Momochi Zabuza

"Looks like I don't need to step in after all." Kakashi's voice suddenly came from above.

Naruto and Sasuke exchanged shocked glances at Kakashi perched on a tree, then turned back to where Kakashi had been dismembered, only to find a few chunks of torn wood.

"Substitution Jutsu," Sasuke narrowed his eyes, realizing he hadn't even noticed when Kakashi used the technique.

Jumping down from the branch, Kakashi approached the bound assassins, quickly knocking them out and dragging them to the edge of a tree, seemingly to tie them up.

"Nice shuriken technique, Furen," Kakashi smiled at him.

He had already noticed the two assassins' tracks earlier but chose not to intervene, largely to assess the abilities of his students.

Furen's quick reactions and decisive actions exceeded Kakashi's expectations entirely.

"It's rare to find such talented genin in peacetime," Kakashi thought to himself.

Though surprised, he wasn't overly shocked, viewing Furen as a hardworking ninja. After all, Kakashi had become a Jonin at twelve, a stark contrast to their peaceful times now.

After binding the two assassins to the tree, Kakashi's tone turned serious.

"Tazuna-san!"

"W-what is it?" Tazuna replied, slightly nervous.

"I need to talk to you." Kakashi pointed to the headbands on the two bound assassins: "They are Chunin from the Mist… known for fighting to the death without hesitation."

Tazuna lowered his head, falling silent.

"I didn't expect you'd be targeted by ninjas. A C-rank mission usually just involves bandits or mountain thieves…" Kakashi's expression was impassive as he looked at Tazuna. "If there are ninjas among the enemies, this will definitely be elevated to a high-priced B-rank mission. You must have your reasons, but this puts us in a difficult position."

Tazuna remained silent for a long time, finally speaking up. "I… I want to tell you something. This mission is really too much for you; there's a terrifying person who wants me dead… you've probably heard of him; he's the owner of a shipping company, Kado!"

Kakashi frowned. "Kado? You mean that Kado?"

Tazuna nodded helplessly. "That's him. He's an irredeemable villain. About a year ago, he set his sights on the Land of Waves, using his wealth and violence to monopolize all transport routes. The only threat to Kado is this bridge that's under construction!"

Tazuna suddenly laughed. "If you don't help me, I'm afraid I'll be doomed. Honestly, it's not something you need to take to heart."

"If I die, the only one who will be heartbroken is my adorable ten-year-old grandson, and my daughter will live the rest of her life with resentment towards Konoha ninjas…"

As Tazuna poured out his troubles, Kakashi could only wave his hand in exasperation. "Alright, alright, we'll continue to protect you."

Tazuna's words moved Kakashi and the others, but Furen remained unfazed, his mind occupied with another thought.

"I'm about to meet Haku, the rare ice bloodline…"

…

Following Tazuna's instructions, Furen and the others sailed quietly through the fog into the Land of Waves. After disembarking from a shabby dock, the escort mission for Tazuna was almost complete.

Taking a breath of the familiar air, Tazuna sighed. "From here, I'll need your help to get me home."

Kakashi nodded and moved forward. The air in the Land of Waves was thick with mist, and Kakashi felt something was off, raising his vigilance.

After walking a bit further, Kakashi suddenly shouted, "Get down!"

Furen quickly turned, wrapping his arms around Sakura and pushing her down as he felt a sharp blade whistle overhead.

Ding!

Sakura Haruno's Favorability: 5%

Ignoring the voice in his mind, Furen lifted his head to look ahead.

The massive blade that had just flown over them was a gigantic executioner's sword!

On the sword stood a man with bandages on his face, looking at them as if they were trash.

Seeing the newcomer, Kakashi adopted a serious fighting stance, raising his headband to reveal his Sharingan.

Furen squinted and murmured, "A rogue ninja from the Mist… Momochi Zabuza."

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A/N:

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