"Why did you bring that pesky old man here? One hostage is enough."
Zabuza was sitting on the sofa, resting his long legs on the tea table in front of the sofa, legs crossed, and haughtily asking Gatō with his chin up.
"Your target was that girl, but the target I told you to kill has always been this old man. It's bad enough that you haven't completed the mission, and now you're asking me who this old man is?!"
Gatō's patience with Zabuza had reached its limit. If it weren't for Zabuza's strength, he would have exploded long ago!
These rogue ninjas from Kiri Village are really like gods that are easy to invite but hard to send off!
.................
"You were so mouthy before, but now you won't say a word. Do you finally know that a wise man knows when to hold his tongue?"
Gatō saw Tazuna sitting obediently by the side without saying a word and stepped forward to provoke him.
"Of course, I'm not stupid. Knowing that talking too much will get me into trouble, I'm not going to keep yapping in front of you."
"Haha, don't worry. I won't kill you here. I want you to die in front of all the villagers so they'll know what happens to those who oppose me, Gatō! So they'll never dare to rebel against me again! So just stay here quietly and spend your last night!"
Gatō laughed maniacally and left triumphantly with his subordinates. Tomorrow would be the New Era when he would start controlling this country like a puppeteer.
Without a leader and the only bridge to the outside world, let's see how these people can get out of his clutches.
"Tsk! Disgusting guy."
He spat at that hateful back and let out a sigh.
He and this country really had a tough destiny. They just wanted to live a good life, so why did such bad guys always hound them?
"Sorry, young ninja lady. I've got you involved in this. In the end, you have to accompany this old man to his death. I'm really sorry!"
"What are you talking about, Mr. Tazuna? We'll definitely get out alive. I have faith in Naruto, Sasuke, and Teacher Kakashi, and I also believe that the people of the Land of Waves definitely don't want to be under Gatō's control for the rest of their lives. We'll definitely survive!"
"Oh~ I didn't expect you to be so self - assured, girl!"
Tazuna couldn't help but sigh that in this difficult situation, this young girl had more perseverance than himself. It seemed that sometimes, one really had to admit that they were old and learn from the young.
"Actually, I'm not confident in myself at all, but I have great faith in my companions! They'll definitely rescue us from here!"
..................
"Ms. Tsunami, please don't worry. Sasuke, Teacher Kakashi, and I will definitely rescue Mr. Tazuna and Sakura!"
Tsunami bowed deeply to them with tears in her eyes.
"Please save my father, the hope of the Land of Waves."
On the bridge, a blade was held against the necks of Sakura and Tazuna. Behind them stood a group led by Gatō.
Haku and Zabuza stood on the other side, waiting for Zabuza's Eternal Rival to appear.
"He's here!"
"Are you Zabuza? I never thought you'd resort to such despicable means. Let go of Sakura and Tazuna right now!"
"Ridiculous! Who do you think you are? Why the hell should I listen to you?"
"What's your purpose? Why would a powerful ninja like you collude with Gatō and his men?"
"Sharingan Kakashi, since our last battle, I've been eager for a rematch. To be honest, you're my only target. What happens to that old man and the little girl doesn't concern me!"
"Fine. As long as you let them go, I'll fight you as many times as you want!"
"Don't be delusional. That old man is my hostage. I'm going to kill him in front of all the villagers in the Land of Waves. From now on, this place belongs to me, Gatō, and no one will dare to oppose me! Hahaha!"
"That's how it is. I won't lay a finger on the old man and the girl. If you want to save them, go and save them yourself!"
"Are you kidding me? You lost to him last time. How can I trust you again!"
Gatō looked at Zabuza with disdain. He clearly lost. Why is he still talking nonsense? Didn't he grab that little girl just to deal with this Jonin!
"Attack!"
The blade against Sakura's neck inched closer, and a trail of bright - red blood trickled down the blade.
"Are you a Jonin from Konoha Village? Now I'll give you a choice. If you're willing to kill yourself here, I'll let the two behind you go. If not, the moment you refuse, their heads will roll. Make your choice!"
"You bastard!"
Naruto was so angry that he wanted to rush forward and punch the guy, but with each step he took, the blade dug deeper. In the end, he forced himself to suppress his anger and stared at the repulsive Gatō in front of him.
Sasuke couldn't stay calm either. What should he do? Should he activate his Mangekyo and pull all these people into a Genjutsu? But wouldn't that interfere with everyone's growth opportunities? He gritted his teeth in frustration, clenched his fists tightly, and decided to wait a little longer.
"Teacher Kakashi!"
"Don't worry, Sakura. You're my comrade, and I'll definitely save you!"
After saying that, he took out a Kunai from his pocket and stabbed himself with it. Blood oozed out slowly, forming a large pool on the ground.
Sakura watched Teacher Kakashi on the opposite side, tears streaming down her face. She was terrified of death, but she definitely didn't want Teacher Kakashi to die for her!
It seemed nothing had changed. She was still that crying Sakura. She always said she'd work hard, change, and catch up with those two, but in the end, she was still a burden. Instead of watching Teacher Kakashi die trying to save her, it would be better to...
Sakura took one last look at her concerned comrades and smiled.
"Teacher Kakashi, please don't do this. If you do... If you do... I'd rather die myself."
She opened her tear-filled eyes, glanced down at the position of the knife, and with both hands firmly grasping the knife around her neck, she thrust herself forward.
"Sakura, don't!"
The three of them shouted anxiously, but still couldn't stop Sakura's action.
................
The expected pain didn't come.
With teary eyes, she watched as Naruto held the blade tightly with both hands and blood slowly trickled down.
"Naruto!"
"Hehe! Sakura, you were so hasty. I really almost couldn't save you in the nick of time!"
"But weren't you over there?"
"Pfft!"
..................
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