The dense mist parted as Kakashi continued walking, Zabuza's body still resting heavily on his shoulder. The clearing was behind him now, and with Haku silently trailing, the path ahead was unclear, but Kakashi's mind was set on what needed to be done next. His thoughts churned with plans, calculations, and the undeniable need for control.
He hadn't expected things to go this way—having Haku join him was a new variable, one that would add an interesting layer of complexity to his future actions. But he wasn't one to shy away from a challenge, especially one that could provide him with a powerful ally in the long run.
Soon, they arrived at a hidden base tucked away in the thick of the forest, carefully concealed from prying eyes. Kakashi knew the layout well—this had been one of his safehouses for missions like these. It was isolated enough to avoid detection, yet equipped with the necessary resources to carry out operations in secret.
The door creaked slightly as Kakashi pushed it open with a forceful shove, his eyes scanning the interior as the light from outside illuminated the space. He moved inside, the stale air filling his lungs, but there was something comforting about being here. In this place, there were no distractions, no interruptions. Just the work that needed to be done.
Haku stepped inside behind him, his gaze quickly shifting toward Zabuza's still form. He hesitated for a moment before stepping forward, kneeling next to the body.
"Haku," Kakashi said, his voice firm but with a slight edge of impatience. "Check if he's really alive. He might be bruised and bloodied, but he's not dead."
Haku nodded silently, his mask obscuring any emotion, but Kakashi could tell from the way his hands moved as he carefully checked Zabuza's pulse that he was still attached to the outcome. After a moment, Haku straightened up, a slight sigh escaping from his lips.
"He's alive… barely," Haku confirmed, his voice quiet but steady. "But he'll heal. We should be careful. He may be difficult to manage when he regains consciousness."
Kakashi gave a small, approving nod, allowing Haku to stand before he turned his attention to the rest of the room.
"There's a letter," Kakashi began, moving toward a sealed drawer on the far side of the room. "It contains the instructions for your future tasks. I need you to take it and put your blood on it. That way, I can track you both wherever you go. It'll help us stay in contact. No matter where you are."
He pulled out the letter from the drawer and handed it over to Haku, who accepted it cautiously. Kakashi could tell that Haku was still adjusting to the idea of working under him rather than Zabuza, but the loyalty was there—somewhere deep beneath the surface. It would take time, but Kakashi knew how to work with people like Haku. It was all about understanding their motivations.
"I understand," Haku replied, studying the letter in his hands. He glanced at Kakashi. "What is this really about, though? What's the purpose of this… tracking system?"
Kakashi didn't answer immediately. Instead, he looked toward the storage area of the base, where crates of supplies and materials were stashed. The silence in the room felt thick, like everything was hanging on a delicate thread. Finally, he turned to face Haku again.
"Just a precaution. With your skills, you'll be needed for certain missions in the future. And it's better if I have the ability to track you when necessary. I'm not trying to control you, but I need to know you're safe. That's all."
Haku seemed to consider that for a moment before his eyes flicked down to the letter. He raised his hand, preparing to cut his palm and stain the parchment with his blood, but Kakashi stopped him with a raised hand.
"Before you do that," Kakashi said, his voice a bit more casual now, "there's something else you should know. There's a stash in the storage room. 2.5 million ryo. You can use it if needed, but I don't want you taking it out for trivial reasons. It's there for emergencies—only if something goes wrong."
Haku's eyes widened slightly, and Kakashi could see the gleam of interest. But Kakashi's tone was stern, reminding Haku not to get distracted by the prospect of wealth.
"The money isn't yours yet. It's for the mission. Don't waste it."
Haku's expression softened. He was still calculating, still analyzing every word, but Kakashi could see the beginning of understanding. Haku was, at the core, a survivor, and he'd adjust. He'd learn how to thrive under Kakashi's guidance. He had no other choice.
"I understand," Haku said, his voice distant. "But if this is all going to work, we need to stick to the plan. For Zabuza. For all of us."
Kakashi gave a small nod. "Good. Now go ahead and mark the letter. I'll give you time to settle in here. And don't forget—once we're ready, I'll call on you. Don't make me wait too long."
Haku moved toward the letter, cutting his palm with a kunai and allowing the blood to drip onto the parchment. The seal glowed faintly as it absorbed the blood. Kakashi watched in silence, his mind already on the next steps.
He knew that this was only the beginning. With Zabuza's death on the horizon and the new dynamic with Haku, things were about to get even more complicated. But Kakashi didn't mind. Complications were just opportunities waiting to be exploited.
With one final glance at Haku, Kakashi turned toward the door, his mind already shifting gears.
"I'll be back," Kakashi said, voice firm. "Stay here. Don't leave. There's still much to be done."
As Kakashi exited the base, his thoughts turned inward, the ever-present hum of strategy and planning consuming him. He didn't know where this new alliance with Haku would lead. But he did know one thing: the future was now his to shape.
And it was about time he took control.