A New Path

It was night and the group had to stop somewhere safe to rest. They set up camp in a small clearing deep within the forest. The air was thick with tension, the crackling fire between them doing nothing to the cold silence. Kakashi sat against a tree, arms crossed, his visible eye locked onto Tazuna with sharp scrutiny. His usual laid-back demeanor was gone, replaced by something far more serious.

“Alright,” Kakashi said, his voice calm but firm, “Start talking.”

Tazuna swallowed hard, looking anywhere but at the jonin. After a few seconds, he sighed and rubbed the back of his head before finally meeting their gazes with a guilty expression, “I… might not have been entirely honest about the mission.” He admits.

Naruto’s eyes widen and he explodes, “Might?!” He echoed, fists clenched, “We just got jumped by a couple of S-ranked assassins! What part of that is ‘not entirely honest’ to you?!”

Sakura’s fingers curled around the fabric of her clothing, her face pale, “S-ranked… that means we weren’t supposed to be fighting them at all. This mission was only C-rank. Right, Kakashi-sensei?”

Kakashi nodded, his tone laced with irritation, “A standard C-rank mission involves simple protection—maybe dealing with bandits at worst. But, skilled assassins? The demon brothers at that? It pushes this mission into S-rank territory. That’s a massive difference,” Kakashi’s one eye sharpened, “But you knew that, didn’t you, Tazuna?”

Tazuna looked down, shame creeping into his guilty expression, “I… I had no choice,” he muttered, “If I told the truth, the Land of Waves couldn’t afford the mission. We don’t have the money for an S-rank team. But if I didn’t get your help, Gato was going to kill me, and my people would suffer.”

There was a beat of silence.

It lasted for a few minutes before Harry broke it. “Gato?” Harry tasted the name on his tongue, and his expression became curious. “Who is he?” He must be bad if he sent powerful assassins after Tazuna.

Tazuna let out a deep breath, adjusting his glasses. “"Gato is a corrupt businessman. He’s taken control of the Land of Waves, and he’s using his wealth to strangle us into submission. He monopolized all trade, making us dependent on his imports. The bridge I’m building is our only hope to break free from him." His grip tightened into fists. "That’s why he sent assassins after me. If I die, the bridge never gets completed. And he stays in control."

Naruto’s anger wavered at Tazuna’s explanation, replaced by something more complicated. “So… you lied, but it’s because you’re trying to help your people.”

Tazuna nodded solemnly.

Sasuke, who had been leaning against a tree, finally moved. He turned his attention to Kakashi and waited. He didn’t need to speak, his expression was clear. What now? 

Kakashi sighed, rubbing his temple. “ As much as I don’t appreciate being deceived, the fact remains we’re already on this mission. Turning back isn’t an option.”

Sakura’s head snaps up. She looked confused. “Why not?”

“Because shinobi and kunoichi don’t abandon missions halfway unless officially recalled,” Kakashi explained, his voice wasn’t harsh, but it made them all straighten their backs. “It’s the law. We keep going, or we don’t go back at all.” 

The words sank in like a heavy stone.

Harry swallowed heavily, fear in his irises. “What do we do?”

Kakashi studied them, then exhaled. They’re only children.

“We press forward.” His visible eye softened slightly as he looked at his team. “But I won’t lie to you, this mission has become more dangerous. The Demon Brothers were only a start, there will be more threats ahead. This is no longer a simple escort mission.”

Sakura sighed heavily, but being a logical thinker, she said: “Then we prepare accordingly.”

Harry nodded in agreement, his expression unreadable. While Sasuke simply inclined his head.

Naruto took a deep breath and then gave a small grin. “Hah. Dangerous? So what? We’re Team 7. We’ve got this.”

Tazuna looked at them, eyes glistening with tears of relief. “I… I know I don’t deserve it, but… thank you.”

Kakashi closed his eye briefly before standing up. “Get some rest, everyone. We’ll need it.”

As the fire crackled between them, Team 7 silently acknowledged something that hadn’t been said out loud.

They may die on this mission. It wasn’t a simple D-rank, where they walk a pet or do basic chores. It was the real thing. And that… that was frightening to think about.

The campfire burned low, flickering embers casting shadows against the trees. The night was still, save for the occasional rustling of the leaves in the wind. The others had fallen asleep—Naruto sprawled out haphazardly, snoring softly; Sasuke, curled on his side, breathing slow and even; Tazuna mumbling something unintelligible in his sleep.

Kakashi sat perched on a low branch nearby, silent and unmoving, his eye scanning the darkness for any threats.

Harry sat cross-legged near the fire, staring into the flames. He was tired, but his mind wouldn’t quiet down. This situation reminded Harry of the dangerous events that he went through with Ron and Hermione, they were able to survive due to pure luck. But he isn’t sure his luck is going to get him far now. His katana lay loosely in his lap, he felt safe with it near. It made him feel… Protected, just like his wand.

A quiet shuffling broke Harry out of his thoughts and he turned his head slightly. Sakura sat a few feet away from him, knees pulled to her chest, arms wrapped around her legs. She was staring down, her face half-hidden by the dim firelight.

She’s trembling. Harry noticed and he frowned. “Can’t sleep?” He asked softly. Sakura flinched, startled, and she looked at Harry, her green eyes watery with tears.

Sakura processed his question and then shook her head, “No,” She admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. A long pause stretched between them before she finally murmured. “I’m scared.”

Harry exhaled quietly, watching the way her fingers curled around her arms, he wasn’t surprised. Despite Naruto’s bravado and Sasuke’s quietness, he knew they were terrified, hell, he was as well. It isn’t a light situation to be in. 

“Because of the mission?”

She gave a small, jerky nod. “I—” Her voice wavered. She took a deep breath before continuing, “I wanted to become a shinobi because I wanted to prove that I was special, that I was someone. But this… We could die Harry.”

Harry was silent but he understood. 

“I know,” he finally said, “It’s… a lot.”

Sakura only wiped her eyes, her shoulders were tensed. “And I—” She hesitated before whispering, “I don’t think I’m good enough. Not like you. Or Sasuke, or even Naruto. I’m not as fast as you three, I barely even did anything back there!” She exclaimed and bit her lip. “If something happens… I don’t want to slow everyone down.”

Harry looked at her, really looked at her. Sakura always tried to act confident, smart, and capable. But now, she looked small. Vulnerable. Harry shifted slightly, leaning his arms on his knees. “You’re not slowing anyone down,” Harry said firmly as if it was a fact, not an opinion. “You’re as good as anyone else here, you managed to notice the genjutsu before Kakashi-sensei! It doesn’t matter if you aren’t fast, you’re still smart and strong. I mean, you mimic the way people fight, Sakura! None of us can do that!” Harry rambles, “And yeah, this mission is terrifying, but you’re not alone in it. None of us are.”

Sakura glanced up at Harry, hesitant. “But–”

Harry shook his head. “No ‘buts’, We’re going to get through this. You, me, Naruto, and Sasuke. No one is going to die.” He met her gaze, steady and certain.

Sakura searched his face and something inside her… Believed Harry. She believed that they weren’t going to die, they were going to survive, and live through this.

Harry gave a small, lopsided grin. “Besides we have Kakashi-sensei watching over us. If anything goes wrong, I think we’ll know before we’re in any danger.”

