Life in the Land of Waves and Haku

"You've used the Water Clone Technique several times in a row. Your Chakra must be running low, right? Unlike Shadow Clones, this type of clone consumes a tremendous amount of Chakra," Kakashi stated, not refuting Zabuza's words.

"Since that's the case..." Momochi Zabuza lowered the Kubikiribōchō in his hand and raised both hands to form hand seals. To his surprise, Kakashi mirrored his every move.

The two stood facing each other, as if gazing at their own reflections.

"How can you...?" Momochi Zabuza stared at Kakashi's movements in shock.

"Don't forget what the Sharingan is also called..." Kakashi's voice was low. "Let me tell you, the Sharingan is also known as the 'Mirror of the Soul,' meaning I can see through all your thoughts from the beginning until now. I can even perfectly replicate any Ninjutsu you use from now on."

"Damn Sharingan..." Momochi Zabuza couldn't afford to hold back any longer. He rapidly formed hand seals, intending to use his most powerful Water Style Ninjutsu – the Great Water Dragon Technique!

This was a super Ninjutsu requiring a full forty-four hand seals. However, after the Second Hokage's modifications, the number of seals for the Great Water Dragon Technique had significantly decreased. But the Ghost of the Mist, Zabuza, clearly had no way of knowing this.

Kakashi's hand seals began simultaneously. Their hand speeds were comparable, and as the seals were completed, the Chakra fluctuations emanating from their bodies became increasingly apparent.

"Watch carefully and learn. But you can ask around in the village about the Great Water Dragon Technique later. The hand seals can apparently be simplified quite a bit. I've already seen many repetitive seal movements..." Nanfeng didn't reveal that he knew about the simplified version of the Great Water Dragon Technique, merely offering a subtle reminder to Sasuke.

Sasuke struggled to sit up. His desperate desire for combat experience made him temporarily ignore the pain in his body. His scarlet Sharingan stared intently at the movements of Kakashi and Zabuza. As a member of the Uchiha clan, Sasuke's control over the Sharingan was far superior to Kakashi's. With just a single tomoe, he could replicate complex Ninjutsu.

However, after observing their movements for a short while, Sasuke lowered his head. The Great Water Dragon Technique wasn't suitable for him. Unlike Naruto and Nanfeng, who were monsters with immense Chakra reserves, Sasuke's Chakra was limited. Even using Wind Release Ninjutsu was enough to deplete his Chakra. Such an advanced Water Style Ninjutsu would be useless even if he could copy it, as he wouldn't have the Chakra to release it!

Amidst their actions, Kakashi and Zabuza had finished preparing their Ninjutsu. Two identical water dragons charged towards each other. However, Kakashi had more remaining Chakra than Zabuza. After the water dragon eliminated its target, its residual power continued its charge towards Zabuza.

Seeing the colossal water dragon, panic flickered in Zabuza's eyes for the first time. But due to the poison and his depleted Chakra, he was incapable of moving. After taking the full force of the Great Water Dragon's follow-up attack, Zabuza completely lost consciousness!

The moment Zabuza fell, Kakashi's body also began to sway. Still, he forced himself to stay alert to complete the final cleanup. He needed to check if the man was truly dead. Ninja never left loose ends!

But just as Kakashi prepared to check, an unexpected event occurred. A mysterious figure wearing a Kirigakure hunter-nin mask suddenly appeared. Several senbon pierced Zabuza's neck, instantly ceasing his remaining life signs.

"Is it the Kirigakure hunter squad? Sent to deal with a rogue ninja?" Kakashi asked, slightly relieved upon seeing the mask.

"That's right. We investigated his mission report and tracked him all the way here. Thanks to your help, I alone wouldn't have been able to deal with the rogue ninja Zabuza," a pleasant female voice replied from beneath the mask.

"If that's the case, then the rest of the mission is yours." Kakashi could no longer hold up his heavy eyelids and collapsed onto the ground.

Naruto and Sasuke rushed over upon seeing this. Only Nanfeng glanced subtly at the masked ninja.

Haku. What an interesting existence. And so cute, for a boy... how many hearts will this break? Nanfeng watched Haku carry Zabuza's body away without intervening. While he felt no pressure facing Haku, he had three burdens dragging him down. If Haku used them as leverage, who knew what would happen. More importantly, Nanfeng had a bigger plan.

Two days later, Kakashi, who had been unconscious for a long time, opened his eyes. He sat up warily, observing the unfamiliar surroundings. However, upon hearing Naruto and Sasuke's voices outside the door, his rising vigilance vanished.

"Kakashi-sensei, you're awake?" Nanfeng entered upon hearing the commotion and carefully examined Kakashi's wounds.

"Thank you, Nanfeng. How long was I out?" Kakashi asked weakly. This battle had truly drained him; his Chakra hadn't recovered even now after overusing the Sharingan. Full recovery would likely take another week. During this time, Kakashi could finally fulfill his duty as a teacher: guiding these three troublesome students in their training!

"The biggest problem has been resolved. We've also gathered enough intel here. There are basically no ninja in the Land of Waves, only the ronin hired by that guy Gato. They're no threat," Nanfeng said while tending to his wounds, reporting his recent findings to Kakashi.

"I appreciate that. But I suspect Zabuza wasn't dead then. Did you examine his body afterward?" Kakashi asked, frowning.

"No, I didn't. After you said it was the Kirigakure hunter squad, I didn't suspect anything further. Could it be that you think this was Zabuza's plan?" Nanfeng's expression turned slightly serious at this point, though it was all an act.

"If he's not dead, he might continue to harass us on future missions. Teacher wasn't in good condition at the time and couldn't fully clean up... However, I'm confident I can make you all a bit stronger in the next few days!"