16-20

*Chapter 16: Preparing to Recruit Zabuza and Haku*

Kakashi was starting to feel like he couldn’t handle Team 7 anymore. He even planned to track down the Sandaime Hokage to admit he wasn’t up to protecting Kazama—because, frankly, Kazama was stronger than him. How do you protect someone who’s already more badass than you are?

"Kakashi-sensei—"

"Enough, Kazama! Don’t say another word. I’m done!"

Before Kazama could finish, Kakashi cut him off.

"But Kakashi-sensei, I can’t stop yet."

"What?! Kid, are you serious? I’m begging you, let me off the hook! I still haven’t finished the second half of Icha Icha Paradise! I’m not ready to die young!"

"But I haven’t grabbed the bells yet!"

"Fine, take the bells! Just let me go!"

Kakashi hurriedly unhooked the bells from his waist and handed them to Kazama.

"Naruto, Sasuke, these bells are for you guys."

"What?!"

Sasuke and Naruto couldn’t believe their ears when Kazama offered them the bells. After all, failing to get a bell meant getting kicked out of the program.

Kazama already knew the bell test was about teaching them the importance of teamwork. But even if he hadn’t, he’d still share the bells with his teammates. To him, his comrades’ lives were always more important than any mission.

"I know Naruto’s dream is to become Hokage. If you can’t even graduate from the academy, how’re you gonna make that happen?"

Since he was giving them the bells, Kazama figured he’d throw in some heartfelt words. Cheesy or not, he meant every bit of it.

"And Sasuke, if you’ve got a revenge target, you’re not gonna get there by staying in the ninja academy. You need to graduate too."

"Sakura, I’m sorry. There’s only two bells, so I couldn’t do anything for you."

"Kazama, you really are my brother! But without you, being a genin by myself wouldn’t mean much. I don’t want this bell."

Naruto handed the bell back to Kazama.

"My Uchiha clan doesn’t accept handouts. But… thanks anyway."

Sasuke followed suit, passing his bell back to Kazama.

"Kazama, you’re starting to look a lot cooler than before."

Even though Sakura didn’t get a bell, her opinion of Kazama had completely changed.

"This Kazama kid… he’s really something."

Kakashi hadn’t expected Kazama to share the bells. It perfectly passed his test: never abandon your comrades, no matter what.

"Kakashi-sensei, so the four of us…"

"You four all pass!"

"What?! But we…"

Sakura could hardly believe Kakashi’s decision.

"Those who break the rules in the ninja world are called trash. But those who abandon their comrades? They’re worse than trash. That’s why all four of you pass!"

"Seriously?! Awesome!"

Naruto was the first to cheer at Kakashi’s verdict.

"Starting tomorrow, we’ll officially begin taking on missions!"

"Yes, sir!"

After they disbanded, Kazama didn’t head home. Instead, he went straight to the Sandaime Hokage’s office. He wanted to secure the Land of Waves mission as soon as possible to recruit Zabuza and Haku.

Not only would this boost his own strength, but it’d also give him two powerful allies to take on Danzo. Sure, in the manga, Team 7 was bound to go to the Land of Waves eventually. But with Kazama, a transmigrator, in the mix, who knew what changes might happen? He had to take the initiative.

"You little punk, sneaking in without even a hello?"

Even though Kazama had slipped past the ANBU guards, the Sandaime Hokage still caught him.

"Hokage-sama, with your skills, I figured you’d know I was here even without a heads-up."

"Alright, you little rascal, quit buttering me up."

The Sandaime chuckled.

"I know you don’t show up unless you want something. So, what’s up?"

"Hokage-sama, if there’s a mission to the Land of Waves, please assign it to Team 7. I want to get some real-world experience."

"With your strength, you still need experience? And specifically in the Land of Waves?"

The Sandaime smirked to himself at Kazama’s request. He didn’t know why Kazama was so set on that mission, but he figured the kid had his reasons. Since he was determined to win Kazama over, he wasn’t about to turn him down.

---

Chapter 17: Heading to the Land of Waves

“Your next mission for Team 7 is…”

Bright and early the next morning, Kakashi led Kazama and the others to the mission hall.

“I, Uzumaki Naruto, am gonna become Hokage one day! So please, give us an important mission!”

Naruto had seen other genin getting stuck with tasks like catching cats or running errands for groceries.

He was terrified that the Third Hokage would saddle Team 7 with something just as lame.

So, the moment they walked in, he started shouting at the Third.

“Yeah, Lord Third, please give us something big!”

Kazama quickly chimed in, backing Naruto up.