Sakura gave a weak, breathy laugh. “Unless you count him almost losing by the twin brothers.”

Harry huffed with a soft smile. “Fair point.”

A small silence settled between them. It wasn’t as heavy as before. After a moment, she murmured. “Thanks Harry.”

Harry shrugged lightly. “Anytime.” He felt better himself, his mind wasn’t running with any dark thoughts. Now, he felt a sense of sleepiness. Sakura shifted into a comfortable position and she yawns.

“You should go to sleep, too” Sakura mumbled, her eyes growing heavy. “We’re going to need it.”

Harry hummed his agreement, although he didn’t move yet, he watched as Sakura’s breathing evened out, her body finally relaxed.

The fear hadn’t completely disappeared yet. Not for either of them.

But for now, this was enough.

The first rays of dawn filtered through the trees, casting a soft golden glow over the camp. Birds chirped overhead, and the scent of the dying campfire mixed with the crisp morning air. Naruto was the first to wake, stretching with an exaggerated yawn before blinking blearily at his surroundings. His stomach rumbled loudly, breaking the early morning silence.

"Ughhh, I’m starving!" he groaned dramatically, flopping onto his back. "Sakuraaa, do we have any food?"

Sakura, who had just woken up herself, rubbed her eyes before shooting Naruto an unimpressed look. "Why are you asking me?"

Naruto blinked. "Uh, because you’re—"

Sakura’s glare sharpened instantly.

Naruto’s survival instincts kicked in. "—because you’re really organized! Yeah! You probably kept track of the food supplies better than me!" He grinned, sweating slightly.

Sasuke, sitting on a rock nearby, arched an eyebrow but said nothing, idly sharpening a kunai.

Harry, still stretching the sleep out of his limbs, watched the exchange with mild amusement. "That was almost smooth, Naruto."

"Almost?" Naruto pouted before shooting up to his feet. "I am smooth!"

"Sure," Harry replied dryly, pulling out a ration bar from his pouch and tossing it to Naruto.

Naruto caught it, eyes lighting up. "Yes! Harry, you’re officially my favorite teammate!"

Sakura rolled her eyes. "You have zero loyalty."

Tazuna, groggy and still waking up, grunted from where he sat. "Kids these days…"

Kakashi, who had been awake long before the others, finally spoke up. "Alright, since we’re all awake, let’s move out soon. The faster we reach the village, the better."

Naruto groaned through a mouthful of food. "Can’t we just chill for a bit? We barely got any rest!"

Kakashi’s visible eye crinkled slightly. "Ninjas don’t get paid to ‘chill.’"

Naruto grumbled under his breath but didn’t argue further. As they packed up, the air remained light. It felt like a normal morning—a rare, peaceful moment before reality set in. The sun had barely crested over the horizon when Team 7 set out once again, their journey to Tazuna’s home continues. The air was cool, the dirt path damp with morning dew. Birds chirped in the distance, a deceptive contrast to the weight of the previous battle. For a while, they walked in silence. Kakashi led the group, looking as nonchalant as ever, hands in his pockets, his posture relaxed. But even with his usual laziness, there was no mistaking the awareness in his every step.

“So, Kakashi-sensei…” Naruto started, breaking the silence.

Kakashi hummed in acknowledgment but didn’t look back.

"How the hell do you have a Sharingan?" Naruto blurted, brows furrowing. "You’re not even a Uchiha! That’s their thing!"

Sasuke, who had been quiet until now, snapped his head toward Kakashi at that. His eyes narrowed ever so slightly, but he said nothing.

Kakashi sighed. He had expected this.

"I mean, seriously, what’s up with that?" Naruto pressed. "That’s like me suddenly having a Byakugan! Or—or Sakura pulling off an Earth Release jutsu!"

Sakura, who had been listening with mild interest, shot Naruto an unimpressed look. "I can learn Earth Release if I wanted to."

"That’s not the point!" Naruto waved her off before refocusing on Kakashi. "So, spill! Where’d you get that eye?"

Kakashi sighed again, heavier this time. "It’s… complicated."

Naruto groaned. "Oh, come on! That’s not an answer!"

Harry, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke. "It’s not just the Sharingan itself that’s strange," he pointed out. "It takes a toll on you, doesn’t it?"

Kakashi tilted his head slightly, finally giving Harry a sidelong glance. "...What makes you say that?"

"I noticed it yesterday," Harry said simply. "You fought fine at first, but after using the Sharingan for too long, you started slowing down. That’s why the Demon Brothers got in a hit."

Naruto blinked. "Wait, really?"

"Yeah," Harry confirmed. "It’s not like how Sasuke used his Sharingan during training. There’s something different about Kakashi’s."

Sasuke, who had been silent the entire time, finally spoke. "It’s because he wasn’t born with it." His voice was calm, but his eyes were unreadable. "The Sharingan is an Uchiha trait. We awaken it naturally, so our bodies are used to it." He glanced at Kakashi. "But for someone who isn’t a Uchiha…"

"It drains them faster," Kakashi finished, his voice light but firm. "You’re observant, Harry. And Sasuke is right because I wasn’t born with this eye, it takes a lot more effort to use. Unlike an Uchiha, my chakra drains much faster when I keep it active for too long."

Naruto frowned, crossing his arms. "Okay, but that still doesn’t explain why you have it in the first place! Who just gives away a Sharingan?"

Kakashi was quiet for a long moment.

Too long.

Sakura glanced at him, suddenly realizing the shift in the atmosphere.

"...It was a gift," Kakashi said finally, his tone unreadable.

That made the entire team pause.

A gift?

Naruto blinked. "Wait, what?"

Sasuke’s gaze sharpened, but he didn’t press further.

Kakashi stretched his arms lazily as if shaking off the tension. "That’s a story for another time," he said, slipping back into his usual carefree tone. "Maybe if you all manage to survive this mission, I’ll tell you."

Naruto groaned loudly. "That’s so unfair!"

"Patience, Naruto," Kakashi drawled. "Besides, it’s too early in the morning for tragic backstories."

"Does that mean it’s tragic?"

Kakashi ignored him and continued walking, effectively ending the conversation. Harry glanced at Sasuke, but the Uchiha was staring ahead, his expression unreadable once again.

Sakura exhaled. "Well… at least we got something out of him."

"Yeah," Naruto muttered, "but now I have even more questions!"

Harry chuckled. "Better get used to it. I have a feeling Kakashi-sensei enjoys keeping secrets."

The team continued walking, the weight of the conversation lingering in the air. The dirt path stretched ahead, winding through the thick forest as Team 7 and Tazuna made their way toward the Land of Waves. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of damp earth and morning dew. Despite the gravity of their mission, the conversation drifted among the four young ninjas, filling the otherwise uneventful trek.

Naruto walked at the front, arms crossed behind his head. “Man, this is taking forever! Are we there yet?”

Sakura sighed. “You asked that ten minutes ago, Naruto.”

“Well, yeah, and we’re still not there.”

Sasuke, walking beside him, shot Naruto a glance before shaking his head. He didn't bother responding. Harry, who had been quiet, grinned slightly. “At least it’s peaceful for now.”

That was the last moment of peace.

