Suddenly, Haruno Sakura's voice rang out, frantic and choked with tears. "No! Teacher Kakashi's injuries don't look serious on the outside."
"But the damage inside must be to his soul! Conventional medical treatment isn't working, and his vital signs are getting weaker! We have to get him back to Konoha and find Lady Tsunade right away!"
"Bastard!" Naruto roared. He formed more Shadow Clones and charged again without a thought for his own safety.
Sasuke's Sharingan spun furiously as he searched for an opening. Shuriken in hand, he rushed in from the flank.
But the gap in strength was crushing.
Mahito did not even turn to look at them. He merely waved a hand, and several of the Many Souls broke away. With irresistible force, they swatted Naruto and Sasuke aside like flies.
Bang!
The last ice mirror protecting Haku shattered under the Many Souls' assault! Haku himself was left completely exposed before Mahito.
His Chakra was almost exhausted. Gasping for breath, he stared at Mahito, despair filling his eyes.
"Found you, my pretty little butterfly." Mahito smiled and slowly reached for Haku, who had no way to dodge. His hand carried the power to twist souls.
A dark figure suddenly lunged in at incredible speed, putting his broad back squarely between Haku and Mahito!
"Mr. Zabuza!!!"
Haku's cry tore from his throat. He stared at the hands that had once taught him only how to kill, now shielding him from death.
Zabuza's broad back convulsed in agony. Tears burst from Haku's eyes, blurring his vision behind the mask. "Why would you go this far for a tool like me?! The whole reason I exist is to die for you!"
"Idiot! What kind of tool makes a face like that?"
The words struck Haku like thunder. He froze, staring blankly