Chapter 194: The Hungry Boy Feeding a Cat

Chapter 194: The Hungry Boy Feeding a Cat

Unexpectedly, while heading toward Sambongi Town, Haneda found that Zabuza was still following him.

Haneda knew that the casual display of his strength along the way could easily kill Zabuza many times over, yet Zabuza continued to trail him. Haneda didn't quite understand, but he also didn't care. Zabuza wasn't his target, and he could use the Flying Thunder God technique to deal with him instantly if needed. So, he simply let him be.

Haneda knew that in his childhood, before his Ice Release abilities were revealed, Haku had lived in a snowy town. Even while wandering as a beggar, he had stayed in snow-covered places. Based on this, Haneda figured Haku would be somewhere in a village or town that had constant snow, which was why he was heading to Sambongi Town.

Suddenly, Haneda sensed a unique chakra presence that differed from Water and Wind chakra. This energy felt similar to the Ice Release chakra he used with his own Shinra Bansho.

"Today's luck isn't bad at all," he thought, following the presence to an alley where a raggedly dressed boy was rummaging through trash.

The boy finally pulled out a half-eaten, dirt-streaked piece of bread, smiling despite its state. Just as he was about to take a bite, a skinny black cat looked at him longingly.

"You're hungry too?" the boy asked, stroking the cat's head. He tore off half of the bread and gave it to the cat. "I'm sorry; this is all I have."

The cat took the bread and left, leaving the boy watching it go, mumbling to himself, "Did I give it too little...?" He crouched down, breaking off another piece, though the cat was already gone. Eventually, he ate the bread himself, gazing into the empty street where the cat had disappeared.

"Your body looks in poor shape, practically skin and bones from hunger."

The boy looked up to see a young man with long black hair, a white shirt, and a sword at his waist staring at him intently.

"Are you...worried about me, mister?" the boy asked with a hopeful look. It had been a long time since anyone had spoken to him; his only companions had been the street's stray cats and rats—though often, not even the rats.

"Why, when you're so hungry yourself, would you give your last food to a cat?" Haneda asked as he walked over, looking at the boy's innocent, gentle eyes. "The stray cats take your food and don't even thank you."

"I… I just wanted to help it… It needed me," the boy stammered, clearly excited and nervous as he struggled to put his thoughts into words.

"What's your name?" Haneda asked, still unsure if this boy was Haku.

"My name is Haku," the boy answered cautiously.

"Come with me. Your Kekkei Genkai can help me, and I need you." Haneda reached down, patting Haku's head, though he noted how dirty his hand got. He began considering whether to take him to a bathhouse or a restaurant first.

"Mister, what's your name?" Haku asked quietly.

"Haneda, Uchiha Haneda." Standing up, Haneda dusted off his hands and clarified, "Also, I'm a ninja from Konoha, not a samurai. Now, let's go get you a meal and a bath."

"Yes, Mr. Haneda!" Haku eagerly followed, his steps light with joy. Haneda was the first person to tell him he was needed, a powerful ninja unafraid of his abilities.

Haneda brought Haku into a nearby restaurant. The owner was initially unwelcoming toward Haku, but his attitude softened as Haneda showed him some silver bills.

Seeing the change in the owner's demeanor, Haku asked curiously, "Mr. Haneda, why did that person dislike me at first and then suddenly didn't?"

Haneda smiled. "It's like that cat you fed earlier. When it's hungry, it needs food, so even if it doesn't like you, it will approach you for food. Money works the same way for people. Feelings can be influenced by money, though this mostly applies to ordinary people."

"So, are you only willing to be close to me because you need me?" Haku asked with his wide, innocent eyes.

Haneda glanced at him, smiled, and replied, "For now, you could say that."

Haku picked up on the words "for now," silently making up his mind: "I have to make sure Mr. Haneda always needs me!"

Actually, "for now" wasn't just about Haku's Ice Release ability. Haneda thought he might develop a stronger bond with Haku over time. Haku's gentle nature reminded him somewhat of Minato, and Haneda was moved when he saw Haku feeding the cat. He liked this kind, yet slightly fragile, boy.

The restaurant owner began bringing out the dishes Haneda had ordered, filling the table. The delicious smell filled the air, and Haku's mouth watered as he held his chopsticks, though he didn't dare eat, fearing it might displease Haneda.

Haneda noticed and asked with a smile, "What's wrong? Don't you like this food?"

"It's all my favorite, Mr. Haneda. As long as you picked it, I like it," Haku replied.

"Then go ahead. This was all ordered for you."

"Really?" Haku looked up at Haneda, his eyes welling up with tears. Other than his late mother, no one had ever shown him such kindness.

"Go on, eat. Just take it slow so you don't choke," Haneda said gently.

"Yes, Mr. Haneda!" Haku began to eat, his hunger nearly driving him to devour the food in a rush, but he remembered Haneda's instructions and slowed down. The care in Haneda's words reminded him of his mother, who had once spoken to him the same way.

Tears started streaming down Haku's face as he ate. Haneda watched him, recalling his experiences in the Land of Waves and the Land of Rain. Many people there struggled just to survive, their poverty worsened by war and harsh policies.

Haku, like Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan, was a pitiful, wandering child shaped by the harshness of life.

Seeing Haneda's thoughtful expression, Haku asked, "Mr. Haneda, are you worried about something?"

Haneda glanced at Haku, replying, "Yes. Even though it's not my responsibility, I still think about making a change."

Haku said firmly, "Then I'll definitely help you make that change, Mr. Haneda!"