66-70

Chapter 66: Clash

A gray mist enveloped the entire bridge.

"Not good, it's the Hidden Mist Jutsu!"

Kakashi exclaimed, shielding everyone behind him, and pulling back the forehead protector covering his left eye, revealing the crimson three-tomoe Sharingan.

This was the first time Kimimaro had seen the Sharingan.

"So this is the Sharingan of the Copy Ninja Kakashi? Truly amazing."

Kimimaro couldn't help but admire it in his heart.

Ocular power!

Just this single three-tomoe Sharingan made Kimimaro feel pressure.

It showed how astonishing the power of the Sharingan was.

Of course, in the entire Uchiha clan for nearly a hundred years, there wouldn't be more than ten people who could wield the Sharingan to Kakashi's level.

But even so, facing the Hidden Mist Jutsu, the Sharingan's power would be somewhat diminished.

The Sharingan wasn't the Byakugan, it didn't have the ability to see through things.

If vision was obstructed, it was obstructed, creating blind spots.

The Hidden Mist Jutsu would increase these blind spots.

This was the method Zabuza thought of to counter the Sharingan after his battle with Kakashi.

It could be said that the Hidden Mist Jutsu was one of the few ninjutsu that could restrain the Sharingan.

But unfortunately, this technique appeared very few times in the later stages.

Not only against the Sharingan, but also against the vision-sharing Rinnegan, the Hidden Mist Jutsu was also a countermeasure.

Kakashi looked through his crimson left eye into the thick fog and couldn't help but frown.

Ninja battles were about information warfare, and now, he was at a disadvantage.

Zabuza had found a way to counter him, while his understanding of Zabuza wasn't comprehensive enough.

This was how ninja battles were, whoever had more complete information had a higher chance of winning.

"Kakashi, we meet again. You're still the same, bringing along these useless brats."

Zabuza's voice echoed on the bridge.

"You're indeed still alive."

"Hehe, want to kill me? It's not that easy."

As soon as Zabuza finished speaking, six Zabuza appeared around them.

Water Release: Water Clone Jutsu!

Similar to the Shadow Clone Jutsu, but its power was at most one-tenth of the original, and it couldn't stray too far from the original.

Its only advantage was that its abilities would be enhanced in water.

"Water Clone Jutsu again! This time, it won't be so easy to defeat us!"

Naruto and Sasuke exchanged glances and attacked simultaneously!

Chakra gathered at their feet, and their speed instantly increased!

The results of their many days of tree climbing training were displayed at this moment.

Two figures intertwined, and Zabuza's six water clones were instantly broken, six puddles of water scattering on the ground.

"Hey, did you see that? This is the result of our training!"

Naruto's face was full of pride.

"Oh? Have you gotten stronger?"

Zabuza and Haku emerged from the thick fog, their figures flickering, making it difficult to pinpoint their location.

"We can't hold back this time, Haku. Otherwise, we'll be in trouble."

"It seems so, Zabuza-san."

Zabuza's gaze fell on Kimimaro, who was standing to the side.

"Kimimaro Kaguya, what are you doing mixed up with these Konoha people? After leaving Kirigakure, are you planning to join Konoha?"

"Kaguya?"

Kakashi was taken aback and also looked at Kimimaro.

He naturally knew what this surname represented.

The Kaguya clan, the Shikotsumyaku!

It was once a renowned bloodline limit clan in the ninja world.

But four years ago, this thousand-year-old clan was annihilated by Kirigakure.

Could there still be a survivor?

Sasuke also glanced at Kimimaro curiously.

Coming from a prestigious clan, he naturally knew about the Kaguya clan.

"Is he also a survivor of his clan, like me?"

Thinking of this, Sasuke felt a bit more empathy towards Kimimaro.

People with similar experiences tended to resonate with each other.

"I didn't expect to see you here, Zabuza-san. I'm currently a Sound ninja, and my purpose here is only to kill Gato."

Kimimaro pointed to the Sound Village forehead protector on his forehead.

