Kisame wore a broad smile, his gaze fixed directly on Zabuza Momochi in the distance. He did not rush him, simply waiting quietly for the other man to make his decision.
Zabuza Momochi's first reaction upon hearing Kisame's words was fury, but he swiftly reined in his emotions the next second. His expression darkened and shifted uncertainly.
One of Kirigakure's Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, the demon who killed without batting an eye, was actually hesitating over Kisame's question!
"Zabuza is actually hesitating?"
"Who is that child to him? Would someone as selfish as him hesitate over something like this?"
"Going to the unknown Konoha is probably a dead end. Does Zabuza even need to hesitate in a situation like this?"
Sasuke Uchiha believed he had come to understand Zabuza somewhat. Seeing him fall silent, he murmured in confusion. Kakashi shook his head slightly without speaking, though a different emotion had appeared in his gaze as he looked at Zabuza.
"Lord Kuming once said that humans are creatures caught between gods and beasts. Sometimes they lean toward one, sometimes toward the other."
"Some people grow ever more holy, while others become savage beasts. Most remain neutral, with no clear inclination."
"But the greatest difference between humans and other creatures is that people can change!"
"There is no doubt that you once were a beast. You killed your fellow trainees and your comrades from the village. That inhuman look you had back then was exactly like mine!"
Seeing Zabuza continue to hesitate, Kisame could not help but speak. His words immediately drew Naruto and the others' attention. They did not know Kisame well, and hearing him speak of his past made them curious.
"We are shinobi. We are tools, and tools do not need thoughts or emotions."
"That was what