NOVEL WEB Ch10- Return to Mist
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Kai hefted Zabuza over his shoulder, his face betraying no emotion. The weight of the injured man was nothing compared to the burden of the mission he was tasked with. He carefully maneuvered Haku, who was still bound by the seals, to follow him closely. As they made their way through the dense forest toward the Hidden Mist Village, the rustling of leaves and the distant cries of animals filled the air. The tension between the three was palpable, yet Kai's focus remained unwavering.
Zabuza's voice, weak and strained from his injuries, broke the silence. "Release Haku," he begged, his tone a mix of desperation and resignation. His breathing was labored, and sweat dripped from his forehead. "He had nothing to do with the assassination. You have no reason to take him with us."
Kai remained silent, his expression unmoved. He considered Zabuza's words, weighing the implications. It was true that the new Mizukage had only asked for Zabuza, and he had no obligation to bring Haku with them. But he also knew that the boy was fiercely loyal to Zabuza, and there was no telling what he might do if left behind.
The forest around them seemed to close in, as if bearing witness to their conversation. The sun filtered through the trees, casting long shadows that danced with the gentle breeze. The scent of damp earth and foliage was thick in the air, a reminder of the hidden dangers that lurked within.
"Haku is my responsibility," Zabuza continued, his voice growing more insistent, a hint of anger creeping in. "He is not a part of this. Let him go."
Kai finally spoke, his voice calm and detached, like the surface of a still pond. "I will release him," he said simply, leaving no room for further discussion. As they continued through the forest, the sound of their footsteps muffled by the soft undergrowth, Kai abruptly stopped and turned to Haku.
"You are free to go," he said, his tone devoid of any emotion. He carefully removed the seals from Haku's body, allowing him to move freely once more.
Haku, his eyes wide with surprise and confusion, hesitated. He looked back and forth between Kai and Zabuza, his loyalty to the latter clearly evident. His breaths came in short, shallow gasps, as if the very air around him had grown thin.
"I won't leave him," Haku said firmly, his voice wavering slightly with emotion. "I'll go with him, no matter what."
Kai shook his head, his expression unchanging, like a stone statue carved from the cliffs. "That is not an option," he replied, the finality in his voice as cold as the steel of a blade. "I have been given a mission, and I will carry it out."
Haku's eyes hardened, and he moved into a fighting stance, every muscle in his body coiled and ready to strike. "Then I will fight you," he said, his voice filled with determination, the air around him crackling with energy.
Before Haku could make a move, Kai disappeared from sight with a burst of speed, leaving Haku alone in the middle of the forest. Zabuza had also vanished, taken away by the elusive Kai. Haku's expression turned to one of anguish and despair, his fists clenched at his sides, but he knew there was nothing he could do.
Meanwhile, Kai moved swiftly through the forest, carrying Zabuza with him. The journey back to the Hidden Mist Village was a long and treacherous one, but his speed and agility made it seem effortless. Zabuza, now conscious, remained defiant, his jaw clenched and his eyes narrowing as they cut through the dense foliage. He was clearly unhappy about being captured, but there was a sense of resignation in his gaze, as if he knew that he had no other choice.
As they neared the village, the mist that gave the Hidden Mist Village its name began to envelop them. The fog grew thicker, reducing visibility to mere feet, but Kai's senses were honed to a razor's edge, allowing him to navigate the treacherous terrain with ease.
Finally, they arrived at the gates of the Hidden Mist Village. The guards, recognizing Kai, opened the gates without hesitation. The village, nestled between the mountains and the sea, was shrouded in a perpetual mist that gave it an ethereal quality. The buildings were constructed of wood and stone, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The sound of water lapping against the shore filled the air, accompanied by the distant cries of seagulls.
They reached the Mizukage's office, a grand structure that towered over the rest of the village. Entering the dimly lit room, they were met with the imposing figure of Mei Terumi, the Fifth Mizukage. She sat behind a massive desk, her crimson hair cascading over her shoulders, her eyes fixed on Zabuza as he was brought before her.
"You've returned him to me," Mei said, her voice cold and detached, echoing through the chamber. "I expected no less from you, Kai. I trust you've informed him of the current situation?"
Kai nodded, his expression as impassive as ever. "He is aware that you are now the Mizukage," he replied, his tone equally devoid of emotion.
Mei's gaze lingered on Zabuza, who remained bound and silent. "Zabuza," she said, addressing him directly, "you were once loyal to me, but when you failed to assassinate the Fourth Mizukage, you chose to run. Now that I am in power, I want you to return to my side."
Zabuza met her gaze, his eyes filled with anger and defiance. "I failed because you hesitated," he spat, his voice dripping with contempt. "You were always more interested in playing political games than in actually leading this village."
Mei's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, it seemed as though she might lose her composure. But she quickly regained control, her expression returning to its usual cold, calculating demeanor. "Regardless of your past actions, I believe that you still possess value to this village," she said, her voice icy. "I am willing to offer you a chance at redemption, but you must prove your loyalty to me."
Zabuza snorted, his disdain for Mei palpable. "And why should I trust you?" he asked, his voice harsh and bitter. "You abandoned me when I needed your support the most."
Mei stared at him, her expression unreadable. "I did what was necessary to ensure the safety of the Hidden Mist Village," she replied, her voice steady and unwavering. "You have no reason to trust me, but you have even less reason to trust those who would seek to destroy us."
Zabuza was silent for a moment, his gaze locked with Mei's. Finally, he let out a bitter laugh. "You always did know how to manipulate people, Mei," he said, his voice filled with grudging admiration. "Fine. I'll return to your side. But know this: if you ever betray me again, I won't hesitate to come after you."
Mei's expression remained unchanged, her eyes fixed on Zabuza's face. "I wouldn't expect anything less," she replied, her voice calm and collected.
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