In Bloom and in Battle

by Privation

After an untimely death, a woman awakens in a world she knows only from manga and anime—Naruto. Reborn as Kimiko Yuhi, the younger sister of Kurenai, she must navigate her new life in the Hidden Leaf Village, grappling with the disorientation of infancy and the reality of a ninja's world.

10. Chapter 10: Water Lily (Land of Waves 1)

Chapter 10: Water Lily

Three blurs of orange zoomed toward Kimiko, her scarlet eyes darting left, center, and right to track their trajectories. She slid her left foot back, planting it firmly on the ground to stabilize herself, her hand hovering near the tanto strapped behind her. Her body stilled, poised like a coiled spring, waiting for the perfect moment.

The blurs materialized into three identical clones of Naruto, each with the same determined grin plastered across their faces. The first clone lunged, its fists swinging forward. Kimiko reacted instantly. Her left hand blurred into motion, reaching into her pocket and flicking a single kunai with precision. The projectile struck the clone square in the chest, dispelling it in a puff of white smoke before it could close the gap.

Only then did she unsheath her tanto, the blade gleaming as it carved a perfect horizontal arc through the air. The second clone came barreling toward her, its momentum unwavering. Kimiko's slash met its neck cleanly, the beheading strike dissolving the clone into another puff of smoke.

The third clone reached her in time to launch a side kick aimed at her head. Kimiko's free hand shot up, catching the clone by its ankle with a vice-like grip. It dangled awkwardly for a brief moment before drawing a kunai with its free hand, swinging it toward her face. Kimiko tilted her head just enough for the kunai to miss, the blade slicing harmlessly through the air and shooting to the skies. Without hesitation, she brought her tanto downward in a decisive strike, dispelling the last clone with a slash.

"Heh, you're pretty fast, Kimiko-chan!" Naruto called out from a distance, his voice laced with both excitement and challenge. He stood a few meters away, his characteristic grin plastered across his face. Kimiko offered him a small smile, her scarlet eyes calm yet watchful.

"You're using your clones to probe my defenses and test my reaction time, huh?" she said, tilting her head slightly. He's learning to use his clones tactically. Her mind flashed to memories of the Naruto she'd known from the original timeline. In just a month's worth of training? He didn't master that until Shippuden…

Naruto's grin widened. "Yeah, but my attack isn't over yet!" he shouted, charging straight at her.

Kimiko sighed softly. Maybe he hasn't learned that much after all.

As Naruto closed the distance, his kunai flashing forward in a direct stab, Kimiko reacted with practiced ease. She swayed her shoulders to avoid the thrust, letting the blade pass harmlessly by her. In the same motion, she raised her hand and delivered a sharp chop to the back of Naruto's head, sending him stumbling forward.

But instead of the usual groan of frustration, Naruto's face broke into a wide smile before he vanished in a puff of white smoke. A shadow clone.

Kimiko's eyes narrowed. Why was he smiling?

Her question was answered almost immediately. Sensing a surge of chakra above her, she whipped her head upward just in time to see a kunai hurtling toward her from above, the same kunai the clone threw at her before. In mid-air, the kunai exploded in a puff of smoke, revealing a transformed Naruto. His body twisted as he descended, his fist cloaked in a vortex of cutting wind.

"Wind Style: Gale Palm Punch!" he bellowed, his voice echoing through the training ground.

Kimiko's body blurred as she vanished in an instant, her chakra surging through her muscles to propel her into a Body Flicker technique. She reappeared several meters away, her feet planting gracefully on the rushing rapids of the nearby river. The water churned beneath her, yet she stood perfectly balanced, her eyes now fixed on the spot where she'd been standing moments ago.

Naruto crouched at the impact site, his fist embedded in the ground. The grass around him was shredded, the ground slightly gouged out in a shallow crater from the force of his attack. A faint breeze lingered, carrying the remnants of the wind-chakra-enhanced strike.

"Hm," Kimiko murmured, a small smile tugging at her lips. "That was really clever, Naruto."

Naruto grinned wider, pointing at her dramatically. "Yeah, but my attack isn't over yet!" He formed the Ram seal. "I'm not done ye—"

Before he could finish, Kimiko's senses flared. She spun sharply to her left, her eyes catching the gleam of several shuriken slicing through the air toward her. In a blur, she unsheathed her tanto, slashing repeatedly to deflect the projectiles, scattering them harmlessly into the water and surrounding trees.

But the attack wasn't over. The shuriken had been a diversion. A blur of blue shot toward her, and Sasuke materialized mid-air, his foot aimed squarely at her chest.

"Fast," Kimiko murmured as she raised her blade in a diagonal guard. Sasuke's kick impacted the flat of her blade, forcing her to take a step back. He used the momentum to backflip away, landing gracefully on the opposite riverbank. His hands flashed through a sequence of seals before Kimiko could counter.

"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!" Sasuke's voice boomed as he exhaled a massive orb of flames. The fireball roared toward Kimiko, its heat distorting the air.

Kimiko's eyes narrowed, her hands already weaving her own seals. "Water Style: Spiraling Rapids!" she called out. The river beside her churned violently, rising into a spiraling column of water that encased her in a rotating shield. The fireball crashed against the spinning torrent, hissing and sizzling as it was extinguished in a plume of steam.

The sudden smoke cloud obscured her vision. Kimiko closed her eyes, relying on her hearing and chakra sensing to track her opponent. But Sasuke's movements were swift and precise. She felt him approach a fraction of a second too late. As she whirled around to meet where Sasuke was striking from, his kunai slashed toward her, meeting her tanto in a shower of sparks as their blades locked.

Sasuke smirked. "Got you." His free hand flashed through one-handed seals faster than she could react.

"Lightning Style: Static Surge!"

A jolt of electricity surged from Sasuke, coursing through both the river water and their locked weapons, traveling into Kimiko's body. She gritted her teeth as the shock coursed through her, forcing her to awkwardly jump in retreat backward. Her limbs felt heavy and uncoordinated as she landed on one knee, traces of residual lightning crackling across her frame.

Before Sasuke could press his advantage, four Narutos dropped from above, their fists slamming into the river with a colossal splash. Three of them vanished in a puff of smoke, but the real Naruto rose, glaring at Sasuke, who managed to jump away to safety, away from Naruto's descent.

"Don't underestimate me!" Naruto snarled, his fists clenched.

Sasuke smirked faintly. "Hn. You finally learned how to walk on water, dead last?"

"Yeah," Naruto shot back, dropping into his stance. "And I'll show you what I can do!"

The two clashed in the middle of the river, their blows echoing across the water. Naruto blocked Sasuke's elbow strike with the back of his hand, twisting into a side kick. Sasuke raised his knee just in time, absorbing the impact before countering with a kunai slash that Naruto narrowly dodged.

Kimiko, regaining her footing, saw her opening. She weaved seals, summoning another spiraling column of water from the river. The torrent surged between Naruto and Sasuke, forcing them apart as a massive splash soaked them both.

"Forgot about me?" Kimiko called out, smirking as she held her tanto aloft. Naruto's eyes lit up with excitement, while even Sasuke's lips quirked into a faint smile.

The three rushed at each other again, meeting in a furious exchange in the middle of the river. Kimiko's tanto locked against Naruto's and Sasuke's kunai, all three weapons caught in a deadlock. She leaned forward, her face close to theirs, and blew a strand of wet hair from her forehead.

"Break time," she teased, before leaping back.

Kimiko drew three kunai, laced with her freshly prepared poisons, aiming them at both Naruto and Sasuke as they prepared their respective techniques. Naruto's hands glowed with wind chakra as he readied his Gale Palm, while Sasuke's fingers wove the seals for another fireball.

"Yo," Kakashi's familiar voice cut through the tension. Kimiko paused, her kunai and tanto still raised, as their sensei appeared on the edge of the training grounds. His visible eye scanned the battlefield, taking in the gouged craters, singed grass, and discarded weapons with a sigh.

"Seriously," he said, his tone exasperated. "Are you three even Genin?"

Kimiko landed gracefully beside him, sheathing her tanto. Sasuke and Naruto followed suit, walking toward their sensei.

"Aw, come on, Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto whined, wringing water from his hair. "I was just about to beat Sasuke!"

"Not even in your dreams, idiot," Sasuke shot back, though his tone was lighter than usual. Kimiko couldn't help but notice the faint camaraderie in their exchange.

Kakashi waved a hand dismissively. "Well, save your rivalry for later. I just got word—we've been tapped for a new mission." His gaze swept over the ruined training ground again. "Though, looking at this mess, maybe I should request a mission to clean up the destruction you three leave behind."

Kimiko smirked, but Kakashi poked her in the cheek. "This is your fault."

Kimiko's scarlet eyes crinkled in amusement. "You might have a point."

---

Their latest mission was, yet again, a D-Ranked assignment. This time, they were tasked with locating and capturing a runaway pet cat—Tora, the infamous feline terror beloved by Shijimi Hanawa, wife of the Fire Daimyo. As one of the wealthiest women in the Land of Fire, Shijimi was a figure Kimiko had heard much about from her mother, who had occasional dealings with the noblewoman by virtue of being the younger sister of the Daimyo.

When Kimiko mentioned this familial connection to her team, Naruto's reaction was immediate and exuberant.

"Wait, wait, wait—so you're, like, some sort of princess?!" Naruto's jaw practically dropped as he pointed at her with wide eyes, clearly awestruck.

Kakashi chuckled under his mask, his visible eye crinkling in amusement, while Sasuke let out an annoyed scoff, crossing his arms.

Kimiko sighed, pressing her palm to her temple. "No, Naruto. I'm not a princess. Please don't call me that."

"But—" Naruto began, only to be cut off by her stern look.

"Just Kimiko. Nothing else."

Despite her insistence, Naruto seemed determined to believe otherwise, muttering under his breath about her being royalty.

Thankfully, the mission itself proved relatively straightforward. While Tora lived up to her fearsome reputation, hissing, scratching, and making every effort to evade capture, their team's improved coordination and conditioning made short work of the task. Though, as luck would have it, Naruto bore the brunt of the cat's fury, earning several scratches across his face.

By the time they returned to the Mission Desk, Naruto's face was a comical patchwork of red lines, and Kimiko had to stifle a giggle. Standing behind the desk were familiar faces: Iruka, a few Chuunin assisting with administrative duties, and surprisingly, the Third Hokage himself.

"Ooooh? My beautiful cat!" came Shijimi's high-pitched, exaggerated coo as she rushed forward to greet them. The corpulent woman snatched Tora from Naruto's hands, clutching the squirming cat to her chest and rubbing her face against its fur with an enthusiasm that bordered on manic. The poor cat let out a distressed yowl, its ears flattened in protest. Even Kimiko couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for the infamous feline.

"Serves him right for scratching me," muttered Naruto, stroking his wounded cheek.

"Oh, you—" Shijimi's gaze shifted, landing squarely on Kimiko. Her eyes narrowed with recognition before widening slightly. "You're Kaori's daughter, aren't you?"

Kimiko blinked but quickly bowed deeply at the waist, her movements graceful and practiced. "Yes, Shijimi-sama," she replied politely, her serene tone making Naruto snicker and Kakashi's eye gleam with mild amusement.

Shijimi giggled, her laughter as grating as nails on a chalkboard. "I thought so. You're the spitting image of your mother. Beautiful, yes, but not as beautiful as me, of course," she added airily, waving her hand dismissively. "You have his eyes, though."

Kimiko's polite smile wavered for a fraction of a second, but she quickly recovered. She means Father, Kimiko realized, her hands folding neatly in front of her as Shijimi's gaze lingered on her forehead protector.

Her expression soured. "A shinobi, hmm? I never thought Kaori would lose her senses enough to allow both her daughters to become… ninjas," Shijimi said, her voice dripping with condescension, as though she had forgotten she was in a village built entirely on ninja culture. "With a face like yours, you could have made a fine lady-in-waiting at court—or perhaps married into a wealthy family."

Kimiko's serene smile remained firmly in place. "You're too kind, Shijimi-sama," she said, her voice measured and steady. "But I fear courtly life would never suit me. I find the thrill of a shinobi's path far more appealing than the allure of the capital, grand as it may be."

The flattery seemed to mollify Shijimi, who gave a curt nod, though her lips pressed into a thin line. "Well, at least you've learned your lessons in etiquette," she said dismissively. "Not everyone is cut out for courtly life, I suppose. Have your fun, then."

Without so much as a glance at Naruto, Kakashi, or Sasuke, Shijimi turned her attention back to Tora, rummaging through her embroidered purse to produce a roll of ryo. She handed it to one of the Chuunin assisting at the desk, her attention already elsewhere as she cooed at her disgruntled pet.

Kimiko straightened, stepping back as the mission was formally logged and completed. Naruto grumbled under his breath, rubbing his scratched face, while Sasuke shook his head silently, clearly eager to leave.

As they exited the mission hall, Naruto turned to Kimiko with a pout. "Man, how can someone like that be related to you, Kimiko-chan? She's so… ugh."

Kimiko allowed herself a small, wry smile. "Diplomacy is a skill every shinobi should master, Naruto."

"Yeah, well," Naruto muttered, scratching his head. "If I were Hokage, I'd teach her some manners."

Kakashi's soft chuckle punctuated the end of the exchange. "Well, consider this another lesson in teamwork," he said, his tone laced with amusement. "Sometimes, working together means dealing with people who are… less than ideal."

