The Demonic Mirrors Return at the Bridge, Trapping the Silver-White Wood Spear

"Lower the cables on the right first! Don't stack the stone in the middle of the bridge!"

Tazuna walked forward over the unfinished planks, tapping several loose joints with his wooden cane.

Exactly one week had passed since they arrived in the Land of Waves.

The workers had only turned the winch halfway when fog from the sea rolled over the bridge piers.

Chiba raised his right hand. The silver-white roots buried beneath the bridge had detected no movement from any fish.

Asuma walked over to his side.

"Same as the last few nights?"

"No."

"What's different?"

"There are no living creatures underwater."

Tazuna turned and waved at the workers.

"Stop everything! Put down your tools and head for the shore!"

One of the foremen grabbed the winch.

"The stone beam is still hanging. If no one watches it, it'll fall into the sea."

"Then haul it back up later. If a person falls in, you can't haul them back!"

Footsteps sounded through the fog.

The soles of shoes stepped across the water at an unhurried rhythm, each step drawing closer to the bridge.

Kakashi lifted the forehead protector over his left eye.

"Team 7, protect Tazuna and the workers."

Naruto created Shadow Clones, and several figures ran toward both sides.

"I won't step in a puddle this time."

Sakura drew her kunai.

"There aren't any puddles on the bridge."

"I just mean I won't fall into another ambush."

Sasuke activated his Sharingan, his gaze tracking along the fog.

"Someone's on the left."

A broad-bladed sword extended from the mist. Its edge rested on the bridge deck, droplets running through its notches and into the gaps between the planks.

Zabuza emerged while walking atop the blade.

The armor over his chest had been replaced, but his right wrist was still