Zabuza and Kakashi stood atop the surface of the lake.
Zabuza wore a Hidden Mist forehead protector—
slashed across the center.
The universal mark of a rogue ninja.
The first rogue ninja in shinobi history?
Uchiha Madara.
(Though he had never bothered wearing a forehead protector.)
Kakashi's gaze sharpened.
He knew Zabuza's file.
Executioner's Blade.
One of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.
A blade that regenerates by absorbing blood.
Meaning—
It chips easily.
But the sword itself wasn't the real danger.
Zabuza was.
A silent assassin.
Over a thousand confirmed kills.
Now—
Copy Ninja versus Demon of the Mist.
Zabuza formed hand seals.
Kakashi mirrored them instantly.
Seal after seal.
Faster.
Faster.
Zabuza accelerated.
Kakashi accelerated even further—
Even surpassing him slightly.
For a brief moment—
Zabuza's confidence flickered.
Naruto blinked.
"What's Kakashi-sensei doing?"
Thirty seals already.
What kind of jutsu required that many?
Naruto's Harem Jutsu took three.
Shadow Clone took one.
This was absurd.
Haku answered calmly:
"He's copying Zabuza-sama."
"Hatake Kakashi is called the Copy Ninja."
"He possesses five chakra natures and uses the Sharingan to replicate enemy techniques."
"He's copying the Water Dragon Jutsu."
Naruto's eyes widened.
"Wait—you're not fighting anymore?"
Haku looked at him silently.
His Ice Release had already been suppressed by Uchiha Kai's overwhelming Fire Release.
And Kakashi hadn't even gotten serious yet.
Instinct told him—
Zabuza was in danger.
But Zabuza wanted Kakashi's bounty.
Staying meant risk.
Retreat meant survival.
Haku chose something else.
Preserve strength.
Find another angle.
Perhaps—
An emotional one.
"Why Not Work With Us?"
A calm voice interrupted.
Haku looked over.
It was Uchiha Kai.
Sasuke reacted immediately.
"You're not serious."
"Don't tell me you're siding with them."
"He's a guy!"
Sasuke added quickly.
Naruto blinked.
"…Wait, what?"
Uchiha Kai rubbed his forehead.
Sasuke had clearly misunderstood.
Dangerously misunderstood.
Honestly—
The one in psychological danger might actually be Sasuke.
Naruto's endless Naruko transformations were leaving lasting effects.
"Relax," Uchiha Kai said flatly.
"Haku cares about Zabuza."
Sasuke froze.
Naruto gasped dramatically.
Haku blinked.
"…That is correct."
"My life's meaning is to become Zabuza-sama's tool."
Naruto frowned deeply.
"Who wants to be a tool?"
Haku spoke quietly.
"I was born in a small village."
"With a bloodline limit."
"My father tried to kill me."
"My mother died protecting me."
"My power destroyed the village."
"I had nothing."
"Until Zabuza-sama found me."
"So if I can be needed…"
"That is enough."
Silence fell.
Naruto couldn't speak.
Sasuke pressed his lips together.
But Uchiha Kai's eyes remained calm.
Haku was sincere.
But also—
Strategic.
Emotion was leverage.
And frankly—
If it came to suffering contests?
Naruto and Sasuke would not lose.
Still—
If Haku truly didn't want to fight…
That could be useful.
Uchiha Kai tilted his head slightly.
"So."
"Would you like Zabuza to never leave you?"
"…Physically."
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