As they thought about it, the boatman said to Tazuna, "Tazuna, this is the last time I can help you. I'd advise you not to go any further. You know better than anyone what kind of man Gato is. If you keep this up, you could be in danger!"
Tazuna bristled. "He's already made his move. I've been attacked twice on this trip, both times by ninja. Gato must think pretty highly of me!"
The boatman's expression changed at once. "When we reach shore, you'd better get off somewhere farther away. Tazuna, it's not that I don't want to take you, but you know I have a family." He lowered his head, unable to say any more.
Tazuna gritted his teeth, then sighed. "I understand. You've already helped me a great deal, unlike the others. They're timid as mice!"
Hinata Hyuga and the other three listened quietly without joining in. This was a private matter, and it would have been rude to interrupt.
As promised, the boatman brought them to a secluded landing. Once they got off, he hurried away, looking so panicked that he seemed to fear he would be found and killed at any moment.
Meanwhile, in the forest, the boy who had claimed to be part of an assassination squad had removed his mask inside a treehouse. His youthful face was beautiful and androgynous. He smiled as Zabuza Momochi coughed twice and slowly woke.
The moment Zabuza opened his eyes, he saw Haku's smiling face. Displeasure filled his own. "Did you have to hit me that hard? Were you really trying to kill me so you could be free?"
Haku kept smiling, but hurried to explain. "Mr. Zabuza, you've seen how strong that man is. If I hadn't made it convincing, he would have seen right through