"Kill Gato? Then don't get in the way of my mission. Considering we're both missing-nin from Kirigakure, I'll spare your life. After I kill them and take Gato's bounty, I won't care how you kill him."

"I'm sorry, Zabuza-san. I've already decided to cooperate with these Konoha friends. Today, I won't back down."

"You foolish brat. Since you refuse to retreat, I'll leave you here along with them!"

Zabuza was also a proud person. Since Kimimaro wouldn't retreat, he would deal with him too.

So what if he was a genius from the Kaguya clan?

Who here wasn't a genius?

"I'm also very interested in experiencing Zabuza-san's skills. The Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist were once Kirigakure's signature. But now, I wonder if this signature is still resounding."

Hearing this, Zabuza's eyes flashed with a fierce light.

"After your blood feeds my Executioner's Blade, you'll know if this signature is still resounding or not."

Zabuza gripped the Executioner's Blade, pointing it directly at Kimimaro.

The atmosphere instantly heated up.

A battle was about to break out.

Seeing Kimimaro facing Zabuza without fear, Sasuke's group was a bit surprised.

Recalling the fear they felt when they first faced Zabuza, the two were not on the same level at all.

"That's truly something to look forward to."

Kimimaro extended his right hand, and pale white bones emerged from his palm, then landed in his hand.

"What? Bones are coming out of his body?"

Everyone was shocked.

"There's no mistake, this is the Shikotsumyaku of the Kaguya clan!"

Kakashi said gravely.

Seeing this scene, Sasuke's group felt a chill in their hearts.

Using bones as weapons indeed didn't seem like something a normal person would do.

"Dance of the Camellia!"

Kimimaro launched the first attack!

With the bone sword in hand, he thrust directly at Zabuza not far away!

Chakra surged under his feet, and he burst forth with astonishing speed.

In the blink of an eye, the bone sword was already in front of Zabuza.

Clang!

The massive Executioner's Blade blocked in front, receiving Kimimaro's unstoppable sword strike.

"Brat, you're quite impatient."

Zabuza's face was cold.

Kimimaro didn't reply, his attack hadn't ended yet.

His sword was blocked, but he twisted his waist and attacked from the side.

A whip kick swept towards Zabuza's left ribs.

Zabuza's pupils contracted, he hadn't expected Kimimaro's body to be so flexible, and his counterattack so fast!

He extended his left hand and immediately blocked the kick.

A tremendous force transmitted through, and he almost lost his footing.

His left whip kick was blocked, but Kimimaro twisted his body again, and his right leg also kicked out!

Zabuza dodged!

The right whip kick swept past his ear, accompanied by a sharp whistling sound.

Before Zabuza could catch his breath,

The sword, which had changed direction, attacked once more!

Clang!

Zabuza swung his right hand forcefully, and the Executioner's Blade clumsily parried the sword strike.

The sword was deflected, and Kimimaro, in mid-air, kicked out with both legs!

Thump!

Both feet landed on the blade of the Executioner's Blade, and with a forceful stomp, Zabuza retreated several steps before stabilizing himself.

Kimimaro leaped up, extended his left hand, and spread his five fingers, aiming at Zabuza.

"Five Finger Bullet!"

Five finger bones shot out simultaneously!

Like five bullets, piercing towards him!

"Damn it!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 67: Reversal!

Zabuza exclaimed in alarm, not expecting Kimimaro's attack to be so fluid and swift, each move followed by another, with incredible speed.

The Executioner's Blade was massive, and Zabuza's preferred swordsmanship was also wide and sweeping.

Facing Kimimaro's agile, speed-based sword and taijutsu style naturally proved challenging.

Once cornered, Zabuza found himself on the receiving end of attacks.

Having finally created some distance, Kimimaro's Five Finger Bullet technique blocked all of Zabuza's escape routes.

No matter how he dodged, he would be hit by one of the finger bones.

Zabuza frowned slightly. Despite his earlier alarm, he now stood still, seemingly unconcerned about Kimimaro's attack.

