A thick fog hung in the air, making it difficult to see ahead. Team Seven sat in a small wooden boat with Tazuna in silence, as a man ferried them over the expanse of water.

Sakura looked around the mist nervously, while Sasuke remained suspicious and watchful.

Water lapped at the sides of the boat and the oar creaked as it moved through the water.

"This is some thick fog."Sakura looked around cautiously and muttered under her breath.

Naruto sat at the bow of the boat, sitting cross-legged with his arms crossed as he kept unusually quiet, puffing his cheeks. Kakashi looked over his students, then at Tazuna from the corner of his eye, who tilted his head down.

"The bridge should be visible soon." The ferryman quietly announced. "When we reach the side of the bridge, we'll be in the Land of Waves."

Naruto leaned forward and squinted and broke into a wide grin as the bridge came into view.

As they drew closer, a large structure came into full view of the incomplete bridge. Cranes and other equipment rested on its surface and Naruto's eyes widened as he took in the sight.

"Wow! It's huge!" Naruto looked excitedly at the bridge, estimating its height and width. "I can't wait to tell Natsumi about this!"

"H-Hey!" The ferryman scowled and scolded in a low voice. "Please keep it down. I took this boat out under cover of fog, and I cut the engine to row by hand. If they find us, we'll be in deep trouble."

Naruto covered his mouth quickly and gulped.

Kakashi turned his attention to Tazuna, whose expression was hauntingly serious.

"Mr. Tazuna." Kakashi started, speaking quietly. "I want to ask you something before we arrive at the pier."

Tazuna kept his eyes on the bottom of the boat and remained quiet.

"The identity of your assailants, and the reason why they are after you." Kakashi continued. "If you don't tell us... our mission may end when you make landfall."

Naruto turned around to look at the old man. With all eyes on him, Tazuna finally let out a slow breath and looked up.

"It seems I have no choice but to tell you. Well, I'd like for you to listen closely." He paused. "Just as you said, this may be beyond the scope of your mission. Actually... I am being targeted by a terrifying man."

"A terrifying man?" Kakashi repeated. "Who?"

"You guys have probably heard at least of his name before." Tazuna admitted bitterly. "The shipping magnate known as Gato."

Kakashi's eyes widened. "What? Gato... of the Gato Company? One of the world's richest men?"

"Who? What?" Naruto asked, only partly listening.

"Yes." Tazuna closed his eyes briefly. "On the surface, he's the chief executive of a shipping company... but underneath, he's into drug trafficking and deals in contraband using gangs and Ninja. Moreover, he runs a despicable business, ruthlessly taking over nations and enterprises."

Tazuna opened his eyes once again. "It was about one year ago when that man first set his eyes on the Land of Waves. He used his wealth and violence to enter this country, and, before anyone knew it, had taken complete control of the island's maritime transportation and shipping. Having a tight grip on the ocean in an island nation like the Land of Waves, means having control of finance, the government, the people... everything."

Tazuna placed his hands into his lap. "The one thing Gato fears is the completion of the bridge that has been under construction for some time now." He looked up at the imposing structure with his brows furrowed.

"I see." Sakura held her chin in thought. "Since you're the one building the bridge, you've become a hindrance."

Naruto blinked and stared blankly at the old man. "Is this guy... for real?"

"Then, those Ninja from before were Gato's men?" Sasuke mused, glancing at Sakura.

"Hm..." Naruto closed his eyes and touched two fingers to his temple.

"But I don't understand." Kakashi kept his eyes on the old man. "Your opponent is a dangerous one, who will even use Ninja. Why did you hide that face from us when you made your request?"

"The Land of Waves..." Tazuna looked away shamefully. "is a very poor nation, and even its feudal lords have little money. Of course, we ordinary citizens have no money, either. We can't afford to make requests of Rank B or higher..." He let out a sigh. "Well, if you pull out of the mission when I land ashore, I will, no doubt, be killed. Killed long before I make it home."

The old man waved a hand. "Oh, but there's no need for concern! Should I die, my cute grandchild, who will turn eight soon, will only cry his heart out!"

The Genin made nearly identical faces and Naruto crossed his arms. "This old guy is laying it on thick..."

"And..." Tazuna continued. "My daughter will only blame the Hidden Leaf Ninja for the rest of her life and grieve in solitude! Oh, it's not your fault at all!"

