After so many years, hitting the city made me understand why Jiraiya became a traveler. And Konoha, on my scale, dropped back to "large village."
Clean city with wide boulevards, high-rises—the tallest nine stories, not four like Konoha. Not counting architectural abominations like the Kage building, three stories but sized like six. They had those too, but regular houses impressed. Stone cobblestones where real 18th-century carriages raced. Factory smokestacks nearby—Kakashi didn't know the purpose, but he knew Oren well, clearly been here plenty.
Sadly, we didn't stay long in Oren. Before that, as planned, we camped in sleeping bags by a fire, wind-blocked with branches and poncho-tents. That evening I devoured everything from home: crab meat salad I made myself. Yeah, I can cook—hopefully pretty well. In my past life, a classmate and coworker went to culinary school; one even worked it awhile. I bugged them when into proper nutrition. Call me a chef's apprentice.
Up at six AM, broke camp, cleaned up, headed to town—but with heightened caution. Sasuke scouted ahead, tree-hopping and road-running a couple km. We caught up; Kakashi went front, then me, then Sakura. Point: flush ambushes or traps.
Around ten AM, we reached Oren. Stopped at the local "ninja-affiliated" tavern. Leaf crest carved on the door. Modest place on city outskirts—maybe deliberate?—with just a couple local city guard guys inside. They called 'em "druzhina" there. Kakashi said it varies by big city, but Oren's were proper military. Not shinobi, but chakra-users indirectly—like chakra-charged crossbows, special cannons, weapons from swords and spears to halberds. On medieval castles still existing—one we passed, actually—no answer. When one asshole can lob jeep-sized fireballs or KamAZ cab ones. Plus, apparently full Napoleonic-era cannons. Just look different: not black iron, crystalline with metal frame. Precisely, crystal's the breech; barrel's metal. Kakashi didn't get how they worked, but from him: accumulate chakra in crystal, propel special ammo or straight chakra shells. Worst case, transform chakra to an element. Good news: even regular cannons rare, used sparingly in battle.
Showered and snacked, we hit the port for our noon ship to the Land of Water—dropping us by rowboat near Land of Waves islands.
Heading to Oren, my mood tanked realizing what awaited. Never thought myself a coward, but risking for nothing... Shinobi world ain't mine; can't go full throttle. Sakura, Sasuke, Kakashi noticed despite my acting—kept distance till sailing. Tazuna just thanked us nonstop for not ditching, guilt-tripped about daughter and grandson, admired our strength and nobility openly—and didn't drink. Just morning hair-of-the-dog...
"Hey, Naruto..." Sakura caught me on deck, brooding at the water. No seasickness surprisingly—usually hits first time a bit. "Thanks for backing me. Didn't expect it, especially from you." She came closer, leaning on wooden rails. I turned, eyed her for digs about cowardice—seemed sincere, as far as I could tell. Limited experience, but some.
"No biggie..." I waved off. "I really think that way—haven't changed my mind. Still unjustified risk."
"Then why agree? Not just Sasuke pushing?"
"Nah, not just... Heh." I sighed. "He's right—we desperately lack combat experience, and D-ranks won't give it."
"Worth risking life against other shinobi? Naruto, we're not ready? Not just genin—rookie genin. No matter how strong you and Sasuke..."
"You're right." I cut in. "Can't beat experience. Kakashi shredded us in the test without equal-power jutsu. Made fewer clones than me by tenfold, no offensive elements—just one defensive. Basics of taijutsu, genjutsu, ninjutsu wrecked us. Wasn't power..." Like drivers in my world said: "Not the engine... Idiot in the cab."
"So..."
"That's why experience matters so much—without it, we're blind kittens with huge paws, claws, fangs—but blind and fragile. Sasuke's right. We need this risk."
"You say smart stuff, but like you're convincing yourself." She noted. "I was really scared when those two... When Teacher Kakashi... For a second I believed he died, then moved like in a dream." I smiled faintly. "You and Sasuke jumped right in... I get the puddle was suspicious, but..."