"Indeed," said Hiruzen, glancing at the team from behind his desk before clearing his throat. "Job well done. Now…" He picked up a scroll, unrolling it with deliberate care. "Kakashi's Team Seven's next mission is... Oh," he paused, raising an eyebrow. "Babysitting for the town councilors' children… helping with digging potatoes…"

"NO WAY, NO THANK YOU, BOOOOORING!" bellowed Naruto, squatting his legs and crossing his arms in an exaggerated 'X' gesture. "GIVE US SOMETHING DIFFERENT TO DO, SOMETHING IMPORTANT, SOMETHING AMAZING!"

Kimiko suppressed a sigh, her expression remaining composed as she folded her hands neatly in front of her. She had grown accustomed to Naruto's outbursts by now and no longer felt surprised by them. However, she couldn't entirely disagree with his sentiment. The routine nature of D-rank missions was beginning to wear on her as well. As much as she valued the foundational lessons, she craved something more challenging—something that would test her skills in real combat.

She glanced at Sasuke, who stood silently with his arms crossed, his expression unreadable save for the slight narrowing of his eyes. His subtle shift in posture told her everything she needed to know—he agreed with Naruto, even if he wouldn't admit it aloud.

Iruka's voice cut through the tension, sharp and authoritative. The Chunin instructor stood abruptly from his seat, placing his hands firmly on the table as he leaned forward. "Don't be a fool! You're only beginners!" he barked, his tone laced with both irritation and concern. "Everyone starts with grunt work—it's how you gain experience and build the foundation you need to tackle more important missions later on!"

Naruto continued screaming. "BUT WE'VE GOTTEN A LOT STRONGER, AND ALL WE'VE DONE IS BORING MISSIONS! WHEN DO WE GET THE BIG STUFF—"

He was abruptly silenced by Kakashi delivering a light chop to the back of his head, sending him face-first to the wooden floor. "That's enough, Naruto," said Kakashi, his tone exasperated yet calm.

Hiruzen sighed, shifting slightly in his chair as he looked at the noisy Genin. His voice, however, remained steady. "Apparently, Naruto needs an explanation about how ninja missions work." He leaned back slightly, resting his arms on the desk. "You see, every day our village receives many requests, ranging from babysitting to assassination," he began, his words deliberate and measured. "These requests are sorted into categories—D to A—based on the degree of skill required."

As Hiruzen droned on, Naruto turned to Kimiko, who had been listening attentively but quickly noticed his pleading expression. "Hey, Kimiko-chan," he whispered loudly, earning an arched brow from her. "Do you want to go to Ichiraku Ramen after we finish this mission? How about you, Sasuke? Kakashi-sensei?"

Kimiko tilted her head, her scarlet eyes softening. "Perhaps, Naruto-kun," she said with a faint smile. Sasuke gave an almost imperceptible shrug while Kakashi, as usual, seemed preoccupied with the book he had somehow produced mid-explanation.

"I had pork ramen yesterday, so I'll have miso ramen this time, I think," Naruto continued, now muttering to himself, completely ignoring the Hokage's explanation.

"Are you listening?!" Hiruzen barked suddenly, his sharp tone cutting through Naruto's ramblings. Even Kimiko straightened instinctively under the old man's piercing gaze, her cheeks coloring faintly as she realized she'd also been distracted.

"I'm sorry," Kakashi said with a sheepish tone, rubbing the back of his head as he glanced at his team.

"I don't want to hear it!" declared Naruto, still seated with his arms crossed and his back turned to the Hokage. "All this old fart does is apologize and give me a lecture! But it's not fair—there's more to me than the trouble-making screwup the old man thinks I am!" His cheeks puffed indignantly, a petulant pout on full display.

Kimiko couldn't help the soft smile that curved her lips as she reached down to ruffle Naruto's unruly hair. "Naruto-kun," she said gently, though her amusement was clear. Kakashi, meanwhile, sighed dramatically, rubbing the back of his head. "I am so going to be in trouble because of this later…" he muttered.

Kimiko noticed the subtle changes in the room. Both Iruka and Hiruzen's expressions softened at Naruto's heartfelt declaration. Iruka's eyes briefly met hers, and she gave him a small, knowing nod. Hiruzen, for his part, regarded Naruto carefully, taking a long drag from his pipe. A low chuckle rumbled from the elderly Hokage as he exhaled, his wise gaze settling on Naruto.

"Very well," said Hiruzen suddenly, his voice calm yet deliberate as he laced his fingers together beneath his chin. The unexpected response made Sasuke glance up sharply, while Naruto perked up immediately, his wide blue eyes gleaming with excitement. Even Kakashi raised an eyebrow, and Kimiko tilted her head slightly, curious about the sudden shift.

"Since you put it that way," continued Hiruzen, "I will permit you to attempt a C-rank mission, typically assigned to more experienced Genin or Chunin." He paused meaningfully, letting the weight of his words sink in. "It will involve the protection of a certain individual."

Naruto whirled around in his seat, his face lighting up with childlike glee. "Who is it?!" he demanded eagerly. "Some great lord? The Daimyo? A princess like Kimiko-chan?!" Kimiko sighed, her serene demeanor intact despite Naruto's outburst, though her lips twitched at his enthusiasm.

"Compose yourself," Hiruzen instructed, motioning to a nearby Chunin. "I'll make your introductions now. Please, invite him in."

The doors opened, and an older man stepped into the room. He was rugged and slightly disheveled, with graying hair and glasses perched on his nose. A sake bottle dangled loosely in one hand, and a large backpack with a rolled sleeping bag was slung over his shoulders. A white towel hung haphazardly around his neck, completing the image of someone who cared little for formal appearances.

Kimiko immediately stiffened, recognition striking her like a bolt. Wait… is this?

"What's going on here?!" the man slurred loudly, his tone gruff and dismissive as his bleary eyes scanned the room. They lingered on Naruto, Sasuke, and Kimiko, his expression turning to one of disdain. "They look like a bunch of wet-nosed brats," he grumbled, taking another swig of sake. His gaze settled on Naruto. "That puny kid—he has the look of an imbecile," he added flatly.

Kimiko's serene expression faltered briefly, a faint frown tugging at the corners of her lips. Civilians often had an unrealistic image of ninjas, expecting masked assassins clad in tight black suits. But true stealth came from blending seamlessly into the crowd, becoming indistinguishable from ordinary people, and that meant wearing normal clothes. She supposed it wasn't surprising that someone like this man would misunderstand, but his condescending tone was grating nonetheless.

"Hey!" Naruto snapped, his voice rising indignantly. "Don't call Kimiko-chan an imbecile! She can't help that she's so short!"

"Naruto-kun," Kimiko said serenely, not even glancing at him as she flipped a lock of her curly black hair over her shoulder. "He was talking about you. He said 'he,' not 'she.'"

Naruto blinked, his gaze darting back and forth between Kimiko and the man, his expression slowly morphing from confusion to realization. "Wait, he wasn't—? I'LL KILL HIM!"

Before Naruto could launch himself at the man, Kakashi calmly grabbed him by the scruff of his shirt, holding him effortlessly as the boy flailed his arms. "Wrong," Kakashi said with mild amusement. "No killing the old man you've been assigned to protect."

"I am Tazuna," the man grunted, his voice rough and unpolished. He straightened slightly, his bottle of sake swaying precariously in his hand. "A bridge builder of ultimate renown!" He declared this with a dramatic flourish, though the effect was somewhat diminished by his unsteady stance.

Tazuna's eyes swept over the team, pausing momentarily on each member before continuing. "And until I am safely back in my own country to complete my next great bridge…" He trailed off, fixing them with an unyielding stare, his expression serious despite his earlier bluster. "You'll all be expected to protect me."

His voice dropped slightly, laden with weight. "Even if it costs you your lives!"

Kimiko frowned at Tazuna, her eyes narrowing slightly as she took in his disheveled appearance and slurred demeanor. Just by looking at the man, she could remember what lay ahead for their mission.

She supposed she should have expected it. The anime hadn't been clear on exactly how much time passed between the bell test and the mission which led to the pivotal events of the Land of Waves, but she knew this mission would be the turning point. This was where Naruto and Sasuke would first confront the brutal reality of the Shinobi world, a world far crueler than the safety of their village could prepare them for.

Her gaze shifted to the two boys, still bickering with the kind of childish energy that could only exist in the absence of true hardship. Yet soon enough, they would be forced to shed that innocence. This mission would awaken the first sparks of the power that would define them—Naruto's Nine-Tails chakra, and Sasuke's Sharingan. The thought weighed heavily on Kimiko, who felt the burden of knowledge pressing against her shoulders.

Kimiko's frown deepened as she watched them, her hands clasped behind her back.

She could only hope she'd prepared them well enough to handle the mission better than the two of them did in the anime. More importantly, she hoped she herself had prepared well enough for the challenges that were sure to come. Her grip tightened slightly on her tanto as she resolved to meet whatever awaited them with everything she had.

---

Kakashi dismissed the team with instructions to meet at the village gate in three hours, packed and prepared for a long journey. It was expected to take two to three weeks. Without wasting time, Kimiko headed straight home, her mind already running through the essentials she'd need to bring.

"Tadaima," she called as she entered the front doors. To her surprise, the living room wasn't empty. Her father, Shinku, was seated with his arms crossed, while her sister, Kurenai, stood near Hinata, one hand resting gently on the younger girl's head. Her mother, Kaori, was nearby, standing stiffly at the edge of the room.

"Hoh, home early?" Shinku asked, raising a brow as he glanced up from his seat. "I thought you and your team were training."

"We were," Kimiko replied easily, shrugging off her shoes and stepping further in. "But we got assigned a mission—our first C-Rank."

Her father's expression shifted to mild surprise, quickly replaced by pride, while Kurenai's brows furrowed with concern. Kaori's frown deepened, though she remained silent. Hinata, meanwhile, approached Kimiko with a soft smile, and Kimiko pulled her into a one-armed hug.

"A C-Rank already? You've barely been genin for two months," Kurenai said, her tone edged with worry. "Is Kakashi sure you're ready? My team and Asuma's haven't even considered a C-Rank yet."

Hinata glanced at Kimiko, her pale eyes mirroring Kurenai's unease. Kaori's hands clasped tighter in front of her.

"It's fine," Kimiko reassured them, her voice calm. "The mission came straight from the Sandaime. I trust his judgment, and I'm sure we're prepared."

"Well, look at that," Shinku chuckled, his tone carrying both pride and humor. "No need to worry, Kurenai. Kakashi's more than capable of managing a C-Rank. You should have more faith in your sister, her teammates, and your fellow jonin."

"Take care," Kaori said abruptly, her tone clipped as she turned her gaze away. Her refusal to meet Kimiko's eyes stung slightly, but Kimiko didn't dwell on it.

"Are you leaving now, Kimiko-chan?" Hinata asked softly, pulling back from the hug.

Kimiko nodded, smiling at her friend. "I just need to pack a few things first." She glanced around the room. "Mind if I borrow Hinata for a bit?"

When the others nodded, Kimiko led Hinata down the hall to what had once been the nursery. Now, it had been converted into Kimiko's personal workshop. The air was thick with the scent of dried herbs, pungent resins, and a faint acrid tang from some of her more volatile experiments. Along one wall were shelves lined with potted poisonous plants and flowers. Opposite that were neatly labeled bags containing dried animal parts. A sturdy shelf displayed rows of test tubes and jars filled with liquids of varying viscosities and hues.

Hinata stepped inside, her lavender eyes scanning the room with mild curiosity but no visible unease.

"Did you need my help with anything, Kimiko-chan?" she asked quietly.

Kimiko moved to a stone mortar and pestle filled with a thick yellowish sap. It was her latest concoction—a minor poison designed to cause localized pain and muscle weakness to someone when they were struck. Carefully, she resumed grinding the mixture into a finer paste, her hands working with practiced precision.

"Oh, not right now," Kimiko said with a small smile. "I actually just wanted to ask if you'd be willing to train with me when I get back from this mission."

Hinata blinked, clearly caught off guard. "But… wouldn't it be better to spar with Naruto-kun or Sasuke-kun? They're much stronger than me…"

Kimiko chuckled softly, shaking her head as she continued working the pestle. "It's as much for you as it is for me, Hinata. As your friend, I want to help you get stronger. Besides," she added, her voice dropping slightly, "I think we both know you're capable of a lot more than you give yourself credit for."

Hinata hesitated but eventually nodded, a shy smile tugging at her lips. "Alright, Kimiko-chan. I'd like that."

Kimiko grinned. "Good. We'll start as soon as I get back. Just be ready—I won't go easy on you."

As Hinata smiled back, Kimiko's thoughts briefly wandered to the future. If her understanding of the timeline was accurate, there wasn't much time left before Hinata would have to face her cousin in the Chuunin Exams. One of the most prodigious talent ever produced by the Hyuga, one that saw Hinata as the representation of the pain he was subjected to. Whatever happened, Kimiko intended to make sure her friend was ready.

---

Kimiko departed shortly after applying the poisonous paste to her tanto and kunais. She took a moment to admire her handiwork—enhanced by her recent discovery that sugary starch syrup extended the poison's adhesiveness and potency. With this method, her weapon coatings could last up to a month, provided she didn't unsheathe her tanto or overuse the kunais unnecessarily.

Satisfied, she packed her poison vials and application tools into small pouches fastened to her sash. She also tucked the library book on poisonous plants and animals into her travel pack. She also took her father's Bingo Book, which she requested 'just in case'.

