Ice Release's Gift Illuminated a New Branch of the World Tree

"Get up. From now on, your life is your own."

After saying that, Chiba withdrew the roots. The broken Kubikiribōchō fell before Haku, its blade still reflecting the seawater flowing between the bridge rails.

Haku bent down and grasped the sword ring. It took him two attempts before he managed to support himself with his injured leg.

"I want to bury Lord Zabuza first."

"You choose the place."

Tazuna approached with a wooden cane, raising a hand to point at the hillside beyond the bridgehead.

"You can see the sea from there. The village's dead boatmen are buried nearby too."

Haku shook his head.

"Lord Zabuza wouldn't like a crowded place."

He lifted the broken sword and looked toward the other side of the coast.

"Would that cliff over there work?"

Tazuna looked in the direction he indicated for a moment.

"It would, but there's nothing but rock beneath the soil. We'll have to go back to the village for iron picks."

"No need."

Silver-white roots crossed the bridge planks and burrowed into the earth beneath the cliff. Stones were wrapped in wood grain and pushed aside one by one.

Haku looked at Chiba.

"Deeper."

The roots continued descending, piling the excavated wet soil around the edge of the pit.

"Is that enough?"

"It's enough."

Haku carried Zabuza's body onto his back. Kakashi tried to reach out, but Haku avoided him.

"I'll do it myself."

"Your leg can't bear that weight."

"Even so, I have to carry him."

Haku stepped off the bridge. Blood began seeping from the wound beside his knee again, and every step left a faint red mark on the ground.

Chiba did not take the body from him. He merely spread silver-white roots beneath Haku's feet, turning the rugged mountain path into a gentle slope.

Asuma