Haku shifted his gaze from the Gate back to Kaa, missing the look of panic that had crossed the snake's features. Not once had it ever crossed his thoughts that such a large creature as Kaa might look at him and see dinner. Of course, Haku wouldn't be a good shinobi if he was unable to deal with a hungry snake.

"Consider it an admonishment," the effeminate shinobi told Kaa. "I have my place back home, and, should I ever return, refusal to take up that place once more will not have pleasant results."

He had sworn, ages ago, to be Zabuza's tool, to do as the older man told him. And now, now that he had to think on his own, to take care of himself and act without order, he knew that he would have trouble returning to his assigned role. And if Zabuza were to grow angry with that? Well, Haku was almost certain that Zabuza had no use for a tool that didn't obey orders.