It also helped that a mission in the Land of Waves meant an opportunity to find the Tigerstripe Barracuda—a critical ingredient for her first personal poison which would act as a base for the rest of her poisons. That thought brought a flicker of anticipation, even as her mind sharpened for the task ahead.

Reaching the village gates, she was the first of her team to arrive—or at least, the first from Team Seven. Tazuna, the old bridge builder, was already there, nursing a flask she pretended not to notice.

"Konnichiwa," she greeted, her voice calm and polite as she bowed lightly. Her scarlet eyes caught the man's flickering glance toward the tanto strapped across her back.

"Konnichiwa," Tazuna replied, raising an eyebrow at her. "Shouldn't you be studying to become a clerk or a noblewoman in the capital? What's a young girl like you going to do against adult ninja?"

A small frown touched her lips, but her voice remained even. She supposed most civilians unfamiliar with shinobi wouldn't be convinced of the capability of adolescents as shinobi. "If you're concerned about our capability to complete this mission, I can assure you there's no need to worry," she said. "We've trained diligently, and we're prepared for everything within the parameters of a C-Rank mission." Her eyes fixed on his, sharp and assessing. "We'll finish the mission."

Tazuna shifted uncomfortably under her steady gaze, his bravado faltering. Kimiko's suspicion solidified. He was hiding something—something critical. From her memories of the anime and his nervous mannerisms, the truth was clear. Tazuna couldn't afford to hire higher-ranked shinobi, so he had lied about the mission's difficulty, omitting the likelihood of enemy ninja involvement.

Her gaze softened slightly as she considered him. His deception wasn't born of malice, but desperation. The impoverished state of his village and the stranglehold of that corrupt businessman—what was his name again?—left him little choice. Hiring rogue shinobi to eliminate Tazuna was a calculated move on the businessman's part to maintain his hold over the region.

Still, the mission was non-negotiable. If the weaker Team Seven from the anime could succeed against all odds, she had faith in the ability of this world's Team Seven to handle the dangers ahead. Of course, that assumed she hadn't altered the timeline so severely as to derail everything.

She let out a quiet sigh, adjusting the strap of her pack. There was no use dwelling on hypotheticals now. What mattered was ensuring her team was ready—and that she herself could meet the challenges ahead.

Her teammates and sensei arrived shortly after. Kakashi gave them a once-over, his visible eye scrutinizing each of them before speaking. "Everyone packed the essentials?" His tone was calm but left no room for argument.

Kimiko nodded, adjusting the strap of her bag. Naruto grinned, proudly patting his overstuffed pack. Sasuke simply gave a curt nod, standing as composed as ever.

"Alright," Kakashi said, seemingly satisfied. "Let's get moving."

"Yes! Road trip!" Naruto cheered, punching the air as the group began their journey.

Kimiko glanced at him, tilting her head. "Hm?"

"This'll be my first time leaving the village!" Naruto explained, his voice brimming with excitement.

Kimiko smiled softly. It made sense, of course. As the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki, Naruto's movements had likely been restricted for his safety. "I see. I'm glad you're looking forward to it."

Ahead of them, Tazuna groaned, his shoulders slumping. "Am I really supposed to trust my life to this fool?" he muttered, pointing at Naruto with disdain.

Kakashi chuckled lightly, stepping in before Naruto could retaliate. "There's no need to worry," he said, his voice as lazy as ever. "I'm a Jonin, after all. I'll make sure nothing happens to you."

But Naruto wasn't about to let Tazuna's comment slide. Whirling around, he jabbed a finger at the older man. "Listen here, you old geezer! You don't mess with ninjas—especially not an excellent one like me! I'm the cream of the crop, and I'm going to be Hokage someday. Remember my name—Uzumaki Naruto!"

Tazuna raised a skeptical brow, unimpressed. "Hokage? The leader of your village? The best there is?" He scoffed. "I don't think someone like you has it in them."

Naruto's face turned red with fury. "WELL YOU'RE OLD AND STUPID!" he bellowed. "You'll see! When I become Hokage, you'll regret not showing me respect now!"

"Respect you?" Tazuna replied flatly, not missing a beat. "Not even if you became Hokage."

With that, the bridge builder turned and began walking ahead, his pace brisk. Naruto growled under his breath but followed, stomping after him with exaggerated steps. Their sensei was already behind Naruto and Tazuna, walking idly and yet keeping pace.

Sasuke huffed softly, falling into step beside Kimiko, who took her spot in the rear of the small group. "He's always like this,"

Kimiko smirked as she turned to Sasuke. "He wouldn't be Naruto if he wasn't."

---

The trek to the Land of Waves started uneventfully. The walk to the coastal country would take seen days, assuming nothing went wrong (and Kimiko, of course, knew that something was going to go wrong). For now, she savored the small moments of idyllic quiet. The steady crunch of boots against the dirt path, the gentle rustle of leaves overhead, and the faint call of distant birds created a peaceful rhythm that she found oddly calming.

To pass the time, Kimiko peppered Tazuna with questions about his homeland. To her mild surprise, the old man didn't seem to mind answering.

"The Land of Waves," he began, his voice gruff but tinged with pride, "used to be a prosperous little place. We've got mangroves and rivers filled with all sorts of critters—fish, crabs, you name it. Fishing's a big part of our culture, and we used to trade for most of what we needed since we're stuck on an island. That was before…" His voice trailed off, his expression darkening.

Kimiko nodded thoughtfully but chose not to press further. Instead, her curiosity took another turn. "Tazuna-san," she asked idly, "about those fish. Are you familiar with the Tigerstripe Barracuda?"

"Hah? Those nasty little buggers?" Tazuna huffed, giving her a sidelong glance as they walked. "Yeah, I know 'em. Greedy things—they eat up all the smaller fish and make life harder for our fishermen. And you don't want to get bitten by one. Their teeth are no joke. Why do you ask?"

"I'm interested in capturing one or two for my poison research," Kimiko admitted with serene honesty, a faint smile gracing her lips.

Tazuna stumbled slightly, caught off guard by her nonchalance. "You're a strange one, girl," he muttered. "Poison research, huh? Well, I don't know much about that, but if you're into weird stuff, the herbalists back home use something called Blackroot Sap. Comes from certain mangrove trees. They say it's good as an antiseptic, but I've heard it can burn through tissue if you're not careful."

Kimiko's eyes lit up, her interest unmistakable. "Fascinating. I'll have to investigate that."

"You've got some strange hobbies," Tazuna said, shaking his head. "I just hope you don't scare off the fishermen asking weird questions."

When night fell, the group set up camp by the roadside. As Kimiko settled in, her gaze wandered to the trees surrounding them. Compared to Konoha's towering forests, these woods felt… muted. The trees seemed older, their leaves thinner, their roots gnarled and spread wide to cling to the soil. It lacked the vibrant vitality of Konoha, where the forests pulsed with life—a gift from the legendary First Hokage, whose Mokuton provided the pinnacle of life contained in wood. Here, the trees reminded her of the ones from her previous life: resilient but vulnerable, clinging to survival in harsher conditions.

It was noon when the first disturbance to their trek occurred. It started subtly—just the occasional flare of chakra, faint but unmistakable. To her honed senses, the chakra felt wet and slimy, carrying an almost cloying, pungent undercurrent that made her stomach twist. The movements were deliberate: always far enough to evade a non-sensor's detection, but close enough to maintain their tail.

Kimiko's fingers twitched as she kept her head low, feigning disinterest while her senses remained sharp. They were setting up an ambush; that much was clear. She could feel it in their measured approach, the way they lingered just long enough to confirm their position before fading from her range like shadows slipping between cracks.

Her eyes flicked to Kakashi-sensei, who appeared utterly unconcerned—at least outwardly. Yet she noticed how he shifted, placing himself strategically at the rear of their group, forming a protective barrier between any attackers and their client. His casual posture betrayed nothing, but Kimiko knew better. He was ready.

Two painstaking days passed in this silent game of cat and mouse, the tension growing with each step. Kimiko's gaze swept the horizon, her heightened awareness catching every flicker of movement. Yet their pursuers remained patient, slipping in and out of her range with maddening precision.

The ambush came when she least expected it—on the third day, as they traversed a long dirt road flanked by trees on both sides. They had just crossed a rickety wooden bridge spanning a shallow river, a perfect ambush site in her opinion. But no attack came there. Instead, she felt it farther along the road, near the puddles scattered along the path's edge. It was odd. Too conspicuous. It hadn't rained since they left Konoha, and yet there were puddles of water on the side of the road?

Kimiko's senses sharpened. One puddle, in particular, stood out, its chakra concentration far too strong to be natural. The energy thrummed like a low hum in her mind, a faint ripple against her consciousness. She allowed herself a single glance at the puddle, feigning a yawn to mask her intent.

With practiced subtlety, she lifted her hand, brushing her bangs aside before tapping her temple once, twice, thrice. A signal that, to her team, meant: "Caution, Unknown Chakra Signature, Middle Puddle."

The gesture was seamless, casual enough to pass unnoticed by any observer but precise enough for her teammates to catch immediately. It was part of Konoha's standardized ninja sign language—a silent code developed for covert communication in the field. Every village had its own version, and Konoha's signals were updated every two years to prevent enemies from deciphering their meanings.

Kimiko appreciated the elegance of it. Simple yet effective. The sign conveyed everything it needed to, without disrupting their formation or betraying their awareness to the enemy.

Naruto grumbled about the monotony of the journey, but to Kimiko's surprise, he scratched his nose—a subtle sign meaning: Acknowledged. Sasuke's dark eyes flicked toward her, and he gave a faint nod, his sharp gaze sweeping the area briefly before returning to the road ahead.

Kakashi, ever inscrutable, didn't so much as glance back. Yet Kimiko's keen eyes caught the slight twitch of his fingers near his kunai pouch. His hand shifted, making a subtle movement as he inspected his own signals: Acknowledged. Let trap be sprung. Protect the package.

Kimiko brushed her hair and tapped out another signal: Acknowledged. Two distinct signatures. Watery. Possible poison use. Mid to upper chūnin. Directions? The gesture was fluid, almost casual, as she kept her focus on the faint ripples of chakra ahead.

She couldn't pick up much else—only that there were two distinct signatures, their watery qualities hinting at possible Water Release techniques. Still, her heart thumped lightly in her chest. She knew who their assailants were, thanks to her knowledge of the anime, but knowing didn't make her nerves settle. This was real.

Kakashi yawned lazily, pulling his book from his pouch as though nothing were amiss. He scratched his temple in reply: Acknowledged. Secondary objective optional. Focus on protecting the client.

Kimiko quickly tapped her chin, signaling back: Acknowledged. Suggest taking assailants alive for questioning.

For a split second, Kakashi's one visible eye flicked to hers—a glance so brief it would have gone unnoticed by anyone else. His hand shifted slightly: Acknowledged. Proceed as planned.

Kimiko nodded subtly, catching the tension ripple through her teammates. Naruto tensed, his body stiffening for just a moment before relaxing. It was a fleeting response, but it made her feel a small measure of pride. The grueling training they'd endured had prepared him far better than he had been in the original timeline. Sasuke, by contrast, was steady as always, his confidence palpable.

And yet, as Kimiko adjusted the grip on her tanto, she felt her own nerves fray at the edges. Her heart skipped a beat, a reminder that this wasn't just another training session. This was her first time facing enemy ninja. Two experienced chūnin—not the most dangerous foes in the grand scheme of things, especially not for their team, but deadly enough for a genin squad.

Kimiko drew a slow, steadying breath, her shoulders rising and falling as she exhaled. The weight of the moment pressed against her, but she forced it aside, focusing on the task at hand. Her gaze stayed forward, even as Kakashi subtly moved to the back of the group, his relaxed posture belying his vigilance. Sasuke shifted to her right with practiced ease, his sharp eyes scanning the treeline. Ahead of them, Naruto strolled casually, taking position at the front. Together, they formed a protective diamond around Tazuna, who remained blissfully unaware of the danger shadowing them.

Kimiko's mind raced as she visualized the ambush. If it were her, she would have attacked the moment they crossed the puddle. It was the perfect position: striking at the center to eliminate Tazuna before the genin could react, then retreating before a proper counterattack could form. That would have been the logical choice.

But as they passed the puddle, leaving it behind them, she realized their attackers weren't going for that tactic. They were going for the rearguard.

Her brow furrowed slightly. It didn't make sense. Attacking the rear would mean engaging only Kakashi, the most experienced member of the group, while giving the genin time to either protect Tazuna or escape with him. Unless…

They think we're amateurs.

It made sense now. The enemy was operating under the assumption that Team 7 was oblivious to their presence, that they were just a trio of green genin with no real combat experience. The ambushers were underestimating them, betting that the element of surprise would be enough to throw them into disarray, and that they' be able to kill Kakashi, then kill the client alongside her team with no real problem.

As they moved away from the puddle, putting a respectable distance between themselves and the chakra signatures she had sensed earlier, Kimiko felt it—a sudden flare of energy behind her. She knew without turning that their attackers were rising from the puddle. The cold pulse of their watery chakra rippled through the air like the distant roar of an approaching wave.

But she didn't act. Kakashi's instructions were clear: Let the trap be sprung.

Her hand slid into the pocket of her pouch, her fingers wrapping around the smooth handle of a poisoned kunai. Every muscle in her body tensed, ready to spring into motion.

