Chapter 4 : First Team 7 Near Death Experience

Naruto's Senses on High Alert

The air was thick with tension as the swirling mists of the Land of Waves closed in around Team 7. Naruto's senses were tingling with an acute awareness that something was not right. His heightened instincts, a gift from his lineage, were on high alert, warning him of danger lurking nearby. His eyes narrowed as he scanned the dense fog, searching for any sign of an impending threat.

"Something's off," Naruto muttered, his hand moving instinctively to the hilt of his katana. His keen senses picked up a faint rustling sound, barely perceptible over the natural noises of the forest. It was then that he noticed the faint outline of a figure moving stealthily through the mist. His eyes widened in recognition.

"Ambush!" Naruto shouted, his voice cutting through the fog. Without a moment's hesitation, he formed a series of hand signs. "Shadow Clone Jutsu!" he exclaimed, summoning a platoon of clones. The clones fanned out in an instant, their presence bolstering Team 7's defenses and providing crucial backup.

As the clones moved to support Kakashi and Sasuke, who were engaged in a fierce battle with Zabuza, Naruto himself sprinted towards Sakura and Tazuna. His instincts had alerted him to the presence of another threat, and he knew that they were in immediate danger.

Sakura's eyes widened in shock as a figure emerged from the mist, a shadowy partner of Zabuza who was armed with a deadly array of hidden weapons. The assailant moved with silent precision, a chilling intent clear in his gaze.

"Sakura, watch out!" Naruto yelled, launching himself between her and the attacker. He deflected a flurry of poisoned needles with his kunai, the sharp clinks of metal echoing through the clearing. His quick reflexes and sharp senses allowed him to intercept the attack just in time.

Sakura, taken aback by the sudden onslaught, steadied herself and prepared to counterattack. But Naruto was already a step ahead. "Don't worry, I've got this!" he assured her, his voice filled with determination.

The Poisonous Threat and Haku's Appearance

The attacker, realizing his ambush had failed, moved to retreat into the fog. But Naruto was relentless. He dashed forward, his clones at his side, and launched a counterattack with a barrage of shuriken, driving the assailant back.

As the danger subsided, Naruto turned to Sakura, concern etched on his face. "Are you okay?" he asked, his eyes scanning her for any signs of injury.

"I'm fine, thanks to you," Sakura replied, a hint of relief in her voice. She winced slightly, noticing a needle that had grazed her arm, leaving a faint trace of poison.

Naruto's eyes narrowed. "Hold still," he said, retrieving a small vial of antidote from his pouch. His experience with handling poisons, a result of his rigorous training, made him adept at treating such injuries. He carefully administered the antidote, his hands steady and precise.

"Thanks, Naruto," Sakura said, her gratitude evident. She felt the antidote taking effect, neutralizing the poison and easing the sting of the wound.

Just then, a figure emerged from the mist, his presence sending a chill down their spines. It was Haku, the enigmatic shinobi with the deadly Ice Release bloodline. His calm demeanor and eerie mask made him a formidable opponent, and his reputation as Zabuza's partner preceded him.

Haku's eyes, visible through the slits of his mask, glimmered with an unsettling calmness. "Impressive reflexes," he remarked, his voice devoid of emotion. "But now you face me."

Naruto, undeterred, stood his ground. "I don't care who you are," he said defiantly, his clones forming a protective circle around him and Sakura. "I'm not letting you hurt my teammates."

Haku raised his hand, forming intricate seals. The air around him shimmered with an icy aura, and within moments, a series of crystalline mirrors began to materialize, forming a deadly cage around Naruto and Sakura.

But Naruto was not easily intimidated. With a battle cry, he and his clones charged at Haku, their combined strength a testament to their unwavering resolve. The ice mirrors reflected their images back at them, creating a dizzying array of targets, but Naruto's determination was unshaken. He knew that he had to protect his friends at all costs, even in the face of such a formidable opponent.

Sasuke's Peril and Kakashi's Resolve

Meanwhile, the battle between Kakashi and Zabuza raged on. The air crackled with the intensity of their clash, each strike reverberating through the clearing. Sasuke, ever vigilant, was providing support, his attacks synchronized with Kakashi's movements. But their adversary was relentless, his sheer power pushing them to their limits.

Suddenly, a clone of Zabuza appeared behind Sasuke, moving with a speed and precision that took him by surprise. Before he could react, the clone ensnared him in a watery prison, its cold tendrils wrapping around him and immobilizing him completely.

"Kakashi-sensei!" Sasuke's voice, muffled by the water, called out in desperation. The water prison was a lethal trap, slowly sapping his strength and leaving him vulnerable to Zabuza's next move.

Kakashi, engaged in a fierce duel with the original Zabuza, glanced towards Sasuke. The sight of his student trapped ignited a fierce determination within him. "Hang on, Sasuke!" he called out, his voice resolute.

