*Chapter 178: Lightning Transformation – Chidori! *

“This…”

Hayate Gekkō and Uzuki Yugao froze, exchanging a glance. Through the slits in their masks, they saw each other's shock.

*Uchiha Sasuke!*

That name filled them with a deep sense of helplessness.

“Why is Lord Jiraiya looking for Sasuke?”

Hayate Gekkō asked in confusion. He knew he couldn’t track Sasuke—having witnessed Sasuke’s terrifying speed, he understood one thing.

Sasuke was impossible to follow!

His speed alone was unmatched and left everyone far behind.

“He’s my teacher.”

Jiraiya grinned, saying something that shocked both Hayate and Yugao to their core.

What?!

Did they hear that right?

The two stared at Jiraiya dumbfoundedly, their breathing quickening.

“Lord Jiraiya, did you mean to say you’re Sasuke’s teacher instead?”

Yugao’s voice trembled as she asked.

Forget who’s teaching who!

Even if Jiraiya were Sasuke’s teacher, it would still be shocking!

“I didn’t misspeak, and you didn’t mishear. Sasuke is my teacher, and I am his student.”

Jiraiya smiled broadly.

He said this without the slightest embarrassment—on the contrary, he seemed immensely proud.

“You people are too one-dimensional in your thinking. You fail to see Sasuke-sensei’s extraordinary talents in other areas!”

Jiraiya spoke meaningfully, refraining from further explanation. He didn’t clarify because, for some things:

If you understand, you understand.

If you don’t, explaining won’t help. Over time, you’ll naturally come to understand.

No need to elaborate!

Jiraiya knew very well that his peers, his fellow book enthusiasts, would eventually become Sasuke’s most loyal fans.

“Sasuke, he…”

Hayate Gekkō hesitated, his words stuck in his throat.

“What about him?”

Jiraiya stared curiously at Hayate’s mask, finding him rather intriguing.

“He’s out on a mission!”

Hayate answered in a deep voice, avoiding Jiraiya’s gaze as he spoke, unable to meet his eyes.

“So he’s on a mission. Why be so hesitant about saying it? No problem, I’ll just wait for him to return.”

Jiraiya waved his hand dismissively and walked into the Hidden Leaf Village. Though slightly disappointed, he didn’t show it.

Missions were unavoidable.

He would wait for Sasuke to return and then enjoy the next part of this “story.”

Having waited this long, what were a few more days?

---

*Land of Fire*

*In the forest…*

“Achoo!”

Sasuke sneezed as a cold breeze passed, making him shiver slightly.

Strange.

He frowned. With his S-rank physique, how could such a minor breeze affect him?

*+20*

At that moment, a number appeared in Sasuke’s vision, signaling an increase in points.

Hmm?

Sasuke paused.

He hadn’t even done anything impressive!

Why were points suddenly added?

Was it Ebisu-sensei?

Or… Guy-sensei?

Sasuke felt puzzled. He had passively impressed someone without knowing who it was.

*+30*

Suddenly, another notification popped up.

Two consecutive boosts made Sasuke realize he was still passively impressing someone—continuously.

After these two occurrences, the activity stopped.

Sasuke and his group of five continued toward the border of the Land of Fire. The air grew cooler with every step.

“Sasuke, are you catching a cold?”

Sakura had been watching him since his sneeze, her eyes filled with concern.

“I’m fine.”

Sasuke shook his head, understanding now that his sneeze was likely due to someone talking about him behind his back.

“We’re now in the southeastern part of the Land of Fire, close to the sea. The wind here is stronger, and the temperature is lower. Stay cautious,” Kakashi said, scanning Team 7.

“Yes!”

The three of them replied in unison.

During their journey, Team 7 became more familiar with Tazuna, the bridge builder, and their conversations grew more diverse.

From these discussions, Sasuke reorganized his understanding of this early mission from the Naruto series.

The opposition to building the bridge in the Land of Waves came from a wealthy tycoon—a shipping magnate named Gato.

He was the primary antagonist of this mission.

