Haku and Zabuza

"His mother also possessed the rare Ice Release Kekkei Genkai. Why did she die?"

Faced with Kakashi's question, Haku's gaze dimmed, while Zabuza showed a trace of disdain.

He spoke coldly, completely disregarding the fact that Haku stood beside him.

"That foolish woman couldn't bear to hurt those villagers even until the day she died."

Obito and Kakashi looked at Haku with pity. Both of them were heartbroken by what he had endured.

But more than that, they were shocked and speechless.

Imperial Elementary School taught them from childhood that personal safety came first, and that one's own life was always more important than anything else.

And all subsequent education endlessly emphasized this point.

The schools even held drills every few days.

Things like powerful enemies descending from the sky, meteor strikes, meteor showers blanketing the ground, and so on.

When life and death were at stake, not even the Ten-Tails was more important than one's own life.

If they encountered oppression, they could defend themselves legitimately. As long as the other party showed signs of wanting to hurt them, they could cripple them. If the other party intended to kill them, they could strike first without hesitation.

As for civilians being innocent?

What a joke. If they could lay hands on a woman who had neither the will nor ability to resist, were they still civilians?

They were nothing but troublemaking rabble! They would be destabilizing elements anywhere, fit only to be exiled to the frontier!

"Kakashi, there's no compulsory education in this world. Everyone looks like they aren't very smart. How stupid! You could even call them idiots!"

"Is this the dumbed-down education described in the history books, carried out to secure and preserve their own rule?"

Kakashi gave Obito an approving look.

"That's right. I didn't expect you to actually learn something. Not bad, Obito! In today's terms, it's called PUA. Didn't you hear what my counterpart in this world said? I think he's beyond saving. The first thing out of his mouth was how missions mattered most. Ninjas were just tools in missions. This world's indoctrination is even more severe than we imagined... They'd be sold off and still help the village count the money..."

The two communicated telepathically.

Kakashi looked at Zabuza and patted him on the shoulder.

"Your Kage treats the people like livestock. Why not join our Empire? Those in power in your Land of Water are utterly inhumane, and the common people live in misery. Perhaps only the Empire can save your nation from such suffering!"

"Your Kage has forced your knees into the ground and made you kneel there, but our Empire can make you stand tall!"

Faced with Kakashi's invitation, Zabuza merely sneered.

"I think you may have misunderstood. Becoming a rogue ninja doesn't mean I would betray the Land of Water or the Hidden Mist Village! What I betrayed was only the current system!"

"Making me betray the Hidden Mist... impossible! I stake my ninja's honor on this: I would rather die than join another power or organization! Kill me!"

Zabuza struggled once more. After realizing he could not break free from the seal Kakashi had placed on his Chakra, he collapsed to the ground as though he had resigned himself completely.

He wasn't afraid of death. It was only a pity... he had yet to see the Hidden Mist Village flourish...

Seeing Zabuza so resolute, Haku immediately lay down in front of him as well.

"If you want to kill Lord Zabuza, kill me first!"

Seeing that both of them were determined to die, Kakashi sighed helplessly.

"I have to admit, your so-called Will of Water and your bonds really are moving."

Kakashi knew that even if he explained the Empire's circumstances, he would not be able to persuade the two before him. He simply decided to give them a swift death.

Kakashi drew the White Fang Blade and looked at Zabuza and Haku.

He somewhat understood why some old conservatives always said this was an era where will and bonds endured endlessly. This era truly was romantic, but... could romance fill their stomachs?

"I will never allow two more stumbling blocks to appear on the Empire's path toward the Holy War, no matter how insignificant those stones may be."

Since he could not persuade them to join the Empire, he had to strike first now to prevent them from becoming future enemies.

Although Haku possessed the rare Ice Release Kekkei Genkai, so what?

There were at least a hundred thousand, if not a million, Kekkei Genkai users in the Empire now.

The rise in women's status and the promotion of eugenics policies had long made everyone enthusiastic about expanding their families.

"Don't worry. This strike will be quick. I respect ninjas like you, so I'll send you on your way together with my strongest strike."

Zabuza, who had worn an expression of resolve to die, now revealed a hesitant look.

Seeing that Kakashi had already drawn the White Fang Blade, with Purple Electricity already flashing across it, Zabuza finally grew anxious.

"Wait!"

Kakashi narrowed his eyes and looked at Zabuza.

So he had caved?

So easily broken?

Yet Zabuza placed both hands on Haku's shoulders and looked at him with a complicated expression.

"Haku, you're not from the Hidden Mist Village. Join them!"

Zabuza looked at the boy before him. Though he had always claimed to see Haku as nothing more than a tool and had treated him only with harshness, never showing even a shred of warmth, it had all been an act.

He knew he harbored special feelings for Haku; he simply refused to admit it.

And now, the words Haku had spoken while standing in front of him had already sent ripples through Zabuza's long-frozen heart.

"No! Lord Zabuza! I have nothing left to lose! If I lose you, what meaning would there be in continuing to live in this world?"

Haku spoke firmly, his eyes filled with absolute determination.

"Lord Zabuza, I've never asked anything of you. This time, I'm begging you. I want to die before you. There's no other reason. I've already lost my father and mother. I can't accept seeing you leave before my eyes too..."

Haku shouted emotionally, tears streaming down his cheeks, his voice full of pain and sorrow.

"Lord Zabuza... please!"

By the end, his words had become pleading. He had placed all his hopes on Zabuza.

Hearing this, Zabuza felt a sharp pain in his heart.

He let out a deep sigh and slowly closed his eyes.

He knew that he could not refuse Haku's request, because he cherished this boy just as much.

But he also could not betray his ninja village and turn his blade upon the civilians of that village.

Zabuza opened his eyes and stared at Haku, complex emotions flickering within them.

He reached out and gently stroked Haku's cheek, feeling his warmth.

Then he nodded slightly, agreeing to Haku's request.

A relieved smile appeared on Haku's face. He tightly embraced Zabuza, tears once again pouring from his eyes.

At that moment, he felt happiness like never before, even if this might be their final moment.

"Kakashi! Can you really bring yourself to do it?"

Obito's voice rang in Kakashi's mind.

"Our Cross-Dimensional Channel still needs test subjects. You can't really use Sasuke, Naruto, and your counterpart, can you? A Kekkei Genkai user and a Jonin are just right for the experiment!"

Obito was already on the verge of tears. He was softhearted and couldn't bear to see such things.

He could even delay an exam to help Grandma cross the road. How could he remain unmoved by such a heartrending scene?

Seeing this, Kakashi finally could not help but shake his head, then slowly sheathed the White Fang Blade behind his back.

"Fine. Let them live a little longer!"