Kakashi exposed Gato's attempt to hide the truth, bluntly stating that these two ninja were targeting Gato.
Kakashi stared at Gato with his usual dead-eyed stare as he said, "We accepted a Class-C mission. Originally, we didn't know you were being targeted by ninja. The Class-C mission you requested was simply for us to protect you from attacks by gangs or thieves and other armed groups.
Now that ninja have appeared, this is definitely at least a Class-B mission. You only specified protection until the bridge was completed. If our enemies are ninja, there's no doubt this must be upgraded to an expensive Class-B mission."
Gato nervously lowered his head, unable to meet Kakashi's eyes now, let alone look at his face.
Seeing Gato's reaction, Kakashi continued, "You seem to have some hardship preventing you from telling the truth, but false assignments also cause us great trouble. What we need to do has already gone beyond the original mission scope."
Sakura Haruno glanced at the Mist ninja tied to the tree, then turned toward the one Naruto Uzumaki had sliced apart—her face paling. "This mission is too much for us. Let's abort!"
Uchiha Sasuke looked at Naruto standing beside him, replaying his comrade's earlier fight in his mind. Clenching his fists with frustration, he solemnly said, "Why should we abort? I don't give up halfway—especially not before hitting a dead end!"
Naruto Uzumaki, hands in his pockets, slightly raised his head to look at the sky—an action that had become his habit.
He loved gazing at the sky because Konoha (the Hidden Leaf Village) felt like a prison to him, while the sky represented freedom.
Naruto said coolly, "I see no reason to abort either. After training this long, I need real combat to test my progress. Ordinary gangs or thieves can't possibly provide such a challenge, right?
But facing enemies who are also ninja—using them to verify strength seems perfectly appropriate. So I believe we can continue this mission."
Kakashi sighed and pretended reluctance. "Since that's the case, then let's keep going."
Because this mission came from Chinya, Kakashi believed there must be some deeper meaning behind it. He never planned on abandoning it in the first place.
Originally, Kakashi was just looking for a reason to stay on track. Now since both Sasuke and Naruto insist on continuing, he wouldn't need to make anything up anymore.
...
Back in the Land of Waves.
Gato was furious.
"You actually failed! I heard you were originally top-tier ninja, which is why I spared no expense to bring you in!"
Before Gato knelt many rogue ninja, but Zabuza sat on the sofa, watching Gato impatiently. "Your constant nagging is annoying! I already warned you, don't bring Mist ninja into this!"
Gato complained, "It's all because you haven't killed Tazuna yet, so I hired Mist ninja!"
Zabuza pulled out his massive cleaver from behind him and swung it toward Gato.
The blade stopped just inches from Gato's neck. "I work at my own pace. No need for you to rush me!"
"If you're so eager, then this time I'll personally kill him with my Cleaver Sword!"
Gato hesitated. "T-This is troublesome... Are you sure it's okay? The enemy seems to have hired some very capable ninja as well. With the failed assassination attempt by the Demon Brothers, they've surely heightened their guard. This won't be an easy task."
Zabuza coldly replied, "Who do you think I am? Just sit tight and shut up! If you yap again, I'll kill you first!"
Gato shivered in fear and quickly ran out of the room.
After everyone left, Zabuza turned toward another side.
The opposite door slid open, and Haku stepped out with Chinya's group.
Chinya clapped his hands. "What a strong aura you've got there, Zabuza."
Zabuza sheathed his Cleaver Sword and asked, "Those Konoha ninja must be special, right? Otherwise, you wouldn't have come here yourself."
Chinya nodded. "Yes, they are indeed special. The Team-Leading Jonin in charge is actually my disciple."
Zabuza's eyes lit up with interest. "Oh? So... are you asking me to hold back during the fight?"
Chinya grinned. "No, quite the opposite. I need you to give your all and win by any means necessary. If you hold back even slightly, you might end up in danger yourself. After all, he doesn't know who you really are."
"Tch. Danger? I don't think I'd lose to anyone!" Zabuza snorted.
Chinya reminded him, "Confidence is good, but don't underestimate him. He's my most outstanding disciple—the inheritor of my Thunder Breathing—and he also possesses the Sharingan. You should've at least heard of Kakashi before, right?"
Zabuza frowned slightly without eyebrows. "Kakashi… the Lightning Flash Ninja from Konoha [a combination of his speed and Lightning Release Nin-Taijutsu]?"
Chinya was surprised. "Lightning Flash Ninja? That's what they call him now?"
Obito looked confused. "You're his own master, yet you don't even know his title? Kakashi from Konoha is actually quite famous. His Nin-Taijutsu combined with Lightning Release is incredibly powerful. People call him the Lightning Flash Ninja. But I didn't expect his Lightning Release Nin-Taijutsu to originate from your Thunder Breathing."
"Uh..."
Chinya originally thought after Kakashi obtained Obito Uchiha's Sharingan, he would still be called Copy Ninja Kakashi. He hadn't expected his name to change completely to Lightning Flash Ninja.
Chinya continued, "Don't reveal your identity for now. Also, if you underestimate Kakashi, you'll end up paying a heavy price. I'm truly looking forward to seeing how you and Haku fare against Kakashi's squad."
Zabuza stood up arrogantly. "Don't blame me if I end up killing your disciple!"
Chinya chuckled lightly. "If you can manage that, fine. By the way, have you finished investigating Gato's assets?"
Zabuza nodded. "Mostly completed. I have to say, that Gato is crafty. It took me considerable effort to investigate his finances. Once we secure these funds, both the village and the organization should be worry-free financially for quite some time."
Chinya stretched lazily. "That's good to hear. Then we'll temporarily settle somewhere nearby. Feel free to come find us whenever needed."
Chinya left the area with Uzumaki Miyuki and a few others.
Turning to Miyuki, who looked worried beside him, Chinya said, "Don't worry about Naruto. This time, you'll get to see just how much he's grown. And I'll be here—if things get out of hand, I'll step in myself. Just hold on a little longer, for a few more days. Once things settle down here, we'll arrange a meeting between you."
Miyuki inhaled deeply and gave a small smile. "Alright," she nodded.
Chinya and his party found a temporary lodging in a nearby village, waiting for Kakashi's squad to arrive in the Land of Waves.
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