Whether Haku was male or female was a hot topic among Naruto fans. Despite Haku admitting to Naruto in the original storyline that he was male, many viewers believed it was a lie. Zhang Miao was one of those who held this view, convinced that Haku's appearance and attire were entirely feminine. How could a boy be so cute?
But now, reality proved him wrong. Boys could indeed be this cute!
"Damn, I've really encountered a cross-dressing master. Haku's looks surpass most girls in the ninja world, no wonder even Zabuza, the 'Demon of the Hidden Mist,' was swayed by him."
After musing maliciously about Haku and Zabuza's relationship, Zhang Miao let go of his slight regret and raised an eyebrow at Haku.
"Haku, what do you think of Naruto and Sasuke? Those two boys who fought you on the bridge earlier—what's your impression of them?"
"They are respectable ninja!" Haku answered without hesitation.
"Is that so?" Zhang Miao nodded approvingly. "Since you think so, I have a mission for you!"
"Yes!" Haku immediately knelt on one knee, ready to receive his orders. "No matter what the mission is, I will complete it even at the cost of my life!"
"Haha, it's not that dangerous!"
Seeing Haku's serious expression, Zhang Miao laughed and shook his head.
"I just want you to act as a sparring partner for Naruto and Sasuke."
"A sparring partner?" Haku looked puzzled. "What do you mean?"
"Exactly what it sounds like," Zhang Miao explained. "I watched your fight earlier and was not satisfied with their performance. Your mission is to train them through real combat until they leave the Land of Waves. Don't hold back, but don't kill them either. Go!"
"Yes!"
Haku accepted the command and left immediately. Watching him go, Zhang Miao's smile widened.
"Naruto, Sasuke, this is the best I can do for you. I hope you grow stronger quickly with my help."
Just as he thought this, there was a knock on the door. Zhang Miao turned to see Zabuza, carrying his executioner's blade, entering the room. As soon as he entered, Zabuza knelt on one knee.
"Lord Hades, I heard you sent Haku to train those two brats. If possible, I also request to be Kakashi's sparring partner!"
Zhang Miao: "..."
Damn, you don't want to be Kakashi's sparring partner. You just lost to him and want to settle the score, right? I won't let you have your way!
Thinking this, Zhang Miao raised an eyebrow and smacked his lips.
"Tsk... Zabuza, being a sparring partner is beneath you. I have a mission that will test your willpower and spirit. Completing it will greatly improve you. Are you willing?"
"I am willing, as long as it makes me stronger!" Zabuza answered eagerly. "What is the mission, and what preparations do I need to make?"
Seeing Zabuza's urgency, Zhang Miao laughed again and waved his hand.
"No preparations needed; I've already arranged everything!"
He then tossed a red cheongsam from his system space to Zabuza.
"Put this on and go learn the dance 'Jile Jingtu' from the Flower Cart Sisters outside. I'll inspect your performance tomorrow. Go!"
Zabuza: "Σ(°△°|||)︴"
Damn, why dancing? How does this test willpower and spirit?
Zabuza, full of fighting spirit, was now utterly stunned. He regretted his eagerness and wanted to slap himself.
"Damn, I was fine staying outside. How could I be so stupid..."
Though he regretted it deeply, Zabuza didn't dare defy Zhang Miao's order. He took the cheongsam and left Zhang Miao's room dejectedly to find the Flower Cart Sisters.
At least Haku wasn't around.
"Luckily, Haku didn't see this. If he did, I'd never know how to face him again. Though, Haku would look good in this cheongsam..."
Unaware of Zabuza's thoughts, Haku had already left the ninja village and found Naruto and Sasuke practising chakra tree climbing.
"Haku? What are you doing here?" Naruto ran excitedly towards Haku, forgetting how Haku had beaten him earlier.
Sasuke, however, was more cautious. He leapt in front of Naruto and confronted Haku.
"What do you want?"
Ignoring Sasuke's defensiveness, Haku relayed Zhang Miao's message.
"Lord Hades was dissatisfied with your earlier performance. Before you leave the Land of Waves, I am to train you through real combat. Please, let's begin!"
Haku bowed, and he clasped his hands together before the boys could respond.
"Secret Technique: Demonic Ice Mirrors!"
Several ice mirrors formed around Naruto and Sasuke. Seeing the familiar setup, they were stunned.
"This is..."
"This is my secret technique, and the way I will train you!"
Seeing their surprise, Haku's expression became serious.
"Lord Hades told me not to hold back. If you don't take this seriously, you will get hurt. Now, Secret Technique: Thousand Needles of Death!"
"Move, Naruto!"
Sasuke pushed Naruto aside and leapt back, avoiding Haku's attack. Seeing the ice needles where they had stood, Sasuke's face grew serious.
"He's serious, Naruto. Don't hold me back."
"Hmph, same to you!" Naruto retorted, making a hand sign.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
Naruto's clones charged at the ice mirrors, starting the intense training.
Zhang Miao watched, rubbing his chin.
"The kids' fight seems a bit dull. How about organizing a higher-level competition? What should it be called? 'Super Ninja'? 'Happy Ninja'? 'Run, Ninja, Run'?"
After some thought, Zhang Miao finally decided.
"I've got it! I'll call the competition 'Super Happy Run, Ninja, Run!'"