"Everything'll be fine, Sakura." I straightened, tried cracking neck—no dice at this age. "If shit hits, rely on us." I ruffled her hair; she jerked away annoyed. "We'll protect you—don't worry." Eyes half-closed, I smiled.
"Idiot..." She muttered half-voiced, puffed, stormed off deck.
I know, girlie—total idiot... But this idiot's got a plan to pull us from the shit we dove into. Thanks to memory, Zabuza and Haku's abilities known; foresaw this fight in academy, marked "unlikely" in my notebook—avoid at all costs.
Back then, figured shadow clones would rocket my gains past the train. By now, strong as Itachi. Bullshit—grew way past canon Naruto, but moon away from that. Shadow clones don't transfer physical gains well—muscles'd kill you otherwise. One jump or stair climb or 100m street run? Fifty times becomes 5km cross, fifty high jumps, etc... Don't get me started on chasing that cat village-wide—each of 250 clones ran over a km. But no muscle fatigue transfer to original—just some tiredness, not 250km run.
Sword or hand-to-hand training better, but more clones = worse retention of moves/errors. Quickly realized: clones ingrain technique errors. Clones sparring for fight XP works, but inefficient sans partner. Even with Sasuke, sans experienced teacher—just fix errors.
Shuriken/kunai throwing? Trainable, advisable. Gimmicks like wired shuriken transfer well. But we/Sasuke hit the limit. Now at Kakashi level for throwing technique/speed—but experience...
Ninjutsu studyable, but my wild ideas clashed with kid limits: chakra/time/both. Example: Sasuke learned more ninjutsu, fireballs cover all my clones if needed—we're near even otherwise. Could he handle all mine?
Nope!
He knows it too. Full-force clash, my clone experience/wyvern/stamina/quantity wins. One high-rank technique experience trumps his attack suite.
Point: experience vital as air—without, I suffocate in my own wild ideas, clueless how to realize.
Speaking of Sasuke... Here he comes.
"Naruto." He said from a couple meters behind, making me turn. "Kakashi says five minutes till rowboat. Land of Waves shore visible."
"Heh..." I exhaled, met him. Grab backpack from cabin, re-gear pouches—too relaxed. Sasuke evened with me, headed to boats.
"Ready for round two?" He asked.
"Always ready." I barked—lost on him.
"And as always, you got a plan?" Eyes half-shut, smirking, he prodded.
"Well... Not a plan, but ideas. Kakashi'll approve, think."
"Y'know, from your face..." We parted ways, stopped. "If I didn't know you, I'd say you're anticipating—maybe the fight."
"Really? That's how I look?!" I poked my chest dramatically.
"Heh..." He exhaled. "You're a shitty actor. Keep that in mind for battle plans." He turned, tossed over shoulder.
"Go fuck yourself."
***
"Want to thank you again. If you hadn't agreed to escort after all that, I'd never have made it home alive." Tazuna said, bowing as we reached shore.
"No need for thanks, we have our own reasons," Kakashi replied to him, closing his porno novel with one motion of his fingers and stowing it in his pouch.
"Yeah, better this way than patrolling till we turn blue," I tried to joke, but the only chuckle came from Kakashi's side. Sasuke just gave a slight smile.
We continued on foot from one small town to another. The towns here are located on the shores of each island and have an elongated shape.
At our request, they dropped us off at the southern borders instead of right at the eastern shore, which was just a short swim away anyway.
We moved northwest from the south. After passing two small towns and crossing two small bridges—which Tazuna had also built. Or designed, but as he says, he took direct part in the construction too, which is easy to believe. Despite his alcoholism, the guy's still sturdy. Especially for an Asian.
Next was a tree line and a small river we'd have to go around to reach the road to the village where the architect's family lives.