The sound of water slashing against itself broke the silence, sharp and wet. It made them all pause. Kimiko felt Kakashi's chakra flare a heartbeat before his substitution jutsu activated. The faint snap of displaced air reached her ears, and her eyes whipped toward the sound.

Two figures burst from the puddle, their movements fluid yet deliberate. Water droplets glistened on their black and blue attire, sliding off their gauntlets as they landed with precision. They struck simultaneously, their long, bladed chain arcing through the air like a serpent.

The chain wrapped around Kakashi—or rather, his replacement—a piece of shattered log that splintered under the force of their pull. It didn't seem that they noticed though, perhaps because of the illusion clone he placed on top of the log to make it appear like they killed Kakashi.

Kimiko's hair whipped through the air as she turned, taking in their appearance. Both assailants wore matching rebreather masks, their eyes cold and calculating beneath their forehead protectors. Black robes stuck around them, slick with water. The gauntlets on their hands gleamed with sharp, wicked edges, and the long, bladed chain between them glinted like a predator's fang, dripping with water and malice.

Their movements were synchronized, almost unnervingly so. These weren't mere chunin. They were closer to Mid Chunin than they were to Low Chunin, Kimiko assessed, her grip tightening on her kunai. Their watery chakra swirled around them, carrying a pungent, suffocating presence that felt thick and slimy against her senses.

Kakashi's figure reappeared a few feet away, crouched on the branch of a tree overlooking the scene. His one visible eye was calm, assessing, as though he'd anticipated every move they'd made. He raised a single hand, signaling them to hold position. Kimiko noticed Kakashi didn't make a move to intervene. Did he intend to see how they'd handle this on their own? The thought flitted through her mind, but she didn't linger on it. Instead, she stepped in front of Tazuna, her presence calm and steady as he froze behind her.

Her eyes scanned the battlefield, tracking every motion without drawing her weapons yet. Her fingers brushed her pouch, ready to act the moment the situation called for it.

The enemy didn't keep them waiting. The two figures burst out of the puddle, chains glinting as water sprayed around them. Their speed was decent—not quite on par with Sasuke or herself, but enough to catch an unprepared genin off guard. They moved with agility, the two of them flashing behind Naruto with a sharp, distorted voice that echoed through their rebreather masks.

"Second little piggy," they sneered, their chains whipping forward to ensnare Naruto.

Kimiko saw Sasuke twist at the hip, shuriken already in hand, but Naruto was faster. His hands came together to form a seal, before spreading outward, aimed at the chains.

"Wind Style: Gale Palm!"

A powerful gust exploded from Naruto's palms, colliding with the chains mid-swing. The force snapped them cleanly, sending fragments flying. The attackers froze, momentarily stunned as the severed ends of their weapons fell limply to the ground.

Kimiko's eyes narrowed as one of the brothers immediately dashed toward her and Tazuna, while the other turned on Naruto with a snarl.

Naruto formed the Ram sign, creating a shadow clone that leapt in front of the assailant's gauntlets. The clone shredded into smoke under the attack, but the delay was enough. Naruto slid back, dropping into a fighting stance, and Sasuke blurred into action, vaulting over the man's head and delivering a brutal kick to his skull before landing in front of him. The enemy staggered but lashed out with an overhand swipe. Sasuke evaded with a handspring, landing smoothly beside Naruto, his shuriken gleaming as he dropped into a combat stance.

Kimiko's focus shifted to the brother charging her. His intent was clear: eliminate the target. Her lips pressed into a thin line. Plan B. Divide and conquer. One takes the genin, the other takes the target.

It wasn't a bad plan, but it wasn't perfect. She could think of several ways to counter his charge. In the end, she opted for the simplest one.

The moment he lunged, she vanished in a blur. Her body flicker carried her forward, reappearing in front of him with her tanto drawn. The attacker's eyes widened as his swipe was intercepted, the blade clashing against her steel with a metallic screech.

Her sharp eyes flicked to his gauntlet. She sniffed, her tone calm. "Poison," she remarked. "I'll be taking that. But for now…"

Her hand formed a quick one handed seal.

"Genjutsu: Falling Petals Illusion."

The man froze, as if his vision were clouded with a cascade of shimmering petals. His swipes turned wild, blind. Kimiko sidestepped easily, waiting for an opening. The moment his arm lifted, exposing his flank, she dashed in. Her tanto sliced cleanly across his hip and up to his gauntlet-covered arm, breaking the genjutsu.

"You bitch," he spat, snarling as he charged again.

Kimiko ducked under his clumsy swipe, fluidly sliding behind him. A sharp kick to the back of his knee sent him collapsing to the ground. Before he could recover, she pressed her blade to his throat, drawing a thin line of blood.

"No need for coarse language," she said coolly, her voice dripping with every ounce of detached menace a teenage girl could muster. "This doesn't need to be difficult, just cooperate."

Her grip on his hair tightened, yanking his head back as she pressed the blade harder. "Don't think I'd hesitate to cut your throat if you don't, though. Release the gauntlet."

The man hesitated, trembling under her hold. Kimiko's blade slid slightly, drawing another bead of blood. With a wince, he complied, the gauntlet clattering to the ground.

"Thank you for being reasonable," Kimiko said, her tone polite but coldly distant. "This won't take long."

She struck the back of his head with a precise chop, letting him collapse face-first into the dirt. She turned to Tazuna, who was gaping at her.

"Are you alright, Tazuna-san?" she asked in a cordial tone.

"…You kids really are shinobi, eh?" he muttered, shaken.

Kimiko gave him a small smile before turning back to the remaining fight. Naruto's four clones swarmed the other brother, whose movements were growing increasingly desperate under Naruto's energetic attacks. Sasuke, poised and ready, sprang up from behind the man to deliver a finishing blow, a sharp side kick aimed at his head to knock him out.

Kimiko acted first. Her kunai flew true, striking the man behind the knee. He stumbled forward, collapsing just before Sasuke's kick could land.

"Tch," Sasuke muttered, irritation flashing in his eyes. "You didn't need to help." He said before approaching the man trying to pick himself up from his front and hitting him with a chop on the back of his head, knocking him unconscious.

Kimiko's lips quirked upward. "I know. You snooze, you lose."

"Oh, they didn't tell me my cute juniors were all prodigies. Lucky me—I didn't even have to step in. That's good, because I was at a particularly steamy part in this book," Kakashi said, finally jumping down from the tree. His nose stayed buried in the pages as if the fight hadn't just happened.

"Great job, all of you," he continued casually, snapping the book shut. "Seems all that training you've been doing—you know, the kind that keeps wrecking the training grounds—actually paid off. You're starting to look like a real team." There was a hint of amusement in his tone, though his one visible eye crinkled slightly, betraying his approval.

Without waiting for a response, Kakashi strolled over to the two defeated ninjas, hauling them up by the scruffs of their necks like stray cats. The two men were like sacks of flour as he dragged them across the dirt, depositing them unceremoniously against a nearby tree. He began tying them up with practiced efficiency, humming faintly under his breath as though this were just another routine chore.

Once the last knot was secured, he turned toward Tazuna, his expression unreadable but his tone taking on a more serious edge. "Oh, Tazuna-san," he said, his voice deceptively light. "We need to talk."

---

Kimiko knelt by the unconscious attackers, methodically stripping them of their weapons and tools. Kunai, shuriken, and—to her delight—four vials of poison, neatly packed in their pouches. A quick sniff confirmed her suspicion: a slow-acting, lethal toxin, the kind Hunter-nin from Kirigakure favored. It was designed to ensure the target's death over time, allowing them to pursue relentlessly until their prey succumbed.

She slipped the vials into her pouch, glancing back at Naruto, who was practically bouncing in place. His grin was wide, and he waved his arms animatedly.

"Ha! Did you see me, Kimiko-chan? I was so cool!" he exclaimed, his excitement a little too loud for someone fresh out of their first real battle.

Kimiko tilted her head with a small smile. "You were very cool," she said earnestly. "You and Sasuke."

Naruto's grin faltered for a moment before he crossed his arms, huffing. "Bah! He wasn't that cool. He just got in the way."

Behind him, Sasuke rolled his eyes, his lips twitching into the faintest scowl. Without warning, he smacked Naruto on the back of the head.

"Whatever, dead last," Sasuke said idly.

"HEY! STOP CALLING ME THAT!" Naruto yelled, raising his fists. Before the argument could escalate, Kakashi's voice cut through the air.

"Yo," Kakashi called, lazily waving them over. "Come here for a sec."

The team gathered around, their attention drawn to Kakashi and Tazuna. The older man looked uneasy, his gaze shifting between the bound attackers and Kakashi.

"If you were fine the whole time, why did you leave the kids to fight?" Tazuna asked, his voice tinged with frustration.

"Our attackers are chūnin from the Hidden Mist," Kakashi explained, his tone even. "Their shinobi are known for fighting until their mission is complete, even if it costs them their lives." His visible eye flicked to the unconscious ninjas, betraying no emotion.

He reached out, ruffling Kimiko's hair lightly. "Thanks to this one here, we were aware of their presence before they even settled on a proper ambush spot."

Kimiko blinked. So, he had noticed them at the same time she did.

Tazuna frowned, still unconvinced. "If you knew that, why let those creeps attack?"

Kakashi shrugged, his eye crinkling in amusement. "Hmmm…actually, let's make this a teaching opportunity."

His gaze shifted to Kimiko. "Now, Kimiko," he said, wiping his hands. "Why did you want to take them alive?"

Kimiko paused, considering her response carefully. "These two are shinobi from the Hidden Mist," she began, pulling out her Bingo Book from her pouch.

The worn book felt heavy in her hands, a symbol of the harsh reality of the shinobi world. Every village maintained its own version of the Bingo Book, a catalog of dangerous ninja from rival villages, missing-nin, and high-value targets. The pages were revised yearly, with allied villages sharing heavily censored versions with each other. There were Black Market edition, one used by mercenaries to hunt bounties. Chunin and Jonin alike make it a yearly game to see which one of them had the highest bounties in the Black Market's Bingo Book.

Kimiko flipped to the appropriate section, holding it open for Kakashi. "Their descriptions are here," she said. "They're missing-nin from Kirigakure. Gozu and Meizu, known as the Demon Brothers. The fact that they were listed in our Bingo Book means that they've targeted Konoha-nin so we help Konoha by bringing them in alive, and the fact that they're labelled as missing-nin in the book means even their village thought they are either extremely dangerous ninja, or low-priority enough that their village is willing to divulge their betrayal. " She paused.

"Which means that they have been hired by a third party, not sent by Kirigakure. I thought it might be worth questioning them about their recent missions—or whether they've been hired to attack us," She paused, glancing at the old Bridge Builder. "Or Tazuna-san."

The old man tensed, his shoulders sagging as he averted his eyes. That reaction told Kimiko everything she needed to know.

The bound brothers stirred, groaning faintly as they regained consciousness. Kakashi stepped toward them, but Kimiko caught him by the sleeve. "Kakashi-sensei," she said softly, her tone laced with quiet determination. "Can I handle the questioning?"

Kakashi regarded her silently for a moment before giving a curt nod. "Go ahead."

Kimiko crouched before the brothers, steadying her breath. She reached for her wooden canteen, uncorking it with a soft pop. "Thirsty?" she asked, her voice calm and patient.

The brothers eyed the bottle suspiciously, their distrust plain on their faces.

"It isn't poisoned," Kimiko said evenly. "Drink up."

After a tense moment, one of the brothers jerked his chin, signaling for her to proceed. She reached over to unclasp his rebreather and tilted the canteen, letting the water trickle into his mouth, then repeated the gesture for the other. They drank in silence, their wary gazes fixed on her.

Kimiko sat cross-legged before them, saying nothing. The silence stretched, heavy and deliberate. She'd read enough online in her past life to know the value of patience during an interrogation. The tension would work in her favor.

Finally, one of the brothers broke the silence. "You're pretty fast, for a little squirt," he muttered, his voice gravelly.

Kimiko smiled politely, her expression serene. "Thank you. Now, let's get to business."

She pulled out a small vial from her pouch, holding it up for them to see. "My weapons are coated with a poison that will kill you in less than an hour," she lied smoothly. The poisons she coated her weapons with weren't lethal, but they didn't know that. "You must be feeling it by now—localized pain, weakness in the muscles. Without this antidote," she said, giving the vial a slight shake, "you won't survive."

The brothers exchanged glances. One of them sneered. "Bullshit. We're dead anyway. What's the point in talking?"

Kimiko frowned, tilting her head thoughtfully. Then she rose, brushing off her knees. "Alright," she said, her voice laced with false resignation. She turned to Kakashi with a serene expression. "Kakashi-sensei, I don't think they're going to cooperate. There's no reason to send them to Konoha. We can just leave them for Kirigakure's Hunter-nin to deal with. We're close to the Land of Water, after all."

The brothers stiffened, their eyes widening.

"W-Wait!" the first one stammered. "You're not taking us to Konoha? We're in your Bingo Book, right?"

Kimiko regarded them coolly. "You are," she said. "But that doesn't mean you're valuable. The fact that your betrayal of Kirigakure is public knowledge means you have nothing useful to offer us—or Konoha."

"Wait!" the other brother interjected, his voice tinged with desperation. "What if we tell you more about our mission?"

Kimiko's lips curved into a faint smile. "Let's start there."

---

Kimiko watched as the Demon Brothers reluctantly divulged their employer's identity. Her surprise was mirrored on Sasuke, Naruto, and Kakashi's faces. Gato. The Gato Company—a name that instantly brought to mind the recent mission where they'd resolved the monkey displacement issue caused by a construction firm associated with him.

