Chapter 11 – The Masked Hunter
The battlefield had fallen silent.
Zabuza's limp body lay sprawled in the mud, senbon needles buried in his neck.
The masked shinobi stood calmly over him, porcelain face emotionless beneath the hunter-nin mask.
"This man… is no longer your concern. As a missing-nin of Kirigakure, his body is mine to dispose of."
Kakashi's Sharingan dimmed as he narrowed his eye. He didn't lower his kunai, but his heavy breathing betrayed the toll of the fight. "A hunter-nin, huh… convenient timing."
The figure bowed slightly, unbothered. "Convenience or not, I thank you. You saved me the trouble of weakening him myself."
Naruto clenched his fists, staring hard. Something gnawed at him. The hairs on the back of his neck prickled, a primal instinct whispering danger. His heartbeat quickened, and he felt that faint heat—like fire under his skin—the same burning sensation from before.
"That's not right," Naruto muttered under his breath.
Sasuke glanced at him. "What are you rambling about, dobe?"
Naruto shook his head, eyes fixed on the hunter-nin. "I don't know… but I can feel it. Zabuza's not dead."
Sakura froze, fear flickering in her eyes. "W-what are you talking about? Look at him, Naruto! He's finished—"
But Naruto's gaze didn't waver. Inside him, the Nine-Tails stirred, its voice a faint growl in the depths of his soul.
Foolish brat… you think a man like that dies from a few needles? His life force still flickers. I can sense it.
Naruto's teeth clenched. So I was right…
---
The hunter-nin bent down, lifting Zabuza's body effortlessly. The mask tilted toward Kakashi.
"I'll ensure he is properly dealt with. You should tend to your team. Your Sharingan must have drained you."
Kakashi's kunai lowered slightly, but his tone was cautious. "Hunter-nin are known for cleaning up efficiently… but usually they destroy the body immediately. Burn it. Dismember it. Not take it away."
The masked shinobi didn't flinch. "I have my methods."
And with a swirl of mist, they vanished, carrying Zabuza into the fog.
---
Naruto's fists trembled. He wanted to chase, to scream, to stop them. But Kakashi's voice broke through the mist.
"Enough. We're not in condition to fight any longer."
He staggered slightly, his Sharingan fading. Sakura immediately caught his arm, supporting him.
"Kakashi-sensei!"
"I'm fine," he said, though his pale face betrayed otherwise. "But we need to retreat. The mission has already escalated beyond its original scope."
Sasuke kept silent, but his eyes flicked to Naruto. He felt it… didn't he? Even before Kakashi suspected… That power inside him…
---
The team regrouped, escorting Tazuna back toward his home. But Naruto's thoughts wouldn't quiet.
Every step of the way, the Nine-Tails' growl echoed faintly. You're surrounded by liars and killers, boy. That masked one has plans of their own… and Zabuza still breathes. Do you want power enough to crush them?
Naruto's hands shook as he clenched them tighter. I'll protect my team… no matter what it takes.
The fog thinned as the village came into view. But in Naruto's heart, the storm had only just begun.
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✨ End of Chapter 11 ✨