At that moment, five senbon shot from the side!

Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!

The senbon collided with the finger bones, both falling to the ground.

Haku had intervened!

"Zabuza-sensei, this person is very fast. Close combat is not advisable."

Haku stood beside Zabuza, wary of Kimimaro.

"Indeed. As expected of a survivor of the Kaguya clan, his taijutsu is not to be underestimated."

Zabuza agreed with Haku's assessment.

The Kaguya clan's taijutsu had always been renowned in the ninja world.

Only the Hyuga clan, another bloodline limit clan, could rival the Kaguya in taijutsu.

Kimimaro landed, unfazed that his attack had failed.

Zabuza's taijutsu was not weak. Even if the attack had landed, it would have only caused minor injuries.

If he hadn't caught Zabuza off guard, using his strengths against Zabuza's weaknesses, he might not have been able to suppress him so effectively.

Now that Zabuza understood his advantage, a repeat attempt wouldn't yield the same favorable outcome.

The brief clash between Kimimaro and Zabuza left Team 7 dumbfounded.

"So strong! He actually gained the upper hand against Zabuza?"

Naruto exclaimed.

Sasuke clenched his fists even tighter.

As fellow survivors of their respective clans, the power gap between him and Kimimaro was immense.

Their taijutsu alone was on two different levels.

"Damn it, I'm still too weak. How did he train? Are the resources in the Sound Village even better than in Konoha?"

Such doubts arose in Sasuke's mind.

Kakashi, on the other hand, was inwardly relieved.

With Kimimaro's strength, today's situation shouldn't be too dangerous.

"Sakura, Naruto, protect Tazuna and his family. Sasuke, Kimimaro, we'll engage the enemy."

Kakashi immediately issued orders.

"What? I want to fight too!"

Naruto protested.

"Naruto, follow orders!"

"Yes, Kakashi-sensei."

In such a battle, disobeying orders would only harm oneself and others.

"Hehe, tremble in fear and await your demise."

Zabuza sneered, then vanished into the thick fog with Haku.

The surrounding fog grew denser.

Visibility, once five meters, now barely reached three.

Moreover, the situation worsened, and the field of vision shrank further.

"Not good, he's going to use Silent Killing! Everyone, be careful!"

Kakashi shouted in alarm.

In these conditions, Silent Killing held a tremendous advantage.

Kakashi himself wasn't afraid, but the others lacked such confidence.

If Zabuza struck, it would almost certainly be a one-hit kill.

The Hidden Mist Technique obscured vision, and Silent Killing provided stealth—a perfect combination.

This was Zabuza's specialty.

Sakura flanked Tazuna's family on both sides.

Sasuke and Kakashi stood a bit further away, on high alert.

Kimimaro flashed and landed in front of Tazuna's family, pretending to form hand seals.

"Silent Barrier! Reverse!"

As he spoke, a three-meter barrier expanded outward, centered on Tazuna's family.

Naruto and Sakura were outside the barrier.

Having done this, Kimimaro scanned the surroundings, searching for the enemy's trace.

"Not good!"

Kakashi seemed to have noticed something and exclaimed in alarm.

He moved swiftly, rushing towards Tazuna and his family.

But it was too late.

Zabuza had already appeared beside Tazuna's family, his Executioner's Blade swinging!

This strike could end all three lives at once!

But in the next moment, Tazuna's family vanished from beneath the Executioner's Blade.

They were gone!

All three of them had disappeared!

The Executioner's Blade missed its target.

Zabuza couldn't help but be taken aback.

At that moment, Tazuna's family reappeared ten meters away.

"This... what happened?"

Tazuna didn't understand what had transpired, only feeling as if he had been displaced from his original location.

Regardless, they were safe for now.

Zabuza's eyes widened in disbelief.

"This is... Space-Time Ninjutsu? No, impossible. How could someone his age possess such a high-level technique?"

Kakashi, who had arrived, was equally shocked by the scene.

Silent Barrier, Reverse!