But when she pressed further about other shinobi involved, the brothers clammed up. Their refusal was absolute, driven not by loyalty but by sheer terror of their leader.

Kimiko swallowed hard, her mind racing. I know who they're afraid of. She had to be careful—revealing too much could change things in ways she couldn't predict.

Zabuza Momochi. The Demon of the Hidden Mist—a name infamous even outside of Kirigakure. His defection wasn't kept secret due to insignificance but because Kirigakure had no choice but to disavow him after he slaughtered so many of their own as well as ninjas from other villages. Letting his betrayal remain a secret would have brought unwanted ire on them.

Kakashi's calm voice broke the tension. "In any case, this mission now exceeds the classification of a C-rank. Protecting you from bandits or ordinary dangers until the bridge is complete is one thing…" His visible eye sharpened as he turned to Tazuna. "But if you expected to be the target of enemy shinobi, then this should have been priced and classified as a B-rank mission. Possibly higher."

Tazuna's shoulders slumped, his head hanging low in shame.

Kakashi continued, his tone steady but firm. "You may have had your reasons, I'm sure. But concealing facts when asking for help is never a good idea." He gestured toward the two missing-nin. "As it is, this task falls beyond the original scope of our mission." Kimiko could see the concern in his visible eye as he glanced at their team.

Naruto was the first to break the silence. "Man, we can't just abandon this old geezer, you know!" he said, his voice filled with determination. "He probably lied for a good reason! The people in his country are probably counting on him!" Naruto's fists clenched at his sides. "Besides, we took care of those two losers no problem. We can handle whoever comes next!"

Kimiko turned to Naruto, a small smile tugging at her lips. Just days ago, he had been irritated, if not outright angry, at Tazuna for his brusque attitude. Now, he was ready to risk his life to see the mission through—not out of pride or a need to prove himself. He wasn't just acting out of pride or the need to prove himself. Naruto genuinely wanted to help, and his recent display of skill against the Demon Brothers showed that he was capable, even if still reckless. Naruto didn't want to leave someone in need behind.

Naruto wasn't like other shinobi. He didn't calculate risk or seek glory. He acted from his heart, always striving to do the right thing, even when it wasn't easy. That's what made him Naruto.

Kimiko leaned toward him, running her hand across his yellow hair and ruffling it. "You're a good kid," she said softly, her voice carrying quiet admiration.

Naruto blinked, his cheeks dusting pink. "H-Hey, what's with that?! Don't get all sappy on me!" he grumbled, scratching the back of his head.

Sasuke's eyes narrowed, though there was the faintest hint of a smirk. "As if that makes up for how reckless you are."

"WHAT?!" Naruto spun toward Sasuke, fists raised. "You wanna go, teme?!"

Kimiko watched them, a mix of exasperation and fondness in her eyes. Despite the bickering, there was a growing bond between them—one that she knew would only strengthen with time.

Before the argument could escalate, Kakashi's voice cut through. "Alright, enough," he said, waving a hand. His tone lightened, though his expression remained sharp. "We'll need to reevaluate how we handle this mission. But first—Tazuna-san, I think it's time for you to tell us everything."

Tazuna lifted his head, his face lined with guilt and exhaustion. His hands trembled slightly as he wiped at his eyes, the weight of his lies pressing down on him. "You're right," he said quietly. "It's time I came clean."

---

The rest of their journey to the Land of Waves—or at least to the boat that would take them there—was thankfully uneventful. Still, Kimiko couldn't help but notice the subtle changes in Kakashi. His usual air of casual detachment was gone, replaced by a sharper focus, his eye scanning the surroundings, his hand lingering near his kunai pouch. A jōnin taking on a C-rank mission was routine, but a B-rank—and potentially higher? That required his full attention.

As the team neared the shoreline, Tazuna's voice broke the heavy silence. "The Land of Waves used to be a place of prosperity," he began, his voice low and heavy with sorrow. "Our rivers and seas made us a hub for trade. Boats from other nations would dock here daily, bringing goods and wealth. It was peaceful, even idyllic."

He paused, his fists clenching at his sides. "That bastard used his wealth and connections to monopolize shipping. Now, no one can trade without going through him, and he charges exorbitant fees. He's turned our prosperity into his profit."

Kimiko's eyes narrowed as she listened. She felt a pang of sympathy, mixed with a flicker of anger. She had seen this kind of cruelty in her own world too—people crushed by greed and power. "That's not all, is it?" she pressed.

Tazuna sighed, his shoulders sagging. "No. It's not. Gato doesn't just run a shipping company. He uses it to smuggle drugs and other contraband, funneling it from the Land of Waves to buyers in other countries. Anyone who stands in his way… disappears. He uses his private army of disgraced samurai, bandits, thugs and now ninjas to do his bidding. Despicable sort."

Kimiko's eyes wandered to the mist-laden horizon, her thoughts dark. Even in this world, power and greed are enough to bring nations to their knees.

She glanced at Naruto, his expression a mixture of concern and curiosity, and then at Sasuke, whose eyes were steely. They both looked ready, but were they prepared for what was to come? She hoped so.

When they reached the beach, the view was hauntingly beautiful. The coastline was fringed with dense mangroves, their gnarled roots rising from the water like skeletal fingers. Mist rolled off the sea, softening the edges of the world until the line between water and sky was impossible to see. The silence was punctuated only by the gentle lapping of waves against the shore.

Waiting for them was a small, weathered passenger boat. The boatman, a grizzled figure with sharp eyes, waved them over. His patched coat and worn hat spoke of someone used to slipping through the cracks of the law.

"This them?" he asked Tazuna, his voice rough.

"Yes," Tazuna replied. "Can you get us across?"

The boatman grunted. "I've got my ways. Gato's patrols stick to the main shipping lanes, but I know routes they won't expect. Just keep your heads down and don't make noise."

Kimiko stepped onto the boat, her hand instinctively resting near her tanto. The craft was small but sturdy, its sides scuffed and scarred from years of hard use. As the boatman pushed off, the air grew colder, the mist thickening around them like a shroud. The sound of oars cutting through water was rhythmic, almost hypnotic.

The Land of Waves began to take shape as they approached—a realm of mist and shadows. The riverbanks were lined with narrow, winding paths that led into dense, almost oppressive forests. The air was damp, carrying the earthy smell of wet leaves and brine.

As the boat glided further into the mist, the sound of oars slicing through the water was steady, rhythmic. The fog hung thick around them, muffling all other sounds and cloaking the world in shades of gray. Then, emerging like a colossus from the haze, the outline of a massive, unfinished bridge loomed overhead. The skeletal framework stretched into the distance, its jagged edges disappearing into the mist. Despite its incomplete state, it was an awe-inspiring sight, a testament to human resilience and ambition.

Naruto, unable to contain himself, jumped to his feet, his voice cutting through the quiet. "WOAH, IT'S HUGE!"

Sasuke shot him a sharp glare. "Idiot. Keep your voice down."

The boatman sighed, his shoulders slumping as he gave Naruto a weary look. "Your friend's right. Keep it down. The mist will help hide us, but from this point on, we'll need to turn off the engine and row. If Gato's men catch us, we'll all be in big trouble."

Naruto winced, quickly clapping his hands over his mouth. "Mmph!" he mumbled, his eyes wide with a mix of embarrassment and lingering excitement. As the boatman killed the engine, the sudden silence was almost unnerving, broken only by the gentle splash of the oars.

Still, Naruto couldn't help himself. Even with his hands over his mouth, he muttered in a hushed tone, "Not like they'd stand a chance against me, you know."

Kimiko bit back a laugh, exchanging a knowing glance with Kakashi. The jōnin's visible eye crinkled in amusement, though he didn't say anything, his attention flicking briefly to the foggy horizon.

"The one thing Gato fears," Tazuna said suddenly, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon, "is the completion of this bridge." His voice was heavy, each word carrying the weight of his nation's plight. He paused, his frown deepening as though the very thought of Gato's interference weighed on him.

"And as the bridge's architect and overseer, you're standing directly in Gato's way," Kimiko said idly, her tone calm but deliberate. "Which is why he sent those shinobi after us."

Kakashi tilted his head, his visible eye narrowing in thought. "But…I don't get it. If you were the target of a thug with rogue ninja at his disposal, why didn't you just tell us when you asked for help?"

Tazuna hesitated, but it was Kimiko who spoke first. "Because," she began, her voice tinged with understanding, "Gato's stranglehold on the Land of Waves has left the entire country impoverished. Even their daimyo might be struggling to fund their own defenses. A B-Rank mission… or higher… was probably more than Tazuna-san could afford."

The old man nodded solemnly. "Exactly. If you turn away from me now, then I'm as good as dead." He straightened, trying to maintain a shred of dignity despite his desperation. "But that's not your concern, is it? You won't be there to see my daughter and my ten-year-old grandson's hearts breaking. My daughter—she'll probably swear hatred on your village and every Konoha ninja for the rest of her life. And she'll spend that life alone." He forced a grin that didn't reach his eyes. "But it's not your fault at all."

Naruto stiffened, his fists clenching. Kimiko could see the fire of determination blazing in his eyes, but before he could speak, Kakashi sighed, his tone exasperated. "Well… I suppose it can't be helped. We'll continue to protect you until you reach your home, at the very least."

Tazuna's grin softened into something more genuine, though he still looked weary. "Thank you," he said quietly.

Kimiko giggled softly, quickly covering her lips with her hand in a demure gesture. Even in the tense moment, she couldn't help but admire how deftly Kakashi handled the situation, balancing his usual nonchalance with an implicit promise of protection.

"We'll be arriving soon," the boatman cut in, his gravelly voice breaking the moment. "Tazuna-san, it seems we haven't been noticed so far, but to be safe, I'll take us through an inland waterway. It'll bring us to a sheltered landing under the cover of mangroves."

Tazuna nodded. "Thank you."

The boatman adjusted the oars, guiding the craft toward a narrow tunnel-like opening carved through a rocky bridge. The roof of the tunnel was dotted with faint lights, casting shimmering reflections on the water below. As they emerged on the other side, the mist that had clung to them for so long abruptly disappeared, replaced by dazzling sunlight.

Kimiko squinted, raising a hand to shield her eyes. The brightness was almost overwhelming after the dull gray of the mist. Before them stretched clear waters, their surface glinting like liquid glass under the midday sun. Mangroves lined the waterways, their gnarled roots reaching deep into the water. Small villages dotted the landscape, their houses perched on stilts to guard against the frequent flooding.

Naruto leaned forward, his mouth slightly open in wonder. "Whoa…" he whispered, for once too awed to shout.

The boatman paddled them closer to the shore, where the thick mangrove canopy cast long shadows on the water. Birds called faintly in the distance, their cries mingling with the rhythmic splash of the oars. The Land of Waves, even in its quiet beauty, felt fragile—like a world clinging to hope despite the looming threat of destruction.

Kimiko's gaze lingered on the villages. Though they looked peaceful at a glance, she noticed the wear and tear on the stilted houses, the faint traces of struggle etched into the very foundations. A nation on the brink, she thought. This bridge is more than a structure. It's a lifeline.

Eventually, the boat docked beside a rickety wooden bridge. The structure creaked under their weight as they disembarked, stepping onto the uneven planks. This small town was the safest and closest place for them to land before continuing their journey toward Tazuna's village.

The streets were quiet, lined with modest, weather-worn houses, but there was a heaviness in the air. The few villagers they passed kept their heads low, their shoulders hunched as though under an invisible weight. Even the children playing by the docks were subdued, their laughter barely above whispers.

After a brief pause to gather their bearings, they set out. Naruto walked at the front, grinning, his excitement from earlier still carrying him forward. His cheerful attitude was infectious, though Kimiko couldn't shake the growing knot in her stomach.

As relaxed as Naruto seemed, she was certain that, aside from Kakashi, she was the most afraid. Knowing what was coming, knowing that an elite jōnin who wouldn't hesitate to kill them all was lurking somewhere in the horizon, made her palms sweat. Her manicured nails lightly tapped against the hilt of her tanto, her nervous energy betraying her otherwise calm exterior. She forced herself to keep scanning the horizon, searching for any sign of trouble.

It didn't take long.

Naruto suddenly froze, tossing a kunai into the bushes. "I felt something!" he shouted, his stance tense and ready.

The bushes rustled, and a small, snow-white rabbit bolted out, its tiny form disappearing into the underbrush. Naruto blinked, scratching his head. "Oh… uh, false alarm?"

Kimiko's eyes narrowed as she focused on the rabbit. Something was off. The fur was stark white, despite it being springtime. Her gaze snapped to Kakashi, whose expression betrayed the same realization. That rabbit hadn't been living outdoors. Its fur was white because it had been kept inside, likely exposed to cold temperatures.

Her heart sank. A substitution tool.

Kakashi gave her a nearly imperceptible nod. She returned it, her senses flaring as she scanned the area. Then she felt it—a suffocating, heavy presence that sent a chill racing down her spine.

"Get down!" she and Kakashi shouted in unison.

In an instant, Kimiko grabbed Tazuna by the wrist, flaring her chakra through her limbs to enhance her speed. With a burst of motion, she practically yanked him off his feet, pulling him to the rear of the group and shielding him with her body. A fraction of a second later, she blurred back to the main group, her tanto already drawn.

