"Don't Behead Again, Use Money to Redeem People!"
Looking at Haku, who still seemed confused, Kaito stopped wasting words and said firmly:
"Alright, since you lost the fight, you'll be my hostage!"
Haku's eyes widened in shock, and he responded anxiously:
"You might as well kill me! I won't let you harm Zabuza-sama!"
Without hesitation, Haku pulled out a senbon and aimed it at his own throat.
Seeing this, Kaito's face twitched. In a flash, he grabbed Haku's wrist, stopping him before he could harm himself.
"When did I say I wanted to hurt Zabuza? You're overthinking this."
Haku froze, staring at Kaito in disbelief.
"You really won't hurt Master Zabuza?"
Kaito let out a sigh, rubbing his forehead before releasing Haku's wrist.
"Why would I? I have no grudge against him."
Haku hesitated before replying, "But… you came here to stop him. Isn't that the same as trying to kill him?"
Kaito chuckled, shaking his head.
"If you must know, it's just… feelings."
Haku was even more confused now. He couldn't comprehend what kind of 'feelings' Kaito was talking about.
"Look, you don't need to understand my reasons. Just know that I'm letting you both go."
Then Kaito's expression turned serious.
"However, as a condition for sparing both of you, you are forbidden from revealing my strength to anyone. If you do—"
His gaze darkened, his voice cold and unwavering.
"No matter where you or Zabuza run, I will find you and kill you."
With that, Kaito grabbed Haku and dashed in the direction of Kakashi.
Haku clenched his fists but eventually nodded.
"Fine. If you let me and Zabuza-sama go, I swear—I will never reveal anything about you!"
At this moment, Haku finally understood—regardless of whether Kaito was willing to let him go or if Zabuza would abandon him, it didn't matter.
Ultimately, as long as Zabuza remained safe, Haku was willing to give up his own life without hesitation. Such a request was trivial to him.
As for why Kaito had concealed his strength? Haku wasn't the type to pry into such matters. Other people's motivations meant little to him; all that mattered was that Kaito wasn't an immediate threat to Zabuza.
With Haku's assurance, Kaito hastened his journey. When he returned, Kakashi was still locked in battle with Zabuza.
"Tsk, tsk! These two are really dragging this out. How long have they been at it?"
Kaito scoffed, watching the fierce battle with a raised eyebrow. "Kakashi isn't as impressive as they say. Guess the '50-50' reputation wasn't for nothing. Strong against the strong, weak against the weak, huh?"
Growing impatient, Kaito decided to take action. He dragged Haku in front of him and called out loudly:
"Stop!! Zabuza Momochi, look who I have in my hands!"
The moment Zabuza saw Haku being held captive, his expression shifted. He immediately broke off from Kakashi, forcing him back with a powerful swing of his blade before dashing toward Kaito.
"Not another step, or he dies," Kaito warned, pressing a kunai against Haku's throat.
Zabuza froze in place, his sharp gaze locked onto Kaito. His expression darkened as he growled, "What do you want in exchange for Haku's release?"
Haku's eyes glistened with emotion. He quickly spoke up, "I'm sorry, Zabuza-sama! I'm the one who's been a burden to you."
Zabuza sneered but muttered, "Fool." Despite his harsh words, there was an unmistakable concern in his eyes.
Kaito smirked. "Simple. Pay me a decent sum of money, and he's yours." He then casually added, "Oh, and while we're at it, hand over that Executioner's Blade. I wouldn't mind playing around with it for a bit. As long as you can pay, I might even sell it back to you later."
Zabuza stared, momentarily dumbfounded. That was it? He had expected a demand for his own life, maybe even an ultimatum that would force him into an unwinnable situation. He had already resigned himself to dying alongside Haku if necessary. But… money?
Even Kakashi, standing off to the side, twitched slightly. Did Kaito really just try to ransom them for cash?