Slayer: Look directly at the Seraph, standing on the sun

The Konoha ninjas swiftly adjusted their formation according to his orders, completely blocking the enemy's retreat route. Sure enough, the enemy's leading ninja let out a short whistle, attempting to lead his troops in retreat, but all of this was within Zhang Hai's calculations. He smiled contemptuously and said coldly, "They think they can control the situation, but all their escape routes are under my control."

Soon, the Konoha ninja dispersed to pursue the enemy, and one by one, the enemy soldiers were accurately killed. Zhang Hai assessed the results in a low voice: "Twenty-odd people sacrificed themselves, but the enemy was completely annihilated... It was worth it."

Tsunade stood a short distance away, her face grim, a chakra needle gripped tightly in her hand. Her breathing was rapid, her eyes filled with both anger and undisguised despair: "Do you see human lives as just a number?!"

Zhang Hai looked up at her, his gaze calm as still water, as if those words had nothing to do with him: "Tsunade, a merciful ruler cannot command an army. On the battlefield, hesitation will only lead to more deaths. I will not let my emotions lower my guard. You stay in Konoha and command the others; I will handle things here."

Tsunade's heart skipped a beat, her anger intensifying. She stepped forward and delivered a heavy punch to Zhang Hai. Zhang Hai didn't dodge, but simply lowered his head to receive the blow. The wound in his chest throbbed with pain again, but he still spoke calmly, "You held back." His tone was somewhat playful, but there was no hint of backing down.

Yugao gripped her weapon tightly, her eyes filled with complex emotions. She understood Zhang Hai's intentions and was aware of Tsunade's worries. Despite his severe injuries, Zhang Hai still took on the responsibility of command; his calmness and decisiveness filled Yugao with both admiration and heartache.

After a brief silence, Zhang Hai said softly to Xi Yan, "Help me get rid of her."

Xi Yan paused, looking back into his deep eyes, as if she could see the loneliness and helplessness hidden in his heart. Zhang Hai's meaning was clear—he didn't want Tsunade to be in danger here, nor did he want her to be hurt because of his obsession. His gaze was firm and cold, revealing a dangerous premonition: "This is just the beginning."

Yugao took a deep breath, nodded silently, and turned to create false signals and smoke around the camp, gradually guiding Tsunade away from the command post. Tsunade was initially hesitant, but seeing Zhang Hai's resolute expression, she ultimately had no choice but to leave temporarily and turn to deal with the outer defenses and the wounded.

Zhang Hai's gaze returned to the battlefield, the chakra needles he gripped in his hand emitting a faint glow. He knew the enemy wouldn't give up easily; the retreat was merely a facade, and a more severe attack could come at any moment. He adjusted his breathing, slowly regaining his footing. The pain in his body seemed to be suppressed by his will, and the killing intent he exuded made all the Konoha ninja present feel an invisible pressure.

"Squads, maintain formation and beware of ambushes. Don't pursue too far, and don't give the enemy any openings. The enemy's retreat is just a lure; the real attack is just around the corner." Zhang Hai's voice was icy, his tone like a blade of ice, each command carrying a deadly threat.

Under his command, the Konoha ninjas seemed like a unified entity, each strictly adhering to his tactical plan. Despite their numerical advantage, the enemy forces were gradually drawn into a trap by Zhang Hai's meticulous planning. Arrows, explosive techniques, and chakra bullets rained down, and the enemy's frontline ninjas fell instantly, powerless to retaliate.

Xi Yan observed quietly from a distance, watching Zhang Hai command with unwavering composure, his indomitable presence undiminished even in his weakened state. Her emotions were incredibly complex. She knew that this man's ruthlessness wasn't just a tactic, but also a resigned acceptance of potential future sacrifices. His eyes held no fear, only unwavering resolve and an obsession with victory.

As the enemy's final wave of attacks was successfully thwarted, the battlefield gradually calmed down. Zhang Hai withdrew his orders, stood amidst the ruins, his breathing gradually steady, his gaze still sharp as a knife. Despite his severe injuries, his will was not broken by anything.

Xi Yan walked to his side and whispered, "Are you... really alright? You're already..."

Zhang Hai waved his hand gently, a faint smile playing on his lips: "Don't worry, I can still hold on." His gaze swept into the distance, a hint of killing intent flashing in his eyes: "The enemies of Konoha will know sooner or later that no one can retreat easily when facing me."

Xi Yan's gaze was fixed on him, filled with both admiration and worry. She understood that Zhang Hai's calmness and decisiveness were key to Konoha's survival in this brutal war, but at the same time, no one could truly understand the pain and loneliness he carried.

Standing atop Mount Kikyo, Zhang Hai's gaze was sharp as steel, piercing through the billowing smoke and surveying the impending war. He knew clearly that Konoha's last line of defense was on the verge of collapse. The enemy had already amassed on the outskirts, determined to destroy and devour everything in their path. And Mount Kikyo, as Konoha's final shield, would become the decisive battleground of this war.

Standing beside him, Xi Yan gazed at his slightly weary yet resolute figure, a nameless worry welling up within her. She knew that everything Zhang Hai had done was to protect Konoha, but she still couldn't bear to see him face the impending catastrophe alone. She whispered, "Zhang Hai, why do you bear so much? You've already done so much for Konoha, why won't you let go?"

Zhang Hai turned his head, his gaze lingering on her. A complex emotion flickered in his deep eyes. Although he was not good at expressing himself, Xi Yan understood his loneliness and pain from his eyes. "Because this is the only thing I can do," he replied coldly, his voice tinged with helplessness, "If I don't do it, Konoha will collapse in front of the enemy."

Xi Yan frowned, her heart filled with confusion and unease. "But Zhang Hai, is it all worth it? Do you really believe that only through such sacrifice can Konoha be protected?"

Zhang Hai was silent for a moment, seemingly deep in thought. "Sometimes, sacrifice is necessary. Konoha's future is destined to be anything but smooth. Do you think we can stop these enemies if we don't have enough power?" He paused, "We must pay a price to achieve final victory."

Xi Yan lowered her head. She knew Zhang Hai's determination and the heavy responsibility he carried, but she still didn't want to see him consumed by the battle and lose himself. "You're right. Perhaps, only in battle can we find a way out, but I still hope you can reconsider. I don't want to lose you."

Zhang Hai looked at her and suddenly smiled slightly. "Don't worry, I'll take care of myself."

However, the loneliness and solitude in his heart made him fall silent. At this moment, even with Xiyan by his side, he still felt an indescribable loneliness.