Ninshu

As the ice encased Haku and Zabuza, Haku turned his head to face Naruto, a serene smile on his face. He whispered softly, "I'm sorry I can't see you realize your dream," before the ice completely enveloped them, sealing their fate.

In the tranquil world of Ninshu, Zabuza suddenly opened his eyes to find himself in a vast, white space. He blinked in confusion and realized that he was resting on his back, with his head resting gently on Haku's lap. Zabuza couldn't comprehend where they were and asked Haku, "Where are we?"

Haku looked at Zabuza with a calm expression and replied, "We're in a world where our souls connect, Zabuza-sama. It's a place I heard about in legends, a spiritual space, known as the mindscape. born from the power of Ninjutsu ane our mind, it's a way to connect people's souls. Ninshu"

Zabuza's gaze softened as he processed the information. "Ninshu, you say? What's the purpose of this place?"

Haku smiled gently, his voice carrying warmth. "It's a world where we can find understanding, even in the midst of conflict. Here, we can finally communicate our feelings, thoughts, and regrets without any barriers."

Zabuza's eyes met Haku's, and he felt a profound sense of connection. "Haku... I have so many things to say, so many regrets."

Haku nodded, a gentle smile in his eyes. "I know, Zabuza-sama. Let's use this opportunity to find closure."

Zabuza's voice was full of emotions as he confessed, "I regret not listening to you. I should have never listened to that Witch. I should have listened to your words and chased her away."

Haku's gaze held unwavering compassion as he replied, "It's okay, Zabuza-sama. What's more important is that you were able to free yourself from her control. I'm glad i could be the weapon that saved you."

Zabuza's expression contorted with pain as he admitted, "Don't. It's been so long since I saw you as just a weapon. You became my most cherished pupil, the reason I wanted to liberate the Land of Water."

"Even from the first day, I never wanted you to be a weapon. I just couldn't express what was inside. "

Haku began by reminiscing about the day they first crossed paths. "I remember that day when you found me, Zabuza-sama. I was just a lost and lonely child, trying to survive in a world that had rejected me. You saw potential in me when no one else did."

Zabuza's gaze softened as he recalled that moment. "I knew you were special from the start."

Haku smiled, a bittersweet expression on his face. "You gave me a purpose, Zabuza-sama. You became my reason to live and fight. But I also saw something in you—a man burdened by the cruel world, striving to change it."

Zabuza nodded, acknowledging the truth in Haku's words. "I wanted to create a world where people like you wouldn't have to suffer, but in the end, I couldn't. it's a world where the strong would rule, that's why I believed in strength above all else."

Haku's smile remained, but there was sadness in his eyes. "And yet, despite your harsh exterior, you showed me kindness and cared for me like no one ever had. You were the first person to find value in me, my most 'precious.' "

Zabuza's voice softened as he replied, "Haku….You were precious to me, too. You became like a son to me, and I cherished our time together."

Haku's eyes glistened with unshed tears as he continued, "I always wanted to protect you, Zabuza-sama, to be your shield. That's why I did what I did on the bridge, even though it meant going against your wishes."

Zabuza reached out and gently touched Haku's cheek. "You were always so selfless, Haku. You saved me from a path of darkness. I regret the pain I caused you."

"I'm just glad you stopped me "

Haku shook his head, a small smile appearing. "There's no need for regrets, Zabuza-sama. Our time together, the bond we share, it was all worth it."

Zabuza's eyes softened further as he whispered, "Thank you, Haku, for showing me the true meaning of strength and for being my most cherished pupil."

"Hey zabuza-sama, would you like to hear about the new friend i made ? "

"friend ? tell me "

"When i thought i lost you, he came to me, and gave me a ray of light, just like you did that day, in that snowy winter "

Haku spoke with fondness in his voice, "Zabuza-sama, you would have found Naruto Uzumaki quite interesting. He's a spirited and charismatic young ninja, despite being a bit of an 'idiot,' as his friends sometimes calls him."

Zabuza raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "An idiot, dont tell it was that idiotic loud blond ?"

Haku chuckled softly. "Yes, but it's part of his charm. Naruto has this incredible energy and charisma that draws people to him. He has a way of making you believe in his dreams and ambitions."

"He also likes to boast. He kept telling stories about how he was in the academy, but I think they would fit sasuke-san more... " 

"Did you tease him about it ? " 

"No, it was a bit silly and cute, especially when i know he thought i was a girl, Teehee "

"Haaa…you never change. Such a black bellied behavior. i can only guess the shock "

"Haha, he was pretty shocked. that's why i teached him a ninjutsu, we had so much fun together " 

 "Now you are making me jealous. i'm glad you were not born a girl "

"Haha, why so, zabuza-sama ? 

