Kakashi was stationed at the bridge, keeping a watchful eye on both the structure and Sasuke and Sakura's tree-climbing training.
The so-called tree-climbing exercise involved channeling chakra into the soles of the feet and walking up a tree, relying solely on the adhesive power of chakra. The goal was to train precise chakra control.
For Sakura, this was new but not particularly difficult.
As for Sasuke…
Tsk. I can't believe I'm losing to her in this.
He watched Sakura easily reach a branch and sit gracefully while he had tumbled halfway up. A flash of frustration crossed his face.
And Naruto… why isn't he practicing properly? Why is he off with Sun Wukong again?
He pushed the thought aside. Forget it. Focus on training. I can't lose to a woman—how else will I take revenge on that man?
A flicker of gloom crossed his eyes, quickly replaced by a burning resolve.
Watching his students push themselves, Kakashi's eyes softened with relief. Then, his thoughts wandered to Naruto.
I wonder… is Naruto making progress with this so-called Qi?
In the forest, Naruto had two dark circles under his eyes but moved with energy and determination. He guided the Qi out of his body, then drew it back, repeating the process over and over under Wukong's watchful gaze. Compared to yesterday, he had improved remarkably.
"Goku, look at me now! I'm getting stronger!"
He grinned, showing his bright white teeth, having spent almost the entire night practicing Qi. His dedication and hard work were paying off.
"You're amazing, Naruto," Wukong said, never stingy with praise for his juniors.
"Hehe~" Naruto replied, a goofy smile spreading across his face.
"So… can I now catch a knife with one finger like you?" he asked, eyes shining with anticipation.
"Not yet," Wukong said, scratching his nose. "Your Qi isn't strong enough. Keep practicing, and one day, you'll be able to do it."
"What?!" Naruto's face fell for a moment but quickly brightened.
"Grow, huh? I, Uzumaki Naruto, am a man destined to be Hokage! How can something this small stop me?"
Both of them were engrossed in training when an uninvited observer appeared near the bridge, hidden in the shadows, watching Kakashi and the others.
Wait… they're not together?
Bai, Zabuza's agent, had arrived at dawn to gather intelligence. Expecting to find his targets in the village, he discovered they weren't there. Neither the mysterious Sun Wukong nor the Konoha Genin was present.
Where did those two go?
Earlier, he had learned indirectly that Goku and Naruto had been with Kakashi in the morning, but now they were gone. Bai stayed to observe, determined to uncover their whereabouts to report back to Zabuza.
Far from the bridge but still near the village, he heard a sound.
"85… 86… 87…"
In an open space, Naruto was carrying a half-meter-wide rock on his back, doing frog jumps in circles. His face was flushed, sweat soaked his body, and his legs shook, but his eyes were unwavering. He clenched his teeth and persisted.
When he reached one hundred, he dropped the rock and collapsed into a spread-eagle position.
"Hu! Hu! Hu!" He panted, every muscle aching.
"Wukong… will this really work?" he asked, glancing at Sun Wukong, who leaned casually against a tree, eating fruit.
Earlier, Wukong had explained that strength came from hardening the body. To demonstrate, he had carried the giant rock and done frog jumps himself—ten sets of a hundred jumps each.
"Dongyung bite," Wukong said, swallowing the fruit pulp and tossing the core aside. "This is how Grandpa Kame-sensei trained me. Thinking about it now, I really miss those days."
A flicker of nostalgia crossed his face as memories of training under Master Roshi with Krillin appeared before him.
"Who's Grandpa Kame-sensei?" Naruto asked, curious.
"The old man who taught me martial arts. Very powerful."
Naruto grinned, rubbing his head. "Of course! You're so strong, Goku. Your teacher must be incredible too."
Clenching his fists with renewed determination, Naruto stood and declared, "I want to be powerful too! Only then will I be worthy of becoming Hokage!"
He picked up the stone and resumed frog jumps, the fire in his eyes unmatched. Wukong smiled slightly, then glanced toward the forest, scratched his head, and turned his attention elsewhere.
In the forest, Bai jumped from branch to branch, confusion etched on his face.
Did he notice me?
He had tracked the sounds to an open area and discovered Naruto's training session—and more importantly, Sun Wukong.
Why is a Genin from Konoha training with this mysterious man instead of staying with his companions?
Just as Bai considered staying to observe, Wukong looked in his direction. Convinced he had been spotted, Bai turned and fled without hesitation, expecting a pursuit. But no one followed.
Forget it. I'd better report back to Lord Zabuza.
If they remain separated like this tomorrow, Zabuza-sama will have a high chance of success.
By the time Bai returned with the intelligence, it would be past noon. Darkness would approach just as the two resumed training, making today a poor opportunity for battle. Tomorrow, with both of them still separated, Zabuza could strike at the perfect moment.
Soon, the third day arrived. Naruto dragged his aching body through another session of intense training under Wukong's guidance. Kakashi continued to accompany Sasuke and Sakura at the bridge, protecting Dazna, while Zabuza followed Bai, a cold, cruel smile spreading across his face.
Today… I will take your head. Mission accomplished.