When Yuto arrived, he overheard someone whispering, "The fog's getting heavy... looks like the main event is about to start."
"Huh? Already?"
"Hey, Elephant, this isn't like your usual self! In my impression, you're an analytical Ninja."
Elephant scratched his head sheepishly, "Haha... sorry, I was too busy playing the Arena. I only went through the storyline twice."
Tenzo continued, "This isn't good. This should be Captain Kakashi's first encounter with Zabuza... Let's get closer and keep an eye on things. Remember, our priority is to protect those three Genin!"
"Understood!"
"Understood!"
---
Yuto also noticed the three Anbu's members hiding behind the treetops in the distance, their masks particularly conspicuous.
'This distance... yeah, not bad for observation.'
Yuto chose a well-positioned tree. The fog had just started to roll in, but Yuto could already sense Zabuza's location.
---
Suddenly, a massive sword flew past, and Kakashi quickly dodged.
He immediately understood.
Zabuza... is here.
Yuto also felt a surge of excitement. Although he wasn't joining the fight, this was his first time witnessing a battle between Ninjas.
Then... the sword Kakashi dodged lodged itself firmly into the tree Yuto was occupying.
'Damn…'
Sharing the tree's senses, although it didn't hurt too much, the initial shock made Yuto feel as if his kidney had been stabbed.
Zabuza's lone figure then appeared on the Kubikiribocho.
With his back to Kakashi and the others, a fierce battle was about to begin!
---
"Whoa! It's the Hidden Mist Jutsu! As expected of the Demon Zabuza! His Hidden Mist Jutsu is even stronger than the average Kirigakure Ninja!"
"Yeah, but it's mainly because the battle takes place on water."
"Also... the Land of Waves often has heavy fog. This isn't good for Captain Kakashi and the others."
"Hey, do you guys think you should get closer? It might be hard to rescue them if we're too far."
"Cough, I remember that the three kids were fine in the storyline..."
"Good point. Then, Elephant, you go ahead and get closer. We believe in you!"
Even with his mask on, Elephant's exasperation was palpable. He really wanted to smack Tenzo on the head.
But jokes aside, during a mission, orders had to be followed.
And Elephant knew that he excelled in secret techniques and analysis, making him the best choice for assessing the situation.
As Elephant prepared to move closer, Tenzo seemed a bit worried, "Remember, don't act without Captain Kakashi's orders!"
Even though with their numbers and strength, the three Anbu's members and Kakashi could easily capture Zabuza…
But Tenzou recalled what Kakashi had told him yesterday.
"Without my command, you must not act. Follow my instructions at all times."
When saying this, Kakashi also revealed the kind of temperament that Tenzo hated.
Tenzang thought about it again.
Actually, he couldn't say he hated Kakashi, he just felt that Kakashi sometimes acted too smug, making Tenzo want to punch him.
---
After the three split up, Elephant quickly got into position, keeping a close eye on the battle without any slack.
Meanwhile, Tenzo and Yugao continued their commentary...
"Oh... As expected of Zabuza, his silent killing technique is truly top-notch!"
Tenzo exclaimed.
"Yeah, but Captain Kakashi should be able to handle it, right?"
"Don't worry, that's definitely not a problem!"
Uzuki asked in confusion, "Why are you so confident?"
She didn't mean to underestimate Kakashi, but she was genuinely curious why Tenzo was so sure.
Tenzo chuckled, "Because in the storyline, the Captain won…"
Yugao didn't press further and continued observing the battle.
Tenzo thought to himself: 'That guy... how could he possibly lose?'
---
Little did they know, Yuto was observing everything, and the whispers of the Anbu;s members all reached his ears.
It reminded Yuto of the scene when Asuma fought Hidan.
Asuma was nearly killed by Hidan and Kakuzu, while Kotetsu and Izumo stood by, commentating.
But what Yuto wanted to see most now was...
What expression would Zabuza make if three Anbu's members suddenly jumped out of the woods?
If the expression wasn't shocked enough, Yuto wouldn't mind jumping out himself to play a supporting role.
---
The ensuing battle felt like a reenactment of the anime Yuto had watched in his past life.
Although Kakashi had the Mangekyo Sharingan, he only activated the three-tomoe version for the fight.
From mimicking the Water Dragon... to psychological warfare, planting seeds of doubt in Zabuza's mind.
And finally, the mistake of getting trapped in the Water Prison Technique...
In fact, at this point, Tenzo was almost unable to hold back from intervening.
But Elephant, who had been acting somewhat erratic earlier, remained surprisingly calm and didn't move a muscle.
Even Kakashi, who is trapped in the water prison, was ready to activate his Mangekyo to break free.
However, this was a specially crafted water prison by Zabuza. Kakashi couldn't even open or close his eyes.
'Crap... I was careless!' Kakashi thought.
He hadn't expected Zabuza to be this formidable.
Not only was Zabuza a master of assassination techniques, but he also had a cunning mind.
This is totally... a standard Ninja!
At this moment, Kakashi began to hope his Anbu teammates would come to his aid.
But it was difficult for him to give them instructions at this time…
Meanwhile, Zabuza had created a water clone to deal with the three Genin of Team 7!!
Kakashi wasn't too worried about this and even felt a bit relieved.
He believed his Anbu teammates were lurking nearby.
According to his earlier orders, if any member of Team 7 was in life-threatening danger, they were to intervene no matter what!
Although none of the three Anbu's members could defeat Zabuza one-on-one, they could temporarily hold him off and protect Team 7.
Especially since Zabuza's main body needed to maintain the special Water Prison Technique.
But Elephant, who was closest, remained hidden, doing his best to conceal his presence.
He simply watched as the three members of Team 7 went to attack Zabuza's water clone!
However, in the fight, even just Zabuza's water clone was enough to overwhelm the three Genin.
Just when everyone thought Team 7 was at their wits' end...
Sasuke caught a Fuma Shuriken thrown by Naruto and smirked.
"Fuma Shuriken: Shadow Windmill!"
This was the Uchiha Clan's Shurikenjutsu they are proud of!
Even as the last Uchiha, Sasuke was still proficient in the clan's Shurikenjutsu!
Zabuza, however, underestimated what he thought was a joke of an attack.
With a simple sidestep, he dodged it effortlessly.
However, this shuriken was aimed at Zabuza's real body!
But Zabuza easily intercepted it.
If the Uchiha Clan's Shurikenjutsu were this simple, they wouldn't be the proud secret art of such a prestigious clan!
Shadow Windmill!
From a blind spot Zabuza couldn't see, another Fuma Shuriken came flying!
'What... how?'
Even Zabuza didn't notice the second Fuma Shuriken at first.
Relying on years of experience, Zabuza narrowly dodged it.
Just as Zabuza was about to mock them, the shuriken he had dodged suddenly transformed into Naruto.
"Gotcha!"
In Kakashi's eyes, this moment felt like the day they had fought for the bells... except this time, the opponent wasn't him.