It was due to those historical realities that ninja were sought after as instruments of war. However, there were occasions when one ninja must test their mettle against another strong peer. To do that, it could be done in the way of their profession, in the dark, in the shadows, or…in the mist.
Tazuna, Kakashi, Sakura, and Sasuke had arrived at the bridge. When they got there, they were met with the sight of the workers laying there, unconscious.
"This is…," Sakura said.
"Form the ring," Kakashi ordered. The ninjas formed a protective ring around Tazuna, each pulling out a kunai while getting ready. Then a thick mist came rolling in.
"Kirigakure No Jutsu," Zabuza's voice rang through the mist.
"I really hate this jutsu," Sakura growled.
"Momochi Zabuza," Kakashi greeted. "Normally, meeting someone of your reputation would be something I'd rather avoid. However, considering the circumstances, I don't think we'll be able to back down."
"Sad but true, Kakashi. I have ambitions that need to be put into effect, armies that need to be built, and a country that needs to be overthrown," Zabuza chuckled darkly within the mist. Suddenly, ten mizu bunshin of Zabuza appeared around Kakashi and his group.
"Sasuke!" Kakashi said. He nodded. He pulled out some shuriken and threw them at the clones. The mizu bunshin were stabbed and fell apart into puddles of water. The mist cleared a bit, and there stood the real Zabuza with the fake hunter nin next to him.
"It would seem that this fight will give us some trouble," Zabuza said.
"Indeed," Haku said.
"Sasuke, you deal with that fake hunter nin while I fight Zabuza. Sakura, you guard Tazuna," Kakashi instructed. The Genin nodded as they went to do as they were told.
"The boy there looks ready to fight. Haku, go handle your opponent," Zabuza said to the girl next to him. The first to move was Haku. She rushed at Sasuke with a senbon. Sasuke blocked it with his kunai and tried to kick Haku, who blocked with her foot.
"It looks like we're at a stalemate," Sasuke said, but Haku shook her head.
"No, I have two advantages. First, I have occupied one of your hands, then there is the water around us," Haku said, then started forming one handed seals. Sasuke gasped when he saw it.
"What is this? One-handed hand seals? I've never seen that before!" Sasuke exclaimed in surprise.
"Hijutsu: Sensatsu Suishou (Secret Technique: Flying Water Needles)," Haku called out, and the water around her rose up and turned to ice needles. The needles flew towards Sasuke, and just before they hit, Haku jumped away. Sasuke focused chakra into his legs and when Haku jumped, Sasuke did the same, successfully evading the needles. Haku spun like a tornado. She had several senbon in her hands, making her spin motion very dangerous. Sasuke leaped away from the needles before they made contact.
Meanwhile, Naruto was making his way to the bridge when he saw Sasuke from a distance taking on the fake hunter nin.
"Looks like Haku and Zabuza didn't waste time getting this party started. Well, better late than never," Naruto commented as he neared the bridge. Naruto, with his Kaze Sokudo Chikara (Wind Speed Force) still in effect, ran across the surface of the water, forming waves behind him as he did so. Reaching the base of the bridge, Naruto ran up one of the supports where Sasuke and Haku were battling.
When he reached the top, he leaped high into the air and dashed to where Haku was. Naruto focused all of the wind chakra of his Kaze Sokudo Chikara into a central point as he blasted down at Haku like a meteor. The girl quickly jumped away from the attack as Naruto aimed in her direction. Naruto plunged into the ground hard enough to send both Sasuke and Haku flying away. The blond stood within the newly formed crater and looked over at Haku.
"Haku, I know it's you behind that mask," Naruto stated. The girl maintained a calm demeanor as she stood back up with Naruto looking at her.
"There's no point in trying to lie to me. You're the girl from the forest," Naruto revealed calmly as Haku looked up at him and quietly nodded, admitting the truth as she removed the mask from her face. Sasuke looked to see the attractive face of his attacker who was conversing with Naruto.
"When I met you there in the forest, you didn't seem to recognize me," Haku said. Naruto replied, "I knew who you were all along. I just didn't react to you because you didn't pose a threat to me at the time, plus I needed additional information. It was for the sake of my research."
Sasuke took the opportunity to get up and pull himself together. He gazed over at Naruto and saw the same look in his eyes as when he spoke with Inari several days ago.
That dobe is strong. When and how did he acquire that power? Sasuke wondered.
Haku saw Sasuke stand back up but she didn't let it deter her.
"I don't wish to kill you. This isn't anything personal," Haku said.
"Then stand down and neither you nor Zabuza will get hurt," Sasuke ordered.
"I'm afraid I can't do that, as I've been instructed to deal with you, and now Naruto-kun as well. This is the end," Haku said.
Naruto replied, "The hell it is!"
Haku formed some seals. "Hijutsu: Makyou Hyoushou (Secret Technique: Demonic Ice Mirrors)!"
The water below the bridge rose around Haku, Naruto, and Sasuke, and formed mirrors of ice arranged into a large dome around them. Haku, putting her mask back on, walked up to one of the mirrors and 'melted' into it.
"What is that?" Sakura asked as she and Tazuna witnessed what happened.
"That girl…she has a bloodline limit?" Kakashi asked, and Zabuza nodded.
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