Ice Release and the Oni

Obito's fleeting glance, brimming with malice, made Ling realize the precariousness of his situation even more clearly. He was like a tightrope walker over a bottomless abyss; a single misstep could lead to eternal damnation.

But the pressure also transformed into a stronger driving force. He had to accumulate power faster.

Two days later, the system's anonymous channel sent feedback once again:

[Mission: Recruit/Guide. Status: Completed. Target A (Haku), Target B (Zabuza Momochi) have arrived at the designated coordinates (Eastern Frontier of the Land of Fire, Abandoned Mine No. 13). Please confirm receipt within 72 hours.]

It worked! Ling's spirits lifted. The arrival of Haku and Zabuza was undoubtedly a shot in the arm.

Using the excuse of "taking Kimimaro for wilderness survival training" once again, he left the small courtyard under the gaze of the Anbu Yamada, whose eyes were filled with hidden impatience. Upon reaching a secluded spot outside the village, he followed the same procedure and activated the Flying Thunder God Technique.

Space shifted, and a damp, cold air heavy with the scent of rust rushed toward him. This was the depth of a long-abandoned mine, where only a few rays of sunlight filtered through cracks in the ceiling, illuminating the dust floating in the air.

On a relatively dry patch of ground in the mine, two figures came into view.

One was a tall, dark-skinned man carrying the massive, bandage-wrapped Executioner's Blade on his back. He wore the headband of a Mist Village rogue ninja, his eyes fierce and alert—it was none other than the "Demon," Zabuza Momochi. He looked like a tiger ready to pounce, sizing up the suddenly appearing Ling.

Half a step behind him stood a slender youth wearing worn but clean robes, possessing long black hair and delicate features. He kept his head lowered, his hands nervously clasped in front of him, his eyes timid yet holding a trace of imperceptible anticipation—this was Haku Yuki.

"So you're the elusive employer?" Zabuza's voice was hoarse and oppressive, the bandages on the Executioner's Blade seeming to loosen slightly. "What exactly do you want by luring us here? If your answer doesn't satisfy me, I don't mind using your blood to consecrate my blade."

Facing this naked threat, Ling merely smiled slightly, his gaze passing over Zabuza to land on Haku behind him.

"Haku Yuki," Ling's voice was gentle, carrying a peculiar, soothing power. "You have always been looking for someone who needs you, a place where your power can find a home, haven't you?"

Haku jerked his head up, his clear eyes filled with surprise and a hint of panic at having his inner thoughts exposed. He instinctively looked toward Zabuza.

Zabuza snorted coldly and stepped in front of Haku. "Kid, stop playing these mind games! Haku is my important tool; his affairs are not for you to question!"

"A tool?" Ling shook his head lightly, his gaze returning to Zabuza. "Mr. Zabuza, do you really only see him as a tool? Or is it that, in your long exile, you have become accustomed to using the word 'tool' to mask that tiny bit of bond you are unwilling to admit?"

Zabuza's pupils constricted, and his killing intent erupted instantly! The temperature of the surrounding air seemed to drop by several degrees. He hated it when others pried into his heart, especially regarding Haku!

"You're courting death!"

The bandages on the Executioner's Blade burst apart, and the cold blade, accompanied by a shrill whistling sound, slashed directly at Ling's face! The strike was fast, fierce, and accurate, fully demonstrating the strength of the "Demon" as an elite Jonin!

However, Ling stood where he was, not moving an inch.

Just as the blade was about to touch the hair on his forehead, a white bone wall appeared out of thin air, precisely blocking the Executioner's Blade!

"Clang!"

A harsh metallic screech echoed through the mine, sparks flying everywhere.

Kimimaro had appeared in front of Ling at some point, the hardened bone structure extending from his arm locked firmly against the massive blade. His green eyes held no emotion, only cold killing intent: "Those who strike at Lord Ling shall die."

"Shikotsumyaku?!" A look of great shock flashed across Zabuza's eyes; he clearly recognized this legendary Kekkei Genkai. He retreated a step, holding his blade in guard, his heart churning with stormy waves. This mysterious youth actually had a survivor of the Kaguya clan by his side? And one with such formidable strength!

Ling patted Kimimaro's shoulder lightly, signaling him to stand down. He continued to look at Zabuza, as if that lethal strike had never happened.

"Mr. Zabuza, I invited you here not for a fight, but for cooperation—to provide you with a better future." Ling spoke unhurriedly. "I know what you yearn for: to overthrow the dictatorship of the Bloody Mist Village. Can you do it alone, or even with Haku?"

Zabuza remained silent, his eyes flickering. He knew he could not.

"I can provide the funds and intelligence you need, and in the future, even the power required to topple the Mist Village." Ling dangled the bait. "And all you need to do is fight for me when I need you, and become a member of my organization, 'Dawn Wind'."

He looked at Haku again. "Here, Haku will no longer be a 'tool,' but an indispensable companion. His Ice Release and his kindness will be respected and put to use."

Haku stared blankly at Ling, then at the wavering Zabuza, his hands gripping his sleeves tightly. For the first time, a light other than his dependence on Zabuza appeared in his eyes—a light called "hope."

Zabuza stared fixedly at Ling, seemingly weighing the pros and cons. The other party's strength was unfathomable (being able to command Shikotsumyaku and remaining unfazed by his killing intent), his direction was clear, and the premise he offered was indeed something he could not refuse. The hardship of long-term exile and the uncertainty of the future forced him to consider this path, which, while seemingly dangerous, might lead to his goal.

"'Dawn Wind'?" After a long silence, Zabuza slowly sheathed the Executioner's Blade, his voice still hoarse. "Tell me your specific plan. If it's just empty promises, I can leave at any time."

Ling knew the initial recruitment had succeeded. He smiled slightly and began to outline the future blueprint for "Dawn Wind," as well as the first major act they would need to exert force for, which was fast approaching: the "cleanup" operation of the Uchiha.

Outside the mine, the sun still shone. But inside, the core strength of "Dawn Wind" was quietly assembling. Ling's forces had gained two more powerful combatants.