After crossing the dense fog zone, their view instantly opened up, and not a trace of mist remained.
"What? Once you leave the fog zone, there's no fog at all over here." Naruto said, "I thought you people from the Hidden Mist Village lived in fog all year round."
"The Land of Water does have a lot of fog. It's shrouded in mist for a third of the year, but it isn't foggy all the time."
Zabuza Momochi introduced his homeland. Naruto could see the undisguised excitement in him.
"The entrance to the Hidden Mist Village is up ahead." Zabuza Momochi pointed forward.
"Wow—" Naruto looked over and saw numerous houses and buildings hidden among the mountains.
"Can we sneak into the village?"
"No. Whenever anyone approaches the village, Mizukage Yagura always knows in advance."
"What?!" Naruto was shocked.
Naruto thought it over and realized that things probably were not that simple.
"It seems we were exposed long ago. The Hidden Mist Village knew of our arrival when we passed through the fog zone."
Zabuza Momochi's eyes widened in shock. He was from the Hidden Mist Village, yet even he had not known that the fog zone possessed such scouting capabilities.
"Could you be overthinking it?"
"Absolutely not." Naruto said, "The Land of Rain has a similar ninjutsu. It rains there year-round, and the rain can sense every ninja's chakra. If someone infiltrates the Land of Rain, they will be detected."
"I believe the Hidden Mist Village's fog zone serves roughly the same function."
Meanwhile, within the Hidden Mist Village.
Inside a pitch-black room devoid of light, Mizukage Yagura sat upon his throne. Suddenly, he opened his eyes, a red glow shining within them.
Mizukage Yagura had sensed uninvited guests passing through the fog zone and approaching the Hidden Mist