If a completely silent person appeared within the barrier, it would activate, transferring those making noise within the barrier to the outside.

Zabuza's Silent Killing could eliminate even the sound of breathing, and the rapid breaths of Tazuna's family were loud noises within the Silent Barrier.

This reverse application of the Silent Barrier was a result of Kimimaro's sudden inspiration after mastering it to a certain extent.

The wonders of the Silent card were truly numerous.

"They... disappeared?"

Naruto and Sakura were utterly bewildered. They had never witnessed such a technique before.

In the thick fog, although they couldn't see clearly, they could hear the voices of Tazuna's family coming from several meters away.

People suddenly vanishing before their eyes and reappearing elsewhere?

Body Flicker Technique?

They weren't ninja, how could they know such a technique?

Then the scene unfolding before them must be the work of this white-haired boy.

How did he do it?

"If you want to kill them, you'll have to get through all of us first."

Kimimaro stared at Zabuza.

"Kimimaro, you shouldn't oppose me."

Zabuza's eyes blazed with intense killing intent.

Suddenly, crystal-like mirrors began to materialize around Kimimaro, Naruto, and Sakura.

Ice Release! Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals!

"What is this?"

Sakura wondered.

The next moment, a tremendous force propelled her from behind, pushing her out of the forming Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals.

The one who acted was Sasuke!

"Leave this to us, go protect Tazuna-san!"

Sasuke took Sakura's place and whispered.

"Sasuke!"

Sakura wanted to rush back in, but Kakashi stopped her.

"Sakura, don't waste Sasuke's good intentions. That strange technique is likely cast by the masked boy. The three of them should be able to handle it. I'll take down Zabuza. Gato might send other assassins anytime, and Tazuna-san needs protection."

"But..."

"Ninja obey orders!"

Seeing Kakashi's seriousness, Sakura dared not argue further and rushed to Tazuna's family.

The battle entered its second phase.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 68: Lightning Strikes!

*Demonic Ice Crystal Mirrors*

The Snow Clan's bloodline secret technique.

It condenses dozens of ice mirrors, encasing the enemy within a confined space.

The user merges with the mirrors, able to move swiftly between them.

"Haku, show them no mercy."

Zabuza gave Haku one final warning.

Today's situation was dire; if Haku held back, they would be in grave danger.

"Yes, Zabuza-sensei."

As soon as the words left his lips, Haku's figure appeared on dozens of ice mirrors.

The red and white mask added a touch of mystery to his presence.

"What kind of jutsu is this? It looks so strange."

Naruto gulped, cold sweat dripping from his forehead.

Sasuke's eyes darted around, searching for a weakness in this technique.

Kimimaro, gripping his bone sword, was ready to strike at any moment.

Outside the Demonic Ice Crystal Mirrors, Kakashi's face was etched with worry.

"It's probably hard to break this technique from the inside, but from the outside... it should be much easier."

With this thought, Kakashi began to form hand seals.

But just then, a large sword was thrown from within the ice mirrors!

Whoosh!

The giant Executioner's Blade whistled through the air, slashing directly at Kakashi!

Kakashi's pupils shrank, forced to pause his hand seals and evade the attack.

Zabuza suddenly appeared, catching the spinning blade as it returned.

"Your opponent is me."

Zabuza's body blocked Kakashi's path.

Kakashi's expression darkened, knowing that he couldn't reinforce Sasuke and the others without dealing with Zabuza first.

Within the ice mirrors, Haku shifted his form, appearing on every mirror, holding senbon needles in both hands.

"I don't want to hurt you, but for Zabuza-sama's sake, please stay still!"

Haku's voice turned cold.

Then, countless senbon needles shot from all directions!

"Ah!"

Naruto and Sasuke cried out in unison as the senbon pierced their bodies, leaving countless wounds.

But Kimimaro's situation was entirely different.

He drew his bone sword, creating a flash of light.

"Dance of the Larch!"

The white sword light flickered, deflecting each incoming senbon.

The sound of senbon clashing with the bone sword was endless, sparks flying.

