Chapter 31: A Dangerous Negotiation
Hiraoka's playful demeanor vanished, replaced by a mask of serious intent. Is that really the most pressing question right now? he thought, exasperated. Still, he kept his tone light and diplomatic.
"Why would I be from Kirigakure?" he replied with a disarming smile. "My allegiance is quite clearly to Konoha."
Haku's eyes narrowed. "You came here alone. Aren't you afraid I'll kill you to silence you?"
Without a hint of fear, Hiraoka closed the distance between them, leaning in so his words were a soft murmur next to Haku's ear. "I'm not afraid. I have a feeling you're not the type to kill without a compelling reason." Despite his confident words, he subtly channeled chakra throughout his body, ready to react in an instant if Haku decided his "compelling reason" had just presented itself.
A faint blush colored Haku's cheeks at the proximity and the boldness of the statement. No one, least of all the stern Zabuza, had ever spoken to him in such an intimate, teasing manner. He was completely disarmed.
"You're even more captivating when you're flustered," Hiraoka added, pushing his luck with a charming, roguish grin.
The blush on Haku's face deepened. He took a half-step back, struggling to regain his composure. "W-What is it you actually want from me?" he stammered, the cold hunter-nin facade crumbling.
Perfect, Hiraoka thought. Just as planned. I've got him off-balance.
His expression sobered. "I want you to abandon the mission to assassinate Tazuna."
The shift was instantaneous. The shyness evaporated from Haku's face, replaced by a glacial coldness. "Did Kakashi send you to say this?" he demanded, his eyes darting around the clearing, searching for an ambush.
"Kakashi knows nothing," Hiraoka said, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper as he leaned in again. "It's just me. And you should believe me."
Haku took several quick steps back, putting a clear distance between them. He studied Hiraoka, his expression unreadable.
"The mission is one thing," Hiraoka continued, his tone becoming persuasive. "But my real proposal is for you. Leave Momochi Zabuza. Come with me instead. I can offer you a future where you're more than just a tool. A future where you can truly live—"
He was cut off by the sudden, deafening whistle of a massive blade cutting through the air. Hiraoka didn't need to turn; his heightened senses had already registered the attack. He fluidly sidestepped, and the Executioner's Blade slammed into the ground where he had been standing, cleaving the earth.
Momochi Zabuza stood there, his large form radiating menace despite his bandages. He ignored Hiraoka for a moment, his gaze flicking to Haku. "You were gone too long," he grunted, a simple statement that betrayed his underlying concern.
"Zabuza-sama! Your injuries!" Haku cried out, rushing to his side.
Zabuza finally turned his full attention to Hiraoka, his eyes promising violence. "Listen, you Konoha brat. I'm letting you live today. But if our paths cross again, I'll carve you into pieces."
Hiraoka said nothing, merely offering a placid smile. Internally, he was seething. You're in no condition to be making threats. Your bravado is as transparent as glass.
It was clear now. The first plan—the diplomatic approach—had failed. They were too entrenched in their dynamic, too bound by their own codes.
So be it, Hiraoka decided, his mind already shifting gears. We'll do this the hard way. The second plan was ruthless and carried a high risk, but it was also the most direct path to securing their loyalty. It would require precise timing and one of the forbidden jutsu he had copied from the scroll.
Zabuza turned away. "We're leaving, Haku."
"Yes, Zabuza-sama." Haku obediently moved to support him, but not before casting one last, complex look at Hiraoka.
As they disappeared into the forest, the smile finally melted from Hiraoka's face, replaced by a look of cold calculation. He watched them go, his mind already replaying the intricate hand seals and chakra pathways of a specific, powerful forbidden technique. He would bide his time, wait for the perfect moment, and then he would make his move. The game was far from over.
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Smash or Pass Haku?
STONESSSSSS