The wind whispered through the tall trees as Team 7 crossed the border into the Land of Waves. The once-clear skies darkened subtly under a heavy shroud of mist, growing thicker with every step. The dirt path beneath their feet wound deeper into the woods, and even the birds seemed to fall silent.
Tazuna, the grizzled old bridge builder walking between them, kept glancing nervously from side to side. His hand trembled slightly as it gripped the strap of his satchel.
"Stay alert," Kakashi said calmly, his voice cutting through the fog like a blade. He was at the front, both eyes open now, his face serious, scanning the treeline ahead.
Suddenly, the mist coiled in tighter, thickening unnaturally. Kakashi halted in his tracks. His posture shifted, just slightly, but enough for his team to sense danger.
"Get ready. Protect Tazuna," Kakashi warned, his voice dropping an octave. He took a step forward, his chakra subtly flaring.
Out of the swirling fog stepped a tall figure, ghostlike and silent at first. Then came the glint of metal, the massive sword on his back, and the faint sound of breath through a cloth covering his mouth.
"Well, well… if it isn't Kakashi of the Sharingan," the man said in a low, rasping voice.
But then he paused, squinting slightly. His tone shifted to amusement. "Wait… where's the eye? I thought you were famous for it."
Kakashi tilted his head, unfazed. "No need to use the Sharingan on a loser like you," he said with a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
Zabuza Momochi's brow twitched.
"You'll regret that."
With a swift movement, Zabuza formed hand seals. Water from the air gathered instantly. Two watery figures emerged from the ground, his water clones, rushing straight toward the genin.
"Take care of the clones," Kakashi ordered without turning around. His voice was steady.
He stepped forward, eyes narrowing. "I'll handle the real one."
"Yes!" Naruto and Sasuke shouted in unison, leaping into action. Sakura followed with a determined nod, her stance prepared and focused.
Zabuza swung his enormous sword with deadly force, but Kakashi met the attack without hesitation. He dodged with fluid ease and responded with a sharp throw of his kunai. Zabuza deflected it, only to realize Kakashi was already upon him, closing the distance like a blur.
Their weapons clashed with a metallic clang, sparks flying. The ground beneath them turned muddy as their battle churned up water from the wet soil. Kakashi moved with precision, not wasting a single breath or step.
"He's fast… faster than I expected," Zabuza thought, gritting his teeth.
He leapt back and raised his hands to form signs.
"Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu!"
The massive serpentine torrent surged toward Kakashi, but he was already ready.
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!" Kakashi countered.
The fireball collided with the water, steam exploding outward in a violent hiss that swallowed the clearing. For a moment, both shinobi vanished behind the thick veil of steam. But only one was panting.
Zabuza emerged, breathing heavier, water dripping from his shoulders. He was slowing.
"He's too good… I need to fall back before Haku gets involved," he thought, frustration curling in his chest.
But Kakashi raised a hand, violet lightning crackling in his palm.
"Shiden."
The lightning shot forward, not in a bolt, but in the form of a condensed spear. It raced toward Zabuza with a sound like tearing silk, piercing through the fog and slamming into his side. Zabuza cried out, his knees buckling.
Then, without warning, needles whistled through the air. Zabuza gasped once, then collapsed.
A figure appeared from the mist, tall, masked, and silent.
"I've neutralized him," the figure said coldly. "He was becoming a danger."
Kakashi eyed the body. He gave a slow nod. "I see."
But inside, he didn't believe it for a second. The boy's aura wasn't right. The "hunter-nin" was far too calm, too convenient. Any normal jonin ninja knows how ANBU operates, and probably in the plot, himself also knew but was exhausted so he let it go.
Still watching, Kakashi's fingers moved subtly. A quiet pulse of chakra and one of his shadow clones split off, concealed by a camouflage jutsu. It melted into the trees, tailing Haku and Zabuza in the mist.
'No way I'm letting Gato's money or base slip through my fingers,' Kakashi thought. 'They'll lead me right to his hideout.'
As the mist began to lift, Naruto bounced excitedly toward him.
"That was awesome, Kakashi-sensei!" he shouted, punching the air.
Sakura's eyes sparkled. "You were incredible!"
Sasuke didn't speak, but the respect in his eyes said enough. He gave a single nod, lips tight.
Kakashi chuckled softly. "Come on. We're done here for now."
He motioned for them to continue walking.
As the team walked ahead, the mist slowly faded behind them. Kakashi, bringing up the rear, was lost in thought. He could feel his chakra still humming beneath his skin, sharper, denser than ever.
Training with his new power had changed everything. After the fusion of the two souls within him, his learning curve skyrocketed. Every jutsu, every seal, every theory just… clicked. Chakra refinement took less effort. Control came naturally. And the Formula Reconstruction Technique had grown stronger, more precise.
He was close, so close to recreating Orochimaru's seal in a safer, stronger version. The pieces were all falling into place.
By late afternoon, the group arrived at a small wooden house tucked at the edge of the village. Mist still clung to the trees, but the smell of wet earth and rain-soaked pine brought a kind of peace.
"This is it," Tazuna said with a tired breath. "My home."
The house was humble but cozy, with an old garden out front and a narrow stone path leading to the door. The windows glowed faintly with the warmth of lantern light.
The door opened before they reached it. A kind-faced woman rushed out, eyes wide.
"Father! You're back!" she said, throwing her arms around Tazuna.
He smiled and patted her back. "This is my daughter, Tsunami," he said to the group. "And that boy hiding behind the wall is my grandson, Inari."
Inari peeked around the corner with a sullen face. His eyes were shadowed and dull.
Naruto grinned and waved. "Hi there!"
Inari didn't respond. He simply looked away and walked back into the house without a word.
Tsunami gave a small bow. "Thank you for bringing my father home. Please, come inside."
They stepped through the doorway. The warmth of the house hit them instantly. The smell of soup filled the air, and Naruto's stomach growled loudly.
"You all must be starving," Tsunami said with a laugh.
"Yes! Super starving!" Naruto cried, clutching his belly.
"We really appreciate this. We'll rest here for a bit," Kakashi said, offering a polite nod.
The group sat around a low table. Bowls of steaming soup were placed before them, and for the first time in hours, they could breathe.
Sasuke leaned back slightly. Even he looked more at ease.
But Kakashi's thoughts were elsewhere.
He had just received feedback from the shadow clone he'd sent to follow Haku.
Zabuza wasn't done. Worse, he had called for help.
One of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. A defector. Someone dangerous.
Kakashi's eyes sharpened. His fingers tapped lightly against the table.
"Perfect," he thought. "I wasn't satisfied with how easy it was before. Let's hope this next one gives me a challenge."