Chapter 34: The Silent Killing Expert of the Mist
Kyosuke estimated that Sasuke's current level was around 30.
This meant that not long after graduating from the academy, he already possessed the strength of a Chunin. Albeit, at the very bottom tier of Chunin.
But Sasuke's fundamentals were solid. This was evident from the fact that his strength had soared in the original story after he improved his chakra control. At that time, his level was unknown, but his combat power was around 35+, which was above the average Chunin level.
During the "Land of Waves" mission and the subsequent Chunin Exams, after awakening his two-tomoe Sharingan, his strength was only a hair's breadth away from that of a Jounin. After copying Lee's taijutsu, learning the Chidori, and gaining a basic mastery of lightning-natured chakra, his actual combat power had firmly entered the Jounin tier.
To this, Kyosuke could only say that as the chakra reincarnate of Indra, his potential was indeed immense.
After taking down the two enemies, Kakashi interrogated them. Then, the group learned of the hidden dangers behind this mission.
However, in the end, they still decided to press on.
Soon, after a few days of traveling by land and over a day by water, the group successfully landed on a coast at the border of the Land of Waves.
During these few days, Kyosuke had found an excuse to reveal some of the benefits of mastering "chakra control" to Sakura and Sasuke. As a result, both of them could now walk on water, at least for a short time.
After all, the upcoming battles were unpredictable. Any small increase in their strength would increase their overall chances of winning.
Having successfully landed, the group began to make their way through the forest toward the heart of the Land of Waves.
This time, without Naruto's antics, their journey was relatively smooth.
But Kyosuke had his sensory abilities on full alert, constantly wary of an enemy attack. He had even found a reason to release his summoned creatures.
The purpose was to detect Zabuza's arrival in time, and... to guard against the hidden Haku.
Suddenly, one of the small snakes sent a warning signal to Kyosuke.
At the same time, Kakashi shouted, "Get down!"
In a hurry, Kyosuke pushed down the still-dazed Tazuna and threw himself to the ground as well.
Instantly, the group, now on the ground, felt something whistle past their heads.
This "something" was one of the Seven Ninja Swords of the Mist, the "Executioner's Blade."
And the man wielding it was the ninja known as the "Demon," Momochi Zabuza.
"I was wondering why the Demon Brothers failed. So it's you, the Copy Ninja of Konoha, Hatake Kakashi," Momochi Zabuza said coolly, standing on his massive blade.
At the same time, an astonishing killing intent radiated from him, enveloping Kakashi and the others.
It had to be said that although he seemed somewhat underwhelming in the original story, in "reality," he truly lived up to his "Demon" moniker.
Regardless of his actual combat power, this killing intent alone was enough to intimidate the fledgling Sasuke and Sakura.
As for Kyosuke, although he was still young, his experience and mindset were on a completely different level from the other two. So, while he also felt some difficulty breathing, he was still able to fight.
Kakashi silently assessed the enemy's strength. Hesitantly, he had no choice but to pull up his forehead protector.
At this point in time, Kakashi was already very proficient in using the Sharingan. Not only could he skillfully use Kamui, but he could even combine it with his Raikiri to unleash devastating attacks like "Kamui Raikiri," a move that could even harm Kaguya.
But his overuse of an ability that wasn't his own had placed a great burden on his body. Especially now that he had noticed his vision gradually blurring, he had no choice but to seal away all moves related to "Kamui."
So, in this situation, he not only had to maintain the constant chakra drain of the Sharingan but also bear the chakra output of the seal. With his strength at less than a tenth of its usual level, it was no wonder he would be suppressed by Zabuza.
I have to end this fight quickly, otherwise, with my current body... Kakashi thought, his Sharingan fixed on the enemy. He then turned to Kyosuke and the others and said, "Don't interfere. He's not someone you can handle right now."
In the instant Kakashi was distracted, Zabuza leaped down from the tree and landed in a nearby pond.
At the same time, he formed a hand seal with one hand in front of his chest and raised the other hand, also in a seal, high above his head.
"Ninpou: Hidden Mist Technique."
As Zabuza's ninjutsu was released, a thick fog suddenly rose.
Kyosuke and the others, including Kakashi, could barely see a meter in front of them. Any further, and they could see nothing at all.
And that wasn't all. When Kyosuke and Sasuke activated their Sharingan, they discovered that the thick fog was infused with Zabuza's chakra, making it impossible for even the Sharingan to track his movements.
This is a bit trickier than I thought, but not impossible to deal with, Kyosuke thought to himself, his hands secretly forming a series of hand seals.
After a brief stalemate, Zabuza suddenly shot out from his original position, appearing beside Sasuke and the others in an instant.
"Body Flicker Technique: Mist Body Flicker."
This was a high-level Body Flicker technique used in conjunction with the Hidden Mist Technique, and it was one of Zabuza's specialties. It was so fast that even Kyosuke, who had been prepared, couldn't react in time.
But the experienced Kakashi managed to arrive just in time.
He also used the Body Flicker Technique to close the distance to Zabuza, plunging his kunai into his chest.
However, with a splash of water, Zabuza vanished from the spot.
A water clone. And a water clone concealed by the Hidden Mist Technique. No wonder Kakashi hadn't seen through it.
In the instant Kakashi's posture was unstable due to his misjudgment, Zabuza appeared behind him.
With a single slash, Kakashi was cut in two.
Unfortunately for Zabuza, Kakashi's quick-thinking use of the Water Clone Technique had successfully deceived him. Using a clone as a decoy before knowing the enemy's full capabilities was a classic Kakashi tactic.
But this time, the enemy was not so easily fooled.
Because this Zabuza was also a water clone.
The careless Kakashi was sent flying by a single kick.
Just as Zabuza was about to finish off Kakashi, a burst of scorching flames suddenly came from behind him.
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique."
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique."
Two massive fireballs, one after the other, shot toward the somewhat careless Zabuza.
"Damn you, brats!" In his anger, Zabuza could only swing his massive blade in front of him, preparing to block the two ninjutsu head-on.
But just then, a thick wall of ice suddenly appeared in front of him. Although it couldn't completely block the two Great Fireballs, it bought him enough time to escape.
Seeing this, Kyosuke's heart sank.
The newcomer was none other than the last survivor of the Yuki clan, Haku.
(End of Chapter)
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We cross the 300 power stone goal and as promise here the bonus chapter
Next goal 400 power stone, good luck guys.
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