Right now, Kakashi was leading our column, I was behind him, then Tazuna, with Sasuke and Sakura covering the rear.
According to my new plan, which Kakashi approved—though he winced a bit, but approved—no one was running far ahead to scout anymore. Kakashi was walking about twenty meters ahead, but even that was only because he was drawing attention and playing the careless teacher who could easily be overtaken.
After about twenty minutes of walking through the tree line, we emerged into an open space by the river. There was almost no mist here, though it had been quite thick when we landed on the shore. The sky was overcast, like rain was about to start any minute.
Eh, it'd be nice to set up a grill here and barbecue some meat like in my old world.
Suddenly, a white rabbit or hare—couldn't tell from the distance—darted across Kakashi's path. But a second before I remembered what that meant, Kakashi braked, and a couple seconds later came to a sharp stop, spinning around and shouting:
"Down!" He himself crouched low, shifting forward and to the side. Tazuna dropped in place and covered his head with his hands. Sasuke spun around, spotted the danger, dashed aside, and hit the ground. Sakura was the only one who tried to protect the architect, leaping to cover him with her body. I, realizing what was coming, stayed standing, facing the massive two-handed cleaver flying like a damn boomerang, spinning at tremendous speed. If it hit, it'd cut us all in half, given its mass and velocity. Seeing where the thing came from, as I started focusing when Kakashi braked at the sight of the rabbit, I decided to charge straight at the sword, timing it to grab the hilt with both hands. But I still underestimated its mass—it spun me 180 degrees mid-trick, but I managed to hold the damn thing with both hands and raised it over my head.
"Whoa..." A voice came from behind a tree right by the shore. "The village of peaceful leaves still hasn't run out of strong kids?" The question came in a menacingly low voice from the figure stepping out of the tree's shadow. Sorry, Shikamaru, for the gay jokes about the ponytail and fishnet shirt.
This guy topped my list of assholes at first sight. That moment when you try to look scary but... Though, probably for people from this world, he really does look terrifying. Half his face up to the bridge of his nose wrapped in bandages, disheveled black hair, and a headband with the crossed-out symbol of the Hidden Mist Village. Bare torso wrapped in straps to hold the sword on his back, athletic pants, and rubber sandals with thick soles. Some kind of sheaths on his hands, probably. Not just fashion—they're likely sleeves for hiding weapons. No real pouches, though I'm sure he stashed a couple knives somewhere.
Build-wise, Zabuza looked like Geralt of Rivia, but the gypsy version. Lean and muscular at the same time, but if this guy swings that cleaver—which I had the pleasure of holding—and that rail weighs a ton, I tell you. Ten kilos easy, probably...
Kakashi quickly got to his feet and turned toward the voice.
"Your mother..." Kakashi whispered, recognizing right away who stepped out from the tree.
"They haven't died out..." I replied. "There's enough of me for you."
"Hm-hm-hm-hm..." He laughed through his bandages. "Think catching my Kubikiribōchō makes you a cool kid?"
"I don't think so, but since you called this thing a decapator..." I said, lowering the sword and swinging it aside. "Guess what I'll do to you?"
"Naruto, hold." Kakashi said. "This isn't an opponent you can rush."
"Hm... You saying you'll cut my head off?" Zabuza asked. "And you're clearly not like those scared-shitless brats." He nodded toward Sasuke and Sakura, who had already gotten into stance shielding the architect from possible attack.
"You have no idea how much..." I snapped back. At that moment, Kakashi stepped between us, raising his right hand slightly to the side—like telling me not to interfere—while holding his eye bandage with his left.
"Naruto, back!" He insisted. "This guy's no match for you." With that, he uncovered his left eye. Bright red with four pupils—one in the center, three comma-shaped around it.
"Oh, so that's how it is... That chakra's even scarier than mine. Power that gives chills at first sight. The cursed Sharingan! So you're the Copy Ninja Kakashi!"
"Copy Ninja Kakashi?" Sakura asked.
