Chapter 333: We Finally Meet

When Byakuya and Jūzō Biwa found Zabuza, he was under siege by a squad of Kirigakure Anbu.

From their chakra levels, it seemed that this Anbu squad's strength was around that of Chūnin, with only the team leader barely reaching the chakra capacity of a Jōnin.

Such a squad was no match for Zabuza, and the outcome had already been determined from the start.

Realizing this, Byakuya and Jūzō decided not to reveal themselves immediately. They hid in the shadows to observe Zabuza and assess what kind of shinobi he truly was.

Unaware of the hidden observers, the Kirigakure squad formed a battle formation, surrounding Zabuza. Their eyes carried a mix of complex emotions.

Zabuza was a well-known figure in Kirigakure. During his time at the Academy, he had already displayed astonishing talent.

His infamous reputation was cemented during the graduation exam, where he killed every single one of his peers, leaving Kirigakure without dozens of fresh Genin.

This act caused an uproar in the village and sparked heated discussions.

While Zabuza's actions technically adhered to the rules of the graduation exam—only shinobi who emerged victorious in life-and-death battles were deemed suitable under the "Village of the Bloody Mist" standard—it posed a serious problem for the village.

Zabuza's actions had harmed Kirigakure's interests. If every student were to follow his example, Kirigakure would run out of shinobi in less than five years.

After much deliberation, the higher-ups in Kirigakure ultimately abolished the rule that allowed students to kill their peers during graduation exams.

In this way, though Zabuza had slaughtered dozens of his classmates, his actions indirectly saved countless future Academy students in Kirigakure.

In this regard, many shinobi owed Zabuza a debt of gratitude.

After graduating, Zabuza continued to excel. In his first year in the Anbu, he managed to assassinate a Special Jōnin from Konohagakure, earning him a nomination as a potential member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.

Had it not been for Zabuza's attempt to assassinate the Fourth Mizukage, he would likely already be one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen.

At this thought, the Kirigakure squad leader addressed Zabuza, "Zabuza-sama, come back to the village with us. Although you attempted to assassinate the Mizukage, it must have been due to deception by others. The Mizukage highly values talent. If you sincerely apologize, I believe the Mizukage will forgive your mistake. We truly don't wish to fight you."

Upon hearing this, Zabuza sneered as if he had just heard the most ridiculous joke. He let out a few cold chuckles before replying, "Deceived into assassinating the Mizukage? The attempt was entirely my decision. Ever since Yagura Karatachi became Mizukage, he has never issued an order beneficial to the village. Such a worthless leader has no right to hold the title of Mizukage."

Zabuza tilted his head and let out a menacing smile, "My last assassination attempt failed because I wasn't strong enough. Once I find the right opportunity, I will return to the village and challenge Yagura again. But as for you all—after tailing me for so long, do you really think I won't kill you?"

Hearing these words, the Kirigakure squad exchanged glances before launching an attack on Zabuza, striking from the front, sides, and rear simultaneously.

The Anbu's attacks weren't flashy or concerned with honor but were designed to efficiently eliminate their target.

A well-trained Chūnin-level Anbu squad had even managed to assassinate Jōnin from the Five Great Shinobi Villages in the past. After all, even Jōnin couldn't maintain a state of constant vigilance.

As a former Anbu, Zabuza understood their tactics perfectly. He knew that being caught in their trap would be dangerous.

Quickly forming hand seals, Zabuza performed the Hidden Mist Technique. Within the span of a single breath, the surrounding forest was shrouded in thick mist. This dense mist, infused with chakra, obstructed both vision and certain chakra-sensing techniques.

Taking a deep breath, Zabuza unsheathed his short sword and moved like a shadow through the mist, picking off the Kirigakure squad one by one.

While the Anbu members also knew the Hidden Mist Technique, their proficiency and mastery were far inferior to Zabuza's.

Amid muffled sounds within the fog, one Kirigakure Anbu member after another fell to the ground.

Glancing at the unconscious Kirigakure Anbu on the ground, Zabuza gritted his teeth. He didn't want to kill his former comrades, but if he didn't teach them a lesson, they would keep following him like flies, causing endless trouble.

After erasing his footprints and masking his scent, Zabuza slipped into the forest.

Not far behind, Byakuya and Jūzō Biwa watched Zabuza disappear into the distance. They exchanged a glance and used the Transformation Jutsu to disguise themselves as Kirigakure Anbu before pursuing him.

Tracking Zabuza's position, Byakuya chuckled and said, "Jūzō Biwa, it seems the Demon Zabuza isn't as ruthless as the rumors say. He spared those pursuers."

Jūzō looked in the direction Zabuza had gone, lost in thought.

Seeing Zabuza reminded him of his younger self. Back then, he too was bold and spirited like Zabuza. But over time, he had grown quiet and withdrawn, avoiding problems instead of confronting them head-on.

---

After following Zabuza for an hour, Byakuya and Jūzō arrived at a valley. In the middle of the valley stood a small hunter's cabin. Zabuza pushed the door open and walked inside.

A boy dressed in a ninja outfit poked his head out, scanned his surroundings, then closed the door behind Zabuza.

Noticing a wound on Zabuza, the boy's face filled with concern. "Zabuza-sama, you're hurt! Let me bandage you right away. Did you run into enemies? Were they pursuers from Kirigakure?"

Zabuza nodded and replied, "You're right, but those Kirigakure pursuers were no match for me. I took care of them all in just a minute."

"Just a minute?" Haku looked surprised, then lowered his head in self-blame. "But you still got hurt. If it weren't for having to take care of me, you wouldn't have to hide out in a place like this."

Zabuza frowned, glaring at Haku. "Who do you think you are? You're nothing but a tool to me. Don't question my decisions. Until you grow into a proper tool, I won't allow anything to happen to you. Now go make me some food. I'm starving."

Hearing this, Haku quickly nodded and headed toward the kitchen. As he walked out of the cabin, a faint smile appeared on his face.

Though Zabuza-sama always acted harsh, he was actually a very kind person.

Without Zabuza-sama, Haku would have starved to death on the streets of the Land of Water—or worse, been hunted down and killed by Kirigakure shinobi for his Kekkei Genkai, just like his mother.

At that moment, Zabuza seemed to think of something and called out, "By the way, once the food is ready, take some to that guy. But make sure it's the lowest-quality portion. He needs to learn his lesson for disobeying my orders."

"Understood, Zabuza-sama," Haku replied.

After promising Zabuza, Haku pushed open the cabin door. To his surprise, two ninja dressed as Kirigakure Anbu were standing outside. Their eyes ignored him entirely and locked onto Zabuza, who was sitting on a chair inside.

"The Demon Zabuza. We finally meet."