Ever since Kakashi had fallen into Raiga and Zabuza's pincer attack, Naruto and Sasuke had been trapped within an Ice Mirror by the masked youth named Haku.
Already locked in a bitter struggle, the two found their movements growing ever more difficult under Haku's ninjutsu. Reflected in dozens of Ice Mirrors, Haku unleashed a sky-covering barrage of ice needles at them simultaneously.
This made it even harder for Naruto and Sasuke, confined within such a narrow space, to defend themselves.
The two stood back to back, gasping for breath. Both Naruto and Sasuke were covered in blood. They had already done everything they could to keep their vital points from being struck.
"Hey, you stone-faced Sasuke. Looks like we might really end up dying here together, huh?" Naruto said, half-jokingly.
"Idiot!" Sasuke answered with only two words.
"Sasuke, Naruto, I have no desire to kill you. If the two of you surrender, then once Lord Zabuza completes his mission, I will ask him to release you. I hope you understand," Haku said softly, suddenly appearing in one of the Ice Mirrors.
"Hmph, you expect us to believe the words of an enemy? How ridiculous!" Before Naruto could speak, Sasuke answered with a disdainful expression.
"No. This is my promise." Haku gently shook his head, his tone exceptionally firm.
"Haha, save your breath. I'll never give up! Even if this is certain death, I, Uzumaki Naruto, will never submit to anyone!" Naruto declared with a laugh.
For once, Sasuke gave a slight nod. Staring coldly at Haku in the mirrors, he said in a low voice, "Come on!"
Haku let out a soft sigh. "Then don't blame me!" As soon as the words left his mouth, Haku's figure abruptly vanished from the Ice Mirrors.
Sasuke's expression turned grave. It was starting