The mist rolled in unnaturally thick, swallowing the trees and blurring the edges of the dirt path beneath Team 7’s feet. The steady sounds of their footsteps softened against the damp earth, tension hanging in the air like an unspoken warning.

Harry’s grip tightened on the hilt of his katana. His sharp green eyes flickered through the mist, scanning for movement. He wasn’t the only one on edge. Sasuke had subtly shifted into a stance, feet positioned for quick movement. Even Naruto had gone quiet, his usual energy replaced with the instincts of a trained fighter.

Sakura’s brows furrowed. “This mist… it’s not natural.”

Kakashi, who had been leading them forward, came to a stop. His single visible eye sharpened, his body relaxing in a way that only an experienced shinobi could, prepared for battle yet appearing at ease. “We’re being watched.”

The moment he spoke, a low chuckle echoed through the fog.

The laughter was quiet at first, almost a whisper against the thick mist. But then, it deepened, rolling over them like distant thunder.

“Impressive, Copy Ninja,” a voice rasped, smooth and edged like a blade. “No wonder you’ve built up such a reputation.”

A massive blade sliced through the mist, embedding itself into the trunk of a tree beside them with a solid thunk. Its sheer size was intimidating, nearly as tall as Kakashi himself.

And then, he appeared.

A figure crouched atop the hilt of the sword, his muscular frame outlined by the pale fog. Bandages covered the lower half of his face, and his eyes; sharp, ruthless, and amused, bore down on them like a predator studying its prey.

Zabuza Momochi. The Demon of the Hidden Mist.

“Now then,” he mused, resting an arm on his knee. “Which one of you brats do I have to kill first?”

Silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken tension. The air itself felt heavier, weighted down by the sheer presence Zabuza exuded.

Kakashi’s visible eye narrowed. This wasn’t like before. The Demon Brothers had been skilled, but they were nothing compared to this man. Zabuza Momochi was on an entirely different level.

His stance shifted ever so slightly—calculated, controlled. His mind was already running through strategies, but the first conclusion was clear: Team 7 cannot engage.

“Stay back,” Kakashi ordered, voice calm but firm. “This is not an opponent you can fight.”

Naruto tensed beside him. “But, Sensei—”

“Do you want to die?” Kakashi cut him off, his tone leaving no room for argument. “This isn’t some reckless thug or an ambush you can muscle your way through. This is one of the Hidden Mist’s most dangerous missing-nin.”

Zabuza chuckled, amused by the way Kakashi so quickly assessed the situation. “Smart. You understand what you’re dealing with.” He stood from his perch on the sword, gripping its massive hilt in one hand before yanking it free from the tree with disturbing ease. The blade scraped against the bark, a sharp, grating sound that sent a shiver through the air.

“But you’re a little too late, Copy Ninja.”

The mist thickened in an instant, curling around them like a living thing. It swallowed the trees, the road, and even the sky above until all that remained was an endless, suffocating white. Harry stiffened, his grip firm on his katana. He barely heard Sakura’s sharp intake of breath over the whispering mist, his own heartbeat thrumming in his ears. He’d never felt something like this before—this presence. It wasn’t just powerful. It was lethal.

Zabuza’s voice drifted through the fog, smooth and mocking.

“In this mist… I am everywhere.”

Then—movement.

Fast.

A blur of steel and shadow cut through the fog, and Kakashi barely had time to react before Zabuza was there, swinging the massive blade in a lethal arc.

CLANG!

The sound of steel meeting steel rang out as Kakashi’s kunai caught the strike—just barely. The force of the impact sent a shockwave through the ground, kicking up dust and scattering leaves.

“Go,” Kakashi snapped, his muscles straining as he held Zabuza’s sword at bay. “Now!”

But before Team 7 could move—

A shift in the mist.

A flicker of movement in the periphery.

Sasuke turned his head slightly, just in time to catch the briefest glimpse of something—someone—watching from the depths of the fog.

Hidden. Waiting.

And then, just as quickly, it was gone.

They weren’t alone.

The air was thick with mist, but Kakashi didn’t need sight to know exactly where Zabuza was. He could feel the killing intent pressing down on him like a blade to the throat.

Then, without warning, the wind shifted as a sword came swinging for Kakashi's head.

Kakashi barely had time to duck as Zabuza’s massive sword tore through the space where his head had been. The force of the swing split through a tree trunk behind him, sending splinters flying as the blade embedded deep.

Kakashi didn’t hesitate. He darted backward, flipping onto a higher branch to gain distance, but Zabuza was already in pursuit, using his sword’s momentum to launch himself forward.

He’s relentless.

Zabuza swung again, this time from above, forcing Kakashi to block with a kunai. The impact sent a sharp vibration through his arm.

“Sloppy, Kakashi,” Zabuza sneered, twisting his blade to knock the kunai away. “You were sharper years ago.”

Kakashi said nothing. Instead, he let himself fall backward, using the force of the blow to push himself off the branch and onto the water below. His sandals barely touched the surface before he flipped through hand seals at lightning speed.

Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique!

From the lake, water surged upward, twisting and coiling into a massive dragon. It roared as it shot toward Zabuza, tearing through the mist like a force of nature.

But Zabuza was already moving. His own hands blurred through a series of seals: the exact same ones. No surprise, it is his jutsu.

Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique!

A second dragon erupted from the mist, identical to the first. The two constructs collided with a deafening crash, sending waves rippling across the water.

Zabuza grinned through the chaos. “Copying me again?”

Kakashi landed lightly on the surface, water splashing at his feet. “Just leveling the playing field.”

Zabuza didn’t buy the act. He knew Kakashi—knew how he fought. And Kakashi knew him.

No tricks. No easy victories.

This was going to be a war of attrition. The mist thickened again, swirling unnaturally around them. Zabuza was moving, vanishing into the fog like a phantom. Kakashi narrowed his eye, focusing.

Listen. Feel.

The sound of shifting water. A flicker of motion to the right.

There!

Kakashi ducked just as Zabuza’s blade swung from behind, missing by inches. He retaliated instantly, twisting into a kick that Zabuza barely blocked with his forearm.

Kakashi followed up with a kunai strike—Zabuza deflected.

Zabuza countered with a slash—Kakashi dodged.

Steel met steel in a rapid exchange, each strike faster than the last. No wasted movements. No hesitation.

Then—

A splash.

Zabuza had disappeared again. Kakashi stilled, scanning his surroundings. The mist was getting thicker, almost suffocating.

Damn it.

He’s setting it up.

The Silent Killing Technique.

Kakashi’s muscles tensed as Zabuza’s voice drifted through the fog, low and mocking.

“You can copy all the jutsu you want, but you can’t copy experience.”

Then—whispers. Faint, ghostly.

“The lungs… the liver… the spine…”

Kakashi didn’t move. Didn’t breathe. He knew the technique well—how Zabuza could kill a man in a single strike by targeting vital points with pinpoint precision.

He needed to break the rhythm, with lightning speed, Kakashi weaved through new hand seals.

Water Release: Great Water Vortex!

The lake exploded. A violent surge of water spiraled outward, shredding through the mist and sending waves crashing in every direction.

And in that moment—

A shadow.

Kakashi lunged, kunai flashing. Zabuza barely twisted in time, the blade slicing through the fabric of his sleeve instead of flesh. He retaliated with a sweeping kick—Kakashi caught his foot mid-air.

