Emerging from Gato's building, the group marched majestically into the deep, secluded part of the forest. As they ventured deeper, the light gradually became dim and dappled.
Towering trees stood tall, their dense branches forming a colossal net that almost completely blocked out the sunlight, making the area exceptionally cold.
Even though it was clear skies when she first arrived, Chizhao couldn't help but feel a chill creep in as soon as she stepped into the depths of this dense forest.
In this gloom, a peculiar structure resembling a gigantic spinning top came into view.
It clung steadily to a tree trunk, with the dim surrounding light playing across its surface, like a massive cocoon, exuding an air of profound mystery, as if something unsettling was gestating within.
The people of this place still maintained a deferential attitude towards Gato; they bowed and stooped, guiding the group through winding corridors until they finally reached Zabuza's dwelling.
The door was unceremoniously opened by a guard, and the group followed Gato inside.
The interior space was vast, surrounded by transparent glass, and the tree trunks outside, like silent observers, quietly watched everything within the room.
Zabuza lay weakly on the bed, his face as pale as paper, while Haku sat quietly beside him, showing no reaction to the intrusion of the people behind them.
The moment Gato stepped into the room, a sneer curled on his lips, and his tone was full of mockery:
"I didn't expect you to return defeated as well. Hidden Mist Village Ninja are truly useless." He continued to scoff,
"And you even call yourself the 'Demon,' how laughable."
Zabuza lay silently on the bed, but Haku, sitting beside him, could not tolerate Gato insulting Zabuza in such a way. He suddenly stood up and asked in a low voice:
"Should I make a move?"
Gato's guards immediately became alert, and two Ronin quickly drew their Samurai swords, the atmosphere instantly becoming tense.
Only Chizhao seemed aloof, showing no reaction at all.
Zabuza's gaze swept over everyone, finally settling on Chizhao, who wore a Konoha forehead protector.
He frowned slightly, then noticed a black electric collar around her fair neck, and couldn't help but sneer inwardly.
Ha, Gato's lackey?
He shot Haku a look.
Haku slightly tilted his head and also noticed that Konoha Ninja, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.
"What's wrong? Are you already this injured?" Gato, unafraid of death, stepped out of the protection of the crowd: "It's impossible that you can't even say a word, right?"
He stood before Zabuza's bed and extended his rough left hand towards Zabuza's neck. Haku's eyes narrowed, filled with anger, as he moved to grab Gato's wrist.
"Don't touch Zabuza with your dirty hands!"
But in the next second, his wrist was firmly clamped by a powerful force.
What?
Both Zabuza and Haku were startled.
They saw that the Konoha Ninja had appeared beside them at some point, preventing Haku from grabbing Gato's wrist.
Chizhao gazed at Haku's delicate face and slowly said:
"I apologize, but I must ensure the safety of Lord Gato."
This action brought the frightened Gato back to his senses, and he revealed a smug, triumphant smile:
"Well done, Aozora! I've truly found a treasure, hahahaha!"
Releasing Haku's slender wrist, even face to face, Chizhao still couldn't believe that such a beautiful face belonged to a boy.
"It was merely a setback," Zabuza's low voice broke the tense atmosphere in the room: "Next time, I will bring his head directly to you."
He gripped the Kunai hidden under the covers, glaring at Gato, his eyes gleaming with a cold light.
He was injured now, and if Haku clashed with them head-on, it would likely result in another mutual defeat.
Moreover, that Konoha Ninja...
"Hmph! If you fail again next time, forget about the reward I promised you, you won't even have a place here! Let's go!"
Gato flicked his sleeve and led everyone out of Zabuza's room.
Chizhao exchanged glances with Haku, sensing a hint of scrutiny in his brown eyes.
Thinking of the battle with Team 7 a week later, where both of them died on the bridge, and Zabuza's unspoken feelings, Chizhao made further adjustments to her plan.
Following Gato out of the building, Chizhao's right hand clutched the electric collar around her neck, her eyes fixed on Gato's back.
The tragic living conditions of the Land of Waves islanders, the fishermen oppressed by him, the desolate streets, and the signs saying "willing to do anything" all flashed before her eyes.
At this moment, an idea sparked in her mind, and she decided to take a gamble.
"Lord Gato," she respectfully lowered her head, her tone sincere, "I have something I wish to say to you."
Gato was quite pleased with Chizhao's recent "protective" action. He stood before her, composed, his tone light:
"What is it?"
"Since Zabuza is severely injured, why don't we just kill him?"
Gato paused, thought for a moment, and came up with a way to save money and kill Tazuna. And even if it failed, he could continue to have Zabuza fight for him without being affected.
A cunning and treacherous light gleamed behind Gato's dark lenses.
"That makes sense. In that case, to prove your loyalty, I'll give you three days to find an opportunity to kill them. Afterward, help me kill Tazuna, and I'll grant you anything you desire."
Chizhao nodded slightly, her voice cold: "I understand."
Then Gato turned and walked a few steps with his subordinates, but as if remembering something, he looked back at Chizhao, shaking the remote control in his hand.
"A word of caution: don't think about playing tricks with me. There's a bomb on your collar, you know."
After saying that, he let out a vulgar laugh and walked out of the forest under the protection of his men.
Tch! I didn't expect that scoundrel Gato to have a trick up his sleeve.
Fortunately, this didn't affect her plan.
After watching the pests leave, she returned to the building, standing once again outside Zabuza's room, her right hand on the doorknob.
After the recent conflict, Zabuza probably had become more wary of her. Perhaps Haku was behind the door, armed with steel needles, ready for anything.
Taking a deep breath and slowly exhaling, Chizhao gently pushed open the door.
Swish, swish, swish!
The sound of sharp objects cutting through the air rapidly assailed her. Fortunately, Chizhao had already prepared herself mentally and agilely dodged.
A slender steel needle streaked across her vision, its force seemingly intent on turning her into a hornet's nest on the spot.
"Hey, hey, hey! Wait a minute, wait a minute! Can you just let me say something first!"
Haku stood before Zabuza's bed, each of his ten fingers clutching sharp steel needles, in a defensive stance.
"What could you possibly have to say? You're just Gato's lackey! Die!"
Haku remained unmoved, and the steel needles rained down again.
As Chizhao deftly dodged, she drew a Kunai and deflected the steel needles one by one. Haku, guarding Zabuza's bedside, was like a loyal hound, not allowing outsiders to come even an inch closer.
"I know your opponent is Kakashi Hatake, and I know you took this mission for money!"
Chizhao rolled aside, put away her Kunai, and unstrapped the short sword from her back. To show her sincerity, she stood up with open arms, completely defenseless:
"If you cooperate with me, I can help you acquire all of Gato's assets!"
"Stop, Haku."
A steel needle pierced Chizhao's arm. She let out a muffled groan, looking at Haku, who had suddenly stopped attacking, and Zabuza, who had sat up. She leaned against the wall, relieved.
She almost became a pincushion.
Zabuza looked at the girl with blood flowing from her arm, his hoarse voice sounding through the bandages on his face:
"What do you mean by cooperation?"