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"Dammit, the fog's getting thicker!" Asuma growled in frustration. "These Kirigakure ninja and their underhanded tricks—some things never change."
Not everyone was a fan of the Hiding in Mist Technique.
The battle had already begun late at night when visibility was poor, making it nearly impossible to defend against the Snow ninja who suddenly emerged from the darkness. Now, with the added mist, it was practically inducing night blindness artificially.
Refusing to tolerate such an oppressive environment, Asuma swiftly formed hand signs and unleashed "Wind Release: Great Wind Break", dispersing the fog in front of him while simultaneously driving his chakra blades into the chest of a panicked Snow ninja.
"Who gave you permission to blow away my mist?"
A voice suddenly hissed in Asuma's ear. He spun around just as a kunai shot out from the mist, followed by Zabuza himself.
"Knew you couldn't resist showing up!"
Asuma smirked, blocking Zabuza's strike with the chakra blade in his left hand while thrusting the one in his right toward Zabuza's throat. Zabuza parried with a kunai. Just as the two were about to clash again, Kakashi and Midorima emerged from the mist, intervening.
"Zabuza, we're not out of danger yet. Don't make things worse," Midorima urged.
"He ruined my technique—"
"There's more than just us here. Kirigakure's missing-nin also know the Hiding in Mist Technique. Konoha's at a disadvantage. Both our groups were attacked—we should work together to repel the enemy," Midorima reasoned.
Asuma scoffed coldly. "Now that's more like it. We're not enemies here!"
This skirmish was merely a brief interlude in the larger battle, yet it became a turning point.
Though hostility lingered—especially between Asuma and Zabuza, who would've gladly decapitated each other—the sheer number of skilled Snow ninja forced them into an uneasy truce. Grumbling and cursing, they begrudgingly fought side by side, gradually developing an unspoken rhythm.
Midorima let out a wry laugh.
This dynamic felt all too familiar.
It was like playing Dota 2 when your team was losing. Teammates would rage, hurling insults, while the opponents fired back just as fiercely. The battlefield split in two—one for trash-talking, the other for actual combat. Yet amid the chaos, they'd somehow pull off a comeback. By the end, they'd even exchange thumbs-ups and hearts—though words like "You're amazing" were conspicuously absent.
Meanwhile, Kakashi finally stopped holding back. Removing his eyepatch, he replicated the enemy's Ice Release.
Two massive ice pillars collided with a thunderous crash, scattering shards that quickly vanished into the mist.
"Strange… We've been fighting so long, but where's everyone else? The rescued inn guests and staff should've alerted the guards by now. And shouldn't there be nearby residents?" Midorima mused after repelling a Snow ninja with "Water Pillar".
"Likely Dotō's doing," Kakashi panted, fatigue setting in after repeated use of the Sharingan.
Just then, the Snow ninja's assault abruptly ceased. Before anyone could react, rapid footsteps echoed through the mist.
"Arrest them!"
Midorima stiffened, unsure what was happening. His fingers brushed against Mei's palm as they exchanged bewildered glances.
A squad of soldiers armed with crossbows surrounded the six of them. Then, a tall, imposing middle-aged man emerged from the mist.
Kazahana Dotō.
Had Midorima not known the anime, he'd never have guessed this stern-faced man was the main villain.
"You six have been caught brawling and disturbing the peace. A formal complaint has been filed. By violating Snow Country's laws, you will face its judgment. Detain them!" Dotō waved, and his men moved to restrain the group.
"Sir, we weren't fighting—we were ambushed," Kakashi countered, gripping a kunai, daring anyone to step closer.
"Ambushed? Where are your attackers?" Dotō spread his hands mockingly. "You expect me to take your word for it? Where's the proof? Hmm?"
He turned to Fubuki Kakuyoku beside him, prompting raucous laughter from the mist-shrouded soldiers.
Midorima and Zabuza exchanged a glance.
With the Hiding in Mist Technique active, the three Kirigakure ninja could easily escape—but that would leave Kakashi's team stranded.
However, Dotō had clearly planned this. Kakuyoku's absence earlier hinted at a trap, and with potential ambushers still lurking, provoking a confrontation now would be risky. Outmaneuvering Dotō here seemed impossible.
"Wait—" Midorima stepped forward.
Dotō glanced at him dismissively. "More excuses?"
"Plenty. The inn we stayed at was deliberately set ablaze using accelerants. If we'd done it, the workload would've been immense. Oh, and if you check the walls, you'll probably find arrows embedded in them. None of us even carry bows."
The last part was pure bluffing, but mixing truth with lies made it harder to refute.
"Nonsense! We never used arrows! Where would—" A furious Snow ninja behind Dotō pointed at Midorima. "He's lying, Lord Dotō!"
Dotō glared at the man. 'You idiot, you just admitted it!'
Midorima shrugged. "So you do know you didn't bring bows?"
The others burst into laughter. Asuma even slung an arm around Midorima's shoulders, grinning. "Kid, I knew you were sharp, but damn—that was brutal."
"…"
Is that supposed to be a compliment? Midorima's eye twitched.
Dotō scowled at the blundering ninja. "This has nothing to do with us!"
"R-right! This brat tricked me!"
Midorima feigned innocence. Tricked him? He hadn't held a kunai to the man's throat.
Suddenly, another commotion erupted in the mist. A new group approached, led by a man who bore a striking resemblance to Dotō—though slightly shorter, leaner, and wearing round glasses. He exuded quiet confidence.
"Brother… Your Majesty." Dotō hadn't expected Kazahana Sōsetsu to appear now.
Why is he here at this moment?
"I'll pretend I didn't hear what just transpired. However, these people are my guests, and I'll be taking them with me. Also, since you caused this mess, clean it up yourself." Sōsetsu turned to the six. "Everyone, please follow me.