As Team 7 and Tazuna entered the half-built bridge, Dawn was just starting to shatter. Dark, unnatural mist crept over the waters like an evil curtain. Too silent, too motionless, the air hung heavy with tension.
Naruto's fists were tight, and wisps of breath hung about him. "This fog—isn't that him?"
Kakashi's one eye grew narrow. "Stay alert. Zabuza is here."
It came over them, a rush of killing intent that sent shivers along their bones. Sakura gasped. Sasuke stiffened, too.
Two figures stepped out from the mist.
With the enormous Kubikiribōchō securely resting on his shoulder and bandages secured over his jaw, Zabuza Momochi towered. Haku was beside him, masked and silent, a killing quiet closing in upon him like a second skin.
Zabuza growled, "You children should have stayed home. You will now die on this bridge."
Undeterred, Naruto stepped forward. "You won't take Tazuna. Not now."
Behind the cloth, Zabuza's eyes narrowed. "We'll see."
Kakashi ordered, "Team 7," taking off his headband to reveal the Sharingan, "Formation B. Support, Naruto. Protect Tazuna, Sakura. Sasuke, you're with me."
A seal was hit by Naruto's flying hands. "Come on! Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
Four clones materialized beside him with a poof. They grinned.
"Let's dispense with this fog-face!"
Zabuza held nothing back. In an instant, he was engulfed in the fog. With a stroke of steel, Kakashi's sword and kunai met as he sprinted after him.
Haku, however, materialized in front of Naruto and Sasuke and glided like a phantom.
His voice was obscured behind his mask as he spoke, "I won't let you interfere."
Sasuke made the first move, hurling his shuriken through the air. Haku capered on the bridge with unnatural agility, dodging them with ease.
Naruto employed a jutsu. "Jutsu Water Gun!"
A dense stream of water shot out of his mouth like a mighty hose. In mid-air, Haku spun aside, and it sprayed harmlessly by.
"You've improved," Haku noted. "But it won't be enough."
Then he flipped his wrist and ice began to accumulate—a ring of glinting mirrors materialized around them. Sasuke and Naruto were surrounded.
"Huh? What is this?"
Naruto shouted.
"Crystal Ice Mirrors: Secret Jutsu!"
Haku stepped into a mirror. His image immediately rose up in each of them, expanding until his form was indistinct in each panel.
Sasuke spun around, scanning their surroundings.
"We're trapped."
Naruto growled. "You think I'm scared? Let's sabotage this!"
He employed a new jutsu charge. "Jutsu Thunder Shock!"
Sparks were discharged out of his palms in different directions. Before it dissipated, it struck several mirrors but merely shattered one.
Haku's voice rang out, "Good. But not enough."
A faint movement—then needles.
Senbon fell in dozens. Naruto received several to his arm and shoulder, as Sasuke blocked what he could. He winced but did not fall.
"Ow ow ow!" Naruto growled. "I'm obstinate, but you're fast!"
Sakura stood unsteadily beside Tazuna outside the mirror dome.
"What's going on to them, Sakura?" Tazuna spoke uncomfortably.
Watching the whirl of motion, she grumbled, "I don't know. However, I trust Naruto and Sasuke. as well as Kakashi-sensei."
Elsewhere On the Bridge
Kakashi and Zabuza engaged in a hot argument. Water jutsu burst, blades clanged, and the Sharingan copied every motion as it waltzed.
Kakashi parried a wide swing and grumbled, "You've healed well."
Zabuza flashed through hand signs with contempt, "And I'm still going to kill you. Water Dragon Jutsu: Water Style!"
With a deafening bellow, a monstrous, snake-like torrent stormed ahead.
Kakashi at once copied him. "Water Dragon Jutsu: Water Style!"
A huge spray was produced when two dragons crashed into each other in midair. The bridge was jolted by the shockwave.
With water dripping from his body, Zabuza growled, "Kakashi, you've become stronger. But strength alone is not enough."
Kakashi's eye narrowed. "Then let's test your theory."
Going back to the Mirror Dome
Sasuke was breathing hard. "These mirrors are more than just hurdles. He's flying between them at breakneck speed.".
Growling, Naruto drew out a senbon. "Somehow, we have to break 'em!"
Sasuke narrowed his eyes. "Then give me something to distract myself."
"What?"
"You make noises. big and loud. Get his attention. I'll keep track of where he is."
Naruto grinned. "Oh, I can play loudly!"
He screamed, creating a dozen Shadow Clones.
"Come on, guys! Water Gun Jutsu!"
Water sprayed in all directions in streams. Haku ducked, but the real Haku was revealed when one stream cut through a reflection.
Sasuke stared at him.
"I got you!"
Haku's arm was grazed when he swished a kunai.
Behind his mask, Haku blinked. "He saw me."
Sasuke smiled. "I don't need to look at the mirrors. I just need to see you."
Naruto gasped. "Good shot, but we're still trapped!"
Sasuke stepped alongside him. "Then, let us begin—together."
Side by side, the two stood. Again, Naruto's hands flashed into a seal. "Pokémon Jutsu – Ember!"
When they hit, small balls of fire crackled and spread around the mirrors. One mirror began to melt slightly.
Sasuke jumped. "Now!"
He attacked the thin mirror with a hail of kunai. With a crackling sound, the cumulative force shattered it! Mirrors disappeared as the dome faltered.
They had no limits.
With blood flowing from his arm, Haku stepped out of the final of the fog. "The two of you are dangerous."
Sasuke licked his lips. "Told you."
Naruto cracked his knuckles. "Are you ready for the second round?"