasn't worth considering; once you're in Root, there's no such thing as freedom, essentially.
"I appreciate your self-awareness; I'll give you a chance then."
The captain ninja threw a Kunai over, embedding it at Hakushi's feet.
"Kill the woman beneath you."
"Okay."
Hakushi didn't hesitate. Although there was a fleeting struggle on his face, it was quickly replaced by a menacing look.
He picked up the Kunai and started to stab toward Ayane's neck.
However, a Shuriken flew over, knocking the Kunai out of Hakushi's hand.
Hakushi looked at the four from Root in confusion; it was one of them who interrupted his attack.
"Your determination is commendable, but it's not good to casually execute a ninja from your own village."
The captain ninja spoke with extreme hypocrisy.
After all, inheriting the Byakugan Kekkeigenkai, even from a branch family, a living body was more useful than a corpse.
Moreover, the Chakra left in the opponent's body was so little it was hardly a concern.
"Got it. I don't want to bear the bad name of killing a comrade."
The captain ninja was very satisfied with Hakushi's sense of propriety.
Confident that Hakushi would become a fine Root Medical Ninja.
Having such faith, one might live longer.
Two Root Ninjas walked toward Hakushi.
Hakushi stood aside very consciously, raising his empty hands, showing a very cooperative and submissive stance, devoid of any threat.
"I didn't expect you to be like this. I thought Ruri and I trusted you."
A Root Ninja took out a rope and tied Ayane's hands behind her back. Ayane glared at Hakushi with resentment.
"Compared to being alive, such things don't matter at all, this era is too dreadful. Unlike you from noble families, I have to earn everything through my own efforts."
Hakushi didn't want to argue about anything.
Another Root Ninja also arrived behind Hakushi and likewise took out a rope to put on Hakushi's raised hands.
Whoosh!
The Root Ninja preparing to tie Hakushi's hands noticed nothing, only heard the sound of a blade cutting through flesh, and his vision darkened increasingly.
In the final moments of consciousness, he seemed to see a headless body and hands holding a rope.
Is that my body and hands?
An illusion?
He fell into such thoughts, and his consciousness stopped there.
"What—"
Equally unable to react, a blade taken out from who knows where pierced the Root Ninja standing beside Ayane, mercilessly piercing his heart.
Pulling the blade out of the Root Ninja's body, it was stained with blood red.
At this time, the rope binding Ayane's hands was also severed, restoring her freedom.
Hakushi held the blood-stained Ninja Blade, smiling gently at the two remaining Root Ninjas:
"So, how's my swordsmanship? Although it's not up to Sakumo-sensei's level, it's enough to surprise all of you."
"You brat!"
Impossible!
His Chakra should almost be exhausted!
Besides... where does a Medical Ninja get such speed?
Isn't he a Medical Ninja?
Even Jonin doesn't always reach that level.
Is this guy the most troublesome among the three? The captain ninja's inner shock was palpable.
But after the shock, anger set in.
Hakushi's face still bore a smile, showing no change in emotional expression.
"Surprisingly, I see anger in your eyes. I heard you Root folks are just machines to accomplish tasks... machines can have feelings? Don't show such expressions, because my current anger far surpasses yours."