Momochi Zabuza and Haku realized that the situation was no longer in their favor and wisely chose to withdraw. To Zabuza, while the Executioner's Blade was incredibly important, it was not as important as his own life.
He didn't know who Hyuga Shinichi was, but having witnessed the man's casual intervention, he judged that the power gap was far too vast for him and Haku to overcome.
"Zabuza-sensei, are we really just leaving?" Haku asked once they were deep in the forest. His voice was filled with doubt. "If we miss this chance, getting the Executioner's Blade back will be..."
Haku had been Zabuza's partner for years and knew the man's obsession with that sword. Since Jūzō's desertion, Zabuza had been tracking him. Now that Jūzō was crippled by Konoha ninjas, there would never be a better opportunity.
"Did you even react when that man threw the kunai at you?" Zabuza asked, his voice low and eerie.
Haku went silent. After a moment, he whispered, "If I had prepared in advance... I might have dodged it."
"Hmph! You're still too green, Haku," Zabuza shook his head. "That man is beyond us. He moved Jūzō out of my Water Dragon's path in a literal blink of an eye. His speed is terrifying. But what truly bothers me is Jūzō's attitude toward him."
Zabuza's eyes narrowed. "Jūzō was one of the original Seven. In the Mist, even the Mizukage didn't command respect from all of them. Jūzō is a man of pride and zero reverence.
Yet, in front of that youth, he was... polite. Submissive. That doesn't happen because of medical ninjutsu. It happens because of absolute power."
Zabuza's caution had saved their lives. "The chance for the blade will come again. But for now, we need to earn some capital for the village. If we can finish a mission that Jūzō failed, it proves I am the rightful master of that sword anyway."
The New Master
Meanwhile, Shinichi had finished healing Jūzō. A light rain began to fall as they sat in a small clearing where Shinichi had set up a camp. A tea kettle whistled over a hot stove. Jūzō sat upright, meticulously tending to the fire while listening to Shinichi's instructions.
"I've been watching your actions since before you met those Mist ninjas," Shinichi began, leaning back in a travel chair. "Those Konoha ninjas—do not touch them. Abandon that contract."
Jūzō looked confused. "My luck? I nearly died."
"If you had actually killed those ninjas, there would be no place left in this world for you to hide," Shinichi said calmly. "The girl with the Byakugan? She is my younger sister.
The blonde boy is the son of the Fourth Hokage. The black-haired one is the son of the Uchiha Clan Head. Even if I didn't step in, Konoha would have hunted you to the ends of the earth."
Cold sweat beaded on Jūzō's forehead. He realized he had been dancing on the edge of a volcano.
"I understand," Jūzō said, his voice raspy. "My life belongs to you now. I'll go wherever you point."
Jūzō wasn't just submitting out of fear; he was seeking a patron. Life as a rogue ninja was hollow and dangerous. Compared to the "Bloody Mist," serving a powerhouse like Shinichi felt like a step up.
"Lord Shinichi, what is it you need me to do?"
"I have a mission," Shinichi's gaze turned sharp. "I want you to return to the Hidden Mist. I want you to investigate the Fourth Mizukage—Yagura."
Jūzō froze. "The Mizukage? Me?"
He felt a wave of bitterness. Had his new master just sent him on a suicide mission?
"It's not as hard as you think, and I won't let you die," Shinichi said, tossing a scroll to him. Jūzō caught it and unrolled it, recognizing the seals.
"A Reverse Summoning?"
"Yes. If you are pushed into a corner, use it. It will summon my Shadow Clone to the scene. I don't need you to fight Yagura. I only need you to confirm one thing: Is Yagura still Yagura? Or is he a puppet acting under someone else's will?"
Shinichi knew the "Bloody Mist" era was likely the work of Uchiha Obito. While his Tenseigan was powerful, Obito's Kamui made him incredibly hard to kill if he was alerted. He needed a mole inside to confirm the timing.
Jūzō's expression shifted. He remembered the "old" Yagura—a kind, capable leader. The shift into the "Blood Mist" had never made sense. "Lord Shinichi... are you saying the village's roots are rotted?"
"Just find the truth, Jūzō. But remember, the person behind him is terrifying. If you sense danger, use the scroll immediately."
The Next Bait
As Jūzō prepared to depart, Shinichi looked toward the forest where Team 7 was nearing the Land of Waves. He had one more piece to move on the board. He needed to draw Kakashi into the Mist investigation without revealing his own hand.
"Jūzō, one more thing," Shinichi whispered, leaning in. "I need you to make sure the Mist village hears a specific rumor... tell them that a member of the Hyuga Main House, possessing a pure Byakugan, has appeared in the Land of Waves."
Jūzō's eyes widened. "But... isn't that your sister?"
"Exactly," Shinichi smiled thinly. "I need a reason for the Mist to send their best. And I need a reason for Kakashi to realize that the threat to the Byakugan is tied back to his old enemies
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