Chapter 11 - Haku

Zabuza gripped the handle of the decapitating sword, looking at the blade that was snapped by Furen's cherry blossom with a bit of confusion.

However, he didn't have too much time left. Kakashi, who had escaped from the water prison, released the jutsu above the sword handle.

"Nice job!" Kakashi whispered, then stepped in front of Furen to confront Zabuza.

Forgetting his pain over the decapitating sword, Zabuza took a step back and quickly began forming hand seals.

Pig, Monkey, Tiger, Rat, Pig…

As Zabuza formed the seals, Kakashi also began to copy him with his Sharingan, matching his speed perfectly!

"Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique!"

Kakashi and Zabuza shouted simultaneously!

Two mighty water dragons rose behind them and charged forward, completely cancelling each other out.

Zabuza quickly formed seals again, while Kakashi frantically copied him, continuously exchanging techniques with neither side gaining the upper hand.

Feeling his chakra depleting, Zabuza took a few steps back, deciding to use his ultimate technique.

However, just as he finished forming the seals, Kakashi managed to complete his seals even faster, seizing the initiative.

"Water Release: Great Waterfall Technique!"

Kakashi shouted, and suddenly the water on the ground surged like crashing waves towards Zabuza, soaking the nearby land and toppling many trees in the process.

As the Great Waterfall Technique surged towards Zabuza, several shurikens accurately pierced his body.

After the waves calmed, Kakashi coldly stated from a tree behind Zabuza, "You're dead."

Just as Kakashi was about to throw the shuriken in his hand at Zabuza, a few sudden flying needles pierced his neck, killing him instantly.

Furen looked over to see a long-haired woman in a mask standing on a tree—it was Haku.

As Furen glanced at Haku, Haku also noticed his presence.

At this moment, after the battle, Furen was drenched from head to toe, his hair disheveled, yet he didn't appear the least bit flustered; instead, he gave off an air of extra nonchalance.

...

Ding!

Haku's favorability towards you: 5%

Congratulations, host, you have unlocked a new target for pursuit.

...

The system's voice echoed in Furen's mind, and he finally breathed a sigh of relief. After all, there had been much debate about Haku's gender in his previous life. Seeing Haku in person left no room for doubt.

After all… there were clearly two undeveloped buds on her chest; how could she possibly be male?

Taking advantage of the moment, Kakashi jumped down from the tree and checked Zabuza for any signs of life.

"Dead." Kakashi sighed in relief.

Haku, who stood on the tree, took a few more glances at Furen before jumping down to stand next to Kakashi. "Thank you so much! I've been looking for an opportunity to ensure Zabuza's death."

Kakashi remained cautious and said, "That mask you're wearing… you're from the Mist Village's assassination unit, aren't you?"

"Impressive… you know that as well," Haku said respectfully, lowering her head.

At this moment, Furen walked over from the water, confidently extending his hand towards Haku. "Hello, I'm Furen Tsukiyo. Nice to meet you."

Caught off guard by the sudden greeting, Haku fell silent.

Kakashi interjected, "The assassination unit of the Mist Village doesn't reveal their identities…"

Before Kakashi could finish, Haku unexpectedly reached out and shook Furen's hand. "I'm Haku."

Kakashi: "…"

So good-looking gets this treatment, huh?

Seeing Haku, Kakashi confirmed her gender.

Haku's favorability towards you: 10%

As Haku shook hands with Furen, she felt a bit off today; she usually never interacted with anyone other than Zabuza. Yet, for some reason, encountering this Leaf Ninja gave her a sense of security.

Much like the feeling of security she had with Zabuza.

"Your battle is over, right? I still need to handle the body! It holds too many secrets…" After releasing Furen's hand, Haku lifted Zabuza's corpse and turned to Furen, saying, "Furen-kun, nice to meet you."

After saying that, Haku vanished in a puff of mist with Zabuza's body, leaving behind the decapitating sword with its broken blade.

"That's too bad…" Kakashi remarked as he looked at the decapitating sword on the ground. He knew it was a symbol of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen and was surprised that such a blade had been broken by Furen.

Furen looked at the broken decapitating sword and felt a surge of understanding. It seemed Kakashi and Haku were unaware that the decapitating sword had a self-repairing ability.

The decapitating sword could absorb the iron from the blood of enemies, allowing it to repair itself and recover vitality.

"Since that's the case, I'll gladly accept it," Furen thought, then went to pick up the broken decapitating sword.

"Teacher Kakashi, can I have this broken sword? I want to study its material," Furen asked.

Kakashi nodded. "Although it's broken, this sword still has significant value. It's called the Decapitating Sword; take good care of it."

"Okay."

Furen nodded, placing the decapitating sword into his space scroll.

Then… Furen gazed into the distance, mentally reciting.

"Mind Body Chaos Technique."

Haku, not noticing Zabuza's eyes suddenly opening briefly before quickly closing again, continued on her way.

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A/N:

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