After the onslaught, the dense rain of senbon hadn't even torn Kimimaro's clothes, let alone left a wound.

In contrast, Naruto and Sasuke looked rather miserable.

Their bodies were covered in countless small wounds.

Several senbon were even embedded in their arms.

The wounds weren't large, but the pain was intense.

"This guy..."

Beneath the mask, Haku frowned. He hadn't expected Kimimaro to so easily deflect his attack.

This was going to be troublesome.

In comparison, the two Leaf genin were much easier to deal with.

If he got serious, they would fall in an instant.

The first round of probing allowed Haku to gauge the three's strength.

Kimimaro was the strongest, Naruto the weakest, and Sasuke in the middle.

"Are you alright?"

Kimimaro stepped forward, shielding the injured two.

Sasuke and Naruto were surprised to see Kimimaro completely unscathed.

"We're fine, just minor injuries. What was that attack? I couldn't see it at all."

Naruto exclaimed.

"He used senbon, a massive amount, shot from all directions, leaving us no time to react. No, not us, just you and me. Kimimaro was able to track the trajectory and block all the attacks."

Sasuke's dark eyes moved faster and faster, a hint of crimson slowly awakening within them.

His words held a trace of envy for Kimimaro's strength.

What kind of training had he undergone to possess such power?

"There's no time for discussion now. Secret Technique: Thousand Flying Water Needles of Death!"

Haku's figure appeared in all the ice mirrors simultaneously.

In the next moment, the Haku within each mirror lunged out!

His speed reached its peak, each hand holding a senbon, launching an attack!

Dozens of afterimages charged forward!

"Watch out!"

Kimimaro shouted, and Sasuke and Naruto immediately raised their guard.

But raising their guard wasn't enough to deal with this attack.

"Oh no! He's aiming for Naruto!"

Sasuke yelled, his Sharingan clearly seeing Haku's movements.

It seemed like a group attack on all three of them, but the real target was only Naruto.

He wanted to eliminate one first!

Sasuke's body moved, rushing towards Naruto without hesitation.

Facing the imminent attack, Naruto was terrified, but he couldn't react in time.

At that moment, Sasuke stood before him!

"Sasuke! You!"

The annoying Sasuke was actually protecting him with his life?

Naruto's eyes widened in disbelief.

Haku seemed to have anticipated this, his movements unwavering.

This strike was a sure kill!

Just as Sasuke was about to be overwhelmed by the dozens of afterimages, a blue lightning sword light swept across!

"Lightning Strikes!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 69: The Big Picture

The bone sword pierced the earth, and a surge of lightning erupted from it.

Lightning from the Heavens!

One of Kirito's sword skills.

A wide-area attack, summoning the power of lightning with the sword!

With the bone sword as the center, lightning raged, and dozens of illusions were shattered!

Only the real Haku remained, letting out a scream!

"Ah!"

Struck by lightning, his originally agile body froze, his attack slowing down instantly.

"Good opportunity!"

Sasuke, who had originally planned to be a shield for Naruto, spotted the opening and immediately launched a counterattack.

He made hand seals!

"Fire Style! Great Fireball Technique!"

A scorching fireball erupted from his mouth and rushed towards Haku, who was paralyzed by the lightning.

Boom!

The fireball hit Haku's body directly, sending him flying!

Thump!

Haku's body crashed into the ice mirror, shattering it instantly!

At the same time, the dozens of ice mirrors around them also melted and disappeared.

Ice Release - Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals, broken!

Sasuke looked at Kimimaro, his heart heavy, thinking to himself, "Such powerful lightning, covering the entire Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals. The chakra consumption must be immense, but he looks so relaxed. This guy is unfathomable."

Kimimaro had already pulled out his bone sword and looked at Haku.

A single Great Fireball Technique had shattered his mask, revealing his beautiful face.

"You won. Kill me. Zabuza-sama doesn't need a failed tool."

Haku coughed up blood, half-kneeling on the ground, looking disheveled.

