Blood is Thicker Than Mist

Chapter 10

Zabuza crouched from his hiding place in the thick foliage of an evergreen and looked down at the building below. He glanced at Shizuhiko from the corner of his eye with an even expression, noticing how nervous the child was, despite sitting obediently still. Zabuza knew, of course, why he was so nervous– it was his first mission since the bloodbath in the Land of Fire and the chase in the Land of Hot Water. But, Zabuza knew that the only way for the boy to drop his anxieties and gain confidence on missions was to simply do more of them.

Mei had complained a great deal when Zabuza had first announced that Shizu would be accompanying him again. And, Shizuhiko himself also complained before he fell silent in worry. Despite Mei's protests, arguments, and concern, Zabuza had ignored it all. He knew Mei must have agreed with his reasoning, even in part, since she hadn't tried to actually fight him about it, but he knew that Mei was still rather incensed. The thought of her expression as she smacked her fists against his chest made him almost chuckle behind his mask.

Mei would get over it, he knew. In fact, it was very likely that Mei had already calmed down as soon as they had departed. What was on his mind at the moment was how well Shizu was handling things. The travel wasn't a problem– except for a few moments when the child saw something that reminded him of that– but he otherwise was fine. However, Zabuza thought, Shizu probably wasn't going to like this next part.

"Tell me what I told you about the target."

Shizu jumped slightly at Zabuza's command, then he slowly nodded behind the mask.

"H-He works for the Daimyo."

"And?"

"And..." Shizu paused in thought. "He did bad things?"

Zabuza let out a breath and gently tapped his fist on the boy's head. "Pay better attention." He looked down at the building. "He's been secretly diverting funds to himself, but, more importantly, he's agreed to meet with someone to sell classified documents."

"Bad stuff..." Shizu mumbled to himself.

"He's a traitor to Kirigakure who only cares about money." Zabuza frowned. "Moreover, he's a lecher who has a history of harming prostitutes for entertainment."

"What does–?"

"I'm not explaining what those words mean." Zabuza sharply interrupted. He paused, then pointed to one of the buildings' windows. "According to the intel, he isn't supposed to meet the buyer of the documents until morning. So, for tonight, he's going to be entertaining."

"Does he have to die?" Shizu whispered, and Zabuza could see how the child gripped a branch tightly. "What about jail, 'ttebayo?"

"Our mission isn't to arrest him. Our mission is to eliminate him and recover the documents."

Shizu quieted and Zabuza turned his gaze on him.

"The target isn't a shinobi so he won't put up a fight, however, eliminating him and only him will be more difficult since that inn has a number of other guests. Guests who aren't on our list."

"Is it too hard for you?"

"Of course not." Zabuza chuckled. "But I'm not the one who is going to be making the kill."

Shizu's eyes widened and Zabuza grabbed onto him tightly as the child nearly slipped off of the branch.

"M-Me?"

"Yes, you." Zabuza leaned closer. "Not only is he our target that we are required to kill, but he's a traitor. Countless lives could be lost if the documents he has gets into the wrong hands. Do you want people to die because you were too afraid and you let him live?"