A massive, cleaving sword whirled through the air, spinning dangerously close to where they had been standing moments ago. It buried itself with a sickening thunk into a nearby tree, its sheer size dwarfing everything around it.

A shadow leapt from the trees, landing gracefully atop the weapon's handle. The figure rose slowly, revealing a tall and shirtless, broad-shouldered man whose mouth were covered in dark, tattered bandages, worn on his head was a Hidden Mist headband, a line scratched through the symbol. His piercing eyes, framed by spiked black hair, scanned them with predatory calm. His voice was deep, resonant, and carried an unsettling amusement as he spoke.

"So, you're the ones babysitting the old man, huh?" he said, his gaze flicking to each of them. "Your kunoichi's a fast one."

Kimiko felt his eyes on her, and as their gazes met, she stiffened. The weight of his chakra pressed down on her senses—an opaque, oppressive mist rolling across a still, murky lake. And in that mist, she could almost see two crimson eyes, staring hungrily, ready to devour anything that dared step too close.

Her throat tightened. As skilled as she thought she had become—and as much progress as Naruto and Sasuke had made—Kimiko knew they were outclassed. Zabuza Momochi, the Demon of the Hidden Mist, was in a league of his own. The difference in strength wasn't just intimidating—it was overwhelming.

Kimiko's body moved before she could think, taking an instinctive step back as the weight of Zabuza's presence bore down on her. It was as if an icy chill had wrapped itself around her spine, freezing her thoughts. Her grip on her tanto tightened, but her hand trembled slightly. She knew what he was capable of—her mind flooded with images of the stories she had heard. This wasn't just another rogue ninja; this was Zabuza Momochi.

Kakashi, however, stepped forward without hesitation, his shoulders relaxed, exuding a calm confidence. He placed himself between the group and the looming threat, his eyes narrowing as he glanced up at the man perched atop the massive blade, his voice steady but sharp.

"Well, if it isn't the rogue ninja from the Hidden Mist, Zabuza Momochi," Kakashi said, his tone calm yet laced with the weight of acknowledgment.

Naruto and Sasuke tensed, their instincts to step forward evident in the slight shift of their feet, but Kakashi's hand shot out to the side, barring their path. The gesture was firm, his arm a wall they wouldn't dare cross. Kimiko saw the protective intent behind it, Kakashi's silent assurance that he would handle this. It reminded her that there were some battles they weren't ready for.

"Give me room," he commanded, his voice unusually serious, the lightness he often carried completely absent. "This one's on an entirely different level from the Demon Brothers. If I have to face him like this…" His hand moved to the forehead protector covering his left eye. "It could get a little rough."

Kimiko's breath hitched as she realized what he meant—Kakashi was about to use the Sharingan. The gravity of the situation struck her like a physical blow. Her gaze darted to Zabuza, who was still perched on the handle of his cleaver-like blade, towering above them, a predator eyeing its prey.

Kakashi of the Sharingan," Zabuza rumbled, his deep voice vibrating through the air like distant thunder. "If it wouldn't be too much trouble…" His head tilted slightly, his gaze sharp and piercing, as though he could see through Kakashi. "Could you surrender the old man? Save us both the time."

Kimiko's pulse quickened, and she glanced toward her teammates. Sasuke was pale, his fists clenched at his sides. Of course, he knew about the Sharingan—being an Uchiha, it was a symbol of his clan's legacy, and to hear it being spoken about would have no doubt confused him. Naruto, on the other hand, looked confused, his brows furrowed as he struggled to piece together the tension between Kakashi and Zabuza, or to figure out what that "Sharingan," word meant.

"Get in the Manji formation, now," Kakashi instructed, his voice calm but carrying an undeniable weight of authority. "Protect Tazuna. All of you, stay out of this fight. That's the kind of teamwork this situation demands."

As Kakashi's fingers tugged his forehead protector upward, the air seemed to still. The movement was deliberate, almost ceremonious, as he revealed the eye hidden beneath it. The vertical scar running through the lid gave way to a crimson iris, the three tomoe of the Sharingan gleaming like ominous constellations in the dim forest light. His gaze, sharp and unyielding, locked onto Zabuza's, and Kimiko felt the sheer weight of it ripple through the air.

Kimiko blinked, momentarily caught off guard. Seeing the Sharingan in real life—not through a screen or a page—was an entirely different experience. The vivid red of the eye seemed alive, pulsating with a quiet, terrifying intensity. No wonder everyone talks about it like it's a big deal.

"Shall we?" Kakashi asked, his voice calm but edged with steel.

Naruto, standing a step behind, frowned in confusion, his eyes darting to Kakashi's revealed Sharingan. "What's with all this 'Sharingan' and 'Mirror-Eye' stuff?" he muttered, his voice rising as he turned to the others. "What's the big deal?!"

Before anyone could respond, Zabuza's laughter cut through the tension like a blade. Deep and gravelly, it carried both amusement and bloodlust. "To face the legendary Mirror-Eye Sharingan so early…" Zabuza's bandaged mouth curled into a smile, his satisfaction almost palpable. "This is truly an honor."

Naruto opened his mouth again, but this time Sasuke spoke, his voice quiet but tinged with reverence. "Sharingan…" He hesitated for a moment, his dark eyes flickering between Kakashi and Zabuza. "It's a dōjutsu—an eye technique." His voice softened as he continued. "Those who possess it are said to be able to see through all genjutsu, taijutsu, and ninjutsu. They can analyze, predict, and even deflect them." Sasuke's gaze dropped to the ground, his hands curling into fists. "That's not all…" he added, his tone heavy.

"Well said," Zabuza interrupted, his gaze now fixated on Kakashi. The predatory gleam in his eyes intensified. "But the truly terrifying part of the Sharingan isn't just its ability to see through techniques." His lips curled further into a smirk, his tone laced with both respect and danger. "No, what makes it legendary is its power to discern and replicate an opponent's jutsu. Every move, every technique… stolen."

Zabuza's voice deepened, his gaze boring into Kakashi as if sizing up a worthy opponent. "When I was ANBU Black Ops for Kirigakure, our Bingo Book had extensive notes about you." He chuckled darkly, shifting his weight slightly on his blade's handle. "The infamous 'Copy Ninja Kakashi.' The man who's said to have penetrated and replicated over a thousand jutsu."

Kimiko's gaze flicked to Kakashi, her heart pounding. The sheer magnitude of his reputation, even outside of Konoha, hit her harder than she expected. She'd known of his feats, his moniker as the "Copy Ninja," and the whispers of his extraordinary abilities. In her past life, it had been just a story, something to admire from a distance. But standing beside him now, feeling the quiet strength radiating from him as he faced Zabuza, she began to grasp why so many in the ninja world spoke of him with such reverence. This wasn't just a legend. This was reality.

"Wow," Naruto breathed, staring at Kakashi with wide eyes. His usual boisterous demeanor was subdued, replaced by genuine awe.

Sasuke, standing a step behind, studied Kakashi with a contemplative look. His jaw tightened, and his eyes flicked briefly to the glowing Sharingan. That's a story for another time.

Zabuza crouched on the hilt of his massive cleaver-like sword, the blade still buried in the tree. His predatory gaze never left Kakashi, though his lips twisted into a mocking grin. "Enough," he said, his deep voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "Pleasant as this conversation has been, the time for talk is over."

He cracked his neck, the sound sharp in the otherwise still forest. "I'm on a tight schedule, and I need to kill that old man immediately."

Before Zabuza's gaze could even settle on Tazuna, the old man stumbled back, his face pale with fear. Kimiko's body moved on instinct, flickering backward in a blur to place herself in front of him. Her tanto gleamed in her reverse grip, the blade angled outward defensively. Sasuke and Naruto quickly joined her, each appearing on either side of Tazuna, their kunai drawn and their backs to one another. Together, the three of them formed a protective triangle around the bridge builder.

Kimiko's free hand slipped into her pouch, her fingers curling around a poisoned kunai as she eyed Zabuza warily. Her breath steadied, and her senses sharpened.

Zabuza barely spared them a glance. His eyes remained locked on Kakashi. "Hng," he muttered, a note of irritation in his voice. "It seems I have to kill you first, Kakashi."

With vicious speed, Zabuza exploded into motion. His feet pushed off the tree to his left, propelling him with a force that blurred his form into a streak of movement. Kimiko's breath hitched as he snatched his cleaver-like blade from the tree mid-motion, the massive weapon slicing through the air as if it weighed nothing. In the next instant, Zabuza landed atop the still waters of the river behind him, his stance impossibly steady.

The shift in his presence was palpable. Zabuza stood motionless on the water's surface, his body radiating calm menace. One hand formed a one-handed Tiger seal in front of his lips, while the other mirrored the same seal above his head, his arms extended as though in invocation. The air around him grew heavy, and Kimiko felt it—a massive surge of chakra swirling like a gathering storm. Pale mist began to rise from the water, twisting and coiling around Zabuza as if alive.

"Ninja Art: Hiding in Mist Jutsu."

The mist expanded outward in a rush, rolling across the surface of the water and creeping toward the forest with unnatural speed. In seconds, the world was shrouded in an eerie, dense fog that obscured everything beyond a few feet. The temperature seemed to drop further, the dampness of the Land of Waves sinking into their skin. But then, even that faint sensation disappeared, leaving behind an eerie, unnatural stillness. Kimiko couldn't sense anything—not her teammates' chakra, not the faint rustle of leaves, not even the distant sound of water rippling. Everything around her felt muted, as though the world itself had ceased to exist within the dense mist.

She tightened her grip on her tanto, her knuckles whitening. This isn't just mist… it's suppression. She realized how devastating Zabuza's jutsu truly was. It wasn't just about obscuring sight; it dulled every sense, creating an environment where even experienced ninja would flounder. No wonder Zabuza was capable of wiping out entire teams without them even realizing he'd struck.

Kakashi's blurred form stepped forward, his voice carrying through the mist like a lifeline. "He'll likely come for me first," Kakashi said evenly, though there was a faint edge to his tone. "Zabuza's a master of the 'Silent Killing' technique. It's exactly what it sounds like—he can wipe out entire teams without making a sound. By the time you realize what's happened…" Kakashi paused. "You're already in the afterlife."

Kakashi sighed, his tone shifting to something almost casual, though it didn't ease the tension. "I haven't fully mastered the use of my Sharingan yet, so don't let your guard down." There was a faint humorless chuckle. "If we fail, well… we'll all just die."

"No dying," Kimiko intoned, her voice steadier than she felt. The others didn't notice the flicker of doubt in her eyes, but it was there. The original Team 7 survived this fight… and we're stronger than they were back then. But things are different now. I can't rely on what I think I know. Anything could change… I already changed everything by being here.

The mist thickened, swallowing Kakashi's outline entirely. Kimiko frowned, forcing herself to focus, to analyze. "The Land of Waves is damp," she murmured. "Mist rises faster in places like this."

"Smart girl," came a deep, amused voice—right beside her.

Her head whipped to the side, tanto raised, but the space next to her was empty. Her breath caught in her throat as the voice came again, this time surrounding them, echoing from every direction.

"There are eight spots on the body…" Zabuza's voice drawled, smooth and menacing. "The larynx, the spine, the lungs, the liver, the jugular, the subclavian veins, the kidneys, and the heart."

The words hung in the air like a death sentence, his tone almost playful. Kimiko's grip on her tanto faltered for a split second as her eyes darted around, trying and failing to locate him. Focus. Breathe. He's trying to unsettle us.

"So many choices," Zabuza continued, his voice reverberating through the mist, disembodied and chilling. "Which one should I take first?"

Kimiko felt her breath hitch. Her heart hammered in her chest, and for a moment, she couldn't tell if it was fear or adrenaline driving her pulse. The oppressive fog pressed in on her, amplifying the claustrophobia. But then—just as the panic began to creep in—the mist around her began to thin.

Kakashi's chakra flared, and through the clearing haze, she saw his form weaving signs with fluid precision. The faint ripple of his chakra pushed the mist back, creating a small bubble of clarity around their group. Kimiko exhaled, the weight on her chest lifting slightly as her vision returned.

But her relief was short-lived.

The next instant, she felt it—something primal and suffocating, like an unseen predator locking eyes with its prey. It hit her like a physical force, paralyzing her limbs and making every muscle in her body tense. Her knees buckled, her tanto trembling in her grip. The air grew thick with the coppery scent of blood, though there was none to be seen. Her breath came in short, panicked bursts, and her entire body shivered uncontrollably. She wanted to run, to fight, to scream—but her body refused to move.

It was as if Death itself had entered the clearing.

Kimiko's gaze darted to Naruto, whose knees were bucking, his hands shaking. Sasuke stood rigid, his face pale, though his fists were clenched so tightly they trembled. Even Tazuna, shielded behind them, was frozen, his wide eyes staring blankly into the fog as if seeing his own end.

Killing intent.

Kimiko had read about it, understood it intellectually, but experiencing it was another thing entirely. It wasn't just fear—it was a primal, all-encompassing certainty that death was moments away. Her instincts screamed at her to stay still, to not breathe, to not even blink, as if any movement would seal her fate.

Out of the corner of her eye, Kimiko saw Sasuke. His kunai trembled in his hand, the blade now perilously pointed toward his stomach. Her breath hitched, and her hand instinctively hovered toward his wrist. But even as she tried to move, her own strength felt drained, her fingers limp and useless. No… this is Zabuza's killing intent. It's paralyzing us.

"Sasuke, Kimiko," came Kakashi's voice, steady and sharp. Like a burst of light in the suffocating darkness, his words cut through the oppressive aura surrounding them. "Calm down, you two."