Kakashi turned to his students, who shared an uncomfortable look. Kakashi scratched his headband in silence for a moment, and then smiled awkwardly at Tazuna. "I guess we have no choice. Let's continue as his bodyguards."

"Oh?!" Tazuna smirked slightly. "I am most grateful." Turning his head to the side, his smirk grew. "I won!"

After a moment, the ferryman spoke up again. "We'll be arriving soon." He looked down at Tazuna as they approached a series of archways. "It appears we haven't been noticed up until this point."

"Thanks." Tazuna looked up a him with a short nod of appreciation.

The man steered the boat under one of the archways and entered a long tunnel. It was dark, with only dim orange lights every few meters along the ceiling. Naruto squinted as they approached the end of the tunnel, where blinding light greeted them.

As they emerged from the tunnel, they saw a pristine blue sky and an expanse of water in a central area, surrounded by houses built over the water. Clusters of tall trees with high roots grew out of the water. Birds sounded in the air and puffy clouds rolled lazily by high above them.

Naruto's eyes widened as he took in the sight and the boat continued forward through the trees. They pulled up to a small pier and stepped off one by one, looking around at the strange country. Tazuna glanced back at the ferryman.

"This is as far as I go." The man met Tazuna's eyes. "See you around."

"Yeah, thanks. You've been a big help." Tazuna nodded shortly.

"Be careful." The ferryman warned and started the engine to the boat, then left.

Tazuna looked up across the bay and saw the bridge in the distance, clearer now that the fog had lifted.

"Okay!" The old man turned back to the Leaf Ninja. "Now, get me home safely."

"Right." Kakashi turned and began to walk, and they followed behind him, his expression fatigued. "When they next attack, it won't be Chunin, but elite level Jonin." He sighed. "Cripes!"

Sea birds squawked and argued with each other as Team Seven continued down one of the island roads. Naruto walked ahead, though Sasuke began to walk faster and walked beside Naruto, nearly pulling ahead as he kept his eyes closed and hands in his pockets coolly.

Naruto looked over at him and made a face. "I won't let this guy do all the fun stuff anymore!" Naruto ran ahead, looking around. The group stopped behind him, and he looked into the surrounding forest with his hand on his forehead. He looked to his right, pulling out a Kunai as the underbrush rustled.

"There!" He launched the Kunai at the noise, smirking coolly, and then scratched his head. "Heh... Just a mouse."

Sakura glared and pointed at him. "Quit trying to show off! There was nothing there in the first place!"

"Please, Naruto, don't throw Kunai knives so recklessly." Kakashi held up his hands in exasperation. "They're really dangerous."

Tazuna glared at Naruto and gritted his teeth. "Hey, brat! Don't be doing anything stupid or confusing!"

"Hm?" Naruto looked around again. "I sense a presence there! No? Over here?!"

Kakashi turned his attention to the left, where a new rustling could be heard, and Naruto turned toward the sound.

"There!" Naruto threw a second Kunai and Sakura ran up to him, hitting him on the head.

"Stop it, already!"

Naruto winced and held his head. "S-Someone's really been targeting us the whole time! I can feel it!"

"Yeah, right!" Sakura put her hands on her hips and looked down at him. "Just knock it off, already!"

Kakashi stepped into the underbrush and saw Naruto's Kunai stuck into a tree, having just barely missed the head of a pure white hare, frozen in shock. Sakura turned to her teacher and followed him, and then her widened.

"Naruto! What have you done?!"

"It's a bunny?!" Naruto ran toward the animal and picked it up gently and held it close. "I didn't mean to... I'm so sorry, bunny."

"It's just a rabbit, eh?" Tazuna muttered under his breath.

Kakashi turned to scan the area. "That's a snow hare. But that doesn't explain its fur color..." He glanced back at the rabbit in Naruto's arms. "Their coat is only white during winter when there is little sunlight." He continued to look around, sensing a pair of eyes watching them. "Which means... that rabbit was raised indoors without sunlight in order to be used as a substitution." Kakashi turned to look high into the trees behind them, sensing the presence. "I guess they're already here..."

The assassin looked down at the group and his eyes rested on the silver-haired Jonin.

"I see... The Demon Brothers wouldn't be enough to take on these guys." He reached behind to grip the hilt of the sword mounted on his back. "It's the Copy Nina from the Hidden Leaf Village... Kakashi of the Sharingan in the flesh."

