Both the figure and Chandler stared at Benimaru's body, floating unnaturally in midair.
"How are you alive…? I killed you." The figure's voice was dark, dangerous, and laced with disbelief.
"Who knows," Benimaru replied casually, as if death were no more than a minor inconvenience.
"However… you've caused quite a bit of damage to my vessel. I'll repay you in kind."
Behind Benimaru, tens of salt spears appeared out of nowhere, hurtling toward the figure with deadly speed. He twisted and turned to evade them, but one found its mark—a single spear wedged itself into his thigh, drawing blood.
He clenched his teeth, refusing to scream. The spear disintegrated into dust, leaving only the wound behind.
Benimaru smiled—not warmly, not kindly, but with a chilling, eerie expression that made the hairs on their necks rise.
"Did you know our blood is made of salt?"
With a swift motion, he extended his arm. Blood from the figure's wound began to gush unnaturally, draining his left leg in mere seconds. The figure's face went pale as the realization of his predicament hit him—this technique could easily kill him if he stayed.
"ARK!!!" he screamed, unleashing a blinding light from his body. Both Benimaru and Chandler shielded their eyes. Benimaru briefly lost control of his technique, but it was enough for the figure to vanish. Neither Chandler nor Benimaru could sense his chakra anymore—they assumed he had fled.
Benimaru floated to the ground. Chandler bowed deeply.
"Young master Benimaru," he said, his voice reverent. "I am glad to see that you have awakened your demon heritage."
Benimaru shook his head.
"I am not the one you speak of… We are the same, yet complete opposites."
Pain tore through him—a searing migraine that wracked his body.
"I am losing control. But when I awaken, I expect you to explain everything to me."
Chandler, though confused, simply nodded. This was his master—his orders were absolute.
Benimaru's body faltered. Chandler caught him and carried the unconscious form, meeting up with Team 7.
"What happened to Benimaru?" Sasuke asked, his desire to fight tempered by the sight of his sensei's collapse. He couldn't risk leaving Naruto or Sakura unprotected.
"Just a few bruises here and there," Chandler replied, glancing at the unconscious forms of Naruto and Sakura. His expression softened.
"If possible, I would never wish children into adult battles… but the world is not so kind." He muttered under his breath, lifting Kakashi's body. Sasuke followed, carrying the others.
They returned to the battlefield near Zabuza, then to Tazuna's house to rest.
With most of the team unconscious and the threat of Zabuza looming, Chandler decided to train Sasuke—at his request. The boy felt powerless during the battle and wanted strength—not for revenge, but to protect those dear to him.
When Kakashi and the others awoke a few days later, they joined in the training. Kakashi taught them tree walking and water walking—techniques Sasuke had already learned from Benimaru—but also offered basic chakra control and tips on mastering his Sharingan.
Both Naruto and Sasuke immersed themselves in training. Naruto sought strength to protect his friends. Sasuke's drive was different: to never be a burden, to stand beside Benimaru without being the weak link
NOTE: the fight with zabuza will go exactly as it did in canon so I won't bore you guys with details since I'm sure most of u don't want to read that
….
Benimaru could be seen lying in a hospital bed
His eyes flickers open—his gaze lingered on his environment as he contemplated where he was
He didn't have time to think however as a Kunai flew straight towards his skull
Benimaru caught the kunai with practiced ease
"Who's there"
He asked, his voice stern and deadly
A Silhouette appeared from the Shadows
It was Chandler while prostrating himself, he spoke
"My apologies young master, it was simply to ensure that you were not lacking after being asleep so long"
Benimaru's eyes narrowed slightly
Why was he bowing to him
"Why are you bowing to me"
"Because you are the grandson of the demon king Zeldris"