If Tazuna hadn’t mentioned it, Sasuke might have completely forgotten about Gato, focusing instead on Zabuza.

After all, this plotline occurred so early in the series that Sasuke’s memories were faint.

So far…

No enemies had appeared.

Based on the current situation, Gato had only sent two ninjas from the Mist Village as his initial effort.

Five days later…

The group of five reached the coastline.

The sea was shrouded in mist, visibility low, and nothing was clearly discernible.

“Once we cross this sea, we’ll be out of the Land of Fire’s territory.”

Tazuna looked at Kakashi and the others, his expression serious.

“You’ve already been briefed on the situation here.”

“The Land of Waves’ shipping industry is completely under Gato’s control.”

“The only hope lies in the nearly completed bridge.”

“But this bridge is also Gato’s biggest threat!”

“Please ensure my safety at all costs!”

Tazuna’s face was grim—he knew better than anyone the gravity of this matter.

The future of the Land of Waves was at stake!

As for why such a critical task was categorized as a mere C-rank mission…

The answer was simple.

They had no money!

“Don’t worry. Since we’ve accepted this mission, we’ll ensure your safety.”

Kakashi nodded confidently. As a Jonin from the Hidden Leaf, he had faith in his abilities.

“Thank you.”

Tazuna gave Kakashi a deep look, his face showing relief.

“We’ll take a boat across.”

Tazuna pointed toward a nearby dock, where several small boats were moored.

One of the boatmen, wearing a straw hat, appeared to be a close acquaintance of Tazuna.

He had been the one to help Tazuna leave the Land of Waves.

“Tazuna!”

The boatman waved at him, signaling his position and calling him over.

“Hurry and get on board!”

The boatman’s voice rang clearly in their ears.

“Coming,” Tazuna responded.

--

Tazuna turned to glance at Kakashi and the group of four, lowering his voice as he said, “Once we’re on the boat, we’ll almost be there.”

“Understood,” Kakashi replied with a nod, following Tazuna onto the boat.

One by one, Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke boarded as well. The small boat swayed gently as it floated over the sea.

“Whoa!”

“The ocean!”

“It’s so foggy!”

“A vast, white mist!”

“So spectacular!”

Standing at the bow, Naruto exclaimed in wonder, behaving as though he’d never seen anything like it before.

“You’ll see the bridge up ahead soon,” Tazuna said, a proud smile spreading across his face at the mention of the bridge.

“Whoa!” Naruto’s excitement was uncontainable as he nearly jumped out of the boat.

“Hey, kid, calm down! Can’t you see I’m rowing this thing without even starting the engine? If Gato’s men spot us, we’re all doomed!” the boatman hissed.

Only then did everyone notice the engine at the stern of the boat, though the boatman was paddling manually.

It felt a bit like they were smuggling. This boatman was one of the people oppressed by Gato, who controlled all maritime transport in the Land of Waves.

Even so, the boatman was taking this risk because Tazuna represented the final hope for the nation. Once the bridge was completed, the Land of Waves could free itself from Gato’s stranglehold—a critical turning point.

“It’s fine,” Sasuke said calmly, his voice quiet but firm enough for everyone on the boat to hear.

Suddenly, Tazuna and the boatman’s gazes shifted to Sasuke.

+10

A number floated in Sasuke’s mind, ticking upward.

“Kid, don’t say reckless things! If Gato hears this, we’re finished!” the boatman scolded, frowning deeply and glancing around nervously. The boat was already taking a considerable risk.

“We’re here to solve the problem,” Sasuke replied nonchalantly. His words caused the boatman to shudder involuntarily.

+15

The number in Sasuke’s mind ticked up again.

“What… What did you just say?” The boatman stared at Sasuke in disbelief, sizing up the seemingly overconfident boy who appeared to be no older than eleven or twelve.

“Even if the bridge is completed, as long as Gato remains, there will be no peace. Don’t you understand that?” Sasuke shook his head lightly, his tone indifferent.

+20

The number in Sasuke’s mind rose once more.

“Of course, we understand that,” Tazuna sighed, his face etched with helplessness.

