A surging torrent of water appeared out of nowhere, like a rampaging beast, sweeping across the entire battlefield in an instant. Several thugs at the very front were hurled away by the massive wave and slammed hard into the walls, losing their ability to fight on the spot.
As the water dispersed, Zabuza gripped the Kubikiribōchō tightly and charged into the crowd like a ghost. The wind from his blade was sharp and fierce, every swing carrying finality. He was no longer killing for the sake of killing, but raising his blade for the sake of protection.
Though Gato's men were numerous, most of them were nothing more than common thugs. How could they possibly be a match for the Demon of the Mist? Screams rang out one after another, and blood splattered across the ground, mingling with the melted ice water.
Haku stood where he was, watching Zabuza's back, his eyes faintly red.
This was the first time he had ever seen Zabuza fight for him.
Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and Kakashi stood to the side, quietly watching the scene. No one made a move, and no one disturbed them.
They all understood that this battle belonged only to Zabuza and Haku.
It belonged to two souls who had clung to each other in the darkness.
In just a few short minutes, more than half of Gato's men had fallen. The rest were scared out of their wits, throwing down their weapons and scattering in every direction. Gato's face went deathly pale, and he turned to flee, only for a shuriken casually flung by Zabuza to strike him in the leg. He screamed and collapsed to the ground.
"Spare me... Please spare me!" Gato lay sprawled on the ground, desperately kowtowing and begging for mercy, not a trace left of