The world seemed to have been muted at that moment. Yet there was no sound of the famed blade shattering, only the deafening crackle of lightning, like a thousand birds chirping.
Kakashi's eyes widened in disbelief, while Zabuza was even more stunned. He could not believe what had happened before him.
Haku had suddenly emerged from an ice mirror and stood in front of him, taking the fatal blow in his place.
Kakashi's hand had pierced Haku's chest.
The ninjutsu ended, the lightning faded, and time, seemingly frozen, began to flow again.
The sudden turn of events left Kakashi at a loss, and his Summoning Technique was dispelled.
Yet Haku, despite having his chest pierced, did something none of them expected.
He reached back and grabbed the hand Kakashi had driven through his chest.
"Lord Zabuza, now's your chance!"
Kakashi's eyes widened further. He had never imagined this boy would use his own life to create an opening for Zabuza.
"Kakashi, looks like the one whose life ends here won't be me. It'll be you."
Naruto could not understand what was happening before him.
"What the hell is going on?!"
"That masked kid!"
"He actually sacrificed himself for Zabuza!"
Kakashi felt the grip around his wrist.
This boy is already dead, but his hand shows no sign of letting go.
"Well done, Haku! I won't let you die for nothing!"
With a low growl, Zabuza drew the Kubikiribōchō from his back and swung at Kakashi.
"You're not planning to cut through this boy too, are you?!"
"Kakashi-sensei!"
This is bad. He's too close!
"I really did find myself a treasure. Even at the very end, he gave me an opening like this! Hahahaha!"
The enormous blade traced an arc through the air, sweeping toward both Kakashi and Haku.
Kakashi made