Sure, the Third had already promised Kazama yesterday that they could take on the Land of Waves mission today.

But still, appearances had to be maintained.

“Idiots! Genin always start with small tasks. You think you could even handle an escort mission?”

Hearing Naruto and Kazama’s pleas, Sasuke immediately scoffed at them.

“Alright, fine. I’ll assign you a C-rank escort mission!”

“What the—?!”

Seeing the Third Hokage actually agree to Kazama’s request, Sasuke felt his face burn with embarrassment.

“Sasuke, how’s it feel to get slapped in the face at light speed?”

“Hmph! Mind your own business!”

Meanwhile, the other genin in the mission hall were staring.

The Third Hokage had just handed Kazama’s team a C-rank mission.

Cue the wave of envy, jealousy, and resentment from the crowd.

“Awesome! So, who are we escorting? A daimyo? A princess?”

Naruto was practically bouncing with excitement.

Kazama smirked to himself. Not a daimyo or a princess, but a drunk old man who’s about to call you a shorty, Naruto!

“Come in!”

While Kazama was chuckling to himself, the Third Hokage signaled for his staff to bring in the client.

“What’s this? Just a bunch of kids! Can they even protect me? Especially that scrawny black-haired twig over there—are you really a ninja?”

“Scrawny black-haired twig?”

Kazama blinked, caught off guard by the client, Tazuna’s, words.

Wait a sec. In the manga, didn’t Tazuna mock Naruto for being a shorty? Why’s he calling out a scrawny black-haired twig? Who’s the twig?

Kazama glanced around.

Then he noticed Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura all staring at him.

A bead of sweat rolled down his forehead as it hit him.

The “scrawny black-haired twig” Tazuna was talking about… was Kazama himself.

Damn it! I thought this guy was gonna roast Naruto, but he’s coming for me instead?!

Kazama shot Tazuna a dirty look.

“How dare you look down on my bro Kazama! I’m gonna teach you a lesson!”

Naruto, ever loyal, jumped in to defend Kazama’s honor.

“He’s our client, you idiot! Why would you pick a fight with him?”

Kakashi sighed, dragging Naruto out of the room.

As Kazama and the others left, Iruka stepped forward, concern etched on his face.

“Lord Hokage, isn’t it a bit rushed to send Kazama and the others on a C-rank escort mission already?”

“Don’t worry.”

The Third Hokage smiled and shook his head at Iruka’s worries.

“C-rank missions aren’t dangerous. Even if something goes wrong, Kakashi can handle it. And if Kakashi can’t handle it, Kazama’s more than capable of wiping the floor with any enemy!”

See, the Third had watched Team 7’s bell test from start to finish.

Kazama’s Wood Release: Multiple Clones, his Lightning Release: Kirin, and his ability to transform ninjutsu into beast-like forms—those were some serious trump cards.

With those in his arsenal, anyone below Kage-level would have a hard time standing up to him.

That’s why the Third was so confident about letting Kazama head out on this mission.

*Chapter 18: Taking Down a Mist Chunin in One Move*

“Sasuke-kun, I heard Uncle Tazuna’s from the Land of Waves. Do they have ninja there too?”

“Uh…”

Sakura’s question caught Sasuke off guard, and he immediately felt a bit awkward.

Having never left Konohagakure, Sasuke knew next to nothing about the other nations in the shinobi world.

“That kind of stuff is a secret in the Land of Waves. How would us genin know? Only jonin or kage-level ninja would have that intel!”

“The Land of Waves doesn’t have ninja!”

Seeing Sasuke pretend to know what he was talking about, Kazama kicked into his face-slapping mode.

“This guy! Stealing my spotlight again!”

Sasuke shot Kazama a silent glare, fuming inside.

“The Land of Waves is a small island. They don’t need a ninja village.”

“Then which countries do have ninja villages?”

Now Naruto was curious, leaning in closer.

“There are a bunch, but the strongest are the Five Great Shinobi Nations! Konohagakure in the Land of Fire, Sunagakure in the Land of Wind, Kumogakure in the Land of Lightning, Iwagakure in the Land of Earth, and Kirigakure in the Land of Water. Their leaders are called the Hokage, Kazekage, Raikage, Tsuchikage, and Mizukage—the five most powerful ninja in the world right now!”

Naruto, Sakura, and even Sasuke were hanging on Kazama’s every word, completely captivated.

“Wow, Kazama-kun, you know so much!”

Sakura scooted closer to Kazama, her eyes sparkling.

“Ugh, he totally stole my thunder!”

Sasuke wasn’t thrilled to see Sakura drawn in by Kazama’s charm.