Hit directly by the Great Fireball Technique, Haku was severely injured and no longer had the strength to fight.

"I'll leave him to you. I'm going to check on Kakashi-sensei. The battle over there seems to have reached a fever pitch."

After saying that, Kimimaro disappeared into the thick fog.

"Wait!"

Sasuke wanted to follow and see, but in the thick fog, he couldn't tell directions at all.

In this situation, going over there would be suicide.

So, he could only give up on the idea.

"Sasuke, why did you save me just now?"

Naruto suddenly asked.

"Idiot, is now the time to talk about this?"

Sasuke turned his head away, not answering.

On the other side, Zabuza had already inflicted several wounds on Kakashi.

Blood stained his clothes.

"Kakashi, without your Sharingan, you're at my mercy. Heh, prepare to die."

Zabuza's voice came from all directions, making it impossible to judge his location by sound.

He was toying with Kakashi.

As a top-notch assassin, Zabuza had this vice.

He enjoyed killing.

Seeing the fear in the eyes of a ninja stronger than himself, trapped in his Silent Killing Technique, brought Zabuza great pleasure.

But it was time for the game to end.

He had sensed that something was wrong with Haku.

Wasting more time would jeopardize the mission.

Kakashi's gaze was serious, his hands about to form seals for a counterattack, but at that moment, a scream pierced the air.

It was Zabuza's scream.

"Ah!"

The sound was incredibly shrill, followed by an arm flying out of the thick fog!

A splash of crimson stained the white mist.

The arm landed in front of Kakashi; it was Zabuza's right arm.

It was still clutching the Executioner's Blade.

Kakashi's pupils shrank in shock.

From the thick fog, Zabuza's terrified voice came.

"You! How did you know my location!"

"Silent Killing Technique, indeed very clever. But why did you think you were the only one who could use it?"

The voice that answered Zabuza was quite young, belonging to a teenager.

Kakashi approached and finally saw the situation clearly.

Zabuza was clumsily clutching the wound on his right arm with his left hand, a look of pain on his face.

In front of him stood a young man holding a sword.

The sword was bone-white, stained with crimson blood.

Blood flowed down the blade, dripping from the tip.

Obviously, it was this bone sword in Kimimaro's hand that had severed Zabuza's flying arm.

Just now, in the thick fog, he had suddenly appeared beside Zabuza.

With a swift strike, he took off Zabuza's right arm.

At the time, Zabuza's entire attention was on Kakashi. How could he have imagined that a pair of eyes was watching him in the thick fog?

What was even more unbelievable to him was that the other party could actually pinpoint his location.

In the realm of Silent Killing Technique, Zabuza was an absolute expert.

Even in Kirigakure, few could find his location in this thick fog.

How did this young man from the Kaguya clan do it?

Could it be, as he said, that he also knew the Silent Killing Technique?

Impossible.

The Kaguya clan had always looked down on the Silent Killing Technique; how could they learn it?

"Bastard! I'll kill you!"

Losing his right arm, Zabuza's rage instantly boiled over.

After a brief moment of surprise, his violent nature surged.

He pulled a kunai from his ninja tool pouch with his left hand and lunged!

But without his right arm, his combat power was greatly reduced. How could an attack from his left hand injure Kimimaro?

Horizontal Square Slash! 

The kunai was deflected by the bone sword, the blade spun, and then pierced Zabuza's palm!

"Ugh..."

Zabuza groaned, pain coursing through him.

Kimimaro extended his left hand, two finger bones shooting out!

Double Finger Bullet! 

The finger bones pierced Zabuza's legs, leaving two bullet-hole-like wounds.

Zabuza's body went limp, and he knelt on the ground.

"It's over, Zabuza."

Kimimaro didn't waste any words and thrust his sword forward!

Zabuza's eyes widened, filled with unwillingness, but he could only helplessly accept death.

Suddenly, a figure blocked his path!

Haku!

The severely injured Haku had actually rushed over at this moment, trying to take the fatal blow for him!

"Zabuza... sama..."