For a brief second, they were locked. Two warriors. Two ghosts of a bloodstained past.

Then they broke apart.

Zabuza grinned, gripping his sword tighter. Blood dripped from a fresh cut on his arm, but his eyes were alight with something close to exhilaration.

“Now that’s more like it.”

Kakashi straightened, rolling his shoulder. His own breath was coming just a little faster, but his expression was unreadable. This wasn’t going to be an easy fight.

But neither of them would have it any other way.

The mist was suffocating, thick enough to drown in. Every breath felt damp, heavy. The sounds of Kakashi’s battle with Zabuza were distant—clashes of steel, rushing water—but Team 7 had more immediate concerns.

They weren’t alone.

A sharp whoosh sliced through the air.

"Move!" Harry snapped.

Sakura barely ducked before a wire snapped tight where she had been standing, the sheer force of it cracking the ground.

Naruto cursed, kunai drawn. "The hell was that?!"

Sasuke’s Sharingan flared to life. His crimson eyes darted through the mist—scanning, analyzing. Something’s coming.

Then, they saw them.

Two figures emerged like ghosts from the fog.

The first had wild silver hair and an easy, almost lazy grin. Their stance was loose, relaxed—but something about them screamed dangerous. "Yo," they greeted casually. The second was quieter, dual kodachi gleaming in their hands. Their dark eyes were unreadable, locked onto Team 7 with an eerie stillness.

Tazuna took a step back, clutching his bottle of sake. "W-Who the hell are these guys?"

Harry narrowed his eyes, stepping protectively in front of the old bridge builder. No doubt about it. These two weren’t just random mercenaries.

“Who—?” Sakura started, but she already knew.

Rogue shinobis.

“You kids should just sit tight,” the silver-haired one—Rui—said, cracking their knuckles. “Can’t have you messing with the main event.”

Then they moved.

Fast.

Rui shot toward Naruto like a blur, closing the distance in an instant. Naruto barely got his arms up before—

BAM!

—a punch slammed into his guard, sending him skidding back.

What the hell?! Naruto’s arms hurt, bruising from the strength behind the strike. That punch felt like a hammer.

At the same time, Kaito dashed forward, dual kodachi cutting through the mist like silver streaks.

Sasuke met him head-on, kunai clashing against steel. Sparks flew as they exchanged blows, each strike precise and lethal. Kaito’s movements were surgical—small, efficient slashes that forced Sasuke to stay on the defensive.

Harry darted in, katana flashing as he aimed for Kaito’s blind spot.

CLANG!

Kaito twisted, parrying Harry’s blade with ease. Then without missing a beat—he kicked Harry in the chest.

Harry grunted, stumbling back, but he caught himself fast. His grip tightened on his katana, mind racing. Kaito was fast, but his attacks were controlled, methodical. This wasn’t someone who wasted movement. Sakura wasn’t idle either. She analyzed the battlefield instantly; Rui’s overwhelming brute strength, Kaito’s precision. A dangerous combination.

"Oi! What about me?!" Tazuna yelped as Rui suddenly lunged toward him.

Sakura reacted without hesitation, she intercepted Rui before they could get close, kunai slashing toward their ribs.

CLANG!

Rui caught the blade with their bare hand, grinning. "Not bad, pinkie."

Then they pushed.

Sakura was flung backward, barely landing on her feet.

Tazuna scrambled behind a tree, cursing under his breath. "This is exactly why I wanted a Jonin for protection!"

Naruto growled, forcing himself up. “You bastards—!” He charged forward, fist swinging straight for Rui’s jaw.

And Rui didn’t dodge.

Naruto’s punch connected, solid.

But instead of flying back…

Rui just blinked.

“…That’s it?” they asked, raising a brow.

Naruto’s eyes widened. “What—?!”

Then Rui grabbed Naruto’s wrist—

And slammed him into the ground.

CRACK!

The impact sent a shockwave through the dirt.

Sakura and Sasuke barely had time to react before Kaito spun, slicing through the mist with a controlled gust of wind. The blast didn’t just push Team 7 back—it cleared the fog.

For the first time, they could see.

Kakashi and Zabuza, were locked in a deadly clash, water rising around them like raging tides.

But Team 7?

They were outside of the battlefield now.

Cut off.

Tazuna, still clutching his bottle, swallowed hard. "Uh... so, uh, kids? What now?"

Rui dusted off their hands, whistling. “Whew. That went smooth, huh?”

Kaito sheathed one of his kodachi, eyes still locked onto Team 7. “It’s not over yet.”

Sasuke, panting, narrowed his gaze.

Sakura clenched her kunai tightly.

Harry tightened his grip on his katana, heart pounding. These two… weren’t normal.

Naruto, groaning, forced himself back up. His eyes burned with frustration.

They had walked straight into a trap. And now, the real fight was about to begin. Sakura’s heart pounded as she dodged backward, barely avoiding Rui’s devastating punch. The ground where she had been standing cracked under the force, dust, and debris flying into the mist-filled air.

Kaito was already pressing forward, his kodachi flashing as he lunged at Harry. Harry twisted out of the way, his katana clashing against Kaito’s blades in a quick exchange of strikes. But Kaito was fast—faster than any opponent Team 7 had faced before.

Sasuke moved in, kunai in hand, intercepting Kaito’s next attack. Their weapons clashed, sparks flying in the dim mist.

Naruto, meanwhile, lunged at Rui, aiming to overwhelm them with sheer speed. His fist shot forward—only for Rui to grin and catch it mid-swing.

“Not bad,” Rui mused, tightening their grip. “But you hit like a kid.”

Then, with a single motion, Rui threw Naruto.

He crashed through a tree, groaning as he pushed himself up. “Oh, come on!”

Sakura took advantage and she made her move.

Before Rui could refocus, she dashed behind them, kunai slicing toward their side. They pivoted—just in time for her to fake the attack. Instead of going for the stab, she shifted her weight, kicking at their knee to throw them off balance.

It worked.

Rui stumbled, but their strength made up for their lack of grace. They caught themselves mid-fall, smirking. “Oh, you are fun.”

Sakura wasn’t done, she twisted, launching a kunai straight at Kaito—not at him directly, but at the mist near his feet.

Kaito, mid-exchange with Sasuke and Harry, barely glanced down. That split second of distraction was all she needed.

“Harry now!”

Harry struck, lightning crackled around his katana as he drove it forward. Kaito’s eyes narrowed as he barely dodged the electrified blade, but the charge still sang through the air, forcing him backward.

Rui laughed. “Tch—coordination? That’s no fun.”

Sakura ignored them, already moving back toward Tazuna. She tightened her grip on her kunai, calculating their next move.

“Tazuna, stay behind me,” she ordered again.

“Yeah, yeah, I got it, girl,” he grumbled, gripping his bottle of sake like it was a lifeline.

Naruto was back on his feet, grinning despite the bruise forming on his cheek. “Alright, I hate that guy, but this is getting fun.”

Sasuke huffed. “Focus, dobe.”

Kaito’s cold eyes flicked between them, calculating. Then he exhaled.

“Enough playing.”

He lifted a hand, forming one hand seal.

The mist stirred.

Sakura’s stomach dropped. “Move—”

Water exploded from the ground.

