The battlefield was still in chaos, but the tide was finally turning. With ZEAL's reinforcements joining in, the endless swarm of Ashen Scars' foot soldiers was beginning to thin out.
"Ren! Go for the core!" Minato shouted over the noise of clashing flames and steel. "It won't stay down otherwise. I'll make a way for you!"
Ren gave a firm nod and his eyes narrowed. Without a word, he burst forward, cutting through the battlefield like a streak of lightning.
One of the Ashes raised its burning arms, throwing molten rocks straight at him. The projectiles glowed red hot, whistling through the air as they closed in on Ren.
But before they could land, thorny branches erupted from the ground, twisting upward like a living wall. They caught the blazing rocks and crushed them to ash, leaving Ren's path clear.
"Thanks, Minato." Ren muttered, not slowing down for even a second as he closed in on one of the Ashes.
