Naruto’s First Battle

The boat carrying Team 7 finally docked at the pier of the Land of Waves. The journey across the calm sea had been uneventful, but Sasuke, engrossed in a book, couldn't stop laughing intermittently. His laughter was contagious, making Naruto worry that Sasuke might develop an annoying Uchiha chuckle. Meanwhile, Kakashi's behavior puzzled both Sakura and Naruto.

Why hadn't Kakashi pulled out Xiao Liu Bei yet? Had he already finished it? The three younger ninjas had no idea that Kakashi was struggling with an unexpected withdrawal. For him, not being able to read "Intimate Love in Paradise" was as tough as Asuma not smoking or Tsunade not gambling. The irritation of not being able to indulge in his favorite pastime had Kakashi on edge. He found solace only in observing the fish swimming in the sea.

"Sasuke, stop reading. We're ashore," Naruto said, exasperated. Sasuke, still lost in his book, reluctantly closed it. He had been so absorbed that he hadn't noticed they had arrived. The story had captivated him, feeding his fantasy of revenge against his brother, Uchiha Itachi. Sasuke imagined himself in epic confrontations, and it thrilled him to no end.

As the group disembarked, Naruto's frustration grew. Seeing Sasuke so engrossed in a book while they were on a mission reminded him of his mother's annoyance when he was absorbed in his mobile games. Naruto knew he needed to focus, especially since they were about to face the formidable Zabuza.

"Hey, Sasuke," Naruto said, "Did Xiao Yan complete the three-year agreement?"

Sasuke, still immersed in his novel, looked up, confused. "I don't know," Naruto snapped back, irritated by Sasuke's lack of focus. "Forget it!"

Sasuke, disappointed, fell back into the line. Naruto turned to Kurama, the Nine-Tails fox, for help. "Big Fox, can you help me sense the enemy like you did in the village?"

Kurama shifted in his cage, irritated. "You want me to help you find the enemy? Figure it out yourself."

Naruto sighed. So much for relying on the big fox for help. As the fog grew thicker, reducing visibility to just a few meters, Naruto thought of a plan. He decided to use his spatial jutsu to create a barrier, hoping to keep his team hidden from potential attackers.

He clapped his hands and summoned dozens of space gates around them, enveloping them in a purple light cocoon. Zabuza, lurking in the mist, saw the sudden appearance of the light and was momentarily stunned.

"What is that purple light?" Zabuza wondered, momentarily thrown off balance.

Naruto took advantage of the confusion and called out, "Kirigakure ninja, let me test your strength!"

The challenge was met with silence, making Naruto feel as if his taunts had been in vain. Is this ninja just that good at waiting? he thought.

Zabuza, hidden in the mist, sneered at Naruto's antics. A childish trick won't force me out of hiding. I've survived the blood mist—this is nothing.

Just then, Naruto shouted again, "All Kirigakure ninjas like men."

Zabuza's anger flared as he imagined Haku, his companion, and felt his blood boil. His eyes widened, and his breathing quickened. How dare this brat insult me?

"Damn you, brat!" Zabuza roared. "I'm going to kill you!"

He dragged his massive beheading sword through the fog, heading towards Naruto's taunts. But before Zabuza could reach him, Naruto's voice rang out again, mocking him.

"Yo yo yo, have you broken your defense? No? You don't really like men, do you?"

Zabuza's fury reached a peak. The insult had struck a nerve, and his anger drove him forward with even greater intensity. The battle was about to begin, and Naruto's attempt to provoke him was only adding fuel to the fire.