A slicing current surged toward them, splitting the battlefield in half. Naruto barely managed to grab Tazuna, yanking him out of the way as the force sent Sakura, Sasuke, and Harry scrambling.

When the water settled, the battlefield had changed.

They were divided.

Sakura pushed herself up, scanning the field. The mist was still thick, but she could make out Rui stepping toward her—and only her. Kaito, meanwhile, had positioned himself between Harry and Sasuke.

And Naruto?

Naruto was alone.

Alone, with Tazuna.

She clenched her fists. “Damn it.”

Rui grinned at her. “Guess it’s just you and me now, huh?”

Sakura tightened her grip on her kunai, setting her stance.

They had played right into their hands.

Rui wiped the blood from their lip, still grinning. “Not bad, pinkie.”

Sakura didn’t respond. She was already moving, pressing the attack.

Rui threw a massive punch, aiming to knock her off her feet, but Sakura had already read them. She ducked under the blow and twisted behind them, jamming her elbow into the side of their knee.

Rui staggered. Their durability was insane, but even they had weak points.

Sakura saw it—the slight hesitation. She lunged, kunai flashing.

But Rui noticed, and they snarled and spun around, throwing a wild backhand, forcing her back. The strike made Sakura dizzy, but it didn’t stop Sakura from noticing their sudden anger.

They’re getting desperate.

Rui came at her again, throwing a brutal series of punches—faster than before, more reckless.

Sakura dodged each one by the slimmest margins, letting them exhaust their strength. Her eyes tracked everything—the shift of their weight, the way their right arm dropped ever so slightly after each punch.

Their right side is weaker.

She saw the opening.

Sakura faked a retreat, then suddenly pivoted.

She charged straight at them.

Rui’s eyes widened in surprise, but they didn’t hesitate. They threw their strongest punch yet, aiming to end the fight and kill the young kunichoi–

But Sakura dropped low. At the last second, she ducked under their swing and plunged her kunai deep into their stomach, then harshly took the kunai out the new wound.

Rui choked. Their body jerked. They stumbled backward from the shock of the stab, eyes widening—just as their back slammed into a jagged, broken tree branch. Impaled in the back, blood spluttering out from the branch sticking out of their stomach.

For the first time, the grin on their face faltered.

Sakura stepped back, panting, watching as the life faded from Rui’s eyes. They let out a weak chuckle, blood dripping from their lips.

“Heh… Guess you got me, huh?” Rui’s voice was raspier now, weaker. They exhaled slowly. Then, their body slumped, dead.

Sakura stood there, bloodied kunai still clutched in her hand, her chest rising and falling.

Her fingers trembled slightly.

She had won.

But her hands were now stained with blood, as she stared at the lifeless eyes of Rui. She… She didn’t mean to kill them. Sakura feels the urge to puke, and she does. Vomiting all she had eaten for breakfast, her eyes watered, from the force of it.

She… She did the right thing, killing them.

Right?

Sakura didn’t get much time to think about it once she heard a loud explosion from where Harry and Sasuke were. She immediately straightened up with worry and fear as she left the corpse behind to save her teammates.

Kaito moved like a mindless machine, his dual kodachi flashing as he pressed the attack. Sasuke and Harry barely had a moment to breathe. Sasuke ducked under a slash, twisting his body mid-air as Harry parried a strike aimed at his ribs. The force behind Kaito’s attacks was relentless—not brute force like Rui, but precise, calculated.

"He’s not wasting any movement." Sasuke gritted his teeth. This guy was a seasoned killer.

Harry took a quick step back, light on his feet, as Kaito’s kodachi came for his throat. He barely dodged in time, feeling the wind of the blade cut across his cheek.

We need to slow him down.

“Sasuke—now!”

Sasuke didn’t hesitate, his hands quickly formed the seal.

"Fire Style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu!"

A volley of small, controlled fireballs burst from Sasuke’s mouth, forcing Kaito to disengage for a split second.

It was all the time Harry needed.

"Lightning Release: Shock Pulse!"

He slammed his hand against the wet ground, lightning crawling across the surface in jagged streaks toward Kaito.

The rogue shinobi barely had time to react. Electricity surged up his legs, stunning his muscles, and paralyzing his body, even as he tries to will himself to move.

Sasuke capitalized instantly, lunging in with a kunai.

But Kaito wasn't weakened. With sheer force of will, he twisted his body mid-fall, letting the electricity push him into a spin. His kodachi caught the edge of Sasuke’s kunai, redirecting the attack as he slid across the battlefield.

Kaito’s cold, sharp eyes locked onto Sasuke.

Then he vanished.

A burst of wind chakra sent him rocketing forward, closing the distance in an instant.

Sasuke's eyes widened. He barely had time to bring up his kunai before—

SHHHHK!

Kaito’s kodachi sliced into Sasuke’s shoulder.

A burst of pain erupted from the sudden attack. It made Sasuke stagger, blood dripping down his arm.

Kaito didn't let up. He drove Sasuke back, each strike forcing him to defend. The kodachi blurred in the mist, each swing precise, merciless. Then Kaito saw it, an opening. He pivoted, wind chakra surging around his blades. He aimed straight for Sasuke’s neck.

Too fast.

Sasuke couldn’t block it, his life flashed behind his eyes, as death was heading straight for him.

Then—an explosion of raw power.

Kaito's attack halted mid-air with surprise at the sudden change in the air.

The air crackled, as Harry stood behind him, eyes glowing faintly, hand outstretched.

Magic.

A wave of invisible force slammed into Kaito, sending him skidding backward. The ground trembled from the strength.

Kaito’s eyes widened slightly as he steadied himself. That wasn’t ninjutsu.

Harry’s breath came in sharp gasps. His fingers twitched, static dancing around them a mix of lightning and something else entirely.

Sasuke looked at him. "Harry… what was that?"

Harry swallowed, his hands shaking slightly. "I—I don’t know." He lied, even though he knew exactly what it was.

But there was no time for answers. 

Kaito’s expression darkened. He gripped his kodachi tighter.

The battle was far from over. But then, in the distance, a sharp cry cut through the mist—Rui.

Kaito’s head snapped toward the sound.

His mission wasn't to waste time fighting. He was meant to push Team 7 out of the fight. And right now, their target was still standing. Without another word, Kaito vanished in a burst of wind.

Sasuke and Harry barely had time to react before he was gone, moving through the mist toward his next target—

Naruto, who was protecting Tazuna.

Naruto's chest rose and fell in measured breaths as he tightened his grip on the Hiraishin kunai. The mist swirled around him, thick and oppressive, making every shadow seem like a lurking enemy.

Behind him, Tazuna shifted uneasily. “Kid… I don’t like this,” he muttered.

Naruto didn't respond—his focus was elsewhere.

A gust of wind rushed through the battlefield until he heard a loud explosion that practically shook the ground. Where Harry and Sasuke were… Naruto can only pray to the Sages that they’re alright.

He didn’t get time to worry because his sharp instincts flared, sensing another presence nearby.

A second later, a blade whistled through the mist toward his throat.

CLANG!

Naruto barely twisted in time, his kunai colliding against Kaito’s kodachi. Sparks flew as the weapons ground against each other. Suddenly, Kaito vanished.

Naruto’s eyes widened as a powerful gust of wind smashed into him from behind.

WHAM!