Kimiko's breath steadied as her head turned toward him, her heart clinging to the anchor his voice provided. Kakashi glanced back at them, a reassuring smile just visible beneath his mask, his lone eye creasing with quiet determination. "Even if he kills me, I'll never let my comrades die."

The weight pressing on her shoulders seemed to lift at his words. For a fleeting moment, the oppressive fear ebbed away, and her grip on her tanto tightened, steadying. Kakashi-sensei…

But the moment was shattered by a chilling voice, low and menacing, right by her ear. "I wouldn't be so sure about that."

Kimiko flinched violently, spinning toward the sound, only to find empty air. Her pulse spiked as she realized what had just happened: Zabuza had slipped past their defenses and was now in the middle of their formation.

"Game over," Zabuza growled, his voice reverberating in the mist like a death knell. And then he struck.

The massive cleaver blurred in the air, its swing impossibly fast for a weapon of its size, arcing directly toward Tazuna. Kimiko's body moved instinctively. With a surge of chakra flaring through her legs, she ducked low, grabbed Tazuna around the waist, and flickered backward just as the blade whistled through the space they had occupied. The force of the cleaver sent a sharp gust of wind past her cheek.

"Yaaaah!" Tazuna yelped as she hauled him backward, her feet skidding against the dirt as she landed. Kimiko turned her head, seeing Zabuza twist his cleaver effortlessly, the massive blade's weight seemingly inconsequential in his hands.

"I'm getting tired of that," Zabuza grunted, his tone carrying more irritation than concern. His predatory gaze snapped to Kimiko, but before he could advance, she acted. Without hesitation, she hurled a poisoned kunai toward him.

The blade embedded itself in Zabuza's shoulder, but instead of a reaction, his form shimmered unnaturally before dissolving into water.

"A water clone!" Kimiko gasped, her chakra sensitivity picking up the shift just as Kakashi appeared behind the dissolving clone, kunai raised and ready to strike.

"Sensei, that's a water clone! Behind you!" Kimiko shouted in warning.

Kakashi didn't hesitate. He whirled on his heel, kunai flashing as he intercepted the real Zabuza mid-swing. Their blades clashed, steel grinding against steel with a high-pitched screech. Zabuza stepped back, recovering his stance with inhuman speed, his cleaver swinging again in an overhead arc.

The strike bisected Kakashi cleanly—but instead of blood, the jōnin's body dissolved into a puddle. Another water clone.

Two kunai zipped through the air toward Zabuza. He spun his massive blade with precision, deflecting them mid-flight. Kimiko's eyes darted toward the source: Naruto and Sasuke, both standing in front of Tazuna, kunai drawn and their stances sharp with focus. They had closed ranks beside her, their earlier fear now replaced with determination.

"Nice job, guys," Kakashi's voice came from behind Zabuza, calm and assured. The jōnin had reappeared, kunai pressed firmly against Zabuza's throat. "Good work securing Tazuna. Especially you, Kimiko. Quick thinking."

For a moment, it seemed as though the fight was over. Kakashi's kunai hovered dangerously close to Zabuza's vital arteries. "It's over," Kakashi said, his voice low and confident.

"Hng," Zabuza grunted, his bandaged mouth curling into a faint grin. "You've raised those brats well, Kakashi." His voice turned mocking, almost playful. "But you won't beat me by copying me like some monkey."

Before Kakashi could respond, Zabuza chuckled darkly. "I must admit, you're good. You've been copying my water clone jutsu from the start. But unfortunately for you…"

The Zabuza in Kakashi's grip dissolved into water, splashing harmlessly to the ground. Kakashi's lone eye widened in realization as the real Zabuza appeared behind him, cleaver already mid-swing.

"I'm not a fool," Zabuza growled, his blade slicing through the air with deadly precision. Kakashi ducked the strike, the sheer force of the swing embedding the cleaver into the ground. Zabuza wasted no time, gripping the handle and using it as leverage to leap upward. His booted foot connected solidly with Kakashi's chest, sending him flying.

"Kakashi-sensei!" Kimiko cried, her heart tightening as Kakashi's body hit the water with a splash. She surged forward instinctively, but Naruto and Sasuke threw their arms in front of her, shielding Tazuna as well.

"Wait," Sasuke muttered, his dark eyes locked on Zabuza. The missing-nin did not miss a beat, he tilted his hip and his form blurred, leaping towards them with his cleaver held dangerously, but abruptly stopped mid-charge. He glanced down, his gaze narrowing as he noticed the caltrops scattered across the ground. Kakashi sensei must have dropped those when he got near us…

"Hmph, how foolish," Zabuza muttered, leaping over them with ease and landing gracefully on the water's surface. Landing behind Kakashi, who was just rising to his feet.

"Why… is this water… so heavy?" Kakashi muttered, his body seeming to sag under an invisible weight.

"Fool," Zabuza sneered, weaving hand signs at blinding speed. His movements ended with two hands extended outward toward Kakashi.

"Water Style: Water Prison Jutsu,"

A massive sphere of water erupted around Kakashi, trapping him inside. The water rippled faintly, but Kakashi's body was immobilized, suspended mid-motion. One of Zabuza's hands remained inside the prison, anchoring the technique as he grinned darkly at the trapped jōnin.

"The prison you're trapped in is inescapable," Zabuza said darkly, his voice cold and unyielding. His hand stayed pressed into the water sphere holding Kakashi, the ripples of chakra binding the jutsu steady and unrelenting. "You running around makes it harder to finish my job, so I'll deal with you later…" His gaze shifted, falling on the rest of Team 7. A faint grin curled beneath his bandages as he formed a one-handed seal. "Right after I deal with all the others."

"Water Style: Water Clone Jutsu,"

From the surface of the lake, water coalesced with unnatural fluidity, forming a mirror image of Zabuza himself. The clone stepped forward, droplets cascading from its body as it approached the trio.

Kimiko's brow furrowed. Odd choice. Why leave Kakashi alive if he could just finish him and send the clone to handle us?

The clone chuckled darkly, the sound an echo of the real Zabuza's menace. "Look at you three," it sneered, its eyes darting between them. "Pretending to be ninja. Trying so hard to fit in, even wearing those headbands." The clone scoffed, taking a step closer. "Clothes don't make a shinobi. A real ninja stands at the precipice of life and death, staring into the void without blinking. You're nothing but children playing dress-up." The clone flashed a seal, and the familiar mist thickened and blanketed them again

The words were meant to cut, and they did. Kimiko gritted her teeth, gripping her tanto tighter as she steadied herself. However, she noticed how Zabuza's presence, even through the clone, seemed less oppressive now— even the mist the clone summoned was thinner, her senses less muted. The clone's much weaker than he is. We could take it down, but…

"We don't call your kind ninja," the real Zabuza's voice echoed from the prison, as though surrounding them. "We call you…"

Kimiko's senses flared, her head snapping to the side just as the clone appeared beside Naruto. Before she could shout a warning, the clone's kick connected, sending Naruto flying through the air.

"Brats," Zabuza finished darkly, his voice dripping with disdain.

Naruto's body hit the ground with a dull thud, but instead of groans of pain, his form poofed into white smoke. Kimiko's eyes widened. A shadow clone. He made it the moment the mist thickened.

An orange blur materialized behind the clone, a battle cry ripping from Naruto's lips as his foot lashed out in a kick. Zabuza's clone ducked, but as it did, a second blur—Sasuke—appeared in front of it, his hands weaving signs at rapid speed.

"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!" Sasuke roared.

The massive orb of flame nearly engulfed the clone, forcing it to backflip away just as the fireball exploded into steam, filling the air with a hiss. Sasuke and Naruto moved to stand beside Kimiko, each dropping into their stances.

"Don't underestimate us!" Sasuke snarled, his voice filled with defiance.

Naruto's fists clenched tightly as he glared at the water clone. "Hey…guy without eye brows," He huffed. "Put this in your Bingo Book… the man who will one day become Hokage of Konoha," He raised his fists in front of him. "Leaf style ninja, Uzumaki Naruto!"

The clone chuckled mockingly. "So you want to die, huh?" Its sneer faltered for a moment, replaced by something fleeting—a shadow of disappointment. "Playing at ninja like it's a child's game… tch." Its eyes hardened. "When I was your age, I'd already dyed these hands in blood."

Kimiko's breath caught as the words hit her. Of course… She remembered Zabuza's story—not just from the anime, but from her father's conversations with his colleagues, whispered tales of a boy who had forever changed the Hidden Mist.

"Demon of the Hidden Mist," she murmured, the name leaving her lips before she realized it. Her voice dropped, filled with dread. "The final step of becoming a ninja in Kirigakure… it's…"

Zabuza's clone chuckled, low and dark. "I see our little graduation ceremony is well-known." His voice dropped into a grim whisper, his words oozing with bitter nostalgia. "Students who shared meals, trained together, dreamed together… forced to kill one another. Comrades. Friends."

Kimiko continued her story, keeping her gaze on the real Zabuza. "Ten years ago, the elders of Kirigakure were forced to end that tradition and rethink that curriculum. When a boy who hadn't even earned his headband yet butchered a hundred students without hesitation…"

Zabuza chuckled again, but the sound lacked the malice it once carried. "Good times," he said darkly. "I used to have so much fun."

Kimiko thought she caught a flicker of something in his tone—regret? Pain? She couldn't be sure. But before she could dwell on it, the clone's form blurred, aiming an elbow at Sasuke's stomach, but Sasuke reacted quickly, raising his palm to block the blow, and as the three of them coiled to strike, the clone retreated to its original position, like a viper who severely misjudged its prey.

Kakashi's voice rang out from within the prison, breaking Kimiko out of focus.

"Team!" he called, his voice strained but commanding. "Take Tazuna and run! As long as this prison is active, Zabuza can't-"

"Move or send his clone too far," finished Kimiko. "We know, sensei. But we're not abandoning you."

"Besides," continued Sasuke. "That option was gone the moment you were caught."

Kimiko's heart clenched. Of course he'd say that. He'd sacrifice himself if it meant saving us. But this wasn't the time to rely on his protection. She caught Naruto and Sasuke's eyes, and they both looked back at her, fear mingling with determination. Tazuna's gaze met hers next, his face lined with guilt.

"The reason we're in this mess is because of me," Tazuna said, his voice firm despite the tremble in his legs. "So fight with everything you've got. If you're staying, make it count."

Kimiko gave Tazuna a firm nod before turning her attention back to Naruto and Sasuke. "Listen. We can't waste time fighting the clone. If it takes too long, Zabuza might just kill Kakashi-sensei outright and finish us after. We need to force him to waste energy and chakra—then drive him away from the water."

"...I've got an idea," Naruto said with a wide grin, forming a hand seal. In an instant, no less than thirty identical clones surrounded them, each one facing Zabuza's water clone.

---

The clones charged in unison, encircling the water clone and attacking from all sides.

"Shadow clones," the water clone mused, spinning his cleaver in a wide arc. "And quite a few of them." The blade cut through the first wave with brutal efficiency, sending several clones flying as they popped into white smoke. One Naruto crashed into the ground and slid back towards the ground, and as he was sliding, he rummaged in his backpack and tossed something to Sasuke, letting it spin through the air.

"SASUKE!" Naruto yelled, trying to catch his attention.

With practiced agility, Sasuke caught the object, unfurling it mid-motion. Kimiko's eyes widened as she recognized the weapon.

"Fūma Shuriken: Windmill of Shadows," Sasuke intoned, slipping his fingers into the hole at its center. Without another word, he leapt high into the air, spinning his body with the momentum of the throw.

"A shuriken won't work on me," the clone scoffed, but Sasuke didn't respond. Instead, the giant shuriken arced past the water clone, heading straight for Zabuza's real body by the water prison.

Zabuza tracked its movement calmly, his hand still pressed into the prison. With a single motion, he caught the shuriken mid-flight, his fingers gripping its spinning edges. "Pathetic," he muttered darkly.

But then the second shuriken emerged, flying from the shadow of the first. Zabuza's eyes narrowed, and he jumped, tucking his legs to avoid the hidden weapon. The second shuriken spun beneath him, splashing into the water behind him harmlessly.

"Still too naïve," Zabuza said, his tone mocking.

But behind him, the shuriken burst into a cloud of smoke, revealing Naruto in mid-air, a smirk on his face. "HERE GOES NOTHING!" Naruto yelled, throwing three kunai directly at Zabuza.

Zabuza's expression twisted into a snarl. He realized too late that dodging the flurry of kunai would mean releasing his grip on the prison. With a hateful glare, he hopped backward, breaking his hold on the water sphere.

"You brat!" growled Zabuza, ignoring the wobbling water prison, instead, he spun the fuma shuriken he caught, aiming to throw it at Naruto's exposed form.

But instead of a look of worry, Naruto grinned at him.

Behind him, the three kunai he just dodged exploded into white smoke, revealing three identical Kimiko, their tantos drawn and glinting in the light. At the same time, the water prison collapsed and Kakashi stepped free, his lone eye blazing with the Sharingan.

"Leaf Style Kenjutsu: Dance of the Crescent Moon," Kimiko said serenely as her three forms reversed their trajectory and instead closed in to the Missing-nin, their blades aiming for Zabuza's neck.