"Tch..." Sasuke clicked his tongue.
"You don't even know your commander's nickname? What a bunch of losers?" Zabuza exhaled. "Though now..." He nodded at Kakashi. "I get who kicked the demon brats' asses. If it's someone like you, then... No shame now. But... I'm stronger than you!" Kakashi said nothing, just got into stance with a kunai in hand.
I was literally shaking. I could trust it all to Kakashi, but I damn well remember he can't handle Zabuza—not now, when he's not ready for an opponent like this.
"Come on, Kakashi! Show the power of a thousand techniques!" Zabuza shouted and tried to flank Kakashi. The sensei anticipated the move and shifted too, but my shadow clones were already at the sides, blocking Kakashi's actions. I grabbed the sword, charged with a swing, and started spinning like an idiot while holding the damn rail. How does he even swing this thing.
Circular swing and abrupt stop right in front of him.
Zabuza didn't even blink. Half a second before his head would've flown, he just tilted right and raised his fist perfectly into the sword's gap, catching the blade without a scratch.
"Ha..." Was all he said. The edge was almost at his carotid.
"Naruto, have you lost your mind!" Kakashi didn't hold back. "I said stand down!" I wasn't listening now. He'd thank me later. But... He's right now; Zabuza's move blew my mind, and for a second I thought I was done, but he just kept holding the sword.
"Fine, now kid, time to return what's not yours." He sharply gripped the "sword"—or whatever this thing's called—by the blunt side and yanked, but clearly underestimated my grip and didn't pull full force. It jerked me hard, and I even stepped forward, but held the sword. "Greedy little bastard."
"Same to you." I abruptly let go, subtly pulling an explosive seal from my sleeve and sticking it to the hilt, then kicking it for spin.
"Take this, fascist, grenade," I thought, forming the blade seal with my fingers.
He couldn't hold it without the hilt, and it spun handle-first behind his back.
Boom!
The seal blew, but Zabuza—if not as fast as Kakashi—was damn close and leaped away. Kakashi seized the moment, blocking his path with a dash forward and glaring with the Sharingan.
Zabuza knew if Kakashi with kunai made one more step, he was done.
Zabuza didn't slow, rebounding off a tree toward the river.
Now it was his turn to show the Jesus stance. The sword with its broken hilt lay not far from shore. At least I disarmed him—party time. I dispersed the clones by Kakashi before the blast.
But he didn't seem too bothered by losing the sword. He stood on water, hands in blade seals, blasting massive chakra around. Water swirled in a vortex. Tree branches swayed noticeably from the wind.
Was I scared?
Scared shitless!
Kakashi positioned squarely between me and Zabuza.
"Hiding in Mist Technique!" Zabuza said, vanishing in a water fountain. Seconds later, thick mist formed around us, getting denser and denser.
"Triangle Formation!" Kakashi shouted. Tazuna stood there stunned and shaking. Sakura and Sasuke hurried to obey, flanking him, but I wasn't rushing. I stood behind Kakashi, waiting for attack.
The damn mist thickened more. If I needed to piss, I wouldn't see my dick; even sensei was barely visible now.
Kakashi formed a seal, and chakra blasted from him no weaker than Zabuza's—maybe stronger, but I'm no sensor, so fuck knows with these jonin.
The wind picked up strong, partially dispersing the mist. My throat dried out, cold sweat down my back.
"Naruto." Kakashi called calmly. "Trust me."
"I do, sensei." I replied. "But wouldn't sticking to the original plan be better?"
"Since this guy showed up... I think not. This went from C-rank to full A-rank! Ideally, you should've run, but..." Kakashi hesitated; he knew it was obvious but not the best idea. Take it as you will—either Zabuza's THAT strong, or Kakashi's not sure he can go all out with us here. "Either way, Naruto. I won't let my comrades die!" He repeated his catchphrase.
