Seven days later, early in the morning.
Thick mist shrouded the Land of Waves once again, denser and colder than before.
On the enormous unfinished bridge, the tension was murderous.
At one end of the bridge, over a hundred thugs armed with swords surrounded Tazuna and his workers.
They were all cannon fodder hired by Gato, each one vicious-looking and menacing.
At the other end of the bridge...
Momochi Zabuza slowly emerged from the thick mist, carrying the fully repaired Kubikiribōchō on his shoulder.
Beside him walked Haku, the delicate-featured boy wearing a Hunter-nin mask.
"Yo, looks like everyone's here."
Yawning, Sen jumped down from the bridge's steel framework and landed steadily on the ground.
Behind him stood Kakashi, Sasuke, and Sakura, their expressions equally grave.
"Big bro! Why did you come without waiting for me?!"
A loud, boisterous shout rang out in the distance.
Standing on a wooden plank, Naruto surfed wildly across the water toward the bridge.
Clearly, he had overslept again.
"Hmph. Still a dead last, after all," Sasuke scoffed.
"Brat, did you enjoy your vacation?"
Zabuza stared at Sen, his browless eyes filled with deep-seated hatred and a trace of apprehension he couldn't conceal.
Snapping the Kubikiribōchō with his bare hands. Unleashing Deep Forest Emergence instantly.
For the past week, that scene had haunted him like a nightmare.
"It was all right. The sea breeze was a little strong, though. Didn't sleep too well."
Sen rubbed his eyes, his tone languid.
"Judging by how lively you look, your injuries must've healed?"
"Today is the day you die!" Zabuza roared.
He knew the Wood Release brat before him was the greatest threat.
So this time, he had devised a perfect battle plan.
"Haku, the Uchiha brat is yours."
Zabuza spoke quietly to Haku beside him.
"Finish him