"Let's rest for a bit."
"We'll need to put on another act soon."
Cangwu lifted his chin.
Haku understood and helped Zabuza over to the shallows.
"Lord Cangwu, when we came out, Gato sent a few wandering ninja after us."
"But they were all our people."
"Should I have them go back and send word now?"
Haku lowered Zabuza with a pained expression. Once he had composed himself, he asked.
Cangwu didn't answer right away.
Instead, he glanced at the sky.
The battle hadn't lasted long.
It was only just getting light.
"By my reckoning, the Root Organization should be nearing the Land of Waves by now."
"Go ahead."
Cangwu pondered for a moment before speaking to Haku.
"Yes!" Haku bowed respectfully, then formed a seal with one hand and used the Body Flicker Technique to leave.
Whoosh—
After Haku disappeared, Cangwu's lips curled slightly. "Zabuza, you need to work on your training."
"You need hand seals to use ninjutsu, but you can simplify them."
At that, Zabuza glared at Cangwu.
How could he not hear the mockery in Cangwu's words?
Once he felt a little better, he said, "I know."
Clang—
Cangwu casually tossed the already-broken Kubikiribōchō in front of Zabuza.
"Don't waste it."
Zabuza: "..."
Thanks a lot!
Though he was fuming inside, Cangwu had a point.
Zabuza picked up Kubikiribōchō, ready to smear his own blood on it so the blade could absorb it.
"I mean, take the chance to kill a few of the less reputable wandering ninja later. Leave those who might be spies from other villages for the Root Organization ninja who come afterward," Cangwu said with an amused smile.
Zabuza froze, the corner of his eye twitching repeatedly.
"Stick to the plan."
"You should all be ready, right?"
Cangwu changed the subject to