The battle raged on with intensity as Kakashi and Zabuza continued to clash. The air was thick with mist, swirling around the two shinobi as they exchanged deadly blows, both using everything they had to outwit the other.
Kakashi was on his toes, his Sharingan flickering as he tracked Zabuza's every move. His hands were swift, his kunai precise, and his taijutsu flawless. However, Zabuza was no amateur. His swordsmanship was deadly, and with every move, Kakashi could feel the pressure mounting.
Zabuza took a step back, eyeing Kakashi closely, his sword ready to strike again. His grin widened. "I have to admit, you're good. But I don't think you'll be able to dodge forever."
Kakashi narrowed his eyes, his breath steady despite the pounding of his heart. He was well aware that Zabuza wasn't going to let up, and the longer this fight went on, the more dangerous it would become.
Suddenly, with a flicker of movement, Zabuza disappeared into the mist.
Shit. Kakashi's heart skipped a beat. He couldn't see him.
His Sharingan scanned the area, picking up tiny disturbances in the air. Zabuza's chakra signature was still present, but it was moving. Kakashi's senses were on high alert, but just as he adjusted his position, the temperature around him seemed to drop.
"Water Style: Water Prison Jutsu (Suigadan no Jutsu)!"
In an instant, a massive sphere of water surrounded Kakashi, trapping him inside with a violent rush of water that seemed to come from nowhere. Kakashi's eyes widened as the watery prison sealed him in completely, the transparent walls pressing against him. His hands instinctively pressed against the surface, but the water was thick and dense, making it impossible to break through.
Zabuza's voice came from the other side of the prison, low and mocking. "You should've known better, Kakashi. I've seen your tricks before."
Kakashi gritted his teeth. Damn it. The Water Prison again...
He could feel the weight of the water pressing in on him, every breath becoming harder as the pressure around him built. His chakra was being siphoned away with every passing second. He needed to act fast, but right now, he was completely immobilized.
But then, through the mist and the cacophony of battle, a familiar shout rang out.
"Naruto! Sasuke! Get back! It's too dangerous!"
Kakashi's head snapped toward the sound. There, standing at the edge of the mist, Naruto and Sasuke were both ready to jump in. His eyes widened in disbelief.
What are they doing here? he thought. They're not ready for this...
Naruto and Sasuke's Unlikely Rescue
Without hesitation, Naruto surged forward, kunai in hand, his face determined. "I'm not letting you get away with this, Zabuza!"
Zabuza turned, his eyes narrowing at Naruto's sudden approach. "Oh? And what are you planning to do, brat?"
Before Zabuza could respond, Naruto threw his kunai with impressive speed, aiming right at Zabuza. Zabuza dodged easily, but that was all Naruto needed. With the distraction, he darted forward, making his way toward the location of Kakashi's water prison.
"Where do you think you're going?" Zabuza growled. He raised his sword, preparing to strike, but Sasuke, ever the strategist, quickly interrupted.
"Sasuke, now!"
Sasuke leaped into the fray, his eyes focused on Zabuza's sword. "Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu (Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu)!" The flames erupted from Sasuke's mouth, aimed directly at Zabuza.
The rogue ninja barely had time to react as the fireball collided with the mist, igniting the air around them. The explosion sent ripples through the fog, but Zabuza quickly evaded, moving into the mist once again.
"You think a little fireball is going to stop me?" Zabuza sneered. But then, he saw something out of the corner of his eye—Naruto was getting closer, charging forward with determination.
The Water Prison began to waver as the mist shifted, and Zabuza knew he had to deal with the boy. He moved quickly, rushing toward Naruto.
However, just as Zabuza was about to reach Naruto, Kakashi's voice echoed, strained but filled with resolve.
"Naruto, Sasuke... Get out of here! This fight is too dangerous! You can't help me—"
But before Kakashi could finish, Naruto was already on the move. He wasn't going to back down. With a burst of chakra, he charged forward, aiming his kunai right at Zabuza's chest.
"I won't leave you behind, Kakashi!" Naruto shouted, determination in his voice.
The rogue ninja's eyes widened as he saw Naruto coming. He quickly tried to parry the attack with his sword, but it was too late—Naruto was fast. The kunai connected, though it only scratched Zabuza's arm, but it was enough to give Naruto an opening.
In that split second, Sasuke threw a barrage of shuriken, aiming to disorient Zabuza. The sharp projectiles struck Zabuza's sword and disarmed him temporarily. As Zabuza struggled to regain his footing, Naruto rushed forward and grabbed onto the walls of Kakashi's water prison.
"I'm getting you out of here, Kakashi!"
Naruto used all his strength to pull at the surface of the prison, pulling out kunai and knives in an effort to break through. The water was thick, but Naruto's resolve was unwavering.
Kakashi could feel the pressure on the prison ease as Naruto's persistence started to make a dent. The boy had no fear, no hesitation, and it was enough to shake Zabuza's concentration.
Zabuza growled, realizing that the situation was rapidly slipping out of his control.
"You little brats…" he muttered, but before he could act, Kakashi made his move.
With a sudden burst of chakra, Kakashi activated his Lightning Blade.
"Chidori!" The technique crackled to life in his hand, and Kakashi shattered the water prison from the inside. The water exploded out, flooding the ground around him.
Kakashi staggered as he emerged from the prison, his breath heavy and his body soaked. He looked up at Naruto and Sasuke, who stood ready, their faces filled with determination.
"Good job," Kakashi said, his voice hoarse. "But don't get cocky. Zabuza's not done yet."