"Sasuke has awakened!".
When Sasuke opened his eyes, Haku was the first to notice, exclaiming in astonishment.
"The ability to revive the dead, this Bloodline Limit power is truly remarkable."
After overcoming the initial shock, Zabuza gradually accepted the unbelievable reality.
"Sasuke!"
Watching Sasuke slowly stand up, Karin called out softly.
Even though Sasuke had been revived, Karin couldn't feel happy at this moment.
"Karin! It was Tatsu who revived me, wasn't it?"
Staring at Tatsu's lifeless body, Sasuke asked in a low voice.
"Yes."
Holding Tatsu in her arms, Karin nodded.
"Sigh!"
With a deep sigh, Sasuke knew that Tatsu had saved him. After all, among them, only Tatsu possessed a unique Bloodline Limit.
Seeing Karin standing there in shock, Sasuke felt a pang of sorrow. Although Karin and Tatsu weren't biological sisters, their bond was far beyond that.
"Karin, Tatsu-san has found peace. I think she wouldn't want to see you so sad."
Sasuke gently patted Karin's shoulder, his voice soft as if handling fragile porcelain.
Tatsu had sacrificed herself to save Sasuke. Naturally, Sasuke felt deep sorrow but knew it was time to face reality with strength. His words calmed Karin a bit. She nodded firmly, "Sasuke, I'll be strong!"
"Let's prepare Tatsu-san's body and take her home," Sasuke said softly. Now, all they could do was take Tatsu back to Hidden Heaven Village for a proper burial.
"Yes," Karin nodded gently, then carefully wrapped Tatsu in cloth as Sasuke suggested.
"Haku, Zabuza, I didn't expect to see you here," Sasuke said softly as he approached Haku and Zabuza.
"You’re lucky. If we hadn't come across this place, your whole team might have been wiped out."
Listening to Sasuke, Zabuza muttered.
"Thank you very much!"
Though he didn’t know how Haku and Zabuza defeated Amachi and Hoshimizu, Sasuke had no reason to doubt their words and felt deeply grateful.
"No need for thanks. We owed you a favor from before. By helping you this time, we’ve settled the debt."
Looking up, Zabuza didn't want to dwell on the subject. Though a ruthless ninja, he didn’t like owing anyone.
"A favor is a favor. Anyway, I'm grateful. But where are you heading next, Zabuza-san?"
Sasuke asked, staring intently at Zabuza.
Zabuza hesitated a bit and then said, "We’re heading to the Iron Country!"
The Iron Country was a special nation without ninja but guarded by a group of samurai. It had its own culture, authority, and strength, led by a renowned swordsman in the ninja world, Hansen.
"Though the Iron Country is prosperous, it's very hostile to ninjas. Going there won't be safe for you. Consider another place!"
Recalling the information about the Iron Country, Sasuke shook his head and thought for a moment.
"Kid, don't think I don't know what you're up to. You want me to join your Hidden Heaven Village, don't you!"
Although Sasuke's words were true, Zabuza stared at Sasuke, speaking in a low voice.
Though Sasuke hadn’t explicitly said it, Zabuza wasn’t stupid and could guess Sasuke’s intention.
"Hehe, I do want you, Zabuza, to join Hidden Heaven Village. Actually, joining us is the best choice. Even if the Mist Village's Anbu hunts you, we can share the burden."
Hearing Zabuza's words, Sasuke was a bit surprised but quickly smiled and responded.
"Of course, having Zabuza as a ninja in Hidden Heaven Village not only ensures their safety but also benefits Hidden Heaven greatly. A Jonin brings immense strength and powerful jutsus."
Listening to Sasuke, Zabuza remained silent, deep in thought.
"Zabuza, you've seen the fate of wandering ninjas. Facing strong enemies, survival chances are slim."
"Of course, you can come to Hidden Heaven with me first. If you don’t like it, you can always go to the Iron Country afterward!"
Seeing Zabuza not rejecting outright, Sasuke continued to persuade him.
The recent fate of wandering ninjas like Tsuchioi and Hoshimizu served as a stark warning to Zabuza.
"Kid, stop talking. Since you insist Hidden Heaven is so good, I’ll come and see for myself!"
Zabuza sighed, his eyes showing complex emotions, and spoke.
Zabuza’s whispered words shocked Sasuke and Haku, leaving them stunned.
They probably didn't expect Zabuza to agree to visit Hidden Heaven Village.
"Zabuza-san, you really..."
After taking a few breaths to calm his excitement, Sasuke spoke again.
"You’ve invited me twice sincerely, so I’ll go. But, I only promise to visit, not stay!"
Zabuza smiled lightly and said, "I’ll only check it out, no guarantee to stay."
"That's fine. If you don't like it at Hidden Heaven Village, I assure you, no one will force you." - Hearing Zabuza’s condition, Sasuke quickly agreed.
"Alright." - Zabuza nodded, agreeing with Sasuke.
"Then, I’ll inform Karin." - Since Zabuza and Haku would join them, Sasuke needed to let Karin know.
"Haku, do you know why I want to visit Hidden Heaven Village?" - After Sasuke left, Zabuza suddenly asked Haku.
"I don’t know." - Haku shook her head, not understanding why Zabuza, a long-time wanderer, wanted to join a ninja village.
"For a ninja, a village is a vital place to return to! Completing missions and returning to the village brings the happiest smiles!"
"A ninja village I dream of is a place full of harmony, where friends and comrades protect each other.
Initially, I wanted to create such a place in the Mist Village, but I failed...
After becoming a wandering ninja, I thought such a place didn't exist in the ninja world.
But seeing Sasuke’s sacrifice for his comrade and Tatsu, a female ninja, sacrificing herself to revive Sasuke,
I believe Hidden Heaven Village could be a place like that.
So I want to visit, hoping it’s the place I’ve always dreamed of returning to!"