The force sent him hurtling forward, his boots skidding through the mud. He barely regained his footing before another slash of wind came from his right—then from the left.

Naruto ducked, but a sharp kick met his ribs.

CRACK!

He grunted in pain as his body was sent sprawling across the battlefield. Blood welled in his mouth, Naruto spat it out, as his brain was running a mile, thinking of what to do, how to win against an opponent that was better than him.

He’s fast—!

Kaito blurred into sight again, his kodachi slicing downward.

Naruto rolled aside just in time, mud splattering as the blade sank into the earth where his head had been. He sprang back to his feet, grinning through the pain. It was false bravado, on the inside, Naruto’s heart was thumping quickly in his chest.

Kaito’s eyes flickered as Naruto lunged forward.

With no hesitation or fear. 

Naruto attacked like a wild beast unleashed.

His kunai became a blur, slashing from every angle—erratic, vicious, relentless. He didn’t fight with technique, he fought with sheer, unpredictable brutality.

Kaito’s kodachi met every strike, but Naruto’s assault never slowed.

Each clash sent sparks flying in the mist, each parry pushed Kaito further back.

Naruto ducked under a counterattack, pivoted on his heel, and drove his elbow into Kaito’s ribs.

THUD!

Kaito grunted in pain, but Naruto wasn’t done. He grabbed Kaito’s wrist—twisted—and slammed his knee into the assassin’s gut. Kaito choked on his own breath, yet he regained his composure so quickly that it made Naruto unsure if he had even hurt him. Then, with a burst of wind, he disappeared.

Naruto barely had time to react—

SHHK!

A sharp, burning pain sliced across his lip as warmth dripped down his chin.

Naruto froze for a second. He touched the wound at the corner of his mouth, feeling the sting of fresh blood.

Kaito landed a few meters away, Kodachi dripping crimson. His face remained cold, impassive.

Naruto’s breath was ragged, his lip throbbing and he wiped the blood off the new wound, and he grinned broadly.

"That all you got?"

Kaito’s eyes narrowed at the boy’s cocky tone and he scoffs slightly. 

Naruto moved, running forward, as he took the initiative to strike first.

Too fast.

Kaito raised his blade, but Naruto was already inside his guard.

A brutal uppercut smashed into Kaito’s jaw.

His head snapped back and his stance broke. Kaito’s head swam with dizziness and pain as if he just ran into a stone wall, it felt like his jaw was almost close to breaking as his teeth clicked painfully against each other.

Naruto didn’t let him recover, he caught Kaito’s wrist and snapped it at an unnatural angle.

CRACK!

Kaito let out a sharp grunt, his kodachi slipping from his fingers, and he stumbles away from Naruto, nursing his broken wrist. Kaito’s cold eyes glared at the sight of Naruto, who wore a smug expression.

Naruto cockily spun the Hiraishin kunai in his grip, he didn’t expect Kaito to do anything else, since the fight was obviously over. But he wasn't able to see the look of killing intent in Kaito's eyes.

Kaito lunged forward, positioned to hit Naruto.

Naruto’s survival instincts kicked in and he swung the kunai to stop him—

it all happened too fast, it was only a second when the blade met flesh. A wet, choked gasp echoed in the airy mist, Naruto didn’t know who it came from. Him, or the assassin.

Naruto’s breath hitched as he felt the resistance against his kunai.

Kaito’s eyes widened in shock, blood spluttering out his mouth, as the Hirashin kunai dug deep into his neck. Naruto let go of the kunai immediately, stepping back in horror. Kaito stumbled, his hands flying to his throat, as he desperately clawed at the kunai stuck in his throat. Blood poured between his fingers as his knees buckled.

Naruto’s body was frozen in place, staring in disbelief at the sight.

He hadn’t meant to—he was just trying to stop him—he wasn’t supposed to die.

Kaito’s lips moved as if trying to speak, but no words came.

Then, he collapsed, falling flat into the mud.

Naruto took a shaky breath. His hands trembled.

He felt sick.

The battlefield was silent now. The thick mist had begun to lift, revealing the remnants of the fight—scattered weapons, churned-up mud, and the lifeless body of Kaito lying in the dirt.

Naruto stared at his bloodstained hands.

His breathing was uneven, his stomach twisted in knots. His kunai was still there—lodged in Kaito’s throat, the metal glinting with fresh crimson.

He didn’t mean to.

He wasn’t supposed to—

His fingers twitched as he tried to make sense of it.

"I just wanted to stop him..."

But he didn’t stop him, instead, he ruthlessly killed him like a monster without a second thought.

A heavy sigh broke through the quiet.

Naruto flinched when a rough, calloused hand landed on his shoulder. Tazuna stood beside him, his expression weary but steady.

For a moment, he said nothing—just stood there, grounding Naruto in place.

“…Kid,” Tazuna muttered finally, his voice low but firm. “Breathe.”

Naruto blinked, realizing just how shallow and shaky his breaths were. He forced air into his lungs, but his chest still felt too tight.

“I—I didn’t…” His throat felt dry. His voice was barely a whisper. “I didn’t mean to kill him.”

Tazuna’s grip on his shoulder tightened.

“I know.” The old man exhaled again, rubbing his neck. “Look, Naruto… I don’t know much about ninja life, but I’ve lived long enough to know this—" He crouched down, forcing Naruto to meet his gaze. "—You can’t always control how a fight ends."

Naruto’s hands curled into fists as his eyes watered with unshed tears.

“That doesn’t make it right.”

“No, it doesn’t.” Tazuna nodded, his gaze heavy but understanding. “But you did what you had to do. It was either him or you.”

Naruto shook his head. “I could’ve—there had to be another way.” Killing couldn’t have been the only solution to take your enemies down. Death shouldn’t be the first option.

Tazuna sighed, his voice quieter now. “Maybe. Maybe not.” He patted Naruto’s shoulder, eyes softening. “Listen, kid… you’re still human. Feeling this way? It means you’re still you.”

Naruto swallowed thickly, a heavy weight in his chest. “I don’t want to be a killer,” he muttered.

“You’re not,” Tazuna said firmly. “You’re a protector.”

Naruto looked up, eyes searching.

Tazuna gave him a small, knowing smile. “You fought to protect me, to protect your team and that’s what matters.”

Silence settled between them.

Then, after a long pause—

Naruto let out a slow, shaky breath and his hands stopped trembling. Tazuna gave his shoulder one last squeeze before standing up.

“C’mon, brat. Let’s go find your friends.”

Naruto hesitated, glancing at Kaito’s still body one last time. Then, with one final breath, he nodded, following after the old man.

Naruto trudged through the mist-covered battlefield, his shoulders still heavy from the fight, but his steps steadier than before. Tazuna walked beside him, muttering something about how this whole mission was a damn nightmare and how he was too old for this kind of stress.

“Naruto!”

Before he could react, a blur of pink and red tackled him full force.

“GAAH—” Naruto yelped as he nearly toppled over, Sakura gripping him like a vice.

“You idiot! Where were you?! What happened?! Are you okay?!” she shouted, shaking him so hard his teeth rattled.

“I—ack—c-can’t breathe—”

“Why do you smell like blood?!”

“Sakuraaaaa, let go!” Naruto whined with a irritated expression

Sakura finally pulled back, her face a mix of relief and frustration, scanning him up and down like a medic checking for injuries. When she spotted the fresh gash on his lip, her eyes narrowed.

