As Haku looked at Uzumaki Hayashi, whose eyes were red and who looked rather distraught, two drops of cold sweat trickled down his cheeks.
"Lord Hayashi..."
"Brat, I don't recall you asking."
Sure enough, the moment he saw Haku looking a little put on the spot, Zabuza stepped out from the side and stood beside him.
"That's not what I meant. I was just a little anxious..."
Looking at Zabuza protecting his own, Hayashi couldn't help laughing.
"Zabuza, honestly."
"You used to go on every day about how Haku was just your tool."
"Brat!"
"I just helped you cut down an enemy!"
"It's an honor to have Lord Zabuza compare me to a tool."
Haku stood to the side, his eyes curved in a smile as he watched the two interact.
In truth, there was nothing heartwarming about this place at that moment.
On the contrary, it was rather gruesome.
After all, not everyone had nerves as strong as Hayashi and Zabuza.
They were chatting and laughing in front of an enemy's decapitated corpse.
Rainwater flowed in through the alley entrance, gradually washing away the bloody smell on the paving stones.
If only time could stay in this moment...
Even if it cost me my life, I'd gladly pay it.
With that thought, Haku continued watching Lord Zabuza, who looked ready to stomp his feet beneath his bandage mask, and Lord Hayashi, who knelt before Gekko Hayate with a gentle smile.
To him, being able to follow Lord Zabuza away from that painful place, come to Lord Hayashi's side, and stay with so many gentle companions...
Was simply the greatest comfort for a ninja like him, who bore original sin.
What's more, Lord Hayashi bore Kirigakure's original sin, just as he did.
He remembered that bridge, remembered the figure who