“Honored king…
I, Zabuza Momochi, your defeated opponent, humbly beg you!” “Mm~ Those words are quite pleasant to hear.
You have my permission to continue.” Akira stopped advancing and idly swung the chain in his hand.
“Haah…” Zabuza raised his head and released a long sigh before speaking in a grave voice.
“Those who kill must accept that they may one day be killed themselves.
As a shinobi, I have taken countless lives.
Today, I am prepared to die by your hand…” “But this one person…
Haku!” “In this bloody and merciless shinobi world, Haku is the only truly pure soul!” “An immense power lies hidden within Haku, yet he has never willingly harmed anyone!” “There is no one in this world who deserves death less than Haku!” Zabuza grew increasingly emotional, every word of his plea ringing with conviction.
“Is that so?” Akira turned his gaze toward Haku.
Sha Naqba Imuru: The Omniscient Omnipotent Star— It could see through everything, even revealing the deepest truths within a person’s soul.
“Oh!
It really is true~ What a beautifully pure soul.
Such an adorable person.” Akira raised his brows, interest gleaming within his crimson eyes.
“Mr.
Zabuza…” Haku gazed weakly at Zabuza, yet neither pain nor sorrow appeared on his face.
To Haku, Zabuza was the only place where he belonged.
As long as they remained together, it did not matter whether the road ahead led to life or death.
Either outcome would bring him happiness.
“Hehe~” The corners of Akira’s lips rose uncontrollably, as though he had thought of something exceptionally delightful.
“How about this?
I will give the two of you a choice.
Today, one of you may live.” Zabuza’s eyes widened.
“Do you mean that?” “That’s wonderful…
Mr.
Zabuza!
It seems I can still make one final sacrifice for you…” Haku struggled weakly to his feet, forcing a sorrowful smile onto his deathly pale face.
Whoosh— Akira withdrew the Chains of Heaven.
“…” The restraints around Zabuza disappeared.
For an instant, the thought of fleeing crossed his mind.
However, reason immediately told him that escape was impossible.
If Akira could capture him once, he could easily do it a second time.
The difference between their strength was as vast as heaven and earth.
Any resistance Zabuza attempted would be futile.
“You didn’t try to run.
You truly are a courageous shinobi!” Akira smiled and raised a thumb in praise.
A golden ripple appeared before him, and he reached inside to withdraw a blood-red spear.
Gáe Bolg— A demonic spear from Irish legend and a weapon governed by causality.
No matter how its target attempted to evade it, this Noble Phantasm would pierce its opponent.
Thud.
Akira tossed Gáe Bolg onto the ground in front of Zabuza.
“What an extraordinary weapon!” A sharp gleam flashed through Zabuza’s eyes.
Although he did not understand the demonic spear’s true power, he could easily tell that it was an artifact of the highest order.
The seven blades wielded by the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist could not even be compared to it.
Perhaps only the legendary Treasured Tools of the Sage of Six Paths could rival such a weapon.
“Choose~ Use this spear to kill one person.
Of course, you may also try using it against me.” Akira spoke with a pleasant smile.
Is this brat actually a demon?
Zabuza cursed inwardly, though he did not dare voice the thought aloud.
Akira naturally saw through him.
He adored the sensation of someone despising him yet being utterly powerless to do anything about it!
“…” Zabuza remained silent.
Holding the crimson demonic spear, he walked toward Haku one step at a time.
“Yes…
That’s right, Mr.
Zabuza.
As long as you kill me, you’ll be allowed to live…” Haku smiled miserably.
“Hmph!
Isn’t that only natural?
You are merely my tool!” Zabuza laughed loudly as he raised the crimson spear.
“Oh dear, oh dear~ How can something make me feel this delighted?” Akira covered his rapidly widening smile with both hands.
He could already foresee what was about to happen.
Squelch!
Without the slightest hesitation, Zabuza drove the crimson spear straight through his own chest.
Its razor-sharp tip pierced completely through his body before plunging into the ground beneath him.
“No!” Haku’s eyes widened as a heart-wrenching scream tore from his throat.
“MR.
ZABUZA!”