Zabuza, wearing a sour expression, commented wryly, "because the way you describe it, it sounds like you're describing a rogue who stole my cherished grown cabbages."

Haku burst into laughter, shaking his head. "No, Zabuza-sama, not quite like that. Naruto is genuine and has a heart of gold. He reminds me a bit of you, actually."

Zabuza's expression shifted to one of disbelief. "Me? That orange-clad brat reminds you of me?"

Haku nodded, still smiling. "Yes, in some ways. He has your determination and willingness to stand up for what he believes in, even if he's a bit... unconventional."

"He's like a whirlwind of energy and determination. His dream is to become the Hokage, and he'll stop at nothing to achieve it. Naruto has this way of connecting with people, even those who initially doubted him."

Zabuza couldn't help but snort at the comparison. "Well, I suppose even I had my moments of being unconventional."

Haku laughed softly. "Of course, Zabuza-sama. But he's a kid with a heart that's bigger than most adults'. I think you would have liked him."

"I also met other people ! " 

As Haku continued to talk about Team 7, Zabuza listened attentively, a warm smile on his face. Haku's stories painted a vivid picture of the young ninja he had encountered during their mission, and it was clear that Haku held a deep admiration for them.

Haku recounted their interactions with each member of Team 7, starting with Sakura Haruno, the pink-haired kunoichi. "Sakura-chan is a skilled medic-nin and incredibly intelligent. She's also very caring and protective of her teammates. she don't show it, but she cares a lot about Naruto."

Zabuza nodded, taking in the information. "A medic-nin, huh? She sounds useful. and at her place i would worry having such an idiot teammate "

Haku continued, "Then there's Sasuke Uchiha, the last surviving member of the Uchiha clan. He's an immensely talented ninja with a strong desire for power. Sasuke and Naruto have a bit of a rivalry going on."

Zabuza's smile remained, and he mused, "Sounds like quite the team."

Haku nodded, his eyes reflecting the memories. "Yes, they are. i really enjoyed meeting them "

Zabuza placed a hand on Haku's shoulder, a gesture of understanding. "I'm glad you had fun, Haku."

As Haku's body began to slowly dissipate, he came to a somber realization. With a bitter smile, he turned to Zabuza and said, "It's time, Zabuza-sama."

Zabuza's expression turned complex, a mix of emotions flooding his features. He couldn't bear to lose Haku again, not after they had found this moment of connection. "Isn't there any way to save you?" he asked, desperation in his voice.

Haku shook his head gently, his serene smile never wavering. "I'm afraid not, Zabuza-sama. This technique was something I developed when I witnessed the witch's control over her men. I created it just in case she targetted us, and I only managed to complete it after meeting Naruto."

Zabuza's eyes welled up with a mixture of gratitude and sorrow. He reached out to touch Haku's fading form but found that his hand passed through it. "I'm glad I could give my life to protect you one last time," Haku whispered.

As Haku's form continued to fade away, he turned to Zabuza with a gentle smile and asked, "Zabuza-sama, if you were ever to become a father, would you prefer a boy or a girl?"

Zabuza's eyes softened, and he thought for a moment before answering, "I think I'd like a cute daughter who resembles you."

Haku chuckled softly, shaking his head. "You're silly," he teased. " I'm a boy."

Zabuza chuckled too, realizing his mistake. "Right, you are. My apologies."

Haku's smile grew even brighter, and he said, "If I were ever reborn, I hope..." He paused for a moment, his expression filled with warmth. "...I hope I can meet you again, Zabuza-sama."

With those heartfelt words, Haku's form finally dissipated completely, leaving Zabuza alone in the tranquil world of Ninshu, carrying the memory of their bond and the hope of a reunion in another lifetime.

Zabuza awoke in the midst of the ice column, feeling the coldness that surrounded him. With a tired expression, he began to channel his power, using it to gradually break free of the icy prison. His movements were deliberate and focused, and he made sure to protect Haku's ice statue from any harm.

As the ice cracked and shattered, Zabuza emerged from the column, his breath visible in the frigid air. He stood there for a moment, gazing at Haku's serene smile preserved in ice, a silent promise in his heart to cherish the memory of their bond.

Annoyed by the voice of a noisy insect and with a heavy heart, Zabuza turned away from the ice statue, knowing that he had a duty to fulfill. He was free, but the journey continued, and he couldn't allow Haku's sacrifice to be in vain.