Haku's pupils dilated as he looked at Zabuza's familiar face with reluctance.

The bone sword pierced through his back, its white tip emerging!

Blood dripped, blooming red flowers on Zabuza's face.

"Haku..."

Zabuza's eyes widened in shock.

"Please forgive me... I can't continue to accompany you..."

Haku closed his eyes and fell onto Zabuza.

The bone sword was still embedded in his back.

"Haku!"

Zabuza roared, his injured left hand tightly embracing Haku.

Seeing this scene, even Kakashi's eyes showed a hint of pity.

He seemed to be recalling some unpleasant memories.

"Why are you shouting so loudly? This sword didn't hit his vitals; he won't die."

Kimimaro complained, channeling green chakra through the bone sword into Haku's wound.

The next moment, he abruptly pulled out the bone sword.

A miraculous scene unfolded.

The bone sword was withdrawn, but no blood spurted from the wound.

"This is... medical ninjutsu?"

Kakashi was startled when he saw this.

This young man also knew medical ninjutsu?

Moreover, he had never seen this method of stopping bleeding before, but at a glance, he knew it was a very advanced medical ninjutsu.

Zabuza was stunned but also heard Haku's steady breathing.

Such breathing clearly indicated he wasn't dying.

"You... you're not going to kill us?"

"As fellow missing-nin from Kirigakure, we shouldn't be enemies. Zabuza, your vision is too narrow. No wonder you failed back then."

Kimimaro shook his head in disappointment.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 70: One Finger White Lightning

Kakashi looked at Kimimaro in surprise.

He had just seen Kimimaro's attacks, each one ruthless and merciless. Initially, he thought this was a young ninja who reveled in killing, but it turned out not to be the case.

Kimimaro knew exactly what he wanted.

His ruthless attacks were simply to end the battle quickly.

He wouldn't take a life unless necessary.

This wasn't bloodlust, but decisiveness.

In comparison, the other teenagers present were far inferior.

Zabuza was already severely injured, and his Mist Concealment Technique couldn't be maintained any longer.

The thick fog gradually dissipated, and Naruto and Sasuke rushed over.

Haku had just been telling them his story, and the two were moved when he suddenly disappeared.

They were dumbfounded, thinking they had been deceived by Haku.

Now, seeing Haku take a blow for Zabuza, they realized that everything he said was true.

Frankly, this was something that shocked them.

To protect someone with one's life was something they had never considered before.

Sasuke had just stood in front of Naruto, purely out of instinct.

But for Haku, it wasn't instinct, but a path he had already envisioned.

The most beautiful death he could imagine was to die as a tool, blocking a blow for Zabuza.

Beyond that, he didn't dare to hope for much.

"Mr. Kakashi, I and they were once ninjas from Kirigakure. We have some past ties. I want to take them away. They shouldn't die here."

Kimimaro spoke politely, but there was a hint of firmness in his words.

Strictly speaking, this matter had nothing to do with Kakashi.

After all, both Zabuza and Haku were defeated by Kimimaro.

If Kimimaro wanted to take them away, he had no reason to object.

But the two were now in a cooperative relationship, so informing Kakashi was a sign of respect.

"As long as they don't hinder us from completing our mission, everything is fine."

Kakashi also tactfully didn't object.

"In their current state, they can't stop us even if they wanted to."

"True."

Kakashi looked at the sorry state of Zabuza and Haku, knowing that the mission was complete.

"To be beaten into this state, they truly are trash. With such little skill, they dared to ask for such a high fee from me."

A sudden voice drew everyone's attention to the bridgehead.

"Gato!"

Tazuna was shocked when he saw the speaker!

Gato!

The nightmare of the Land of Waves!

At this moment, he arrived at the nearly completed bridge with hundreds of samurai, intending to clean up the mess.

"After a great battle, you're all wounded, right? Perfect, let me take care of you all at once.

Hehehe, don't call me despicable. I'm a businessman, and maximizing profits is what I pursue. Zabuza, your fee was too high. I don't want to pay it."