Kazama, meanwhile, flashed Sasuke a smug grin.

Sure, his main goal in the Land of Waves was to recruit Zabuza and Haku, and maybe siphon some of Naruto’s Nine-Tails chakra to boost his own strength. But if he could win over a pretty girl like Sakura along the way? That wasn’t a bad bonus.

“Hmph! Knowing a lot doesn’t mean squat. When a real enemy shows up, you’ll still choke!”

Sasuke, bitter about losing his fanbase, took every chance to jab at Kazama.

“Katon: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet!”

Before Sasuke could finish his taunt, Kazama unleashed a Fire Release technique.

Three blazing dragons, infused with the intense power of strange flames, roared toward a nearby puddle.

Moments later, two panicked figures emerged from the water.

“Damn it! How did that kid spot us?!”

“How should I know? Let’s just get outta here!”

“Trying to run? Too late!”

With a cold shout, Kazama sent the three fire dragons splitting off to chase them down.

In mere seconds, the fleeing ninja were reduced to ashes.

From start to finish, Kazama’s attack took only a handful of moments.

Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura were stunned. Even Kakashi’s eyes widened in shock.

He hadn’t even noticed enemies hiding in that puddle beforehand.

But Kazama? Not only did he detect them, he took them out with lightning speed.

“Kazama’s sensory skills are unreal!”

As Kakashi marveled at Kazama’s performance, Kazama casually turned to him.

“Kakashi-sensei, judging by the headbands those two were wearing, they were Kirigakure ninja. Probably chunin-level.”

“His perception and insight are already at jonin level. This kid’s a genius!”

Kakashi couldn’t help but praise Kazama.

“Mr. Tazuna, looks like we need to have a little chat.”

As Kakashi and Tazuna stepped away to talk, Kazama turned to Sasuke with a grin.

“So, Sasuke, how’s it feel to get schooled again?”

Sasuke was speechless, his pride stinging.

He knew he wasn’t on Kazama’s level, but he hadn’t realized the gap was this wide.

When those Kirigakure ninja appeared, Sasuke had frozen in fear.

But Kazama? He took them out effortlessly, looking like he was barely trying.

Sasuke, the so-called genius, suddenly felt like a fool.

“Kazama-kun, you’re so cool!”

Sakura’s heart was completely won over by Kazama’s slick moves.

“Kazama, you can use Katon too? You’re freaking awesome!”

“Just average, y’know,” Kazama said, scratching his head with a shy grin at Naruto’s praise.

Deep down, Kazama was actually pretty humble.

He didn’t want to show off, but his strength just made it inevitable.

Chapter 19: Snatching Zabuza’s Blade Right from the Start

“Mr. Tazuna, I hope you’ll be honest with us. Those two Kirigakure ninjas who ambushed us earlier—were they specifically targeting you?”

“Uh, well…”

Hearing Kakashi’s question, Tazuna hesitated, clearly reluctant to admit the truth.

But secrets can’t stay hidden forever. With a sheepish nod, he finally came clean.

“To be honest, there’s this thug leader in the Land of Waves named Kado. He’s trying to stop me from building a bridge there, so he wants me dead. That’s why I asked you Konoha ninjas to escort me.”

“But you paid for a C-rank mission. That means we’re only prepared to deal with bandits or thieves. If we’re up against ninjas, that’s at least a B-rank mission!”

“The Land of Waves is dirt poor, so I’m begging you—please help me until the bridge is finished! Besides, that kid Kazama is crazy strong, and you’re his teacher, so you’ve gotta be even stronger, right? This mission should be a breeze for you guys! Please, help me out!”

You’re a smooth talker, aren’t you? Kazama’s strength has already surpassed mine. This mission might be easy for him, but not necessarily for me, Kakashi thought to himself.

“Whether we keep helping you isn’t up to me alone. I need to hear everyone’s opinions.”

Truth be told, Kakashi mainly wanted Kazama’s take.

If Kazama was willing to keep escorting Tazuna, Kakashi would feel confident moving forward.

But if even Kazama wasn’t sure about continuing, Kakashi couldn’t guarantee he’d be able to protect Tazuna successfully.

When Kakashi shared the situation with the team, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura fell into deep thought.

Those two ninjas who’d ambushed them earlier were already way out of their league.

If they kept going, the enemy would likely send even stronger shinobi.

And they were just teenagers—how could they take on such a serious mission?

“Kazama, what do you think?”

Seeing that Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura weren’t speaking up, Kakashi turned to Kazama.

