By the time Sasuke 's eyes flicker open, all the mist and ice on the battlefield has cleared. He 's leaning between his teammates, back pressed against Sakura 's side and Naruto crouched beside him, both their eyes cast riveted on the scene before them.

Silence permeates the area, thick and cloying, heavy with a meaning Sasuke has yet to grasp. Kakashi stands several meters back from Zabuza, who is heavily injured and bleeding profusely from the top of one shoulder, his sword crossed protectively in front of Haku.

'I have a question, Zabuza. ' Kakashi asks lowly. 'Since it seems the two of us aren 't so different after all. '

Zabuza barks a humorless laugh. 'Shoot. '

'Why are you working for a common thug like Gatou? '

Zabuza flexes his hand around the hilt of his sword, eyes narrowing like the question surprises him.

'Easy money. ' Zabuza snaps reflexively.