The journey remained calm all the way, but Kakashi Hatake kept having a bad feeling. On top of that, Tazuna constantly pressed a hand against his chest, as if checking for something.
All of this made Kakashi Hatake feel extremely uneasy. Only Naruto Uzumaki remained carefree as he led the way.
Just as they reached a great bridge, a cold, viscous fog suddenly surged forth like a living entity, silently swallowing the entire unfinished bridge and reducing everyone's visibility to nearly nothing.
At that moment, even the sound of the sea wind vanished, leaving only deathly silence and the sharp killing intent permeating the air.
The lazy look in Kakashi's eyes instantly sharpened like an eagle's. Almost instinctively, he stepped forward and shielded Tazuna and the three members of Team 7 behind him.
Although the Sharingan beneath his Forehead Protector was concealed, his familiarity with this Chakra was already enough to make his spine turn cold.
"This fog is wrong! Everyone, back to back and stay alert! Naruto, Sasuke, protect Mr. Tazuna and Sakura!"
Before his voice had even faded, two blurry figures slowly coalesced in the dense fog ahead.
The exaggerated hilt of Kubikiribōchō was the first thing to break through the fog, followed by the imposing figure of Zabuza Momochi, and Haku, standing quietly beside him with a mask on and a cool, aloof presence.
"Heh heh heh! I really must thank you for your care last time, Kakashi." Zabuza's hoarse voice rang out again.
Kakashi Hatake's hand was already resting on his Ninja Tool Pouch. "You really are still alive! Is the person beside you your partner?"
Zabuza Momochi's gaze passed over Kakashi and fixed directly on the trembling Tazuna. "Enough nonsense. You aren't my target today, Kakashi."
"Let's each take a step back. Hand over that