The broken mirrors shimmered around them like fallen stars. Blood stained the bridge. Michio stood over Haku, chest heaving, fists trembling.
Zabuza and Kakashi clashed at the far end—lightning against steel, fury against silence.
But here, inside the ruins of Haku's jutsu, time felt still.
"I could end this," Michio muttered, knuckles whitening. "One more punch…"
Haku lay half-conscious at his feet, breathing shallow. His cracked mask had fallen, revealing the boy's delicate face and soft, pained eyes.
"…But I won't."
Haku's lips parted. "Why?"
"Because you're not the enemy," Michio said, stepping back. "You're just… lost."
> System Notification:
Critical Decision Made – "Spare the Mirror"
Outcome: Trust Path Unlocked
Stat Bonus: +1 Willpower
New Trait Gained: "Heart Over Hatred"
Side Quest Update: "Truth in the Fog" – 90%
Haku's eyes widened. "You… would spare me?"
Michio knelt beside him. "Yeah. But if you ever come for my friends again, I won't hold back."
"…Understood."
And then, Haku was gone—in a blur of motion, leaping across the bridge toward Zabuza.
---
Kakashi's Chidori sang through the mist, aimed straight for Zabuza's heart—until Haku intercepted the blow with his body.
CRACK.
Blood splattered. Time slowed.
"No," Michio breathed.
Zabuza froze, staring at the body in front of him. "Haku…"
Even Naruto stopped, mouth open in horror. "Why… why would he do that?!"
Kakashi's face twisted in agony. "He gave his life… for the man who used him."
Zabuza stared down at Haku, trembling. "You fool… you beautiful, loyal fool."
And then something broke.
Not a weapon. Not a bone.
A heart.
Zabuza turned.
And faced Gato.
The bridge trembled under the stomping feet of dozens of Gato's thugs, weapons raised, mocking cheers ringing out.
"That's right!" Gato laughed. "Kill each other, you freaks! And when you're done, we'll take care of the survivors."
But Zabuza?
Zabuza gripped his blade tighter, blood dripping from his mouth.
And charged.
---
What followed was brutal.
Zabuza's wrath carved through Gato's men like a storm. Roaring. Bleeding. Avenging.
Michio watched, stunned, as the Demon of the Mist became something more—a man with nothing left to lose.
By the end, Zabuza stood at the edge of the bridge, body riddled with blades, blood flowing like rain.
He turned to Kakashi, then to Michio.
"…Take care of him," he said weakly, gesturing to Haku's still body. "He… he had a good heart."
And then he collapsed.
---
They buried them side by side.
Under the mist. In the snow.
Naruto wept openly. Sakura held her tears. Even Sasuke looked away.
But Michio…
He stood still, hands in his pockets, eyes on the grave.
"I'll get stronger," he whispered. "Strong enough to protect people like him. Strong enough to never lose someone who didn't deserve it."
> Ultra Gainz System Log:
Event Completed: Bridge of Blood and Bonds
Level Up Achieved – Lv. 5
+2 Strength
+1 Speed
+2 Willpower
New Skill Unlocked: Iron Core – Pain Resistance Lv. 1
Trait Progression: "Protector's Resolve" – Stage 2 Unlocked
Main Storyline Divergence: Path of the Guardian Flame
As the mist lifted and the sun broke over the horizon, the bridge stood taller than ever.
And so did Michio.