“Did you get yourself into another fight?”

“Uh.” Naruto scratched the back of his head. “Technically… the fight found me?”

Sakura smacked him upside the head. It didn’t hurt, but Naruto was a dramatic person. So he exaggerated his reaction, rubbing the back of his head with a pout on his face.

“Ow—what was that for?!”

“For being a reckless moron!”

Before Naruto could protest, a tired voice cut in.

“Can you two stop yelling?”

They turned to see Sasuke approaching, his clothes torn and his hair even messier than usual.

“You look like hell,” Naruto blurted.

Sasuke arched a brow with a deadpan expression. “You don’t look any better.”

“…Fair.”

Behind him, Harry limped into view, looking like he had barely survived a tornado. His katana was sheathed, his clothes were scorched, and his glasses were slightly askew.

Naruto blinked. “Uh… what happened to you?”

Harry sighed, shoving his glasses back up. “I may or may not have had to improvise a last-minute move.”

Sasuke shot him a glare. “You nearly blew me up.”

“It worked, didn’t it?”

“That’s not the point.”

“...But it worked.”

Sasuke looked two seconds away from strangling him.

Naruto couldn’t help but snort. “Man looks like I missed a show.”

“Oh, you missed a show?” Sakura scoffed, crossing her arms. “I had to deal with a lunatic who was built like a damn wall!”

The bickering faded as something else cut through the mist. A clash of steel. The crackle of lightning. The roar of water surged against the trees.

Sakura stilled. “That’s—”

“Kakashi-sensei!” Naruto finished, eyes widening.

The sounds of battle were intense, brutal, and too far away. Kakashi was still fighting Zabuza. And if he was still fighting, that meant it wasn’t going well.

Sasuke’s expression hardened. “We need to go. Now.”

“But what if we get in the way?” Harry asked, gripping his katana. “We don’t know how the fight is playing out.”

“Yeah, and we don’t know if Zabuza brought anyone else,” Sakura added, frowning. “We just took out those two rogue ninjas, but there could be more.”

Tazuna, who had been quietly sipping his sake in the background, let out a long, suffering sigh. “I’m just gonna say it, none of you are thinking of the guy who actually needs protection here!”

Naruto groaned, rubbing his temples. “Old man, I swear, if you complain one more time—”

“I’m not complaining, I’m reminding,” Tazuna pointed out. “You leave me behind, and I get a sword through my back—guess what? Your mission fails.”

Sakura and Harry exchanged glances, he had a point.

Sasuke’s jaw tightened. “Then we don’t leave you behind.”

Harry nodded in agreement. “We move as a unit. If we’re going to help Kakashi, we do it carefully.”

Naruto grinned, twirling his Hirashin kunai. “Alright! Then let’s hurry before Kakashi-sensei kicks Zabuza’s butt without us!”

Tazuna muttered something about reckless kids and bad decisions, but he still followed as Team 7 moved through the mist, closing in on the battle.

The mist curled around Kakashi like a living thing, dense and cloying. Each breath was damp, carrying the scent of water and iron—a battlefield in the making. Zabuza was still hidden, lurking in the fog like a predator waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

But Kakashi wasn’t prey.

He shifted his stance on the water’s surface, listening for the faintest ripple, the smallest change in the mist’s density. His students were out there, scattered by Kaito’s attack. That fact gnawed at him like a blade against bone. They’d been prepared for a fight, but not this one.

Zabuza’s voice slithered through the fog. “You’re distracted, Kakashi. That’s not a good look for a ninja of your caliber.”

Kakashi didn’t reply. Instead, his hands moved in a blur.

"Lightning Release: Thunder Fang!"

Twin arcs of electricity surged from his palms, splitting the mist apart as they raced toward Zabuza’s position. The lightning crackled violently, illuminating the battlefield in an eerie blue glow—

Too late.

A shadow shifted behind Kakashi. The real Zabuza.

Kakashi spun, but Zabuza was already mid-swing. The Executioner’s Blade carved through the air, aiming for his exposed flank.

Kakashi had no time to dodge—so he didn’t.

"Water Release: Ripple Guard!"

A spiraling wall of water erupted from beneath him, twisting around his form and absorbing the blow just in time. The sheer force of Zabuza’s strike sent waves crashing outward, but Kakashi used the momentum, flipping backward and landing in a low crouch on the water’s surface.

Zabuza grinned. “Not bad.”

The mist thickened once more, swallowing him whole.

Kakashi’s single eye flicked across the battlefield. He’s trying to lure me into another trap. But two could play that game.

He lowered himself, pressing his palm against the water. His chakra pulsed outward, sending a faint ripple through the surface—searching.

A disturbance, behind him again.

"Wind Release: Gale Palm!"

Kakashi whipped his hand forward, releasing a sudden burst of compressed air. The gust tore through the mist, revealing Zabuza mid-charge, his blade gleaming—

This time, Kakashi was ready.

"Earth Release: Stone Shackle Chains!"

The water hardened instantly around Zabuza’s feet as stone tendrils shot up from below, wrapping around his legs. The assassin barely had time to snarl before Kakashi was already moving.

A flicker. A blur. Lightning sparks in his palm.

"Piercing Fang!"

Kakashi lunged, his electrified fingers shaped like a claw, aiming directly for Zabuza’s chest.

Zabuza reacted on instinct.

"Water Release: Phantom Current!"

Water surged up, twisting into a clone of himself. The moment Kakashi’s attack struck, the clone burst apart in a violent explosion of liquid—

Too much liquid.

He’s trying to drown me. Kakashi realized, but he was too late to get away from the trap

The water coiled around Kakashi’s arm, dragging him downward with a vice-like grip. Zabuza appeared above, his smirk feral.

“You should’ve copied this one, Kakashi.”

Zabuza raised his sword, the mist swirling violently around him.

Kakashi struggled, but the water only tightened, pulling him further beneath the surface. Damn it—!

Then, in the distance—

Voices.

Familiar voices.

Kakashi’s eye widened.

They’re coming.

Zabuza noticed, too, and his grin vanished. Instead, he has an expression of surprise, like he expected them to have failed against the two assassins. 

“Well, well,” he muttered. “Looks like your brats are still breathing after all.”

Kakashi gritted his teeth. The fight wasn’t over.

Not yet.

Zabuza stood above, his Executioner’s Blade raised, mist swirling violently around him. Kakashi gritted his teeth. His mind raced for a way out—then, through the dense fog, something whistled through the air.

A kunai.

Fast. Precise. Aimed for Zabuza’s head.

The rogue swordsman barely twisted out of the way, the blade skimming past his ear. His narrowed eyes tracked its trajectory as it zipped past—

Then, it exploded into smoke.

A transformation jutsu.

Before Zabuza could react, Sakura emerged from the dissipating smoke, flipping mid-air.

CRACK!

Her heel slammed directly into Zabuza’s jaw, sending him skidding back across the water.

Kakashi’s eyes widened. She used the kunai as a decoy to get close?!

Sakura landed smoothly, her stance shifting into a perfect defensive posture. “Not so tough when you’re caught off guard, huh?”

