The air grew thick.
Not just with mist—but with intent.
Kakashi's voice cut through the silence. "Everyone… protect the client. Now."
Michio dropped into a low stance, sweat breaking across his forehead. The pressure was different now—an invisible weight dragging down on his limbs.
Then the mist moved.
A figure stepped onto the water like it was solid ground, sword slung across his shoulder. A massive blade, shaped like a butcher's cleaver, twice as tall as a man.
A killer's smirk underneath bandages.
"Momochi Zabuza," Kakashi muttered. "Demon of the Hidden Mist."
Naruto's jaw dropped. Sakura's knees buckled. Sasuke clenched his fists.
Michio?
> System Alert:
Boss Encounter Detected: Zabuza Momochi – Jonin-Class Threat
Your current power level is… laughably underqualified
Recommended Action: Survive.
"…Cool," Michio said, deadpan. "Guess leg day's about to be life-or-death day."
Zabuza chuckled low and menacing.
"So, the Leaf sends kids now? One copy-nin and four little brats. How disappointing."
In an instant, Zabuza was gone from sight—appearing behind them with that massive blade swinging downward—
CLANG!
Kakashi intercepted him just in time, kunai clashing against steel.
"Stay back!" he ordered. "This one's mine!"
---
The clash of titans began.
Zabuza and Kakashi moved like ghosts—appearing and vanishing, water crashing around them as chakra surged like thunder.
But the mist… the mist got thicker.
And then—
Zabuza disappeared.
Naruto panicked. "Where is he?! I CAN'T SEE!"
Kakashi's voice was calm, but firm. "Formation! Don't break ranks!"
Michio narrowed his eyes. His breathing slowed.
Then he felt it.
Behind them. The killing intent.
He turned—too late.
Zabuza was already mid-swing, coming straight for Tazuna.
Michio moved.
No hesitation.
He dropped low, surged forward, and shouldered the old man out of the way.
Steel sang through the air.
Pain lanced across Michio's shoulder.
He hit the ground hard, skidding.
Blood.
But he was alive.
> System Alert:
Damage Taken: Shallow cut – Left shoulder
+1 Pain Resistance
Passive Skill Unlocked: Adrenaline Surge – Temporary boost to speed/strength when injured
Kakashi roared, slamming Zabuza away with a wall of water.
Michio coughed, dragging himself up. His vision blurred—but he smiled.
"Still alive."
Naruto and Sasuke ran to his side. Sakura started first aid, hands trembling.
"You idiot," she snapped. "Why'd you jump in like that?!"
Michio gave a shaky grin. "Client first. Rule number one, right?"
> Team Respect +10
Naruto: "Bro… that was AWESOME!"
Sasuke: "Hn. Not bad."
Sakura: "I still think you're crazy."
Michio: "Confirmed."
---
Meanwhile, Kakashi pulled his headband up.
The Sharingan flared to life.
Zabuza's eyes widened. "So the rumors were true..."
And the real fight began.
---
As blades clashed and water exploded around them, Michio sat back, holding pressure on his wound.
He was in pain.
He was underpowered.
And he couldn't even help yet.
But…
He looked at the others. At Naruto trying to stay brave. At Sasuke, watching the fight with fire in his eyes.
He clenched his fist.
"I'm not staying weak," he whispered. "I'll train harder. Lift heavier. Move faster."
"I'll be ready next time."
> Ultra Gainz System Notification:
Trauma-Driven Breakthrough Achieved
Stat Cap Unlocked: Strength Cap increased
New Passive: "Limit Breaker" – Training gains increase by 20% when injured or under duress
Mission Phase: Survive the Mist – 73% Complete
As Kakashi and Zabuza's battle reached its peak, Michio swore to himself:
No matter how brutal this world gets… he'll rise to meet it.