Taking Action

Momochi Zabuza was startled. He had never imagined that this blond brat could evade his attack under both the Hidden Mist Technique and Silent Killing Technique, then appear behind him so quickly.

He spun around sharply, the blade in his hand carving a fierce arc through the air as it went straight for Naruto's throat.

However, Naruto seemed to have anticipated the move. His figure flashed again, and he easily dodged the strike.

"Kid, who exactly are you?" Momochi Zabuza asked coldly, wariness and confusion flickering in his eyes.

Naruto smiled faintly. "I'm a ninja of Konoha, Naruto Uzumaki."

"Naruto Uzumaki?" Momochi Zabuza frowned. He had never heard that name before. Yet the strength this blond brat had displayed made him unwilling to underestimate him.

Just then, Kakashi unleashed a powerful surge of Chakra, instantly tearing through the veil of mist and locking his gaze onto Naruto and Momochi Zabuza.

Because the mist had concealed the earlier clash, Kakashi and the others had not witnessed it.

Sasuke and Sakura also noticed the tense situation before them. Naruto was alarmingly close to Momochi Zabuza, and an indescribable anxiety and unease immediately rose within them.

Kakashi's eyes narrowed sharply. His silver hair swayed gently in the wind as he quickly assessed the situation and silently calculated how to respond.

His fingers unconsciously moved toward the Kunai at his waist. "Naruto, get back!"

Sasuke's pupils contracted, sharp light gleaming in his black eyes. He stared fixedly at Naruto and Zabuza, his body already prepared for battle. He shouted at Naruto, "Naruto, you idiot! Get away from him!"

Sakura clasped her hands tightly together, her eyes filled with terror and unease, as though she had already foreseen the danger to come. "Naruto, don't! Come back!" Her voice trembled with tears. Although Sakura did not like Naruto, the thought that "Naruto" might die here filled her with fear.

Seeing them all panic, Naruto helplessly shrugged and turned to head back toward Kakashi.

However, the instant he turned around, Momochi Zabuza attacked again.

At that moment, the air seemed to freeze, and time appeared to stand still.

A ruthless glint flashed across Momochi Zabuza's weathered face. He suddenly swung the heavy Greatsword, its edge cutting a cold arc through the air as it came straight for Naruto's head.

The sight made everyone present hold their breath, their hearts racing to the limit.

Kakashi's eyes widened instantly, the icy gleam of the blade reflected in his Sharingan.

He reacted almost at the same instant, shooting forward like lightning as he tried to pull Naruto away before the blade fell.

Yet distance and time both seemed exceptionally unforgiving at that moment.

Sasuke's pupils shrank sharply. He clenched his fists and gritted his teeth, silently chanting in his heart, Naruto, you can't die like this!

Sakura's scream nearly tore through the sky. Her hands flailed helplessly, tears welling in her eyes.

Yet at this critical moment of life and death, Naruto displayed an extraordinary calm.

He merely held out one hand—a hand that looked utterly ordinary.

Just as the blade was about to touch his palm, Naruto lightly curled his fingers and firmly caught the rushing Greatsword.

Even more shocking, as Naruto's fingers made contact, an invisible force surged around him. It was his unique Infinity Technique operating automatically.

The instant the blade came into contact with Naruto's palm, the Infinity Technique blocked it. It could not advance even a fraction, much less harm Naruto in the slightest.

"I told you. Your attacks are far too obvious to me." Naruto's voice carried a trace of calm laziness, as though everything was under his control.

Momochi Zabuza was startled once again. He discovered that his blade had been firmly caught by this blond brat and could not move even a fraction. His eyes widened as he stared at Naruto in disbelief.

"You... who exactly are you?" Momochi Zabuza asked again, a slight tremor in his voice. Naruto's strength had clearly shaken him.

At that moment, Kakashi's figure flashed forward like a ghost, his speed surpassing the limits of an ordinary person.

A sharp Kunai was in his hand, thrusting with perfect precision toward Momochi Zabuza's throat.

This strike contained Kakashi's years of combat experience and precise judgment, aimed to kill in a single blow.

However, just as the Kunai was about to hit its target, strange ripples suddenly spread across Momochi Zabuza's body.

Then his body twisted like water ripples before turning into countless tiny droplets that scattered in all directions.