Zabuza grunted, rolling his jaw, his grip on his sword loosening slightly from the unexpected force. But before he could fully regain his footing—

A glow of firelight burned through the mist.

Emerging like a specter from the fog, Harry stepped forward, his katana wreathed in flames. The fire flickered wildly, its glow illuminating his determined emerald eyes as he dashed toward Zabuza.

Kakashi recognized the technique instantly. It was a rare ability to be able to combine your elemental release into your weapon, yet, Harry did it with ease. 

He’s channeling Fire Release into his blade…! When did he learn that?!

Zabuza barely had time to react before Harry struck.

SHHK!

The katana carved into Zabuza’s side, the burning edge slicing through fabric and skin. A hiss of pain escaped Zabuza as the flames seared the wound, preventing it from fully bleeding out.

They take advantage of his weakness.

"Now!"

The mist shifted once more. Two figures burst from behind Zabuza like wolves striking from the shadows.

Naruto, his Hiraishin kunai gripped tight in his hand, his stance brutal and reckless.

Sasuke, his Sharingan gleaming crimson, his expression cold and focused.

Zabuza cursed as he adjusted his grip on his blade, and the two young shinobis moved simultaneously, attacking with planned strikes.

Too fast. Too coordinated.

Naruto came in ferociously, his kunai flashing in a barrage of unpredictable, vicious slashes. No rhythm. No pattern. Just pure, relentless aggression.

Zabuza barely managed to deflect a strike, but the force behind it sent a jolt through his arm, making him stumble.

Sasuke lunged right into the heat of the fight when Zabuza stumbled back. He moved like a shadow, mirroring Zabuza’s footwork, predicting every step. The moment Zabuza adjusted his defense against Naruto, Sasuke struck from his blind spot, a solid kick to the ribs.

Zabuza grunted as the impact forced him backward, making him momentarily lose his grip on the Executioner’s Blade.

Kakashi took his chance.

With a burst of chakra-infused strength, he shattered the water bindings around his arm and lunged forward. The mist began to clear, as Kakashi prepared to take the final strike to kill Zabuza. 

But someone else did it for him.

Kakashi barely caught the glint of silver needles slicing through the air before—

THUNK!

Three senbon pierced into Zabuza’s neck with precise accuracy. His entire body froze, eyes widening in shock.

The rogue ninja collapsed, falling face-first into the water, his blade resting carelessly by his side.

Silence.

Sakura, still in a defensive stance, panted before looking at Kakashi in confusion. “What just—? Who did that?”

Harry, gripping his katana tightly, scanned the misty surroundings, his instincts on high alert.

Sasuke’s Sharingan whirred, tracking the movement in the fog. “There’s someone else here.”

From the thinning mist, a lone figure emerged.

A young, masked individual in a light blue kimono, standing calmly atop the water, their posture elegant yet unreadable.

They were small, almost delicate, but the effortless way they moved screamed experience. The hunter-nin’s dark eyes glowed from behind their mask as they addressed Kakashi.

“You fought well,” the soft, almost gentle voice carried across the battlefield. “But this battle is over.”

Kakashi stiffened, recognizing the attire instantly. A Hunter-nin from the Mist?

The stranger approached Zabuza’s fallen form, kneeling beside him. “This man is a dangerous criminal. I’ve been hunting him for some time.” Their fingers traced the senbon wounds carefully. “He’s dead.”

Naruto blinked. It felt… anticlimactic. After all of that—after Sasuke, Sakura, and Harry risking their lives—some random masked person had just swooped in and finished the job? Sasuke remained silent, but his eyes stayed locked onto the newcomer. Something felt off.

Harry exhaled sharply, still gripping his sword. He had been expecting one last desperate counterattack, but nothing came. It seemed… unreal. Sakura lowered her fists, eyes darting to Kakashi, waiting for him to react.

Kakashi, though keeping his face neutral, felt something gnaw at his gut. That was too clean. Too precise.

But… there was nothing they could do now.

The masked hunter stood, lifting Zabuza’s limp body onto their shoulder with ease. “I’ll dispose of him. His crimes against the Hidden Mist will not be forgotten.”

Without waiting for a response, they vanished into the mist.

The battlefield was silent once more.

Tazuna, who had been watching everything from the sidelines, finally let out a breath. “Well… I ain’t complainin’ about the extra help.”

But Naruto, fists clenched, scowled.

Something about it didn’t sit right, but the battle was over… And they survived. They won. But why did it feel like they didn’t? The mist had mostly cleared, leaving behind the scarred battlefield and Team 7 standing in stunned silence. The supposed Hunter-nin had disappeared, carrying Zabuza’s lifeless body, and now, the only sounds were the gentle lapping of water and the faint crackling of burning trees in the distance.

It was a rather peaceful moment after all the fights and chaos they went through. Until it was interrupted by none other than Naruto himself.

“That’s utter bull, dattebayo!”

Everyone turned to Naruto, who had his arms thrown up in frustration, his face scrunched up like a kid who’d just been told bedtime was an hour earlier.

“That’s it?!” He stomped a foot on the ground. “We bust our butts fighting that guy, nearly get chopped into sushi, and then some masked weirdo just shows up, throws a few needles, and it’s over? Bull!”

Sakura sighed, rubbing her temple. “Naruto—”

“No, no, don’t ‘Naruto’ me!” He whirled to face the group, jabbing a finger at Kakashi. “Sensei, you’re telling me you’re just okay with this? That guy comes out of nowhere, takes our win, and we just let him walk away?”

Kakashi blinked, looking like he was only half-listening. “…Yes?”

Naruto gawked. “That’s—" He groaned, flopping onto the ground, arms spread wide like he had just been personally betrayed by fate itself. “We were so cool! We had the teamwork, the strategy—Sakura even got a flying kick in! And now? Pffft—none of it even mattered.”

Sasuke, standing with his arms crossed, scoffed. “It mattered. You’re just mad you didn’t land the final hit.”

Naruto shot up, pointing dramatically. “EXACTLY!”

Harry chuckled, running a hand through his sweat-damp hair. “I mean, if you want, you can go chase after the guy and demand he gives Zabuza back.”

Naruto blinked. “Wait… can I?”

“No,” Kakashi said flatly.

Naruto groaned again, slumping against Tazuna. The old bridge builder grunted, looking down at the blond hanging off of him. “Oi, kid, I already got enough trouble with bandits and rogue ninja. Don’t add ‘whiny bodyguard’ to my problems.”

“Let me have this,” Naruto mumbled.

Sakura huffed, crossing her arms. “At least we all survived. That should be enough for you, Naruto.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Naruto waved a hand lazily, eyes closed. “Surviving is cool and all, but you know what’s cooler?”

Harry raised an eyebrow. “…Winning?”

“EXACTLY!” Naruto jumped back up, pointing aggressively again.

Kakashi sighed, pulling out his book. “Alright, before Naruto gives himself an aneurysm, let’s head back.” He glanced at his students, his single visible eye softening slightly. “Good job today. All of you.”

The three fell silent at that, and even Naruto’s complaints died down.

Of course, the silence is broken. Again.

“Wait, does this mean I get ramen?”

Kakashi flicked his forehead. “Walk first, ramen later.”

“ACK—Sensei, my brain cells!”

With that, Team 7 and Tazuna began their journey back to the bridge, the tension of the battle slowly fading away into the sun.