Zabuza remained silent, not paying attention to Gato.

Reduced to fish on a chopping block, he had no mood to deal with such a villain.

Kimimaro and the others also looked at him with indifference.

The only ones who feared Gato were Tazuna and his family.

Feeling everyone's disregard, Gato's anger surged.

"Bastards! You dare ignore me! Attack them!"

The samurai were eager to move, but Kimimaro shouted, "Wait!"

"Kid, are you scared? Want to beg for mercy?"

Seeing that these ninjas finally reacted, Gato looked smug.

"No, I just want to confirm something. Are you Gato?"

"Hehe, what a stupid question. Of course, I'm Gato! Who in the Land of Waves doesn't know me? I am the king of this Land of Waves!"

"Then it's fine."

Kimimaro extended his right index finger, pointing it at Gato's forehead.

The hairs on the back of Gato's neck stood on end, and an extremely dangerous feeling surged forth.

"One Finger White Lightning!"

Kimimaro's cold voice sounded, and then there was a whooshing sound as a white finger bone shot out from his right index finger.

Dance of the Larch!

But now, this finger bone was enveloped in a white lightning.

Binding Spell Number Four, White Lightning!

Kimimaro used both techniques simultaneously, merging them into one.

One Finger White Lightning!

The nearly fifty meters between him and Gato seemed nonexistent at this moment.

The finger bone instantly pierced through Gato's forehead, splattering blood.

The smug look on Gato's face hadn't even faded before it froze forever.

One strike, a headshot!

Gato fell straight to the ground.

For a moment, the bridge became incredibly quiet.

Killing the opponent instantly from fifty meters away, everyone was stunned by such a technique.

Dance of the Larch combined with White Lightning, their power amplified, and with Kimimaro having enough time to aim and fire, this strike was comparable to a pistol shot.

"Mons... Monster!"

The rogue samurai brought by Gato were terrified and scattered.

The once imposing hundred-man team now became a disorganized mob.

Naruto gulped, and Sasuke looked at Kimimaro with a complex expression.

Sakura covered her mouth in shock, and Kakashi's pupils contracted.

Zabuza, on the other hand, held Haku, indifferent to everything.

Kimimaro retracted his right index finger and whispered, "Done."

The power of one strike shocked the entire scene.

The speed and explosive force were both astonishing.

"Kimimaro, that move was so cool."

Naruto couldn't help but admire.

Kimimaro smiled slightly and looked at Kakashi.

"Mr. Kakashi, my mission is complete. I'll leave the aftermath to you. I'll take my leave first."

After saying that, without waiting for Kakashi's reply, Kimimaro left with Zabuza, Haku, the severed arm, and the Kubikiribōchō.

"Hey, Kimimaro, will we see each other again?"

Naruto was reluctant to see Kimimaro leave.

"We'll meet again soon."

Kimimaro said without looking back, then disappeared from everyone's sight.

"Soon? How soon?"

Naruto was puzzled, but Kakashi thought of something.

"Could he be participating in the Chunin Exams a month later? This Chunin Exams involves Sunagakure and several smaller villages, and Otogakure is also invited. He's still a Genin, so there's a high chance he'll participate.

A Genin with this level of strength is completely overwhelming for the Genin from other villages. Otogakure is about to rise."

Kakashi was already thinking about the game between the villages.

The joint Chunin Exams were originally a microcosm of war.

Every village would do its utmost to showcase the strength of its Genin during the Chunin Exams.

As long as their respective country's Daimyo were satisfied, the funding for the following year would surely increase.

But if the Daimyo were not satisfied, the funding for the next year would likely be greatly reduced.

Sunagakure had a lot to say about this.

Several war defeats had led the Kazekage of the Land of Wind to repeatedly cut Sunagakure's funding.

As a result, Sunagakure had always had insufficient funds.

Even the Fourth Kazekage had to lead the way in panning for gold in the desert to barely maintain Sunagakure's operations. It could be said that he was the least prestigious Kage.

(End of Chapter)