Naruto: Reborn as Konoha's Idol

Chapter 40: Chapter 40: Reluctantly Accepting Two Shadows

Just as Kano was distracted in thought, Naruto continued his Talk no Jutsu output. He recounted how he constantly struggled for his dream, never giving up no matter the difficulty. How could Haku give up his life just because he lost a fight?

Haku retorted that he didn’t need an enemy’s sympathy, that without a dream, he wasn’t needed, and simply living was painful. Zabuza didn’t need weak Ninja, and his reason for existence had been stripped away.

Naruto continued to argue, while Haku recounted his tragic childhood and Zabuza’s importance to him.

”You told me to become the strongest Ninja in the village, to make everyone acknowledge me. If someone truly acknowledges your existence from the bottom of their heart, then that person should become the most important person to you.”

Hearing this, Naruto fell silent. He thought of Kano. At the Konoha Ninja Academy, everyone else bullied and excluded him. Only Kano would encourage him, and even deliberately stand outside the door with him as punishment. (Actually, Kano was punished for sleeping in class, and was also sleeping while standing outside.)

At graduation, only Kano came to encourage him, believing he would definitely become a Genin. Kano also didn’t mock his dream like others; instead, she encouraged him and gave him ideas.

”I’m sorry, Zabuza-sama, I couldn’t become the weapon you needed.” Haku slowly walked towards Naruto. ”Naruto-kun, please kill me.”

Naruto lowered his head and clenched his fists, then looked up with determined eyes.

”I understand you. I also have the most important person. I also want to protect her, to become her strength, to become her support! But I’m clumsy and always cause trouble. I always need her to help me, to save me.

To her, I must be of little use, right?

I’m not worthy now, but I will work hard, become stronger and better! Strive to become someone worthy of her! Someone she needs! I will never give up, no matter what situation I’m in!”

Speaking with emotion, Naruto grabbed Haku’s collar, their faces mere centimeters apart.

”Even if you’re not worthy, you have to struggle, constantly struggle, no matter how ugly it looks! Only by surviving can you have a chance to help the most important person! Only then can you become stronger and make the most important person need you more!

Dying like this is just running away. If you’re gone, do you think Zabuza will be happy?!”

Naruto’s Talk no Jutsu worked; the light gradually returned to Haku’s eyes, no longer lifeless. Kano watched, amused.

As expected of his ’Talk no Jutsu’, brainwashing is truly powerful.

”You’re right, Naruto-kun. I can’t die yet. If I’m not worthy now, then I’ll continue to struggle and become Zabuza’s strength!”

Haku regained his spirit, preparing to form hand signs and fight Naruto.

”That’s more like it! Let’s continue!”

Naruto also pulled out a Kunai, ready for battle.

This way, Haku shouldn’t seek death.

But an unexpected turn occurred; Zabuza’s side was clearly losing.

”Sorry, Zabuza-sama needs me!”

Haku quickly formed hand signs, about to use Ice Release to quickly support Zabuza. Kano had originally thought Naruto could hold him, but now Kano’s speed couldn’t keep up.

Haku arrived beside Zabuza, sacrificing an arm to block Kakashi’s fatal Lightning Blade. Enduring the severe pain, he formed hand signs with one hand!

After the Talk no Jutsu, Haku no longer thought of dying, but instead tried his best to help Zabuza.

He froze Kakashi’s arm and his own together with ice.

”As expected of my most favored tool!”

Zabuza broke free with one arm, swinging his kubikiribōchō at Kakashi.

Kano hadn’t expected this situation; the Talk no Jutsu on Haku would end up killing Kakashi!

Just then, Sasuke’s Kunai pierced Zabuza’s arm. Zabuza’s arm was crippled, and his kubikiribōchō fell from his grasp. Kakashi also pulled out a Kunai, ready to deliver the finishing blow, and Sasuke mercilessly stabbed directly at Haku.

”No!”

Kano wanted to stop them, but it was too late.

Haku was killed by Sasuke, and Zabuza was also killed by Kakashi.

Kano’s running steps also halted. This seemed to be the first time things had gone against her expectations. She had originally wanted to try and keep Haku alive; such a kind person shouldn’t die a tragic death.

It seems some things don’t go as planned.

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