Land of Waves, among the mountains and forests.
The appearance of a wild rabbit sparked a lot of discussion among everyone.
But Kakashi was different.
The moment he saw this rabbit, he had already analyzed quite a bit of intelligence.
First, it was a Snow Rabbit, but its pure white fur was somewhat abnormal.
This kind of white only appears during the short winter days with sunlight, and it’s currently summer, which is clearly illogical.
The only explanation was that this rabbit was raised indoors, resulting in white fur due to the lack of sunlight.
Therefore, this was a Snow Rabbit specifically used as a substitute.
Thinking of this, he was basically certain that someone had been observing them just now.
Furthermore, the enemy was still hidden in the shadows and hadn’t left.
Suddenly, a reflection flashed in the woods, and the experienced Kakashi quickly warned, “Everyone, get down!” Just as he finished speaking, a large blade spun and flew perilously over everyone’s heads.
If Naruto and the others had hesitated even slightly, the consequences would have been unimaginable.
As it spun and flew, the large blade finally slammed into a tree trunk.
Swish!
A figure suddenly appeared atop the large blade.
This person had short black hair and no eyebrows.
His skin appeared pale, yet his body was robust.
He wore a Kirigakure forehead protector tilted on his head, with half his face and neck wrapped in bandages.
Just standing on the large blade, a powerful aura emanated from him.
Seeing this person appear, even Kakashi’s heart grew heavy.
He called out, pretending as if nothing was wrong, “Oh my, if it isn’t Kirigakure’s rogue ninja, Momochi Zabuza.
Why have you appeared here?” At the same time, Lee noticed that the comments in his mind had suddenly increased.
[He has appeared.] [A rare expert in the early stages, his talent was actually quite good, what a pity.] [Are we going to witness a duel between two Elite Jonin today?] The comments continued, but Lee was already focused on the battlefield.
The information mentioned Zabuza was an Elite Jonin, no wonder Kakashi-sensei found it troublesome.
Zabuza stood on the blade, looking down at Kakashi from above.
Meanwhile, Naruto didn’t understand the situation yet.
Seeing the enemy appear, he immediately wanted to wipe away his previous humiliation.
But just as he stepped forward, Kakashi stopped him.
He scolded in a low voice, “Don’t get in the way.
You guys, get back.” Naruto asked defiantly, “Why?” Kakashi stared at Zabuza and explained without turning his head, “This guy can’t be compared to the ones from last time at all.
If the opponent is this guy, even I have to go all out.” He was already prepared for a full-scale battle.
He uncovered his left eye, which had been hidden by his forehead protector, revealing a blood-red pupil with three-tomoe.
At this moment, Zabuza on the tree spoke, “I didn’t expect to see the legendary Sharingan so soon.
With you, the Copy Ninja, here, it’s no wonder the Demon Brothers failed.
But I’m sorry, this old man must stay here today.” With those firm words, the atmosphere instantly became tense.
Lee searched the comments for information about the Sharingan.
However, the comments seemed accustomed to the Sharingan and didn’t discuss it much.
Instead, Sasuke explained, “The Sharingan is a power derived from the gaze, manifested through the pupils.
That is to say, the user of this dojutsu has the visual prowess to instantly see through all Genjutsu, Taijutsu, and Ninjutsu.
But the Sharingan’s abilities are not limited to just this.” Clearly, this eye had even more powerful abilities.
However, just thinking that even Taijutsu could be instantly seen through made his scalp tingle.
Is this what a powerful ninja is?
Even Taijutsu can be seen through instantly.
Then, Lee shook his head, casting these thoughts out of his mind.
No, Kakashi-sensei is Guy-sensei’s rival, and Guy-sensei said their score is 49 losses and 50 wins.
So there must be a way to counter this special ability.
Zabuza on the tree chimed in, “He’s right, it’s not just that.
He can not only instantly see through Ninjutsu techniques but also copy them.” “When I was still in the Assassination Squad, I had your information in my handbook.
A man who has copied over a thousand Ninjutsu, the Copy Ninja: Hatake Kakashi.” Lee listened with great envy.
He couldn’t perform a single Ninjutsu, yet Kakashi-sensei could use over a thousand.
He noticed the expressions of the others and felt that Sasuke must know something.
He planned to ask about this kind of eye when he had the chance.
Just then, Zabuza prepared to attack.
He grabbed the large blade beneath his feet and said, “Enough talk, I need to finish off this old man quickly.” Kakashi stepped forward and said to those behind him, “You guys, don’t join this battle.
Form a Manji formation to protect Tazuna-san.
Now is the time for teamwork.” Swoosh…
Lee and the other three quickly stood back-to-back, surrounding Tazuna in the center.
Zabuza landed on the water’s surface, forming hand signs and channeling Chakra into the water.
Hiding in Mist Technique!
Using the fusion of Chakra and water, he filled the air with dense mist.
As Zabuza’s figure vanished from everyone’s sight, Lee focused all his energy on this battle.
He watched the surroundings warily, staying alert for any possible attacks.
Kakashi explained to everyone, “Zabuza is a ninja proficient in the Silent Killing Technique.
His Silent Killing Technique allows one to die quietly in the silence.
By the time you realize it, you’re already in another world.” Kakashi knew his Sharingan was transplanted and he couldn’t use it freely yet.
So he could only tell the others to be cautious.
“If we really can’t win, there’s only death.” Sakura couldn’t help but complain, “Don’t talk about death so casually, Kakashi-sensei.” For students like them who had just graduated, facing such a strong ninja right from the start was truly unlucky.
Time passed as everyone remained alert, and the mist grew thicker as time went by.
Even Kakashi, just three meters away, vanished into the dense mist.
Just as Naruto and the others were worrying, Lee said, “Everyone, stop worrying about Kakashi-sensei.
Our mission is to protect Tazuna-san and ourselves.
Not being a burden to Kakashi-sensei is the greatest success.” However, Lee and the others still thought too simply of their opponent.
While the dense mist applied psychological pressure, Zabuza’s voice came clearly from all directions.
“There are eight vital spots on a person: throat, spine, lungs, liver, carotid artery, subclavian artery, kidneys, and heart.
So, which vital spot should I choose?” With the enemy in the dark and them in the open, the threat level escalated.
Suddenly, just as everyone’s nerves were taut, a powerful killing intent enveloped everyone without warning.