He leapt up from his hiding place and threw the weapon at them.

Kakashi's eyes widened and turned to the group. "Everyone, get down!"

The massive blade spun and came directly at them, missing only once they flung themselves to the ground, and then circle around and lodged itself into a tree. The assassin landed on the hilt skillfully with his back to them, glancing down at them from over his shoulder.

Kakashi stood and look up at the enemy, narrowing his eyes. "If I'm not mistaken, he's..."

Sasuke, Sakura, Naruto, and Tazuna all picked themselves off from the ground and stared up at the assassin in silent.

Naruto trembled with his hand hovering over the sheath on his thigh. "Here we go...!" He glanced toward Sasuke. "I'm going to do it this time. I won't lose to Sasuke!"

"Well, well." Kakashi put his hands into his pockets and took a step toward the enemy Ninja, speaking casually as if greeting a friend he hadn't seen in several years. "If it isn't the rogue Ninja of the Hidden Mist, Zabuza Momochi!"

"Rogue Ninja?" Naruto blinked. "Whatever that is. What's important now is... ready... set... go!"

Naruto ran forward but was stopped when Kakashi held out his arm.

"You're in the way." Kakashi muttered. "Everyone get back."

"Why?" Naruto clenched his fist and gritted his teeth

"Because he's on a totally different level from the guys we encountered the other day." Kakashi answered simply. "His being our opponent means... that things might get tricky as I am right now." Kakashi narrowed his gaze and lifted his hand to his face, reaching for his mask that covered his left eye.

"I assume you are Kakashi, the Sharingan user..."

Sasuke's eyes widened slightly and he looked at the Jonin.

"Sorry, but..." Zabuza muttered. "I'll have you hand over the old man."

Kakashi face settled into a scowl as he watched the rogue Ninja carefully.

"Huh? What? Sharingan? What's that?" Naruto looked at the back of his sensei's head.

"What is he talking about?" Sakura looked between the assassin and Kakashi. "Is this guy strong?"

"The Sharingan..." Tazuna muttered under his breath.

"Get in Manji battle formation, you guys." Kakashi ordered without raising his voice or moving a muscle. "Protect Tazuna... Don't involve yourselves in this fight."

"Huh?" Sakura looked at Kakashi.

"That's the teamwork for this situation." Kakashi fully uncovered his left eye and opened it, revealing a crimson eye with three tomoe in a ring around the iris. He met Zabuza's eyes directly. "Fight me."

"W-What's with that eye?" Naruto's own eyes widened as he stared at Kakashi's unsual eye.

"Oh?" Zabuza chuckled. "Well now... I never expected to see the rumored Sharingan this soon..." He turned around to look at Kakashi directly. "This is an honor."

"Everyone's been saying Sharingan... But what is it?!" Naruto stared at Kakashi and made a face, shaking his head in frustration.

"Sharingan..." Sasuke answered. "Power that the light of the eye generates and the pupil emanates. The user of the so-called Dōjutsu or visual art is said to possess the vision to see through all Genjutsu, Taijutsu, and Ninjutsu and is able to deflect them." Sasuke paused. "The Sharingan is a type of eye that is unique to the Dōjutsu user. However, that is not the only power of the Sharingan..."

"Well said." Zabuza glanced at the Uchiha boy. "That's not all. What's more frightening is that such an eye can assess an opponent's techniques and copy them exactly."

A thick fog rolled into the area suddenly and obscured their vision.

"When I was in the ANBU Black Ops of the Hidden Mist, search information about you was in the Bingo Book. I would carry it around with me. There was also something else in that book... about the man who has copied over one-thousand Jutsu... known as Kakashi the Copy Ninja."

Sakura stood beside Tazuna and stared in amazement. "What? Kakashi-sensei is really that incredible of a Ninja?"

"W-Wow!" Naruto grinned at the Jonin as Sasuke regarded him silently.

"What does this mean?" Sasuke furrowed his brows. "The Sharingan is a special trait that appears in only a select few of the Uchiha clan. Could it be, that this guy..."

"Let's end the talking here." Zabuza kept his intense gaze on Kakashi and squatted. "I have to kill that old man immediately."

Tazuna's eyes widened as the assassin looked at him and he froze in place. The Genin drew their Kunai and surrounded Tazuna in a protective position.

"However, Kakashi... It seems I must defeat you first." Zabuza stood at his full height and pulled his sword from the tree with ease and vanished into the fog around them.