“Gato’s forces are powerful, and he employs skilled ninja. We can’t stand up to him,” the boatman added.

“Which is why we’re here to handle it,” Sasuke stated evenly, his expression unreadable.

+25

The number in Sasuke’s mind increased again.

“Ah…” The boatman gave up trying to reason with Sasuke, assuming the boy had no understanding of the harsh realities of the world.

“Tazuna,” the boatman said, turning back to him, “to be safe, let’s take the underground waterway with aquatic plants.”

“Thank you for going to such lengths,” Tazuna said, casting the boatman a grateful look. He understood how much risk the man was taking.

“Don’t mention it, Tazuna. We’re almost there. We’ve been lucky so far!” The boatman smiled, though his relief was palpable. He had been on edge the entire journey, afraid of being discovered by Gato’s men.

Soon, the boat approached a reed-filled area under the bridge. As it glided through the reeds, they neared the wooden dock on the shore.

“This is as far as I can take you, Tazuna. Be careful!” the boatman said, visibly relieved to end the tense journey.

“Thank you,” Tazuna replied with a smile before stepping onto the dock.

Kakashi’s team of four followed, disembarking and standing on the wooden planks.

“Tazuna, I’m heading back now,” the boatman said as he started the engine. With the rumble of the motor, the boat vanished into the mist.

Kakashi watched Tazuna’s back, a trace of unease on his face. The fact that they’d traveled this safely so far meant that the enemy was likely waiting ahead. And the opponents wouldn’t be mere Chunin—it had to be Jonin-level adversaries.

What a hassle.

Just as the group began moving forward, Sasuke’s ears twitched. He caught a sound, his lips curling into a slight smile.

“Interesting,” he murmured. His voice was soft, yet it reached everyone’s ears, including someone hidden in the shadows.

+10

The number in Sasuke’s mind ticked upward again.

“What’s interesting?” Naruto asked curiously, looking at Sasuke but failing to discern anything.

Sakura, for her part, was completely lost.

Only Kakashi looked at Sasuke with a serious expression. Could Sasuke have noticed something?

“If you’re here, come out. Why hide?” Sasuke suddenly turned his gaze toward a dense tree, its branches concealing the view.

“Is there something there?” Naruto asked, peering in the same direction but seeing and hearing nothing.

Kakashi’s expression grew more grave. Sasuke wouldn’t act without reason.

If Sasuke had noticed something, it must be significant—even if Kakashi himself hadn’t detected anything.

+20

The number in Sasuke’s mind ticked up again, as if the system had recognized this as a moment to flaunt his prowess.

When nothing happened, it became evident the hidden figure thought Sasuke was bluffing and remained still.

“If you won’t come out, I’ll bring you out myself,” Sasuke said, flicking his wrist to produce three Flying Thunder God kunai.

Swish!

With a deft motion, Sasuke hurled the first kunai toward the tree.

Simultaneously, he launched a second kunai into a nearby bush.

Both kunai flew in different directions with sharp precision.

Thud!

The first kunai struck the tree trunk, making a dull sound but stirring nothing.

Thunk!

The second kunai hit a white rabbit.

“What’s this all about?” Tazuna asked, initially tense but now exasperated by Sasuke’s actions.

“All that fuss over a rabbit?” Tazuna muttered in disbelief.

Kakashi, however, narrowed his eyes. Something was off. This wasn’t an ordinary rabbit—it was a snow rabbit, often used in ninja substitution techniques.

There really was an enemy nearby. Sasuke had detected them so quickly, while Kakashi himself hadn’t noticed a thing.

---

Under the watchful eyes of the three, Sasuke calmly raised his hand, reaching for the hilt of the Executioner's Blade.

*Snap!*

In an instant.

A resounding noise broke the silence.

Under everyone's astonished gaze, Sasuke firmly grasped the Executioner's Blade, the sheer size of the weapon starkly contrasting with his lithe frame.

"Decided to drop your weapon and surrender already?"

Sasuke held the blade tightly, feeling its immense weight and solid craftsmanship. For an ordinary person, lifting it would be impossible.

