OBS Chapter 664 Dark...Master Zhang Hai?
Chapter 664 Dark...Master Zhang Hai?
"Lord An... Zhang Hai?" Bai's voice trembled with disbelief. He dared not approach, fearing it was all just a dream, a fleeting illusion. He blinked hard, then rubbed his eyes; the figure before him remained clear and real. That familiar aura, that mountain-like, unfathomable presence, all proved it was not an illusion.
He cautiously took a small step forward, then stopped, as if waiting for something. His gaze was fixed on Zhang Hai, as if afraid he would vanish like mist.
Seeing Bai's pale face and the fear in his eyes, Zhang Hai's anxiety resurfaced. He tried to suppress his emotions and gave a rare, gentle smile. "Bai, long time no see," he said, his voice deep and pleasant, carrying a reassuring strength.
Hearing that familiar voice and seeing that familiar smile, Bai's long-suppressed emotions finally broke free. He could no longer restrain himself, and his body shot towards Zhang Hai like an arrow. He disregarded all social status and distance, driven only by the purest longing and attachment in his heart, and plunged headlong into Zhang Hai's arms.
His arms wrapped tightly around Zhang Hai's waist, his cheek pressed against his illusory yet real chest, as if trying to merge himself into it. He felt that long-lost warmth and peace, that powerful and all-encompassing strength, and tears silently streamed down his face, soaking Zhang Hai's illusory robes. He held him tightly, unwilling to let go, afraid that if he did, Zhang Hai would disappear from his world again.
"Lord Zhang Hai...you said before...you needed me so much..." Bai's voice was thick with nasal congestion and trembled as he buried his face in Zhang Hai's chest, asking in a muffled voice, "Was that...was that a lie?" He looked up at Zhang Hai, his eyes blurry with tears, filled with hope and a hint of cautious vulnerability. "I...I just hope to always be by your side, no matter what my status is...as long as you turn around, you'll see me, okay?" He carefully expressed his wish, his feelings sincere and fervent, untainted by any impurities, only wanting to be by his side, even if he was just an insignificant presence.
Bai's straightforward and ardent emotions, along with his unreserved attachment and pleading, struck Zhang Hai's soul like a heavy hammer. His body seemed to tremble at that moment, as if by some invisible force. He looked down at the trembling boy in his arms, at his tearful and expectant eyes, and a complex emotion he had never felt before surged within him.
"I desperately need her." Those words, uttered in the life-or-death moment in Kirigakure to save Haku, echoed in his mind once more. Did he truly need her then? Or was it merely a strategy to ignite Haku's will to live?
However, when Haku, in his despair at being abandoned by Zabuza, still chose to entrust his life to him, and when he saw Haku resolutely block a fatal blow for his sake, Zhang Hai clearly realized that this boy was no longer a tool for the mission, no longer a pawn on the chessboard.
He recalled that rainy night in Kirigakure, when Haku, to protect him and allow him to continue "fulfilling his dream," rushed towards Kakashi's Lightning Blade without hesitation. At that moment, he didn't feel the success of his plan, but rather… a tearing pain, a fear of loss. He instinctively acted, pulling Haku back from the brink of death with speed and power beyond the comprehension of the ninja world. It wasn't out of reason, nor out of plan, but from the depths of his heart, an uncontrollable impulse.
Zhang Hai's heart—or rather, his very being as the core of his soul—pounded violently at that moment. He finally understood that Bai was no longer just his "creation," no longer just his "follower." Unbeknownst to him, this pure and kind boy had entered the depths of his heart, becoming a unique color in his chaotic and long life, an inseparable bond. He didn't need Bai, but... he had developed a "favoritism" towards Bai. This favoritism transcended reason, transcended logic, like the softest corner of his life being occupied by Bai's image.
Bai's pure and ardent emotions, like a flame suddenly bursting forth in an icy world, instantly scorched Zhang Hai's heart and soul. He looked down at the trembling boy in his arms, those eyes blurred with tears yet full of hope, and for the first time, Zhang Hai felt such a clear and profound tremor of "favoritism" in the chaotic and long void deep within his heart.
However, as a soul that had existed for countless ages, Zhang Hai's reason quickly prevailed. He knew that Bai's feelings for him were deep and unreserved, but this was not a good thing. His path was destined to be lonely and dangerous, and he himself was not a flawless god.
He gently but firmly pushed Bai away from his embrace, placing his hands on Bai's shoulders to force Bai to meet his gaze. "Bai, I am not as perfect as you imagine." Zhang Hai's voice carried a barely perceptible hoarseness, containing a deep self-analysis. "I am someone who pursues power. My goals are above all else, and sometimes I will even stop at nothing. My world is full of darkness and the unknown, which is incompatible with the light and purity that you uphold."
He gazed at Bai, his eyes as deep as an endless starry sea. "Don't have too high expectations of me, Bai. The greater the expectation, the greater the disappointment. I hope you can have your own path, your own light. Don't lose yourself for me, don't lose yourself in chasing after me." He knew these words might hurt Bai, but he didn't want to see Bai completely change for him and ultimately lose himself in the darkness.
However, Bai's answer surprised Zhang Hai and shook his soul once again. Bai did not back down at all. He gripped Zhang Hai's hand that was supporting his shoulder tightly, his eyes firm and ardent, like an inextinguishable flame in the snow.
“I am not a follower of the light, Lord Zhang Hai,” Bai said, each word distinct, his voice trembling with emotion yet filled with unwavering resolve. “I am your shadow. Followers of the light will depart when you fall into darkness; but a shadow will always exist on the opposite side of the light, forever accompanying the darkness. If you are darkness, then I will always stay by your side, like a shadow, never abandoning you.”
These words struck Zhang Hai's heart like a tidal wave. Bai's loyalty and attachment to him had exceeded the limits of his comprehension.