Kirito continued, "Never underestimate any opponent. Let's not talk about Zabuza for now. Kakashi is the type who gets stronger when facing a stronger opponent. He can hold his own against anyone. If you underestimate him, you might easily end up defeated."
"Take Zabuza, for instance. Those kids distracted Kakashi's attention, giving Zabuza the advantage to trap him with the Water Prison Technique," Kirito explained. "But Zabuza's arrogance put him at risk, and now this battle is already lost for him."
As they spoke, Kakashi copied Zabuza's Water Style: Great Waterfall Technique with his Sharingan, and used the jutsu to release a powerful wave, driving Zabuza to shore and slamming him against a tree. Kakashi then threw kunai, pinning Zabuza's limbs to the tree.
"It seems you're right," Pakura replied, glancing behind. "But it also seems someone's hiding behind us, listening in. Shall I take care of her?"
"No need. Let's go," Kirito instructed, his figure disappearing from the tree trunk.
After a moment's hesitation, Pakura followed closely behind.
Strictly speaking, Kirito's purpose for coming here, besides meeting an old friend, was also to save Haku and prevent a tragedy. Although he is not a saint, anyone who has read the original Naruto would feel sorry for Haku's death. This is also the second step in his plan to solve complicated issues—just as he did for Pakura. By saving Haku, Kirito could potentially add a capable ally for his dear Mizukage.
Not long after Kirito and Pakura left, Haku slowly emerged from behind a tree, bowing slightly in the direction they had gone before leaping toward Zabuza's location.
Elsewhere, Kirito and Pakura arrived at the residential area of the Wave Country.
Seeing the poverty-stricken atmosphere and struggling pedestrians around, Pakura couldn't help but ask, "Can you really make extra money in a place like this?"
"Of course," Kirito replied, sensing Haku and Zabuza's movements with his observation abilities. He smirked as they reached a small hot spring inn. Turning to Pakura, he asked, "Feel like taking a bath? My treat."
"A bath?" Pakura tilted her head.
Soon after, Kirito and Pakura had changed into bathrobes and entered the open-air hot spring.
"I'm sorry, sir," the innkeeper, an elderly woman, explained. "Due to the poverty in the Wave Country, we lack the funds to operate individual baths, so only a mixed bath is available."
"That's fine," Kirito said, pulling out a thick wad of bills. "Here's enough to cover your annual income. For the next week, don't let anyone else in."
The innkeeper, eyes wide with gratitude, bowed deeply and promised, "Thank you so much! I'll make sure you're not disturbed."
After she left, Kirito removed his robe, leaving only a white towel around his waist, and slipped into the hot spring with a contented sigh.
"Aren't you coming in?" Kirito asked, glancing at Pakura.
"Yes," Pakura responded, cheeks flushed as she shed her robe and stepped into the spring. Her towel covered her upper body as well, her figure outlined against the wet fabric.
"Relax," Kirito teased, observing her reaction. "It's not like it's the first time we've done this, and I won't bite."
A blush spread across Pakura's face as she hesitated before speaking timidly, "If Lord Kirito wishes, I'd be willing to do anything for you."
Kirito chuckled, reaching out and touching the pure gold ring that hung around her neck, a smile on his face. "You're still wearing this ring?"
"Yes, you told me to keep it on me at all times," Pakura replied, cheeks turning even redder.
"Come now, I've told you not to call me 'Lord,'" Kirito said, shaking his head.
"Lord Kirito, you saved my life, guided my training, and taught me ninjutsu. I owe you a lot and respect you greatly," Pakura replied, her voice full of sincerity.
"Alright, alright, suit yourself," Kirito sighed. He leaned back against the edge of the hot spring and closed his eyes, seemingly content.
A few moments later, he felt a warm presence behind him as Pakura wrapped her arms around his shoulders. "If Master Kirito wants, I would do anything for you," she whispered.
Kirito's blood quickened, but instead, he gently unwrapped her arms, draped her towel back over her shoulders, and smiled. "I know you want revenge, and I promised to help you. But don't let hatred turn you into someone you're not. I prefer the old Pakura."
Standing up, he added, "I'll go order some food. Take your time."
Leaving a dazed Pakura in the hot spring, Kirito exited, a playful smile tugging at his lips.
Meanwhile, Zabuza lay recuperating, and Kakashi was incapacitated, his chakra depleted from using the Sharingan. Naruto and Sasuke practiced tree climbing as instructed by Kakashi, while Sakura… relaxed.
The Wave Country remained quiet.
During that time, Kirito had slipped into Cardo's residence, activating the Sharingan to manipulate him into arranging for funds. A week later, Kirito and Pakura, now dressed in Akatsuki cloaks and wind chime hats, stood at the inn's entrance.
As the final battle between Kakashi, Sasuke, Zabuza, and Haku raged in the distance, Kirito handed Pakura a pack of storage scrolls. "Pakura, you know what to do. I'll meet you at the bridge."
"Leave it to me," she replied, taking the scrolls and disappearing.
Watching her go, Kirito chuckled. "After so many years in this world, doing so much for one person—especially for a boy, of all things."
With a smirk, he leaped toward the bridge.
(End of this chapter)
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