However, Sasuke was far from ordinary. As someone who had previously wielded tools used in the Raikage's training, the Executioner's Blade didn’t seem all that heavy in comparison.

*+25*

A number abruptly flickered before Sasuke’s eyes.

*Whoosh!*

In that very moment, a figure leapt onto the blade Sasuke held horizontally, adding the weight of their entire body to the weapon.

Sasuke's wrist didn’t even tremble; he bore the additional weight with ease.

*+30*

The number jumped again before his eyes.

*Shing!*

Every gaze in the room shifted to the figure standing atop the Executioner’s Blade.

The figure wore gray striped pants, leopard-patterned guards on their arms and legs, and a Hidden Mist forehead protector. Their face was wrapped in bandages.

"You are…" Kakashi's expression turned grave, his voice serious.

"A rogue ninja from the Hidden Mist," he said.

"Zabuza Momochi!"

Kakashi positioned himself between Zabuza, Naruto, and Sakura, his demeanor sharp and focused.

"Stand back, both of you. Don’t interfere. Facing him…" Kakashi began lifting his forehead protector, but Sasuke interrupted.

"Kakashi-sensei, let me handle him as practice."

Sasuke’s calm voice rang out as he forcefully swung the Executioner’s Blade, flinging Zabuza off balance.

*+35*

The number jumped again in Sasuke’s field of vision.

Zabuza performed a mid-air somersault before landing gracefully on the ground, exuding an overwhelming presence.

"So, the legendary Sharingan Kakashi. Meeting you here is an honor," Zabuza sneered, fixing his gaze on Kakashi, completely disregarding Sasuke.

"Excuse me," Sasuke muttered.

He drove the Executioner's Blade into the ground with a heavy thud, embedding it halfway into the earth. Letting go, he left a Flying Thunder God seal on the hilt.

"You’re not qualified to face my teacher yet. Right now..." Sasuke's tone grew sharper. "You’ll be my sparring partner."

As Sasuke spoke, his black eyes transformed. Three tomoe-shaped marks emerged, forming the Three-Tomoe Sharingan.

Sasuke refrained from revealing his Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, keeping that power concealed for now. Against Zabuza, the Three-Tomoe Sharingan would suffice.

*+40*

The number flickered again.

"A Sharingan user too, huh?" Zabuza sneered, showing no respect in his gaze, only faint contempt.

"Kid, if you’re so eager to die, I’ll take care of you first. Then I’ll deal with Kakashi."

With that, Zabuza vanished, diving into a nearby pool of water.

*Splash!*

Water rippled as Zabuza disappeared beneath the surface. Moments later, the surface became calm again.

"Kakashi-sensei, leave this to me," Sasuke said as he stepped onto the water, his feet steady against the ripples.

*+45*

The number jumped once more.

"Kakashi-sensei, Sasuke..." Sakura's voice wavered with concern.

"Let him handle it." Kakashi nodded solemnly, uncertain of Sasuke's current power but knowing it had surpassed Chūnin level.

This would be Sasuke's test. And if anything went wrong, Kakashi was ready to intervene.

Just then, Zabuza emerged from the water, standing on its surface. He immediately began weaving hand signs.

Facing him, Sasuke’s Sharingan tracked every movement, carefully observing Zabuza’s hand signs and the flow of chakra.

In perfect synchronization, Sasuke mirrored Zabuza’s hand signs, his movements identical.

From an observer’s perspective, it was as if the two were reflections of each other.

*+50*

The number surged upward again.

"What’s happening?" Sakura whispered, her mind racing.

"No clue," Naruto replied. "It looks like Sasuke’s copying Zabuza’s jutsu!"

"Sasuke is duplicating his ninjutsu," Kakashi thought, astonished.

But something puzzled him. Sasuke didn’t seem to possess water chakra affinity. How was this possible?

"Ninja Art…"

"Ninja Art…"

Zabuza and Sasuke’s voices overlapped perfectly.

"Hidden Mist Jutsu!"

As their words echoed in unison, a dense mist shrouded the battlefield, obscuring all vision.

Both figures vanished into the white fog.

