Chapter 63: Upside Down
A strange calm settled over Arthur. The fight had been worthwhile, gauging what he could and couldn't do with the reanimation technique.
And he had achieved his objective. The threat of Zabuza and Haku was neutralized, further preventing them from altering what was left of the narrative.
He knelt beside Zabuza's body, drawing a small vial from his pouch and a scalpel from his holster. He carefully extracted a piece of flesh from Zabuza's arm, storing it in the vial before sealing it with a corkscrew.
With the DNA of an individual, who knew what possibilities it might unlock? He could potentially create a more powerful, expendable army of the undead, one that would serve him well.
This collection of flesh, this sample of Zabuza's very essence, could be a crucial ingredient in furthering that thought.
After securing the vial in a scroll, Arthur hoisted the bodies of Zabuza and Haku onto his shoulders, along with everything else. He then shuffled away from the scene, seeking a secluded clearing where he could recover.
His reserves were depleted, leaving him in a vulnerable state. He needed time for his chakra to replenish, even a meager amount, before attempting the risky procedure he had planned.
He found a clearing under some foliage, the snow blanketing the ground undisturbed.
Settling into a cross-legged position, he closed his eyes and focused. Although his chakra stores were low, his Tamashii still allowed him to extend his senses for miles.
The only movement he detected was the rustle of small forest creatures, far from posing any threat.
Half an hour later.