I Won't Cut Down the Land of Waves Again!
Zabuza and Haku rushed through the dense forest, determined to intercept Team 7 before they reached their mission destination.
After half a day's journey, they finally caught up with Kakashi's team, closing in on them at the last leg of their journey.
"Haku, do you see that boy? Take care of him and leave Kakashi to me!"
Zabuza, instead of slashing at a nearby tree, pointed toward a young shinobi at the back of the team—an unfamiliar addition—and issued his command.
"Understood. But… I won't take his life if I don't have to," Haku responded softly.
Reaching into his sleeve, Haku retrieved several senbon needles and swiftly launched them toward the target.
"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!"
The sharp sound of the projectiles cutting through the air made the young shinobi, Kaito, spin around just in time to evade the incoming attack.
"Enemy attack!!!" he shouted.
The three Genin in front—Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura—reacted immediately, shifting into a defensive formation around Tazuna.
"Secret Jutsu: Thousand Flying Water Needles of Death!"
Taking advantage of Kaito's momentary distraction, Haku leaped from a tree, forming a single-handed seal. In an instant, countless water-formed senbon materialized and shot toward Kaito from all directions.
But just as the deadly barrage struck, Kaito's figure rippled and collapsed into a puddle of water.
"A Water Clone?!" Haku's sharp eyes narrowed, sensing something amiss. He quickly scanned his surroundings.
A flicker of motion behind him—too late!
Kaito had reappeared with a massive weapon in hand, having drawn Zabuza's Kubikiribōchō (Executioner's Blade) from a sealing scroll.
He swung the massive sword downward in a decisive arc.
"Where are you looking?" Kaito's voice came from directly behind Haku.
Haku attempted to dodge but was just a fraction too slow.
Boom!!!
Just as the Executioner's Blade was about to make contact, a sudden crimson glow erupted.
A translucent ribcage materialized between Haku and the descending blade—Susanoo.
Haku's eyes, which had always held a melancholic gentleness, now gleamed with the unmistakable power of the Sharingan.
Although he blocked Kaito's attack, his chakra was not fully released, and Haku was sent flying.
In midair, Haku twisted his body, barely stabilizing himself before landing unsteadily on the ground.
Despite knocking Haku back, Kaito did not immediately press the attack. Instead, he shifted his gaze toward Kakashi Hatake and Zabuza Momochi, who were locked in fierce combat nearby.
At that moment, both shinobi were too focused on their battle to notice Kaito's presence.
However, Kaito was aware that Haku had only recently awakened his Mangekyō Sharingan. If they were to fight now, Haku might activate Susanoo, which would escalate the battle significantly. Moreover, defeating Haku would require powerful ninjutsu, which could expose Kaito's true abilities.
After a moment of contemplation, Kaito devised a plan. He gestured at Haku before suddenly dashing in the opposite direction of Kakashi and Zabuza.
Frowning, Haku glanced back at Zabuza, ensuring that his master was holding his ground. Seeing that Zabuza was not in immediate danger, Haku gritted his teeth and pursued Kaito.
The two ran for several kilometers before Kaito finally halted.
Seeing his opponent stop, Haku slowed down and demanded, "Why did you run so far?"
Though the question was simple, Kaito understood the implication—why not fight where they had been?
"Because I don't want to reveal my full strength. If others find out, it'll become troublesome."
Kaito smirked, adding, "I'm not looking to challenge you or build a rivalry. I have no interest in living that kind of life."
Haku tilted his head, puzzled by Kaito's words.
"If you surrender and hand over the Executioner's Blade, I'll let you go."
Haku hesitated. He didn't want to kill someone his own age, but surrendering wasn't an option either.
Kaito chuckled. "You really are too kind, Haku. No wonder Zabuza always said you weren't suited to be a rogue ninja. That kind of heart will only get you hurt."
Haku's eyes widened in shock. A storm of emotions surged through him—only he and Zabuza had ever spoken about that in private.
"You… how do you know that?!"
He needed answers. But Kaito only shrugged, smiling mischievously.
"Let's play a game. If you win, I'll tell you."
Despite his reluctance to fight, Haku knew he had no other choice.