Konoha: The Honored One

(A/N: Here's a Bonus chapter because we interred in the top 200 in the Power section, thank you for your support let's continue!)

The ice crystal battlefield was a perfect stage for the clash inside, where Haku faced off against Team 7 with an intensity born out of loyalty to only one person: Zabuza. But even as he fought, he couldn't shake the sense of a looming, unshakable presence—Gojo Satoru himself, standing outside the fray after deciding to stop interfering, observing with a serene calm that felt more like a cat watching a trapped mouse.

With each exchange, Haku found his gaze drifting toward Gojo, whose relaxed stance and faint smirk seemed to say he was enjoying the show. But Haku had no illusions; he knew Gojo was biding his time. His plan remained firm: fend off Team 7 and escape with Zabuza when the moment presented itself.

Meanwhile, Gojo unwrapped a lollipop with a casual flick, slipping it between his teeth as he tracked every movement with those piercing Six Eyes of his. "Things are getting lively in there," he murmured, amusement lacing his voice. Team 7 was good, but Haku was no joke—skillful yet reluctant to cause serious harm. Gojo noted his hesitation, seeing it as a perfect training opportunity for his students. After all, there was no better way to sharpen their skills than against a real opponent who held back just enough to keep things interesting.

In the meantime, a bruised and bloodied Zabuza glared at Gojo, struggling to understand why someone as powerful as him would bother with a small squad of kids. "Why would someone like you—someone with your power—waste your time babysitting these brats?" he spat, resentment flickering in his eyes. His own pursuit of strength had left him beaten and cornered, a reminder of how far he'd come only to meet an immovable wall.

Gojo looked at him thoughtfully, as if the answer was obvious. "Because, Zabuza, it's a nice change of pace. You think I want to save the world? Or maybe wreak havoc for fun?" He gave a small, teasing grin. "Nah. It's all for Tsunade." He added it with a wink, as if tossing out a playful hint.

Zabuza's face twisted in confusion. "Tsunade? Who the hell is Tsunade?"

Gojo chuckled, sidestepping the question. "It's not something you'd understand. Sacrificing your strength to look after others... you think I'd go around playing hero all day if I didn't have someone worth it?" He gave Zabuza a long look, his smirk turning a bit sardonic. "After all, you're just a tool of the ninja way, aren't you?"

Zabuza's expression darkened. "The Mist Village may have a bloody history, but Terumi Mei's leadership has moved it forward," he growled, as if the words could erase his own bloody past.

Unfazed, Gojo took a lazy lick of his lollipop. "You can say that, but weakness still drives you, Zabuza. Or maybe you just hate the village that made you?" He leaned in, voice dipping into a mocking tone. "Or is it Haku you're casting aside?"

Zabuza clenched his fists. "Enough!" In a burst of frustration, he summoned a thick mist, concealing himself before lunging at Gojo, kunai in hand.

But Gojo didn't even flinch, his Six Eyes tracking every move. "You can save your energy. We both know this is pointless." He didn't move as the kunai hovered mere inches from his neck, held back by an invisible force.

"Your bloodline…" Zabuza whispered, eyes wide with frustration and awe. He formed another hand seal, merging into the mist to try again.

Gojo smirked, hands resting comfortably in his pockets. "Zabuza, you're as straightforward as ever," he teased. And with a simple movement, Gojo kicked Zabuza in the chest, sending him hurtling backward with enough force to crack the bridge's pillar upon impact.

Blood sprayed from Zabuza's mouth as he staggered, disoriented by both the pain and the sheer casualness of Gojo's power. The fact that Gojo could perform techniques without hand seals was baffling—it wasn't just strength; it was effortless mastery.

Hovering midair, Gojo looked down at Zabuza, the moon casting an almost ethereal glow around him. Zabuza's face showed a mix of shock and despair. "You… can fly?"

Gojo chuckled, voice echoing almost playfully. "Don't look so surprised. It's just a little trick of mine." His power was more than strength; it was an innate defense that separated threats from non-threats automatically. "No attack will succeed," he added with a smirk, "I'll always know the difference."

A bitter frustration washed over Zabuza as he realized just how futile his attacks were. Gojo's smirk turned playful as he looked into Zabuza's eyes. "Are you really fighting for the Mist Village's honor… or is it Haku you're worried about?"

"Shut up!" Zabuza spat, voice raw with barely contained anger. Gojo had hit a nerve.

"Oh, don't get shy on me now." Gojo's lollipop poked against Zabuza's chest in a playful jab. "Admit it—you care about that kid, don't you?"

Zabuza averted his gaze, muttering, "Do what you want. I lost"

Gojo laughed, a warm amusement in his eyes. "Your heartbeat says otherwise, Zabuza. You're worried about Haku, but too proud to admit it. That 'tough guy' act? It's almost cute."

"When Haku offered to help you escape, you stayed. Why?" Gojo pressed, now genuinely curious.

Zabuza looked away, his voice tinged with vulnerability. "You wouldn't understand… my ideals, my way of the ninja. Some dreams… they're worth dying for."

Gojo paused, respect flickering in his gaze. Here was an enemy who chose not to flee, not out of arrogance, but out of conviction. It was rare to meet someone so committed to their path, even if that path led to certain defeat.

"Oh, drop the tough act. The whole 'I'm too cool to care' thing is so last decade," Gojo chuckled. "Just admit it—Haku means more to you than some tool of war."

Zabuza's face twisted in frustration, but he didn't respond.

Gojo returned his gaze to the ice mirrors, watching as Naruto finally tapped into a sliver of the Nine-Tails' chakra. It wasn't much, but it was a start. His students had gained valuable experience here—he'd given them enough of a fight to remember.

With a satisfied smile, Gojo popped a fresh lollipop into his mouth, eyes gleaming. The training was over.