"Well said, Copy Ninja... Ha-ha-ha... But you forgot who I am." The voice came from behind us. We spun to see Zabuza right between Tazuna, Sasuke, and Sakura with two kunai.
"Gotcha." I said. The transformation jutsu dispersed; those three were my shadow clones. Each reached for the katana on their back. In an instant, they drew and pierced Zabuza's body a second before his kunai would've sliced them.
"Uh-huh..." I nodded. Zabuza's arms went limp, kunai dropping.
"Heh-heh-heh..." Came from the enemy as water poured from his wounds. "I told you... You don't know who I am..." His body turned to water too.
"Water Clone Technique," Kakashi whispered, spinning toward the river. Zabuza was back on water, prepping some water crap, but Kakashi at insane speed interrupted, forcing a short knife fight—which Zabuza won, not cleanly, but Kakashi nicked his shoulder aiming for neck, while opponent struck low into the groin artery. That's a master of killing blows.
But both were water clones. Realizing the disguise was up, both turned to water.
The real Zabuza emerged from the mist right behind me.
"You're a walking problem, kid, so better off me dropping you first." He said; I just smiled. "Kakashi burst from underwater where he'd hidden and tried throwing shuriken to distract from me. Zabuza just ducked the poorly thrown ones.
"Something's off... Water..." Kakashi realized, climbing out.
I unbuttoned my shirt, showing the enemy the clone-kamikaze technique. The three clones behind did the same.
Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!
Four blasts way stronger than before—five seals per clone.
But the real Zabuza was already behind Kakashi.
"Water Prison Technique!" Kakashi got caught. Now Zabuza held him in the damn water ball again.
"Playtime's over!" Zabuza shouted. "Hand over the architect, and I'll release your teacher! Come out, kids!"
"Wait..." Tazuna panted. Running that fast was tough for the guy. "I hope you're not planning..." He said hopefully.
"Trust me." I shouted on the run. "It's going to plan."
"Hope so!" Sasuke snarked.
We burst from the forest to the shore. I demonstratively drew my sword from the sheath on my back and, seeing with my own eyes what the shadow clones already reported, tried cracking my neck again.
"Shit..." I muttered in Russian under my breath, stepping a few paces ahead with sword in hand.
"So, wanna go again... Fine..." Zabuza formed blade seals with his free hand, making more water clones. Three per us. Nine total. Each with several knives in sleeves.
I charged with sword. One clone tried blocking me. Two more circled; the rest ran past.
My vertical strike—which Itachi showed me—he blocked with two kunai. No weights on me or Sasuke now; I accelerated sharply, holding my speed for seconds, but their numbers and precise thrusts—which I dodged—backed me into a corner. I felt his leg strike power too—not weak. Though I could see and block them easily speed-wise.
Meanwhile, six clones advanced on Sasuke and Sakura. While I charged, Sakura scattered small spikes on one side. Zabuza's clones noticed; three retreated left flank, running center lagging the first three, but caught up, leaped, and threw knives mid-air. Sakura knocked them down with her own knives; Sasuke stepped forward, made shadow clones, and attacked with thrown kunai.
Zabuza dodged easily; kunai landed where I was fending off three clones desperately, but the six-Sasuke soccer wall stopped him—and for good reason. All Sasuke clones formed seals simultaneously and attacked.
"Fire Style: Fireball Technique!" A wall of fire engulfed all Zabuza clones. I felt the heat from afar. That technique caused my sharp dash forward and their blocking me in the enemy "Triangle."
"Where you going, kid?" The three said, throwing kunai from three sides. As the real me, I had to parry with sword—what I trained with Sasuke. My speed allowed a counter-throw, but he wielded his knives excellently too, parrying while stepping forward.
