Naruto: With Favorabiltity System

Chapter 205: The Bond Between Haku and Kimimaro

Similar to what Haneda was facing, Haku and Kimimaro also encountered trouble.

They had lost their way and discovered that Haneda had disappeared.

The entire time, it turned out they had been following an illusion.

Haku said worriedly,

"Kimimaro, we must find Haneda-sama as soon as possible."

Kimimaro gave Haku a calm glance and replied,

"What we really need to do is ensure our own survival. Haneda-sama's strength is unfathomable—there's no one stronger than him."

Kimimaro led Haku to a large boulder and hid underneath it.

"It's your turn to conduct the trial," Princess Tagorihime urged.

Princess Tagitsuhime shot her a glare but reluctantly stepped forward to face Haku and Kimimaro.

They had received orders from the White Snake Sage and had no choice but to proceed.

Tagitsuhime, who had been specifically warned by Haneda, was the first to act.

After she started, a strange light appeared in front of the boulder where Haku and Kimimaro were hiding.

The light pierced through the dense mist, creating a hazy view in the distance.

"What is this…"

Haku and Kimimaro exchanged glances and, without speaking, moved toward the light.

Previously, when they were lost, hiding seemed to be the best option, but now, with this unusual light, there was a chance that Haneda-sama might be there.

Even if he wasn't, Haneda-sama would likely be heading there in search of them.

As they approached, they arrived at a grand palace.

Above the palace hung a plaque inscribed with the words *"Ryūchi Cave."* The structure was adorned with golden decorations, and golden lanterns hung under the eaves, casting a radiant glow.

Under the brilliant light, the palace sparkled like a jewel.

"Is this the Ryūchi Cave that Haneda-sama was looking for?!"

Haku and Kimimaro exchanged glances, then proceeded toward the palace.

As they neared the entrance, the door opened on its own.

Tagitsuhime, in the form of a beautiful woman, stood at the door to greet them.

"I've been expecting you two for some time."

"Welcome to Ryūchi Cave."

Haku stepped forward and asked politely,

"Big sister, has a man carrying a sword at his waist, with a gentle appearance, passed through here?"

"Gentle?" Tagitsuhime twitched slightly at the corner of her mouth.

*Gentle? Haneda?* She could hardly associate the two.

"The Haneda-sama you're searching for is currently training with the White Snake Sage," she said. "Please wait here for a while."

Gesturing invitingly, she continued,

"You must be tired and hungry. Why don't you sit down, rest, and have something to eat?"

Haku had already noticed the food on the table and smiled gratefully.

"You're so kind, big sister. Thank you for the trouble."

"What a polite child," Tagitsuhime praised.

But before Haku could approach the food, Kimimaro quickly pulled him back.

Haku smiled, clearly not intending to eat the food carelessly, knowing Kimimaro's cautious nature.

Tagitsuhime brought a plate of delicacies closer, her voice gentle but coaxing.

"This is food specially prepared to welcome guests to Ryūchi Cave. Please enjoy."

"No, thank you, big sister," Haku declined with a polite smile.

Kimimaro said nothing, his eyes fixed warily on Tagitsuhime.

Seeing their caution, Tagitsuhime revealed her true form.

In an instant, the sumptuous feast and golden decorations turned to rotting earth, falling to the ground.

The place they had been standing in was revealed to be littered with human skeletons.

Kimimaro immediately placed Haku behind him, pulling out a bone to wield as a weapon, his eyes locked on the snake demon before them.

"Fine, you've passed the trial," Tagitsuhime admitted begrudgingly.

"I was only sent by the White Snake Sage to test those entering Ryūchi Cave. The rest is not my concern."

Deep down, she felt relieved.

It was fortunate that neither Haku nor Kimimaro had fallen for her traps. If something had happened to them, especially under her watch, she would have been in big trouble.

"Goodbye," she said, politely waving as she left.

Even her colleague Tagorihime found it hard to believe.

Tagitsuhime had always enjoyed eating humans, especially tender and adorable ones like these.

But this time, she didn't dare cross Haneda, not even slightly.

"Only those who pass the trials can truly enter Ryūchi Cave," Tagorihime explained briefly as she appeared before Haku and Kimimaro, then disappeared into the mist.

Before them, a light similar to the previous illusion appeared once again.

Haku instinctively looked at Kimimaro, who said firmly,

"Let's go together. I'll protect you."

"Thank you."

"Hmph, don't get the wrong idea," Kimimaro grumbled, grabbing Haku's hand to ensure they wouldn't get separated as they moved toward the light.

After passing through the mist, they arrived at a cavern with a plaque reading *"Ryūchi Cave."*

"Go ahead," Tagorihime's voice echoed from within. "Only those who pass the trials may truly enter Ryūchi Cave."

Kimimaro clenched his teeth and told Haku,

"I'll go first. You wait here."

"But—"

"You are Haneda-sama's most important tool," Kimimaro interrupted, then strode into the cave without hesitation. Before entering, he glanced back and warned,

"Don't follow me. Stay here."

*Thud!*

The cave entrance sealed shut as Kimimaro went inside.

Haku ran to the door and banged on it with all his might, but it wouldn't budge.

"He's already failed," Tagorihime said mockingly as she appeared behind Haku.

"He's destined to be eaten. According to the White Snake Sage's rules, only those who stay outside may live and proceed to the next trial."

Haku ignored her and continued pounding on the door.

"You're wasting your energy," Tagorihime continued.

"Haneda-sama is waiting for you, and if Kimimaro dies, you'll have more of his love."

"No! Haneda-sama said that those who abandon their comrades are worse than trash!" Haku snapped.

"Oh, that guy doesn't even consider you a comrade. He keeps calling you an idiot," she taunted.

"Kimimaro… he's just stubborn. He's always protected me!" Haku shouted, focusing his chakra into his fists.

As he struck the door, a faint crack appeared.

Realizing he was making progress, Haku adjusted his chakra, forming it into sharper, more focused shapes like spikes.

Tagorihime watched in surprise.

His rapid mastery of chakra control was remarkable.

'Could this be the so-called 'power of bonds'?'

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*End of Chapter.*