Chapter 112: The Enigma of Revival
Part 1: The Call of Team 7
In the heart of the village, Malik, a man of "mystery", fame, power, and delicious baked goods, decided it was time to gather Team 7 for an event that would challenge their perceptions and captivate their imaginations. He intended to perform a resurrection, a feat unheard of and considered impossible by many. Yet, he chose to shroud the identity of the person he planned to revive in mystery, adding an element of suspense. The person was none other than Zabuza Momochi, but this secret was his alone to keep.
With Haku, his silent shadow, trailing behind him, Malik embarked on a mission to gather each member of Team 7. The bond between Malik and Haku was unique, forged by shared experiences and a mutual understanding that transcended words.
Kakashi Hatake
Malik found Kakashi Hatake engrossed in his familiar orange book near the training grounds. As he approached, Malik's presence cast a shadow over the pages, causing Kakashi to look up. "Kakashi-sensei, I have a proposition that might intrigue you," Malik began, his tone serious yet inviting.
Kakashi's visible eye narrowed slightly with curiosity. "What might that be, Malik?"
"I'm planning to perform a powerful revival spell, a spectacle that I believe you'd find fascinating," Malik explained, his words carefully chosen to pique Kakashi's interest.
Kakashi's eye widened slightly, and he closed his book with a decisive snap. "A revival spell? That's quite an undertaking. Who are you planning to bring back?"
Malik smiled mysteriously. "I'd rather keep that a surprise for now. But it's someone significant, and I think it could be an enlightening experience for Team 7."
Kakashi considered this for a moment before nodding. "Alright, Malik. I'll be there. This should be interesting."
As they walked off Malik thought to himself that taking Kakashi might not be a good idea with the whole dead family and teammates thing he has going on.
Sakura Haruno
Next, Malik sought out Sakura Haruno at the hospital, where she was finishing her shift. Despite the exhaustion evident on her face, her eyes lit up with affection when she saw Malik.
"Malik! What brings you here?" Sakura asked, her voice filled with warmth.
Malik took her hands in his, a gesture of camaraderie. "Sakura, I have a request. I'm going to perform a revival spell, and I'd like you to be there to witness it."
Sakura's eyes widened in surprise, her excitement palpable. "A revival spell? That's incredible! Who are you bringing back?"
Malik grinned, enjoying the suspense. "I want it to be a surprise. But trust me, it's someone worth seeing."
Sakura nodded eagerly. "Of course, Malik. I wouldn't miss it for the world."
Sasuke Uchiha
Malik found Sasuke Uchiha in a secluded area of the village, engrossed in his training. Approaching him cautiously, Malik waited until Sasuke finished a series of intense moves before speaking.
"Sasuke, I need to talk to you," Malik said, keeping his tone respectful.
Sasuke paused, wiping sweat from his brow, and looked at Malik with a raised eyebrow. "What is it?"
"I'm planning to bring someone back to life with a revival spell. I thought you might want to see it," Malik explained.
Sasuke's expression remained stoic, but his eyes flickered with interest. "Who is it?"
Malik smiled enigmatically. "It's a surprise. But it's someone you might find significant."
After a moment of contemplation, Sasuke nodded. "Alright, I'll come. I'm curious to see if you can actually pull this off."
Again as they both walked off Malik thought to himself that Sasuke might get "uncomfortable" at the fact that he could bring the dead back to life, but then again it was Sasuke . . . Malik didn't hate him it was just that Sasuke was Sasuke . . . ("Maybe I should at least bring back his mom or something.")
Naruto Uzumaki
Finally, Malik tracked down Naruto Uzumaki at Ichiraku Ramen, predictably enjoying a large bowl of ramen. Malik took a seat next to him and ordered a bowl for himself before speaking.
"Naruto, I have something important to ask you," Malik said between bites.
Naruto looked up, his mouth full of noodles, and blinked. "What's up, Malik?"
"I'm going to perform a revival spell, and I want you to be there to witness it," Malik said.
Naruto's eyes widened in excitement. "A revival spell? That sounds awesome! Who are you bringing back?"
Malik chuckled, enjoying Naruto's enthusiasm. "It's a surprise. But I promise it'll be worth it."
Naruto nodded vigorously. "Count me in, Malik! This is gonna be amazing!"
After they got done eating and Malik paid for the meal they left.
The Gathering
With the members of Team 7 agreeing to witness the revival, Malik led them to his mansion. Haku followed silently, his presence a constant reminder of Malik's previous success with resurrection. As they entered the basement, the team marveled at the intricate runes and artifacts lining the walls.
Malik guided them to the center of the room, where a shimmering pool of water awaited. The air was thick with anticipation as Malik prepared to perform the spell.
