A chilling mist began to spread as Zabuza raised his hands into a one-handed seal, his chakra surging. The water vapor thickened, swallowing the battlefield in an unnatural fog.
'Ninja Art - Hidden Mist Jutsu!'
The atmosphere grew heavier, tension creeping into the air like an unseen predator.
Sakura spoke slowly, gripping her kunai. "Sensei, he disappeared! Where is he?"
Kakashi remained calm.
"Momochi Zabuza… a former ANBU Black Ops member of the Hidden Mist. One of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen and a master of the Silent Killing Technique."
A barely perceptible shift in the mist made Kakashi's visible eye narrow.
"His technique is so refined that by the time you realize what's happened, it's already over. You'll be dead before you even feel it."
Sakura's grip tightened as she was ready to strike him at any movement. "Then what do we do?"
"Don't worry. He'll come for me first. But stay alert."
Kakashi's tone was steady, but the weight of his words settled over the team like a blanket of dread.
However—Naruto smirked.
Yeah, right. Too bad for him, I already know exactly where he is.
A flicker of motion.
In an instant, Naruto vanished.
—Behind the mist—
Zabuza was forming another seal, his chakra molding the surrounding vapor into an even denser fog. His mind calculated his next move, already picturing Kakashi's decapitated body.
BAM!
A solid fist crashed into his temple, sending his brain rattling inside his skull.
"GUH—!"
Zabuza's world flipped sideways as his vision blurred, his body careening through the air before he slammed into the surface of the pond with a heavy splash.
Ripples spread in the water.
The so-called 'Demon of the Mist' lay motionless, floating in the water, his massive blade slipping from his grasp.
A dead silence followed.
Haku, hidden in the treetops, was momentarily stunned.
Impossible!
But his hesitation lasted only a second. He moved.
In a flash, several senbon needles shot toward Zabuza's exposed neck.
Fwoosh!
The needles embedded themselves into his flesh, their precise placement ensuring he wouldn't be dead—just immobilized.
Naruto watched, arms crossed. He had already figured it out.
So, this is that 'Tracker Ninja' guy? Yeah, right. He's definitely working with Zabuza.
But he didn't move to interfere. Instead, he just smirked knowingly.
Kakashi and the others stood frozen, completely thrown off.
Did… did Naruto just—?!
Haku kneeled beside Zabuza's body. His cold mask concealed any emotion, but inwardly, he was rattled.
This boy… He took out Zabuza-sama before we could even begin our strategy?
But outwardly, Haku remained composed.
"Your battle is over for now," He said coolly, hoisting Zabuza onto his back.
With a single movement, they both vanished into the mist.
The silence lingered for a long moment.
Sasuke gritted his teeth as he clenched his fists.
Damn it! I didn't even get to do anything!
His frustration boiled over as he bent down, slamming his fists into the ground. The impact sent dirt scattering, but it did nothing to ease his anger.
First the Demon Brothers, now Zabuza? Am I just going to keep watching from the sidelines?
His frustration burned as he turned toward Naruto, whose expression remained indifferent.
Kakashi finally exhaled, rubbing his forehead as he walked toward Naruto.
"You were able to locate Zabuza during the fight, weren't you?"
Naruto shrugged. "Of course."
Kakashi gave a small smile beneath his mask. "As expected."
But Naruto wasn't done yet. He turned back toward Tazuna, his sharp gaze meeting the old man's stunned expression.
"See?" Naruto grinned, his voice filled with confidence. "I told you we could protect you."
Tazuna, for the first time since they met, felt something shift inside him. A small ember of hope.
The group resumed their journey toward the village.
As they walked, Kakashi spoke, his voice thoughtful.
"Zabuza is most likely not dead."
Sakura blinked. "But… didn't that ninja kill him?"
Kakashi shook his head. "No. If I had to guess, that so-called 'Tracker Ninja' is actually an accomplice of Zabuza."
Naruto remained silent, already knowing the truth.
Sasuke suddenly ran up beside Naruto, scowling.
"Next time, leave the battle to me."
Naruto didn't even turn his head.
"Finish your training first."
And with that, he kept walking.
----
The golden light of the setting sun bathed the small wooden house, casting long shadows across the worn-out porch. As the group stepped inside, the warm, welcoming scent of home-cooked food lingered in the air—a stark contrast to the tension that had followed them on their journey.
The moment they stepped inside, they were greeted by the warm presence of a kind-looking woman.
She was a beautiful woman, her soft features framed by long, dark hair that cascaded past her shoulders. Her gentle brown eyes held a quiet strength, but there was a lingering sadness behind them. She wore a simple yet elegant blue kimono, a clear sign that despite her circumstances, she took pride in her appearance.
Tazuna gestured toward her. "This here is my daughter, Tsunami."
Tsunami bowed slightly. "Thank you for escorting my father safely. Please, come in and rest. You all must be exhausted."
Before anyone could respond, the sound of quick footsteps echoed through the house.
"Grandpa! Welcome back!"
A pair of small, hurried footsteps echoed through the house before a young boy burst into the room, his eyes lighting up at the sight of Tazuna.
The child, no older than seven or eight, had messy dark brown hair and wide, innocent eyes that once held the brightness of youth but now carried a deep sorrow beyond his years. His small hands gripped Tazuna's shirt tightly as he buried his face in his grandfather's side as if reassuring himself that he was really there.
Tazuna chuckled, patting his grandson's head. "Inari, my boy! Missed me, huh?"
Inari nodded but quickly pulled back, his expression sullen as he turned his gaze toward the shinobi standing behind his grandfather.
His eyes lingered on them—examining their faces, their expressions.
Tsunami cleared her throat. "Inari, what kind of greeting is that? These are the ninjas who protected your grandfather."
But Inari didn't seem impressed.
His gaze hardened, lips pressing into a thin line.
"Mom… these guys are going to die."
A heavy silence fell over the room.
Inari's tone was cold, distant—too jaded for a child his age.
"There's no way they can oppose Gato and win."
Sakura stiffened, taken aback by the sheer hopelessness in his words.
Tazuna sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Inari—"
But before anyone could say anything else—
Naruto just smiled.
Not a single hint of irritation, frustration, or anger crossed his face.
Instead, he simply shook his head, completely unfazed.
"Sasuke, I'm going to train. You coming?"
Sasuke, who had been silent throughout the exchange, finally smirked.
"Hn. Let's go."
Without sparing Inari a second glance, the two headed outside.
--- ✦ ✦ ✦ ---
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