“As the saying goes, ‘Kill and plunder for riches, but build bridges and roads for nothing but bones!’ If we abandon this mission now, it’s no different from letting Tazuna die. I’m taking this mission. Not only am I gonna escort Tazuna home, but I’m also gonna make sure he finishes that bridge!”

“Heck yeah! If Kazama’s in, then I’m in too!” Naruto shouted enthusiastically.

“Kazama, you’re so cool! I’m with you all the way!” Sakura swooned, sidling up to Kazama.

“Fine, count me in!” Sasuke mustered his courage and agreed.

“Alright then, let’s hit the road again!”

“Thank you all so much—especially you, Kazama!”

Tazuna hurried over, thanking Kazama profusely.

“Hmph! Just a bunch of ants!”

Suddenly, a cold voice sneered from above.

“Get down!”

Almost at the same instant, Kakashi urgently ordered everyone to duck.

A massive beheading blade was hurtling toward their heads.

“Not a bad sword! I’ll take it!”

Kazama, now cloaked in the Flame, had become near indestructible.

With a casual flick of his hand, he grabbed the spinning Kubikiribōchō mid-air.

Seeing this, Zabuza, perched in the trees, nearly fell off his branch in shock.

*Chapter 20: Crushing a Weakling with Mangekyo Sharingan*

“Kazama, don’t let your guard down. The enemy is Momochi…”

Kakashi turned to look at Kazama as he spoke.

But when he saw Kazama, now cloaked in mysterious flames and gripping the Kubikiribocho, he realized Kazama had every right to be confident.

“Kirigakure’s rogue ninja, Momochi Zabuza!”

Kazama called out, eyeing Zabuza perched on a tree while tightly holding the massive blade.

“Interesting! A little brat like you knows my name? Did I maybe slaughter your family or something?”

Zabuza was inwardly freaking out—his prized Kubikiribocho had been snatched right at the start.

But to keep from looking weak, he forced himself to act calm.

“Hmph! You don’t have the strength to touch my family.”

“Enough talk! Hand over the Kubikiribocho now, and maybe I’ll be kind enough to leave your corpse in one piece.”

“Funny, I’ve never been a fan of keeping my corpse intact. If you can tear me limb from limb, I’d actually thank you for it!”

“Sharp tongue, huh? Let’s see how I deal with you!”

Zabuza darted onto the lake’s surface, his hands already weaving signs.

“He’s standing on water?!”

To Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, who’d never seen anything like this, Zabuza’s move completely blew their minds.

“Suiton: Hidden Mist Jutsu!”

As Zabuza finished his hand signs, a thick fog rolled in, swallowing everyone’s line of sight.

“Crap! Zabuza’s best at using this jutsu to blind his enemies and strike from the shadows. Looks like I’ll have to use my Sharingan!”

Kakashi reached for his headband, ready to uncover his Sharingan to track Zabuza.

“No need for you to step in, Kakashi-sensei. I’ve got this!”

Hearing Kazama say he’d take on Zabuza alone made Kakashi uneasy.

“Kazama, I know you’re strong, but the Hidden Mist Jutsu’s blocking your vision. How are you going to fight him?”

“No jutsu can block these eyes!”

“Mangekyo Sharingan, activate!”

“What?!”

Kakashi’s gaze snapped to Kazama’s eyes.

He watched as Kazama’s normal pupils turned a vivid crimson, forming the three-tomoe Sharingan.

Then, the tomoe spun rapidly, morphing into a three-bladed shuriken pattern.

“Is this the legendary Mangekyo Sharingan, the ultimate dojutsu said to pierce through the three realms and shake the heavens?!”

Kazama’s endless array of ninjutsu had already left Kakashi stunned.

But now, seeing that Kazama possessed a Mangekyo Sharingan even stronger than his own Sharingan? Kakashi was utterly floored, full of admiration.

“Kakashi-sensei, you stay with Naruto and the others. I’ll handle Zabuza.”

“Susanoo!”

With a shout, Kazama summoned the skeletal frame of Susanoo, encircling Kakashi and the team.

His goal was to shield them from any of Zabuza’s attacks.

Even just the skeleton form, with Susanoo’s insane defensive power, was more than enough to fend off Zabuza.

Truth be told, with Kazama’s strength, beating Zabuza didn’t need to be this complicated.

A single Raikiri Kirin or summoning thousands of wolves, tigers, and leopards with his Myriad Beast Spirit Flame would’ve torn Zabuza to shreds.

But Kazama’s plan from the start was to recruit Zabuza.

So he needed to flex his overwhelming power to intimidate him.

That way, bringing Zabuza to his side later would be a piece of cake.

Just then, a voice called out from behind Kazama.