"Nowhere." I grinned. "We're in position!" I shouted, slamming the sword into the ground, channeling chakra properly. "Sealing mark: Conductor!" Runes formed on the ground, weaving into a web of symbols. Each led to one of the six kunai stuck in the earth. I leaped, kicking off the sword, jumping high under the stunned gaze of the shadow clones. Several Sasuke clones dispersed; he pulled a large shuriken from his pack and threw it at me. Then formed seals fast, squatted, and slammed both hands into the ground with remaining chakra.
"Fire Style: Vertical Incineration Technique!" Sasuke said, channeling chakra along the threads to the kunai. They ignited; fire fueled by the ground seal surged up and sideways, dragging all water clones to fiery hell.
The pillar fire wasn't as strong as hoped—technique needs work—but as I hovered over it, the heat wave acted like an air cushion, letting me glide a bit. Stabilizing mid-air, I made a shadow clone under me, grabbed Sasuke's shuriken with outstretched hand.
I kicked off the clone hard toward the river where Zabuza and stunned Kakashi stood. Throwing the shuriken at them from above, I made another shadow clone, kicked off again, and bullet-rushed behind Zabuza—swordless, but with explosive kunai.
My body outpaced even the shuriken, splashing into water with a characteristic sound; I stood. My turn to copy Jesus. Winding up, I hurled the kunai at his back.
Zabuza had to disperse the water prison and release Kakashi. That's when I detonated the seal; Kakashi leaped aside. Probably Sharingan showed him the "slow" shuriken was a Sasuke clone—transformation dispelled—and he used Fireball point-blank on Zabuza.
Boom!
Fireball destroyed the falling Sasuke. Dumb, but planned. Real one's probably catching breath from chakra drain.
The blast churned the river. My explosive seal blew in the fire too.
Fish floated belly-up in droves.
We still missed Zabuza. He surfaced between me and the earlier-leaping Kakashi.
"Heh..." Zabuza panted. "Unexpected. You surprised me, kids..."
"Won't happen twice." Kakashi said grimly, cracking knuckles and closing for hand-to-hand—which turned knife fight.
This time, no Zabuza strikes hit real Kakashi. He dodged sudden kunai thrusts several times. Blocked others mid-air at insane speed without looking.
Both were taijutsu monsters.
I wanted to jump in but saw no opening, so retreated to shore, leaving it to Kakashi.
Though I didn't want Kakashi trapped, that ended my plan. And half my chakra...
Sword hilt scorched but fine. Fix later...
Sakura and Sasuke approached the river.
Behind me, those two went hard, attacking with powerful water magic.
Sasuke approached with active Sharingan.
"Naruto! He's not aiming at Kakashi!" He shouted, breaking into run.
I turned; Zabuza's water dragon headed straight for the architect. Sakura grabbed Tazuna and leaped far back in one bound.
Kakashi's water dragon threw off Zabuza's aim a bit, but now the damn water drill flew at me and Sasuke instead of Tazuna.
"Sasuke! Explosive kunai and fire!" I shouted, throwing a kunai at the dragon's face.
"Fire Style: Fireball Technique!" Sasuke exhaled another ball with last strength and threw a kunai with explosive seal. Enough to destroy the dragon, but water still soaked us—non-lethally.
Kakashi exploited Zabuza underestimating us and attacked, but speeds equal. Kakashi's strikes parried; Zabuza unscathed.
Sasuke stepped forward and, before stunned eyes, continued the assault.
"Water Style: Water Dragon Technique!" Sasuke unleashed the Sharingan-copied jutsu. I was floored—though why...
Zabuza was most shocked, dodging Sasuke's poorly aimed dragon.
Kakashi capitalized, slamming opponent with his water dragon into a tree near shore. Kunai followed from Kakashi.
"Aaargh..." He cried as hands pinned twice and left thigh to the tree. Kakashi approached unhurriedly with kunai, waiting for river to calm.
"And still, I know who you are... You're done for now!" Kakashi said; two long senbon pierced Zabuza's body.
A shinobi my height—maybe a couple cm taller—landed on a branch above. Simple sandals, kimono over some clothes with faint armor inserts. Long hair, oval mask.
