Kakashi Hatake lay on the hospital bed with a sense of helplessness.
Because Akihara Kagura had solved the issue with Momochi Zabuza directly, Kakashi's hope for the Seventh Squad to gain experience had been thwarted.
However, Kakashi Hatake couldn't express this dissatisfaction directly and watched helplessly as Akihara Kagura left with the Root Ninja, refusing even to let Karin help treat his wound, leaving only two big fish for them.
"Forget it."
Kakashi Hatake could only treat this as an ordinary C-rank escort mission, planning to lead the Seventh Squad to protect Dazna, finish building the bridge connecting the Land of Fire and the Land of Waves, and eliminate Caddo's group in the Land of Water once his injuries healed.
No matter what...
Let these kids participate in a real battle.
While recuperating, Kakashi Hatake instructed the three kids in the Seventh Squad to practice climbing trees and walking on water to train their Chakra control.
Having learned of Akihara Kagura's identity and that Momochi Zabuza, Caddo's most powerful subordinate, had been dealt with, Dazna's family felt somewhat relieved.
A week later.
Dazna continued with bridge construction.
After Kakashi Hatake recovered, he led the Seventh Squad to protect Dazna amidst thick fog at the bridgehead, where visibility was nearly zero.
"Didn't Caddo send anyone to stop us?"
With some doubt, Kakashi Hatake glanced around and stroked his chin thoughtfully: "Could it be that Caddo has also been dealt with by Kagura?"
Could it be...
The Seventh Squad's trip is just for sightseeing?
While Kakashi Hatake was still contemplating, Haruno Sakura noticed a silhouette in the mist at the bridgehead and hurriedly alerted her companions.
"Everyone, it looks like someone is approaching."
"Hmm?"
The Seventh Squad looked with surprise toward the bridgehead.
A figure in the mist moved toward them, the gait slightly sluggish and even a little unsteady.
"Doesn't seem like an enemy..."
Still confused, Kakashi Hatake watched the approaching figure.
However...
In the next moment!
The silhouette in the mist suddenly clasped its hands, and a massive water wave swept toward the Seventh Squad!
"Water Release: Water Rushing Wave!"
This water wave spun like a tornado, transforming into a swift river as it neared the Seventh Squad, aiming to wash everyone off the bridge!
"Such a level of Water Release..."
Quickly blocking the three kids in the Seventh Squad, Kakashi Hatake raised his hands to form hand seals while urgently instructing: "Everyone, get behind me!"
Such a level of Water Release jutsu was even more terrifying than Momochi Zabuza's, with the Water Rushing Wave creating a river on the bridge alone!
The opponent is no ordinary individual!
"Earth Release: Multi-Layered Earth Flow Wall!"
Kakashi Hatake swiftly completed the hand seals, creating stone walls engraved with dog heads to encircle them and shield them from the water wave!
"The enemy is strong!"
Pressing his hands to the ground, Kakashi Hatake advised his subordinates in a deep voice: "Be extra careful, don't..."
"Water Release: Water Cutting Wave!"
The enemy suddenly released another jutsu!
Crack!
The stone wall of the Multi-Layered Earth Flow Wall was instantly pierced by a stream of water!
This stream, like a high-pressure water gun, sliced through the entire Earth Flow Wall, exposing the Seventh Squad and Dazna, with water immediately flooding in!
"Everyone, stand on the water! Protect Mr. Dazna."
Quickly issuing instructions, Kakashi Hatake was fortunate to have urgently trained the three kids in the Seventh Squad, allowing them to skillfully use Chakra to walk on water.
Only...
Kakashi Hatake eyed the slit in the Earth Flow Wall.
Even with Kakashi Hatake's extensive experience and mastery of thousands of jutsu, he had never seen such a Water Release jutsu, astonished by it and unable to believe the smooth, neat cuts on the broken stone wall!
"You guys take Mr. Dazna away first!"
Realizing something was amiss, Kakashi Hatake felt the situation was not right!
In the next instant!
"Someone is underwater..."
Naruto Uzumaki felt someone grasp his foot, and before he could shout a warning, he was dragged into the water!
"Naruto!"
Quickly grabbing Naruto Uzumaki's hand, Uchiha Sasuke tried to pull him from the water, but he was also dragged in!
"The enemy is underwater!"
Swiftly rushing over, Kakashi Hatake pulled his two subordinates, rescuing Naruto Uzumaki and Uchiha Sasuke!
The figure that had been under the water gripping the two kids was also dragged out, revealing the person's appearance to Kakashi Hatake!
The newcomer had silver hair and red eyes, wore close-combat gear covered by blue armor, and a ninja headband resembling a face guard...
The swirl-pattern emblem on the headband...
was all too familiar to the Konoha Ninja present.
"Kakashi sensei, is he a Konoha Ninja?"
Surprised by the Konoha Village emblem on the opponent's headband, Haruno Sakura curiously asked: "But, why does he look so familiar? Have we met him before?"
"Of course you have..."
A drop of cold sweat appeared on Kakashi Hatake's forehead, his pupils involuntarily narrowing, for though he hadn't met the person in front of him, he'd seen his statue!