Zabuza's eyes widened in surprise, but he reacted instantly, his fist threw the fuma shuriken through the leftmost clone as his cleaver bisected the middle one, both disappearing into smoke. But the remaining Kimiko, the real one, darted forward, her tanto slashing in a wide arc, too close to effectively parry or dodge, and her blade cut a deep line across Zabuza's chest, drawing blood.

Zabuza staggered back slightly, his eyes narrowing. "Poison…" he muttered, his voice low and dangerous. "Clever brat."

Naruto tumbled toward the water, but instead of sinking, his feet landed on the surface with a splash. Though he wobbled, he managed to stay upright, his chakra steadying him as he stood atop the rippling surface.

Kimiko followed moments later, her landing more graceful as she slid into position, her tanto gleaming as it pointed directly at Zabuza. The rogue ninja staggered backward, his breathing heavier now. Kimiko's eyes narrowed as she saw the faint tremor in his limbs—the poison was taking effect.

"Naruto," Kakashi called, his voice carrying a rare note of pride. "Your strategy was outstanding." He glanced at Sasuke and Kimiko as well. "You three… you've grown beyond any reasonable expectation for genin in such a short amount of time. You'll all become great ninja in the future."

Naruto's chest puffed out, his grin stretching from ear to ear. Beside him, Kimiko flushed slightly, her gaze darting to the side in embarrassment. Even Sasuke allowed himself a small smirk, though his eyes remained locked on Zabuza.

"Heh," Naruto began, scratching the back of his head. "When I made my clones, I asked Kimiko-chan to make two of her own and have her and her clones transform to look like me so they could mix into the wave. When Zabuza started throwing us around, I grabbed my last remaining clone and the three Kimiko-chan. Then we transformed me into the fuma shuriken and the three Kimiko into kunai!"

Naruto pointed dramatically at Zabuza, his grin turning mischievous. "The clones weren't meant to take down Zabuza or his water clone at all. The whole thing was just a distraction to free Kakashi-sensei and give Kimiko-chan a shot at poisoning him. Which totally worked!" He jabbed a finger at Zabuza. "Bet you're feeling dizzy now, huh? No-brows Missing-Nin!"

Zabuza's glare darkened as he staggered back, his breathing sharp and measured. Each exhale sounded like a struggle, yet his grip on the massive cleaver remained firm. Despite the poison coursing through his veins, he refused to fall.

"You brats…" he muttered, his voice thick with venom. But beneath the disdain was something grudging—an acknowledgment. "Playing ninja, and… no." His eyes narrowed, flicking between the trio. "You're no ordinary genin. You distracted me enough to—"

He stumbled again, his legs nearly giving out. A grimace twisted his face, the poison clearly spreading.

"They didn't just distract you," Kakashi interjected, his Sharingan glinting ominously. "They forced you to break your jutsu." His voice was calm but cutting. "I'll tell you now, Zabuza: the same technique won't work on me twice."

The tension was palpable, the silence pressing down like the mist that surrounded them. Out of the corner of her eye, Kimiko caught Sasuke dispatching the water clone with a precise punch to its chest, the clone collapsing into a harmless puddle.

Both jōnin jumped back simultaneously, landing across from one another. The air between them seemed to hum with anticipation as they watched, waiting for the other to make their move.

Then, as if on cue, they exploded into action.

Zabuza's hands blurred, weaving through seals with practiced precision. Kakashi mirrored him perfectly, each movement a flawless echo. Kimiko's heart raced. This battle is already decided. The poison wound and Zabuza's waning strength left him at a crippling disadvantage against Kakashi, one of Konoha's most elite jōnin.

The two finished their sequences simultaneously.

"Water Style: Water Dragon Missile!" they both intoned.

Twin water dragons rose from the river, spiraling upward before diving at each other. The clash sent a massive wave of water cascading outward, drenching the surrounding area. Kimiko raised her arm instinctively to shield her face, droplets splashing against her skin.

As the water settled, Kimiko caught a glimpse of Zabuza, wincing harder now, his exhaustion apparent. Her mind raced. This is our chance.

"Naruto, switch with Sasuke. Lightning," Kimiko ordered, her voice sharp but steady.

Naruto blinked, briefly offended, but realization dawned. He nodded, leaping backward toward the shore as Sasuke started moving toward the battlefield. Kimiko tracked the ongoing fight, her eyes fixed on Zabuza and Kakashi. Zabuza was slower now, his movements lagging just enough for Kakashi to maintain the upper hand.

Kimiko darted behind Zabuza, weaving her own seals. She timed it precisely, aligning her technique with Kakashi's.

"Water Style: Great Waterfall Jutsu!" Kakashi called, his voice commanding as a massive torrent of water surged toward Zabuza.

"Water Style: Spiraling Rapids!" Kimiko hissed, feeling the chakra surge through her, pushing it beyond her usual limits.

A spiraling column of white-capped water rose behind Zabuza just as Kakashi's wave crashed toward him. The two jutsu collided, crushing Zabuza between their combined force. The rogue ninja's body was tossed like a ragdoll, battered mercilessly by the unrelenting waves.

As the water receded, Zabuza fell to his knees, barely conscious. His cleaver slipped from his grasp, landing with a heavy splash.

"Go, Sasuke!" Kimiko shouted.

Sasuke stood at the edge of the riverbank, his hands moving rapidly through seals before slamming his palms onto the water's surface.

"Lightning Style: Static Surge!" he called.

Kimiko's eyes widened as the first crackle of electricity danced across the water's surface. We're too close. Her head snapped toward Kakashi, who was already moving.

"Kimiko, now!" Kakashi barked, his voice sharp with urgency.

Without hesitation, Kimiko and Kakashi blurred out of the immediate area with Body Flicker, reappearing beside Sasuke on the bank just as electricity surged through the water. The crackling energy illuminated the misty battlefield, sending ripples of light across the surface as the charge reached Zabuza.

The rogue ninja's body convulsed violently, his muscles jerking uncontrollably as the electricity coursed through him. The faint sizzle of water evaporating filled the air, and the smell of ozone burned Kimiko's nose.

Kimiko steadied herself, her breaths coming in measured gasps as the tension of the battle began to ease. The aftermath of their combined efforts hung heavy in the air, the sound of the river's gentle flow filling the sudden silence. She glanced at Kakashi, standing tall and vigilant as always. His presence, though battered and weary, was reassuring. He nodded at her, a faint glimmer of approval in his visible eye, a gesture that spoke volumes even in its simplicity.

Her gaze shifted to Sasuke, who still knelt at the water's edge, his hands resting on its surface. Faint crackles of residual electricity danced across the ripples, the last echoes of his Static Surge dissipating into the mist. Sasuke's shoulders rose and fell heavily, but his eyes were sharp and fixed on the rogue ninja across from them.

Finally, Kimiko's eyes fell on Zabuza.

He was still moving. Slowly, agonizingly, yet determinedly, the rogue ninja dragged himself forward. His cleaver trailed behind him, the blade disturbing the water as he hauled its immense weight alongside his own. Smoke rose faintly from his skin, remnants of the electricity that had coursed through his body.

His legs trembled beneath him, yet Zabuza did not stop. Each step forward seemed to defy the inevitable, a desperate display of sheer willpower. He made it to the edge of the riverbank where Team 7 stood, his presence a stark contrast to the genin before him.

"B-Brats," he spat, his voice raw and hoarse. Blood dripped from the corner of his mouth, mingling with the water at his feet. His breath came in shallow, ragged gasps, each one a struggle.

Kimiko's grip tightened on her tanto, though she did not move. He's still trying to fight… even now?

The rogue ninja's body twitched violently once more. His knees buckled, yet somehow, he remained standing. For a moment, it looked as though he might lunge forward. But his strength gave out. Zabuza collapsed, his massive frame slumping forward into the soil, his cleaver partially submerged in the river beside him. His hand, still clutching the hilt, loosened as it fell limp.

"I told him I foresaw his death," Kakashi said quietly, his voice tinged with both resolve and weariness. The scarred forehead protector slid back into place, covering his now-faded Sharingan.

Kimiko opened her mouth to respond, but then she felt it.

A flare of chakra, cold and sharp, cut through the mist like a blade. Her breath caught, her senses going on high alert. Shit. I almost forgot.

He was fast. Faster than Kimiko thought possible. Faster than me?

Two senbon needles sliced through the air, their gleaming tips piercing Zabuza's neck with precision. The rogue ninja, already unconscious, jerked slightly at the impact before his body went completely limp.

Kimiko's head snapped to the source, and her eyes locked onto a figure standing atop a nearby tree. Haku.

The figure stood silently, framed by the mist. The figure was clad in a dark green yukata, a hunter-nin mask covering their face, with long black hair tied back neatly. Even from this distance, Kimiko could feel the chill of his chakra. It wasn't merely cold—it was biting, a glacial blizzard in the dead of night.

It reminded her of a winter storm that lured travelers into its grasp with the promise of quiet beauty, only to strip them of warmth and life, leaving them to perish alone in its frigid embrace. A greedy cold that consumed all for the promise of warmth.

The tension between Team 7 and Haku was palpable, the silence stretching like a taut string ready to snap. It was Kakashi who finally moved, appearing beside Zabuza in a blur. He knelt, pressing two fingers to the rogue ninja's neck.

"He's definitely dead," Kakashi murmured, rising to his full height. His gaze shifted to Haku, who inclined his head in a polite bow.

"Arigato gozaimasu," Haku said softly. "I hope you don't mind my interference. I wanted the satisfaction of putting Zabuza out of his misery myself."

Kakashi's visible eye narrowed. "The mask is familiar," he said, his tone calm but probing. "Correct me if I'm wrong… aren't you a Hunter-nin from the Hidden Mist?"

Kimiko added, "The ones tasked with hunting down rogue ninja. Of which there are many, given Kirigakure's… colorful history."

"Aren't you the clever one," Haku replied from his perch, the faintest amusement in his voice. "I am indeed a Hunter-nin. It is our responsibility—and our art—to ensure that rogue ninjas face justice."

Kimiko's fingers flexed around her tanto. At such a young age, you can lie so convincingly.

"Hey, what the hell!" Naruto suddenly burst out, glaring at Haku. "Who even are you?"

Haku tilted his head, the porcelain mask betraying nothing. "Relax, Naruto," Kakashi said, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder. "He's not an enemy."

"I know, but…" Naruto clenched his fists. "Zabuza, who wasn't exactly a pushover, just got taken out by someone about my age?! What's up with that? Are we losers?"

Kakashi sighed, ruffling Naruto's hair. "You'll have to get used to it. This won't be the first time we meet someone younger than you…" His gaze flicked to Haku. "And stronger than me."

Naruto flinched at the admission, his wide eyes darting toward Haku. Even Sasuke's expression darkened, his lips pressing into a thin line.

The boy—or rather, the weapon, as Kimiko painfully recalled—moved fluidly, stepping lightly from the branch and landing on the water as though he weighed nothing. He knelt beside Zabuza's still form, lifting the massive ninja with surprising ease. Zabuza's arm hung limply over Haku's slim shoulders.

"Your battle is over for now," Haku said, his voice quiet but firm. "I must dispose of this corpse. It contains secrets that cannot fall into other villages' hands—"

"What poison did you use?" Kimiko cut in, her voice calm but laced with steel.

Haku paused, tilting his head toward her. "Excuse me?"

Kimiko took a step forward, meeting his hidden gaze. "I asked what poison Kirigakure's Hunter-nin use to kill their targets."

The air grew still, and Kimiko felt Haku's chakra stir—a frigid wave that pressed against her senses. She didn't flinch. Push him. Keep him off balance.

"I am not at liberty to discuss such matters," Haku finally said, his voice losing its earlier warmth.

"Of course." Kimiko dipped her head slightly, though her tone remained sharp. "Forgive me for being overly familiar." She paused, watching him carefully. "But one more thing—don't Hunter-nin destroy their targets' bodies on the spot? Only the severed head is taken as proof, to minimize the risk of being slowed down in hostile territory."

The silence that followed was deafening. Then, in a blur, Haku's hand moved, flicking a senbon toward her.

Kimiko reacted instantly, her tanto slicing through the air to deflect the needle. Sparks danced around her as she twirled on her feet, drawing a poisoned kunai in one smooth motion and launching it at Haku. He dodged effortlessly, leaping back to a tree branch, his movements unnaturally fluid even with Zabuza's weight on his shoulders.

"Kimiko, stop!" Kakashi's voice cut through the air, but she ignored it, bending her knees and flickering upward. She reappeared in front of Haku, their weapons clashing mid-air. His senbon met her tanto with a metallic screech, sparks flying between them.

"You're a smart girl, and you'll be a great kunoichi some day." Haku said, his voice steady despite the strain. "But if you persist, I'll be forced to kill you."

Kimiko's lips curled into a faint smile. "Thank you for the compliment. But I do not intend to die. My team needs me."

Her free hand flashed through seals as their weapons remained locked, but Haku's own hand was weaving one-handed seals just as quickly. The temperature around them plummeted, frost forming along the edges of the water below.

"Water Style: Spiraling Ra—"

"Water Style: Thousand Flying Wa—"

"SENSEI!" Naruto's voice rang out, cutting through their clash.

Kimiko broke away immediately, flickering back to the ground where Kakashi had collapsed to the ground, exhaustion finally overtaking him. She moved to his side, placing a steadying hand on his shoulder.

Right. That was going to happen.

When she looked back up, Haku and Zabuza were gone, their presence erased as though they'd never been there.

Kimiko exhaled slowly, lowering her tanto. "Well," she muttered, her tone laced with frustration, "He's fast."