*Ding!*

"Congratulations, Host, on learning [Ninja Art: Hidden Mist Jutsu]!"

A voice echoed in Sasuke's mind, confirming his mastery of the technique.

Sasuke smirked slightly, satisfied with the outcome. He could now use the Sharingan to learn ninjutsu efficiently. And with a water chakra affinity, this technique was worth acquiring.

*Whoosh!*

Suddenly, Zabuza appeared before Sasuke, a kunai aimed directly at him.

"You’re too slow," Sasuke said indifferently. With a subtle tilt of his head, he avoided the attack effortlessly.

*+50*

The number climbed higher.

The Hidden Mist Jutsu was designed to obscure vision, but for Sasuke, Zabuza’s every movement was audible and predictable. Speed-wise, Zabuza didn’t stand a chance.

Even if Sasuke stood still, Zabuza's kunai wouldn’t have scratched him.

*Shing!*

Zabuza landed a short distance away, his expression hardened.

"Kid, I underestimated you. But this is my domain!"

Hidden within the mist, Zabuza began weaving hand signs again.

Although Sasuke couldn’t see Zabuza’s movements, he heard them clearly.

Suddenly, Sasuke's eyes shifted again. The tomoe connected, forming a six-pointed star with intersecting shuriken—a sign of the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan.

Instantly, his vision pierced through the chakra-laden mist.

Even water clones couldn’t fool his gaze now.

In that moment...

---

Sasuke’s hands moved rapidly, forming hand seals at a speed equal to Zabuza's. Through the thick mist, the two mirrored each other’s actions perfectly.

“Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu!”

“Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu!”

Both Zabuza and Sasuke called out simultaneously. As their voices echoed, the water beneath their feet surged upward, forming two massive water dragons.

The dragons clashed fiercely.

They intertwined.

They spiraled.

They collided.

Water erupted onto the shore, spraying Kakashi and the others.

Finally, the two streams of water dissipated after a fierce collision.

*+55*

The number before Sasuke’s eyes jumped once again.

“Ding!”

“Congratulations, host! You’ve learned [Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu]!”

A system notification rang in Sasuke’s mind.

“So, this is the Sharingan’s ability to copy jutsu,” Sasuke thought.

Zabuza’s bloodshot eyes narrowed. In the instant the spray of water scattered, he grabbed his kunai and charged straight at Sasuke.

The water roared.

The mist thickened.

Those on the shore could only protect themselves, unable to fully track the movements of the two combatants.

In an instant, Zabuza appeared in front of Sasuke, his kunai aimed precisely at Sasuke’s heart.

“This time, you won’t be fast enough,” Zabuza growled.

“Your Sharingan is impressive,” he continued with a smirk, “but I’ll take it for myself!”

As Zabuza spoke, his blade thrust into Sasuke’s body.

Yet, there was no sensation of piercing flesh.

“What…?”

Zabuza’s pupils shrank as he noticed lightning surging around his wrist.

“Lightning Style: Chidori.”

Suddenly, Sasuke’s cold voice rang out.

In an instant, Sasuke transformed into a blinding, terrifying bolt of lightning, resembling a piercing spear.

It was Chidori!

Sasuke’s entire body was enveloped in electricity, reshaped into a living embodiment of Chidori.

This wasn’t just the Chidori concentrated in his hand, nor was it the Chidori Stream that emanates from the body.

At this moment—

Sasuke was the Chidori!

*Zzzzzzt…*

Dazzling lightning crackled with an overwhelming aura, rushing at Zabuza’s chest with unrelenting speed.

The distance was too close!

Zabuza had no chance to dodge!

*Swoosh!*

The lightning tore through Zabuza’s chest, leaving a massive, gaping hole.

*Zzzzzzt…*

Electric arcs flickered as the attack subsided.

Behind Zabuza—

Sasuke’s form reappeared, his expression indifferent, as if he’d done something utterly trivial.

*+60*

The number before Sasuke’s eyes jumped once more.

*Splash!*

Zabuza collapsed into the water, blood gushing from his chest and dyeing the surface crimson...

(End of Chapter)