The masked figure approached Zabuza's lifeless body, seemingly preparing to dispose of it. Kakashi's Sharingan remained active, and Team 7 watched from a distance, their guard slightly lowered after the intense battle.
But something gnawed at Hyuk's instincts. His sharp eyes caught the subtle movements in Zabuza's chest. He wasn't dead. It all felt like a ruse, a trick, and Hyuk wasn't about to let it play out.
"I'm not taking any chances," he whispered to himself.
Without hesitation, Hyuk made a rapid series of hand seals, channeling his chakra into an attack that wasn't just for subduing — it was to kill. Drawing from what he had learned from Zabuza's Water Dragon Jutsu, he unleashed his own version, infused with his Ice Release.
"Ice Release: Ice Dragon Decapitation!"
The massive, chilling dragon burst forth, coiling toward Zabuza and the masked figure with terrifying speed. Ice shards gleamed like deadly fangs as it hurtled toward them.
---
The masked figure barely had time to react, leaping out of the way as the icy dragon's head barreled toward Zabuza. The body of the infamous assassin lay motionless—until, with a sudden gasp, Zabuza's eyes snapped open.
His body moved, but it was too late.
Hyuk's ice dragon struck with precision, its cold fangs tearing through the air before slicing cleanly through Zabuza's neck. His head separated from his body in a single, fatal motion. Blood sprayed across the ground as the assassin's severed head fell to the side.
The masked figure's eyes widened in shock behind their mask. "Zabuza!" they shouted, scrambling to pull away from the terrifying dragon's aftermath.
---
Kakashi's eyes narrowed as he realized what had just happened. Hyuk's instinct and quick reaction had prevented a potential disaster. "So, he was alive after all…"
Naruto stood frozen, unable to believe what had just occurred. "D-Did Hyuk just—"
Sasuke clenched his fists. He had sensed the same feeling Hyuk had, but hadn't been quick enough to act. "Damn… Hyuk didn't hesitate."
Sakura, shocked at the brutal display, covered her mouth. "Zabuza's dead… for real."
The ice dragon dissipated into the cold mist, leaving the gruesome scene behind. Zabuza, the Demon of the Hidden Mist, had been slain — this time, with no chance of recovery.
---
The masked figure's posture shifted. They stood frozen for a moment, before quickly retreating, realizing there was nothing left for them to do. "You may have killed Zabuza, but this is far from over," they said coldly, disappearing into the trees with a swift movement.
Hyuk didn't reply. His eyes were still locked on the spot where Zabuza's lifeless body lay. There was no emotion on his face, only cold determination. He had done what needed to be done.
---
Kakashi approached, putting a hand on Hyuk's shoulder. "You acted quickly. If you hadn't realized Zabuza was still alive, things could've gone much worse."
Hyuk nodded silently, his gaze distant.
Naruto, still shaken by the sudden turn of events, muttered, "I thought… I thought we'd just knocked him out. I didn't think—"
"This is the reality of battle," Kakashi said, turning toward his team. "There are no second chances when your enemy is as dangerous as Zabuza."
Sasuke stood quietly, a mix of respect and wariness toward Hyuk brewing in his mind. "He didn't hesitate for a second," Sasuke thought, clenching his fists.