From Earth to Infinity: A Second Chance

While Kakashi returned to rest beside Sasuke and Sakura, I turned back to Zabuza. "Haku asked me to spare your life, " I said, watching the confusion flash across his face.

"Why would you listen to her? And why would I listen to you? "he retorted, his voice laced with defiance.

I felt a spark of frustration at his attitude but quickly steadied myself. " Over the past few weeks, while staying here, I've come to know Haku. We've become close—friends, maybe best friends. I would always listen to my friends request. She told me that you're the only family she has left in this world, even if you don't consider her as even human. You considered her a tool for your purpose. So, she asked me to let you live, and she's willing to come with after all of this is over".

Zabuza's expression hardened as he processed my words. The thought of Haku leaving him, whether he saw her as a loyal tool or something more like family, was something he couldn't accept. It was clear in his eyes—the idea of losing her, the one person who had always stood by his side, stirred a deep, conflicting emotion within him.

His grip tightened around his sword, his voice gruff with restrained emotion. "Haku has always been by my side. She's my tool, my weapon... and maybe the closest thing to family I have," he admitted reluctantly. "I can't just let her walk away, especially not with you."

I could sense his turmoil. Despite his tough exterior and the way he had always treated Haku as a mere tool, the bond they shared went deeper than that. "Zabuza, Haku made her choice. She wants you to live, and I'm giving you a chance to walk away from all of this. I'm not here to take her from you but to give you both a different path," I said, lowering my katana slightly. "Join me, and you can stay by her side. Together, we can find a new purpose."

The hesitation in Zabuza's eyes showed that, for the first time, he was considering an alternative to the life of a rogue ninja.

Zabuza's gaze remained steady as he listened to my proposition. "What do you need me to do?" he asked, his tone gruff yet resigned.

"Nothing too complicated," I replied. "I want to gather information from all over the world, and I'm searching for anyone with the Uzumaki name or red hair like mine. Find them and bring them to me. That's all I need from you. In return, I'm willing to pay you for your services."

Zabuza stood silent for a moment, contemplating the offer. I could see the gears turning in his head as he weighed his options. After a few moments, he spoke. "Fine. I accept your request," he said, his voice steady but with a hint of resignation.

In that moment, Zabuza accepted his fate as my subordinate, realizing that this path, though unexpected, could offer him and Haku a new beginning. It was a step away from the life of endless battles and bloodshed, toward something that had the potential for redemption—or, at the very least, a purpose beyond survival.

As our deal with Zabuza concluded, Gato and his subordinates emerged from the mist, a horde of nearly a hundred thugs surrounding him. Gato's mocking voice echoed across the bridge. "Zabuza, I knew you were worthless! Defeated by a bunch of kids… You should just give up your shinobi life and end it all now."

Before Zabuza could respond, I stepped forward, unfazed by the insults. "You don't need to waste your time on this scum, Zabuza," I said calmly. "My teammates will take care of them."

Zabuza snorted. "As if I'd dirty my hands with these lowlifes. Gato's money was the only reason I even considered this job," he muttered, his voice dripping with contempt.

Turning to Sasuke and Sakura, I addressed them with a firm tone. "Sasuke, you haven't had much action during this mission. Think you can handle them? Sakura, back him up and make sure none of them get past you."

Without hesitation, Sasuke nodded, his eyes already sparking with the thrill of the impending fight. "I've got this, Naruto," he said confidently, as Sakura joined him, determination etched on her face.

The two of them moved swiftly, positioning themselves in front of Gato's men, prepared to engage the swarm of thugs and protect the bridge from being overrun. As they stepped forward, I could feel the shift in the air—a surge of energy and resolve as our team readied for the next battle.

Kakashi glanced towards Zabuza and Haku, then turned his gaze back to me with a hint of concern. "Naruto, what are you planning to do with them?" he asked, his tone cautious.

I met his gaze steadily. "I'm taking Haku back to my home. Don't worry, she won't pose a threat to anyone. As for Zabuza, I've given him a mission. He accepted it and is now my subordinate."

Kakashi's brows furrowed slightly, a hint of doubt creeping into his expression. "It's not that I don't trust you, Naruto, but putting faith in former enemies is risky. You know that better than anyone."

I gave him a reassuring nod. "I understand your concern Kakashi, but there's nothing to worry about. If anything goes wrong, I'll take responsibility and handle it myself. You know my strength—I'm not a kid."

Kakashi sighed, the tension easing just slightly. "Alright, Naruto. I trust your judgment. Just make sure you keep an eye on them. We can't afford any surprises."

"Don't worry," I replied confidently. "I've got this under control."