"Everyone, please stand back and watch carefully," Malik instructed, his voice steady and calm.
The members of Team 7, along with Haku, positioned themselves around the pool, their eyes fixed on Malik. They didn't yet know that Zabuza Momochi would be the one emerging from the waters, but the promise of witnessing a powerful spell had them all on edge.
As Malik began the incantation, the room filled with a pulsating energy, the runes glowing brighter with each word he spoke. The water in the pool started to ripple, the magic taking hold.
Haku stood quietly at the back, his presence unnoticed by most of Team 7 except for Sakura, who occasionally glanced at him with a knowing smile. She knew Haku's secret and was excited to see how the rest of the team would react to the revelation.
With the final words of the spell, the water erupted in a brilliant light, and a figure began to emerge from the depths. The anticipation in the room reached its peak as Malik prepared to unveil the revived shinobi.
To be continued… Right now
Part 2: The Resurrection of Zabuza Momochi
As the body of Zabuza Momochi floated up from the water, Malik stepped into the pool, his heart pounding with anticipation. The water was cool against his skin, shimmering with an ethereal light that reflected off the chamber's walls. Malik waded deeper into the pool, his eyes fixed on the emerging figure.
Zabuza's body was enveloped in a soft, glowing aura, her form gradually becoming more defined as she rose from the depths. Her dark hair floated around her face like a halo, and her skin, though pale, held a hint of vitality. Her muscles were well-defined, a testament to her strength and warrior spirit, even in this state of suspended animation.
Malik reached out, his hand trembling slightly as he touched her forehead. The moment his fingers made contact with her skin, he felt a surge of energy course through him. The connection was instantaneous and powerful, a merging of their essences that allowed him to peer into her memories and experiences.
Zabuza's eyes fluttered open, revealing a pair of piercing, yet confused, blue eyes. Malik focused on maintaining the connection, ensuring her transition back to life was smooth and without pain.
"Why are your eyes blue?" Malik said softy to himself.
As Malik concentrated on Zabuza, the rest of Team 7 stood around the pool, their reactions varied and intense.
Kakashi Hatake
Kakashi's visible eye widened in shock and recognition. "Zabuza...?" he muttered under his breath, his voice a mix of disbelief and concern. The memories of their fierce battles flooded back, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation about what this resurrection might mean.
Sakura Haruno
Sakura's hands flew to her mouth, her eyes wide with surprise. "Malik, is that...?" she whispered, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and awe. She glanced at Haku, who stood quietly at the back, his expression unreadable. Sakura felt a strange sense of déjà vu, remembering the emotional encounter with Haku during their mission in the Land of Waves.
Sasuke Uchiha
Sasuke's eyes narrowed, his body tensing instinctively. He remembered Zabuza as a formidable enemy, a ruthless assassin. "Malik, why would you bring her back?" he asked, his voice edged with suspicion. The Uchiha's natural caution was heightened, his mind racing with potential threats and challenges this resurrection might pose.
Naruto Uzumaki
Naruto's reaction was a mix of excitement and confusion. "Whoa, is that really Zabuza?" he exclaimed, his eyes wide with curiosity. He remembered their battle vividly, but also the moments of honor and respect Zabuza had shown in his final moments. "Malik, this is incredible, but why her?"
Haku
Haku stood silently, his gaze fixed on Zabuza. His emotions were a complex web of joy, hope, and fear. He had longed for this moment, but seeing his mentor and protector in such a vulnerable state brought a tear to his eye. Haku's hand clenched at his side, fighting the urge to rush forward and embrace Zabuza.
Malik, still connected with Zabuza, felt the swirl of emotions around him but remained focused. He whispered soothing words, his magic weaving a cocoon of warmth and safety around her. Slowly, Zabuza's breathing steadied, her confusion giving way to a dawning awareness.
As the glow around the pool intensified, Malik gently guided Zabuza to the edge, helping her sit up. She looked around, taking in the faces of those present, her expression a mix of bewilderment and recognition.
"Welcome back, Zabuza," Malik said softly, his voice filled with genuine warmth and respect.
Zabuza's eyes locked onto Malik's, then shifted to Kakashi, Naruto, Sasuke, and finally Haku. The realization of her return to the world of the living settled in, and she took a deep breath, gathering her strength.
"Why...?" she began, her voice hoarse but strong.
Malik smiled, his eyes twinkling with the light of the Arcane Pool. "Because you still have a role to play in this world, Zabuza. And we need your strength and wisdom now more than ever."
The room remained silent, the weight of the moment pressing down on everyone present. Malik's words hung in the air, a promise of new beginnings and the hope of redemption. As Zabuza processed her resurrection, the bonds between those in the room grew stronger, united by the shared experience of witnessing a true miracle.