Chapter 33: The Bridge of Fate
Six days of intense training passed in a blur. On the evening of the sixth day, the door to Tazuna's house swung open to reveal a triumphant Uzumaki Naruto and a quietly satisfied Uchiha Sasuke. Their successful mastery of the tree-walking exercise was written plainly on their faces.
"Excellent work, both of you," Kakashi praised, his visible eye crinkling into a smile. "Your progress has been remarkable. Get a good night's rest. Tomorrow, we face Momochi Zabuza."
As the team prepared, Kamikawa Hiraoka watched them, a complex plan solidifying in his mind. The seven-day deadline had been his own invention, a convenient fiction to force the confrontation onto his own terms. He knew Zabuza would be ready by now, and the bridge was the perfect stage for the final act of his scheme.
Dawn broke over the half-finished bridge, its skeletal frame stretching over the misty water. As expected, two figures awaited them: the hulking form of Momochi Zabuza and the slender, masked presence of Haku.
"Zabuza," Kakashi called out, his voice cutting through the morning chill. "This is your last chance. Walk away now, and you keep your life."
His gaze then shifted to the masked boy. "And you. The charade is over."
Hiraoka's eyes met Haku's through the porcelain mask. No words were exchanged, but a silent understanding passed between them—today would decide everything.
Zabuza let out a derisive snort. "You Konoha dogs and your empty threats." He then pointed his massive blade at Hiraoka. "And you, brat. I warned you what would happen if I saw you again."
Hiraoka remained silent, a faint, knowing smile playing on his lips. Zabuza's refusal had been anticipated. The diplomatic approach was dead; now, only the ruthless plan remained.
Kakashi lifted his forehead protector, the Sharingan swirling to life. "Don't say I didn't warn you."
Zabuza merely grinned, hefting the Executioner's Blade. "Your eye means nothing if I don't look directly into it, Copy Ninja."
Just then, Uzumaki Naruto arrived in a puff of smoke, having dealt with Gato's thugs who had threatened Tazuna's family. The entire team was now assembled.
Seeing the pieces were all in place, Hiraoka stepped forward, positioning himself directly opposite Haku.
Haku's voice was cold and final. "There is no more need for words. We are enemies."
Hiraoka sighed, a theatrical gesture of regret. "It seems you've made your choice. A pity." He then glanced at his teammates. "Sasuke, Naruto. Protect Tazuna. I'll handle this one."
"What? No way!" Naruto yelled, stepping forward. "We're a team! We fight together! I'm not letting you take him on alone!" Naruto's loyalty to Hiraoka, the first person to truly acknowledge him, burned fiercely.
Uchiha Sasuke said nothing, but his eyes were fixed on Hiraoka with intense focus. This was the opportunity he had been waiting for—a chance to see the full extent of Hiraoka's power.
Haku didn't wait for them to decide. In a blur of motion, he closed the distance, his hands a flurry of movement as he launched a volley of senbon at point-blank range, aiming to incapacitate all three genin at once.
But Hiraoka was faster. Even as the needles flew, he had already vanished, reappearing directly behind Haku in a display of speed that made Sasuke's eyes widen.
The senbon harmlessly struck the ground where they had been standing, Naruto and Sasuke having dodged on instinct.
So fast, Haku thought, his mind reeling. He spun to face Hiraoka, who was now standing calmly behind him.
Leaning in close, Hiraoka whispered words meant only for Haku's ears, his voice a soft, chilling promise. "You forced this, Haku. Forgive me for what comes next. But one day, you will thank me."
Before Haku could process the threat, Hiraoka had already flashed back to his original position, leaving behind only the echo of his words and a deep sense of foreboding.
"The masked one is mine," Hiraoka declared, his voice leaving no room for argument. "Protect the client."
The battle for the bridge, and for the futures of Zabuza and Haku, had begun. And Kamikawa Hiraoka was right in the center of it, pulling all the strings.
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Which Chakra affinity would you pick? If given the chance to in real life? I would take lightning.
Well, This is the part where you Hand Over your Stones.