Haku. Cute?

As Kirito spoke mocking words, Zabuza doubted his own life amidst the fierce battle.

Swish!

A man in a cat-faced mask and dark ninja clothes suddenly appeared on a large tree. Without a word, he casually threw two silver needles.

The high-speed needles pierced Zabuza's bruised neck.

Seeing this, everyone's eyes widened in shock.

Naruto and Sasuke exchanged looks, both stunned by the man's sudden appearance and the casual way he took down Zabuza, a Jonin-level ninja.

"So strong!" Naruto muttered, his voice tinged with surprise.

Sasuke remained silent, but his eyes remained cold as he scrutinized the mysterious figure.

"Who is that?" Sakura asked, her voice laced with caution.

The ninja on the tree didn't respond to the trio. Instead, he turned to look at Kirito, his face calm.

"Sir, I apologize," he said. "I killed him without your consent."

Kirito smiled faintly, already recognizing the person before him.

The ninja continued, "Thank you for your help. But Zabuza is a fugitive from our Kirigakure. I am a hunting ninja from the village. His body must be disposed of."

Kirito nodded. "I understand."

Naruto, still confused, asked, "What's a hunting ninja?"

Sakura explained, "Hunting ninjas are members of a special force, the 'Fire Brigade.' They are tasked with eliminating rogue ninjas and disposing of their bodies to prevent any village secrets from being leaked."

Naruto's face remained puzzled. "Why dispose of the bodies?"

Sasuke, who had regained some strength, clarified, "Every ninja village has its secrets. Fleeing ninjas could take these secrets with them. To protect their village's information—whether it's about chakra, physical skills, or genjutsu—the bodies must be destroyed."

Naruto's eyes widened as he realized. "I see… But how do you know all this?"

Sakura shot him an annoyed glance. "It's all in the Ninja Academy curriculum. You sleep through it every day."

The masked ninja, ignoring their conversation, checked Zabuza's body, then carried it away. Within moments, he disappeared into the woods.

As Zabuza and the ninja left, Kirito remained silent, his eyes narrowing slightly. He turned to Naruto and the others.

"Continue your journey to the Land of Waves and protect Mr. Dazna."

Without another word, Kirito vanished.

Meanwhile, in a secluded part of the forest, the hunting ninja—who was really Zabuza's subordinate, Haku—laid Zabuza's body on the ground. He carefully removed the two silver needles from Zabuza's neck.

Seconds later, Zabuza's eyes shot open, and he gasped for air.

"Still wearing that mask in front of me?" Zabuza growled, glaring at Haku.

Haku, his mask now off, smiled. "It's the identity I used before. I'm glad I was able to save you."

Zabuza slowly stood up, shaking his head. "What a terrifying guy. You saw the whole battle, didn't you?"

Haku's face turned serious. "That guy's body seems impervious to your attacks. But his own blows are real. His strength and speed surpass that of most Jonin. We have no chance against him."

Zabuza's expression darkened. "But what about the mission? Kado will be angry if we fail."

"I'll lead him away," Haku suggested, "and you can finish the job."

However, before they could leave, an eerie voice echoed in their minds.

"Such a cute face. It must be a boy!"

Both Zabuza and Haku froze, their hearts pounding as they turned to see Kirito standing before them. He casually walked up, hands in his pockets, his sunglasses reflecting the light.

Haku, ready for a fight, gathered silver needles in his hand.

"You don't want to resist," Kirito said, his voice calm. "I heard everything you said. Distribute your weapons, and we can talk. Maybe you'll have a chance to survive."

Zabuza knew what Kirito meant. Even in his prime, he stood no chance against the man in front of him. Now, with Haku by his side, they were still powerless. They were mere prey.

Zabuza pushed Haku's hand down, signaling him to hold off.

"What do you want?" Zabuza asked, his voice steady but wary.

Kirito smiled faintly. "How did you get my information?"

Zabuza narrowed his eyes. "From Konoha. As for who sent the message, I don't know."

Kirito frowned. "I see. So, it was someone in Konoha. It must have been Danzo."

Zabuza didn't respond, but Kirito knew he was telling the truth. The only person in Konoha with the resources to leak such information was Danzo.

"Are you willing to become my subordinate, Zabuza?" Kirito asked calmly. "You and Haku could join me in the shadows. I can guarantee your safety. You have two seconds to decide. If you refuse, you'll die."

Zabuza and Haku exchanged looks, the weight of the decision settling in. In the end, knowing they had no other option, they nodded.

"Alright," Zabuza said grimly. "We'll join you."

Kirito's expression remained unchanged as he gave them his answer. "Good. Now, follow me."