In the dense fog, Zabuza constantly shifted positions, launching tentative attacks against his enemy.
However, each time, his decapitating sword struck only empty air.
The less defense his opponent put up, the more cautious Zabuza became.
Whether it was the intense danger he felt during the first attack or the enemy's eerie demeanor, everything suggested that this might be a trap meant to lure him into making a move.
But if he continued to hesitate, not only would he endanger himself, but he would also be at risk when the enemy's allies arrived.
Suddenly, Zabuza took a deep breath, sheathing his decapitating sword and pulling out a short blade from his pocket.
Even knowing it might be a trap, he had to take the risk to discover what his opponent was planning. Otherwise, he would have to retreat immediately.
At this point, the impatient Hidan had to take matters into his own hands. He took out a jet-black spear and decided to inflict injuries on his own legs first to prevent Zabuza from escaping.
With the spear poised over his chest, targeting his heart, he slowly... painfully... began to thrust it in.
The agony from the wound made Hidan's expression one of extreme pleasure. He wanted Zabuza to experience the approach of death slowly, unable to prevent it, and watch in despair as he died.
But just as Hidan was savoring the moment, a fierce water dragon suddenly crashed into him!
The black spear was knocked from his hands, and he was thrown several meters away, crashing heavily to the ground.
The thick smoke began to dissipate...
Zabuza, on his hands and knees, coughed up several mouthfuls of blood.
He had narrowly avoided death, just barely escaping a fatal wound to his heart.
But even in such a dire situation, he remained calm.
He recalled how his enemy had previously drawn a symbol with blood on the ground and realized that the enemy's strange ability probably required being within that symbol to function.
So, he had gambled on this, using his water dragon technique.
And it seemed he had won the gamble.
The powerful water dragon not only knocked the opponent away but also inflicted significant damage on him.
However, the subsequent harm was no longer reflected back at Zabuza!
"Your technique has been seen through!" Zabuza's gaze was filled with murderous intent.
Despite his numerous injuries and internal organs being misaligned, he had no intention of retreating. Instead, he was determined to kill Hidan while he had the chance!
Coincidentally, Hidan had the same idea.
Either Zabuza would kill him, or he would kill Zabuza—there was no third option!
The damp, cold sea breeze howled between them, and the killing intent in the air was chilling!
"Why did you make yourself so miserable, Hidan?"
A voice suddenly cut through the tension, causing both Zabuza and Hidan to turn their attention.
"Shinsuke, don't interfere. I need him for the ritual!"
"Haku, what happened to you?"
As Shinsuke appeared carrying the injured Haku, the balance of victory had shifted completely in their favor.
"lord...Zabuza..."
A faint voice came from Haku.
"To have such strong will to stay conscious despite such severe injuries and my mixed toxins is truly impressive," Shinsuke said with genuine admiration.
With a bang!
Zabuza, with a fierce expression, pulled out his decapitating sword and slammed it heavily into the ground. "Give Haku back to me!"
"Hey, jerk! Your opponent is me!" Hidan shouted angrily.
But at this moment, Zabuza's eyes were only on Haku and Shinsuke, who held Haku's fate in his hands. He completely ignored Hidan's outburst.
Then Shinsuke suddenly spoke, "Since you both think I'm an unnecessary person here, let's make a deal."
Zabuza growled, "What kind of deal?"
"Give me your decapitating sword, and I'll return Haku to you. After that, I won't interfere in your battle. If you win, you can leave with your people. If you lose, you'll both die. Deal?"
"How can I trust you?"
"You can take a chance. The worst that can happen is the same situation as now. If I intervene, not only will this kid die right away, but you will die as well."
At this moment, Haku's weak voice came again, "Don't... worry about... me... quickly... leave... lord...Zabuza..."
Zabuza hesitated for a moment before throwing his decapitating sword into the air!