"Over there!" Naruto called out.

"And he's even on the water?!" Sakura watched in surprise as Zabuza stood with ease on the surface of the water.

Water swirled around him in a ring as he held up a one-handed seal in front of his face while his other arm formed a second seal and stretched toward the sky.

"He's building up quite a bit of Chakra." Kakashi observed the rogue ninja with his Sharingan, remaining in place as he assessed the situation.

"Ninja Art, Hidden Mist Jutsu." Zabuza vanished in a swirl of fog and disappeared completely into thin air.

"He vanished?!" Naruto looked around for the Ninja again as the fog continued to thicken.

"Sensei!" Sakura watched as Kakashi silently approached the water, standing in front of them.

"He'll probably come to eliminate me first..."

"What is he?" Sakura asked in a whisper.

"Zabuza Momochi. He's an ANBU Black Ops member from the Hidden Mist and is known as the master of the "silent killing" technique."

"S-Silent?" Naruto looked around, still holding his Kunai as he remained guarding Tazuna.

"As the name suggests... it's a killing skill that's implemented in an instant in silence. By the time you realize it, it's likely you'll already find yourself in the afterlife." Kakashi paused. "I haven't totally mastered the use of my Sharingan, so don't lower your guard, you guys."

Naruto stared at Kakashi as he spoke, and then gulped slowly.

"Well," Kakashi continued, his tone lighter. "If we fail, we'll only die."

"H-How can you say that so casually?!" Sakura furrowed her brows in panic at Kakashi.

"The mist is steadily getting thicker!" Naruto nearly lost sight of Kakashi through the dense mist, and Tazuna scowled down at him.

"The Land of Waves is surrounded by ocean, so mist rises very easily." The old man explained.

Sakura's eyes widened as Kakashi completely disappeared from view and it was difficult to see her own hand in front of her face. "Sensei!"

"Eight spots." Zabuza spoke, seemingly from all around them, as if he were the mist himself.

"H-Huh? What?" Sakura shuddered as a chill ran down her spine at the echoing voice.

"The larynx, the spine, the lungs, the liver, the jugular, the subclavian veins, the kidneys, and the heart." Zabuza paused. "Now then... which vulnerable spot would be good?"

Sasuke gritted his teeth in a glare while Naruto and Sakura's eyes widened, nearly trembling where they stood.

Kakashi eyed a space in the mist in front of him, then narrowed his eyes and brought his hands together to form a hand sign, channeling his Chakra. The power and energy were enough to dispel some of the mist and a visible blue glow illuminated Kakashi's form.

Sasuke's eyes widened and his body froze in place as he stared at his teacher, shaking involuntarily. "What an intense thirst for blood! If I take even one breath... or move my eyes... I'll be marked and killed... that what this feeling is." A bead of sweat formed on his brow and slowly ran down his face. "If I'm stuck like this for even an hour, I'll go mad!"

Sasuke trembled at the intensity of the Chakra emitting from Kakashi and another bead of sweat ran down his face. "Facing a Jonin's intent to kill... this sensation is like having my life being held in limbo..." He gritted his teeth and slowly moved to grasp the Kunai with both hands, his movements slow and arms heavy. "No way! I'd rather die to escape this feeling!"

"Sasuke." Kakashi said in a low tone, and the Genin's eyes widened as he blinked. "Don't worry. I'll protect you with my life. I will not allow my comrades to get killed."

Kakashi turned to look at Sasuke over his shoulder, both eyes crinkling as he reassured him.

Sasuke released the breath he'd been holding slowly and closed his eyes momentarily as the menacing feeling faded.

"I wonder about that..." Zabuza appeared between the Genin and Tazuna, their eyes widening and filling with fear. "It's over."

Kakashi turned to Zabuza as his Sharingan locked onto his moments. He rushed quickly to him team, flickering and appearing just as Zabuza was about to swing his sword.

His eyes widened and he let out a groan of pain as Kakashi drove his Kunai deeper into his torso, between his ribs to puncture his lungs. Water poured from the wound and flowed over the Jonin's hands as the real assassin appeared behind Kakashi.

"Sensei!" Naruto pointed quickly as his heart raced. "Behind you!"

Zabuza swung his sword at Kakashi, who watched as the clone he had wounded disappeared into a puddle.

"Die!" Zabuza sliced through Kakashi, cutting him in half in a single slice.