096: Infiltrating the Team, Haku Aims to Retrieve the Executioner's Blade!

Not far from Tazuna's house, there was a sea of flowers in a forest clearing.

Zabuza and Haku had discovered this place during their preliminary reconnaissance. Haku, captivated by its beauty, often found solace amongst the blossoms.

As dusk descended, he returned to the place once more. 

He had confirmed that the Konha ninja were lodging at Tazuna's residence, making a direct approach to their target risky. And then there was the matter of Zabuza's Executioner's Blade.

"What excuse can I use to get close to them and retrieve the blade?" Haku mused, his delicate brow furrowed. He always carried out Zabuza's orders without question.

Using force was out of the question; as even Zabuza had failed in direct confrontation. Moreover, one of the ninja possessed the Byakugan, making a stealthy approach nearly impossible. 

He had to follow Zabuza's instructions: disguise himself as an ordinary civilian and infiltrate their ranks.

Haku opened his palm, revealing a small, white pill. 

It was a reward received for completing a mission for a wandering pharmacist during their travels across the ninja world. He only had three of these mysterious pills at hand. 

Upon consumption, they temporarily suppressed one's chakra, making the user appear as an ordinary person, effectively concealing them from the Byakugan's scrutiny.

A gentle breeze swept through the vibrant flower field, sending countless petals dancing like butterflies.

"Beautiful," Haku whispered, a few petals landing softly on his outstretched hand.

His eyes discreetly scanned the surroundings. 

No one. 

He tucked a small yellow flower behind his ear. The combination of the flower, his familiar pink attire, and long black hair created a surprisingly alluring appearance.

"Akamaru! You got this! You can do it!

"We can't lose to that Agumon!

"Alright, are you ready?"

"Woof!!!"

"Yes! That's the spirit!

"Now, evolve, Akamaru!!!"

A strange series of shouts broke the silenent tranquility of the place, startling Haku from his solitary reverie.

'That sounds like the Konoha ninja with the dog... 'Haku thought. Still unsure of how to approach the group, His first instinct was to retreat.

But Kiba's increasingly loud "evolution" calls kept him rooted to the spot.

"What is he doing?" Like any young person, Haku was drawn to the unusual.

He cautiously crept closer. 

He spotted a boy in grey, furry clothing repeatedly placing his hand on a small dog's head while yelling about evolution. 

The scene was undeniably comical.

Is this some sort of… special… ninja dog training method? Haku pondered from behind a tree trunk, imagining himself attempting such a training regimen with a cat or dog.

"Pfft!" The image was too much. Haku couldn't contain a muffled giggle.

But Akamaru's keen senses detected the sound. He immediately followed the sound, paws padding softly towards Haku's hiding place, and began barking ferociously.

"Who's there? Come out, or don't blame me for what happens next!" Kiba shouted, alerted by Akamaru's behavior. 

He knew someone was watching, and a wave of embarrassment washed over him. This bizarre training method was meant to be a secret, hidden from the world's judging eyes.

"Oh, I'm so sorry," Haku emerged from behind the tree, his voice soft and apologetic, almost feminine. 

"I was just passing by and didn't want to interrupt your training, so I hid. I didn't mean to disturb you."

Haku held out both hands, palms open, to show he was unarmed. His long hair danced in the wind, the forgotten yellow flower swaying gently behind his ear.

"Ah, what a beautiful young lady!"

Neither Kiba nor Akamaru sensed any hostility. 

Deceived by Haku's disarming appearance and gentle demeanor, Kiba immediately accepted his explanation. 

Just as Zabuza had said in the original work, Haku was exceptionally kind and compassionate. 

Even when facing enemies like Sasuke and Naruto on the battlefield, he had shown mercy, deliberately avoiding avoid giving them fatal blows.

"Um... Miss, are you from around here?" Kiba asked, a goofy grin spreading across his face, completely forgetting about his dog training.

Wait, who the hell is the Miss here? I'm a guy! Haku thought, inwardly cringing, but maintaining a polite smile.

"No, I..." he began, then paused.

Hold on. I need a reason to get close to them and retrieve the Executioner's Blade. Isn't this the perfect opportunity?

"I'm not from around here," Haku corrected himself, shaking his head honestly. 

It would be pointless to lie about his origins; as Tazuna would know the truth.

"I'm a traveler, journeying with a merchant caravan. I was exploring while they conducted business here, but I got lost." He offered an apologetic smile. "Do you know if there's an inn nearby?"

"An inn? There's nothing like that around here," Kiba replied, shaking his head. 

He glanced at the setting sun and then at the seemingly delicate young lady. 

A pang of sympathy struck him.

"How about you stay with us for the night?"

"Would that be alright? I don't want to impose."

"Don't worry! Old Man Tazuna, Natsuki, Teacher Kurenai… they're all really nice. I'm sure they'll agree."

"Then… thank you so much. I'll pay for my stay, of course." Haku's eyes curved into crescents, his delight evident.

Kiba's heart fluttered. Such a kind and charming young lady. This is the type of person I, Kiba, should be pursuing! he thought dreamily.

As they walked back towards Tazuna's house, Haku paused, turning to Kiba. A few strands of his silky hair brushed against Kiba's cheek, carrying a faint, pleasant fragrance.

"Actually," Haku began, "I'm a boy."

Kiba froze, then chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. "Miss, you're a funny one. Do I look like an idiot?"

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