Swoosh-swoosh!
Two needles shot toward Kakashi. His Sharingan had already tracked them, but if he stopped to block, Zabuza might escape.
In that instant of hesitation, a Shadow Deer leapt from Kakashi's shadow and took the needles, sacrificing itself.
Kano again? Did she even plan this?
Needles alone couldn't stop Kakashi, so the hidden Haku had to step out and intercept at close range.
Still, Kakashi's strike wounded Zabuza once more.
"Water Release: Thousand Flying Water Needles of Death!"
"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"
Kano, running across the water, played her hunting flute and swept away countless water needles.
Kano almost laughed; Haku had dropped the act and charged out to save Zabuza. She'd been ready to let him feign death with a needle, then finish Zabuza when she checked his carotid.
What a shame, what a shame.
Badly injured, Zabuza and Haku fought Kakashi in close quarters. Noticing Kakashi's Sharingan was draining him fast, Kano joined in.
Though her Chakra was low, her taijutsu rivaled Sasuke's without the Sharingan.
Naruto, who'd escaped through the water, crawled ashore; he and Sasuke could only watch from the bank. They couldn't stand on water like the other four and stared helplessly.
"Damn it, why can Kano stand on water while I'm stuck here!"
Sasuke tried and sank; going over would just get him killed.
Kano's killing intent surged, her blows growing fiercer. From where Naruto and Sasuke stood, the haunting notes of the hunting flute drifted over.
"We don't wish to keep fighting. If you stop, we'll abandon this mission. If you press on…"
Haku leapt back, addressing everyone.
All eyes turned to Tazuna; beside him stood a Water Clone of Haku, a needle at his throat.
"Tch."
Kano was annoyed—Zabuza still lived. idiots Naruto and Sasuke, why didn't you guard the client? You let a Water Clone slip past.
If my Shadow Ninja weren't all dead, that clone would never have reached him.
"Then we stop."
Kakashi carried Kano back to the bank. He was spent; continuing risked the client's life. Even if they killed Zabuza and the masked Ninja, the mission would fail.
Haku dispelled the clone and fled across the water with Zabuza. The mission meant nothing next to Zabuza's life; though Zabuza wanted to fight, Haku dragged him away.
With danger gone, Kakashi quickly shut his Sharingan.
His Chakra had nearly run out; without Kano's help he'd have collapsed.
"Kano, excellent work! Naruto and Sasuke did well too. Naruto's improved greatly—he protected Kano and badly injured Zabuza."
He'd thought Sasuke was the top rookie, yet Kano fought ruthlessly, aiming for vitals. If not for her clear eyes he'd swear she had the Byakugan. She'd hidden her strength, pretending to falter in close combat—this girl could really conceal her power.
Tazuna stayed silent; he now understood how terrifying Ninja battles were. In an instant, even a child could kill him.
"Kano, how do you stand on water?"
Sasuke was frustrated; he'd contributed least. He couldn't fight on water, but even idiot Naruto had injured Zabuza, while he'd struggled against a Water Clone. His proud Fireball had been snuffed out by Water Release.
Worse, that boy who looked his age had held his own against Kakashi, and Kano could intervene in a Jonin fight. Was he worthy of being called a genius?
"It's about Chakra control—your next training topic. Looks like Kano learned it from her clan?"
Kakashi explained; Kano nodded.
Sasuke still wondered—why did Kakashi have the Sharingan? What did Kano mean saying she was weaker? Why did those Shadow Ninja resemble the Demon Brothers he'd killed?
But he kept quiet; this wasn't the place.
"We'll talk after we escort Tazuna back. Pack up and move."
"Wait!"
Kano halted them.
"What is it?"
Kakashi took her seriously now.
"I can't carry my luggage. Can we wait? I need Chakra to resummon Shadow Deer."
Shadow Deer needed two hours to revive.
It was a problem; Kano hadn't expected her luggage to hinder them. Kakashi ordered,
"Take essentials, dump the rest."
Naruto refused.
"No way! It's just luggage—I'll carry it for Kano-chan! Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
Pop-pop-pop!
Clones appeared, each grabbing a bag. Some even fought over Kano's luggage.
"idiot!"
Sasuke couldn't stand Naruto's stupidity; even Kakashi saw the lovesick fool resembled Obito.
He didn't stop him, though.
"Fine. Waste your Chakra. When trouble comes, we won't help."
Kano recalled there'd be no more fights; if Naruto wanted to help, let him.
Naruto was proud he could assist Kano-chan.
"No problem! I'm strong!"
Kano stepped over and thanked him warmly.
"Thanks, Naruto—and for protecting me."
"Hehe, it's my duty! Ask anything, I'll do it!"
"Really? My feet hurt—can you carry me?"
"Of course!"
"idiot, don't push it! Save your Chakra. Walking won't kill you."
Kakashi flicked Kano's head; the girl loved to tease.
She stuck out her tongue, slipped behind Naruto with her small pack. The battle had gone well—Zabuza was hurt, Haku exposed, Kakashi conscious, Naruto upbeat, only Sasuke still frustrated.
The next fight should be easier.
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