Noah felt awful-extremely awful.
Probably the result of pushing himself too hard.
He had never truly tested his top speed, not even against Shisui.
He had approached limits before, but then he used Dark Energy to mimic a Mirror Wheel Eye effect. This time? He felt every second of it.
A part of him was annoyed. He hadn't expected his Dark Energy to prevent motion sickness.
Kakashi was even more frustrated.
Noah's speed was a direct blow to his ego.
As for Noah claiming he wasn't fully ready, Kakashi believed him.
At that velocity, if you weren't serious, you were the one who'd pay the price.
Power was double-edged. The kid was simply too careless-and the result proved it.
After resting and recovering, Noah demonstrated his speed again. No issues.
Understanding the kid's speed, Kakashi grew determined to teach him swordsmanship.
He couldn't believe it.
Was there really someone in this world with such "idiot-level" combat skills?
Three days later, Kakashi stared at Noah with a dead-fish gaze.
Now he was 100% certain such a person existed.
Noah mastered basic sword moves in ten minutes.
But applying them? Fumbles everywhere.
A low-level academy brat could probably beat him hand-to-hand.
Kakashi was baffled.
Hadn't Noah won all his practical combat classes? How could these pathetic skills be enough?
"Oh, that?" Noah said casually, sitting aside.
"A senior taught me some illusions."
"You used illusions in the tests?" Kakashi asked, incredulous.
"That's impossible. You're a kid-you can't pull off illusions in front of instructors unnoticed."
"I don't need hand signs," Noah smirked.
"Can't the Uchihas transmit illusions with their eyes? I just copied that. It's a bit of a hassle, but it works. During fights, I hit them with an illusion and knocked them over. I won."
Kakashi's worldview wobbled.
Copy Uchiha eye-based illusions? Without the Mirror Wheel Eye?
Noah demonstrated.
Watching through his own Mirror Wheel Eye, Kakashi saw clear Chakra fluctuations when Noah used the illusion.
Noah's eyes didn't change at all; he was merely a medium to transmit the illusion.
Kakashi's head spun.
This was the first time he'd seen someone reach this level without the Mirror Wheel Eye.
How long had Noah been studying illusions?
Everyone knew Mirror Wheel Eye illusions were just precise Chakra control. One mistake and you could go blind.
Kakashi concluded the kid's talent was terrifying.
"All his talent went into Ninjutsu. A monster with lopsided stats," he thought.
For close combat, Kakashi decided: Body Flicker and Chakra-blade strikes. Hit or miss, no matter.
If illusions were possible, even better.
Ninjutsu? No complaints. Noah was reliable.
His only concern: a limited repertoire. He told Noah to come to him if he wanted to learn more.
Three days later, Tazuna began bridge work.
Team 7 prepared to raid Gato's base.
No obstacles awaited. Gato had ninjas, but they were insignificant.
Kakashi divided roles: Naruto and Sasuke took the front; Noah provided support, intervening only if necessary.
Noah didn't mind. Sasuke was thrilled-his moment to shine.
Naruto faltered, nervous.
Seeing Sasuke charge and Noah protect, he realized he'd become dead weight.
But Naruto was Naruto-he never gave up.
A moment of internal reckoning later, he was fully recharged.
Gaze fierce, he used Multi-Shadow Clone Technique. Hundreds of Narutos surged forward.
Kakashi and Noah exhaled.
Noah had feared altering Naruto's nature. Kakashi worried about mentoring the mentor's son.
Both could relax. Naruto was green but on the right path.
Noah frowned.
Someone was approaching.
"Zabuza and that Mist ninja," he said.
"How should we handle it?"
"I'll leave them to you," Kakashi thought.
"Zabuza's injured from your explosion. If you can't handle the kid, I'll step in."
"I don't see a problem," Noah nodded.
"But, Mr. Hatake, do we... kill them?"
"We're not responsible for cleaning up Mist Village traitors," Kakashi said.
"Handle it as needed. If necessary, act."
Noah agreed.
Haku and Zabuza had left an impression. He planned to make it count.
Zabuza arrived, delivering a standard villain monologue: he wouldn't lose twice, had backup, they had no chance. He ordered Haku to attack Noah and aimed for Kakashi himself.
"Hey, Zabuza. Reminder: your opponent isn't me," Kakashi said.
"You weren't a match before, and now you're injured."
"What do you mean?!" Zabuza roared.
"I'll cut you down!"
"You won't get the chance," Kakashi sighed.
"That kid's in danger."
"He's just a tool to me," Zabuza smiled.
"Don't bluff, Hatake. That kid Haku is stronger than me; your student is as good as dead. As for you, I won't make the same mistake twice."
Shattering ice crystals erupted behind him. Haku flew out.
"I'm sorry, but your opponent is me," Haku said, forming hand signs.
"Secret Art: Crystal Ice Mirrors!"
Noah tilted his head, smiling.
"Ice Style? Interesting. But can you handle me?"
"As Zabuza's tool," Haku said, merging into the mirrors, "even if I die, I will stop you."
"Is that so," Noah nodded.
"Then let's see what you've got."
He activated Dark Energy, channeling it into his eyes.
Time slowed in his vision.
He scanned the area, locking onto Haku, hidden among countless reflections.
Noah was already strong. He was also a mage. Facing someone like Thanos in another universe had taught him caution.
"Let's finish this quickly," he thought.
Holy Light erupted in Noah's body.
He pushed his speed to the limit, drew his short sword, and infused it with Chakra. The blade glowed blue.
He swung without concern for angles, striking an ice mirror.
The impact hit Haku before he could react.
The raid on Gato's base was perfect training for Team 7.
The battle wasn't over, but the tide favored them.
Practice and learning now would make mastery inevitable.