In a flash of movement, Kakashi formed a series of hand seals, his Sharingan spinning with deadly precision. "Summoning Jutsu!" he intoned, slamming his hand onto the ground. A burst of smoke erupted, and from it emerged a pack of ninja dogs, their keen senses and sharp fangs a formidable addition to the battlefield.

The dogs lunged at Zabuza, their coordinated attack forcing him to split his attention. Seizing the opportunity, Kakashi launched a lightning-charged strike, his hand crackling with the intense energy of his signature technique, the Chidori.

"Chidori!" Kakashi shouted, his voice echoing through the clearing. The attack struck with the force of a thousand birds, shattering the water prison and freeing Sasuke in an explosion of energy.

Sakura and Tazuna's Strategic Retreat

With Sasuke freed from the water prison, Kakashi and Zabuza resumed their battle, the air thick with the tension of their clash. Meanwhile, Sakura, recognizing the escalating danger, took charge of Tazuna and guided him away from the immediate conflict.

"We need to move, Tazuna-san," Sakura urged, her voice calm yet firm. She led him through the forest, their movements swift and purposeful as they put distance between themselves and the ongoing battle.

As they reached a safer location, Sakura quickly began to set up traps, her hands moving with practiced efficiency. She laid out a series of wire traps and explosive tags, creating a defensive perimeter to guard against any potential threats.

From their position, she could see glimpses of the battle, the clash of kunai and the bursts of chakra illuminating the forest. Her heart pounded with a mixture of fear and determination, knowing that her teammates were fighting with everything they had.

She notched a kunai in her hand, ready to provide support from a distance. Her eyes scanned the battlefield, her mind focused on anticipating any threats that might come their way. She knew that her role was crucial, and she was determined to protect Tazuna and her team.

Naruto's Counterattack and Kakashi's Rescue

Back at the battlefield, Naruto was locked in a fierce struggle with Haku. The ice mirrors surrounded him, creating a deadly labyrinth that reflected his every move. But Naruto's determination was unyielding. He summoned another wave of shadow clones, each one an extension of his resolve.

"Let's see how you handle this!" Naruto shouted, his clones launching a coordinated attack on the ice mirrors. The sheer number of clones overwhelmed Haku, their relentless assault shattering the mirrors one by one.

Haku, realizing that his ice mirrors were becoming ineffective against Naruto's sheer numbers, was forced to retreat. He moved with a speed that left afterimages in the mist, his expression hidden behind his mask but his retreat a clear indication of Naruto's dominance.

With Haku on the back foot, Naruto turned his attention to Sasuke, who was recovering from the effects of the water prison. "Sasuke, you okay?" he called out, his concern for his teammate evident.

"I'm fine," Sasuke replied, his voice filled with determination. He quickly regained his stance, ready to rejoin the battle.

Meanwhile, Kakashi, sensing an opening, intensified his attack on Zabuza. With a powerful burst of chakra, he summoned his ninja dogs once more, their jaws clamping down on Zabuza and holding him in place.

"This ends now, Zabuza!" Kakashi declared, his Sharingan spinning with lethal intent. He unleashed another Chidori, the lightning-charged attack striking with the force of a thunderclap and driving Zabuza to the ground.

Seeing zabuza defeat haku came over

"Haku, we're withdrawing," Zabuza commanded in a low, gruff voice, his hands supported by Haku in weakened form. Despite his injuries, Haku nodded faintly, trusting Zabuza's decision implicitly.

Kakashi, sensing the shift in the battle's momentum, remained vigilant. "Well done, everyone," he commended, his eye flicking between his students. "But don't let your guard down. Zabuza won't give up easily."

Aftermath and Reflection

With Zabuza and Haku retreating, the battlefield fell silent, save for the faint rustling of leaves and the distant echo of their adversaries' departure. Team 7 stood amidst the clearing, their chests heaving with exertion but their spirits high with the thrill of victory.

Naruto approached Sakura and Tazuna, a smile breaking across her face. "We did it! We really did it!" she exclaimed, relief evident in her voice. His clones dispersed, leaving only Naruto and his teammates standing together.

Naruto nodded, his expression a mixture of pride and exhaustion. "Yeah, we did," he agreed, his gaze flickering towards Sasuke and Kakashi. They stood a short distance away, the aftermath of battle etched on their faces but a sense of accomplishment palpable in the air.

Sasuke approached Naruto, clapping him on the shoulder. "Nice work, Naruto," he said, his voice gruff but filled with genuine appreciation. "You really came through for us back there."

Naruto smirked. "Of course! I told you I'd have your back, Sasuke!" he replied.

Kakashi joined them, his gaze sweeping over his team with pride. "You all did exceptionally well," he commended, his voice calm but filled with admiration. "Your teamwork and quick thinking were instrumental in our victory."

Tazuna, who had been observing the exchange with a mixture of awe and gratitude, stepped forward. "I owe you my life," he said earnestly, his voice tinged with emotion. "Thank you, all of you."

Sakura smiled warmly at Tazuna. "You're welcome, Tazuna-san," she replied, her voice gentle. "We're just glad we could help."