Sasuke spotted him with Sharingan but could barely stand, collapsing after a twitch but trying to rise, showing consciousness despite chakra depletion.
Kakashi unhurriedly reached shore.
"Thanks, Leaf shinobi." The one on the branch said—male voice—and turned mask-face to us. "I've been tracking this traitor. Momochi Zabuza is officially wanted for desertion, military secrets breach, and murders. His body belongs to the Mist."
Slinging my sword over shoulder, I eyed him meaningfully past Kakashi's shoulder; Sakura rushed to help Sasuke up.
"Is that so..." Kakashi exhaled. "Bit late to the party. Showing up for the scraps, eh? We get reward for catching a criminal like that too."
"But I landed the final blow, and if you don't mind, I'll take his body."
"What if we do?!" I shouted, sensing those two were together.
"Doesn't matter now..." He shrugged. "You're exhausted from the fight. Sharingan..." He faltered, glancing at Kakashi. "Powerful, but... I'm about Zabuza's level. In your state, you'd lose, so I'll take Zabuza's body anyway."
"So that's it..." Kakashi murmured.
"Got the balls?!" I shouted, raising kunai.
"I'm willing to risk..." He took stance; not just chakra emanated—viscous, dense, terrifying... Icy chakra.
Grass frosted instantly; Zabuza's body chilled; air from him like industrial freezer. Frosty vapor around his sandals; our breath steamed. Simple side stance, drawing one long senbon.
"Naruto!" Kakashi said sternly. "Stand down." He lowered his left eye bandage.
"We don't need a fight over this corpse." Kakashi approached demonstratively, checked Zabuza's pulse. "He's done. Take him. But if I see you again... You get it..." Kakashi said menacingly.
"Thanks, Copy Ninja of the Leaf." The masked shinobi bowed. Damn it... Can't even tell they're together... Looks like I lack power to counter canon yet.
Nearby, Sakura got Sasuke on his feet, but he was no fighter now.
Fuck...
Powerless here. No plan against Haku right now. Ideally, fire against his ice, and with my help Kakashi wouldn't fall for that dumb trap—but who knew real Kakashi would hide in that piss river dispersing mist.
With Kakashi's blessing, Haku grabbed the Kubikiribōchō by broken hilt, hoisted Zabuza on back, and vanished...
"Sensei... Why let him go?" I asked, teeth gritted, stowing kunai.
"We DON'T need that fight now, Naruto."
"You..." I wanted to yell, spill about the duo, but he'd figure it soon. For now... "Stop holding back! Copy Ninja... Master of a thousand techniques... You could've crushed him! One Raikiri at your speed and that kid's toast!"
"Naruto..." Kakashi looked surprised. Sakura and Sasuke shocked too. "How do you..."
"Village talks, but Raikiri story repeats. Dug up your registered A-rank original strike technique." I lied perfectly. Kakashi exhaled.
"It's not that simple... After that fight and oxygen deprivation in the prison, I couldn't just rush a technique like that. Drag you—barely survived Zabuza—into ANBU Mist fight? You overestimate my irresponsibility. Plus, our mission's protect Mr. Tazuna first and foremost, but you impressed me. All great job." He said. We reformed column-ish and took the river detour when Kakashi faltered; I barely caught him. Wouldn't have if I didn't know it'd happen.
"Sensei Kakashi!" Sakura panicked.
"Don't worry..." I said. "Just fainted. Nothing serious, but looks like I'm carrying him home."
"Sorry again for all this..." Tazuna apologized. "If ok, I know a ford—faster than detour. But you walk on water?"
"I can't..." Sakura admitted, looking down. "But I'll ford with you!" Tazuna nodded.
"No apologies, Mr. Tazuna." I said. "But you definitely owe us hot lunch."
***
Read the story months ahead of the public release — early chapters are available on my Patreon: patreon.com/Granulan