"Zabuza?"
Kakashi started, instantly realizing what was happening.
The Third also immediately grasped the problem and gave an order:
"Team Kakashi, depart for the Land of Waves immediately to reinforce Kurenai Yuhi's team. I'll notify another team to support you afterward!"
Demon Zabuza!
Kirigakure had only recently issued a missing-nin notice for him. He was an extremely dangerous man who had dared to attempt to assassinate the Fourth Mizukage!
The information Kirigakure had sent Konoha even claimed that Zabuza was a member of the Akatsuki!
How had a C-rank escort mission run into someone that ruthless?
"Yes! There's no time to lose. We'll leave immediately!"
Realizing how urgent the situation was, Kakashi accepted the order at once.
"Can you still walk?"
Hinata helped Sakura to her feet and asked with some concern.
"I... I can... Please let me guide you!"
Sakura gritted her teeth, enduring pain so intense it brought tears to her eyes, but her overwhelming desire was to save her teammates as soon as possible.
They had risked their lives to let her escape back to Konoha for help. No matter how frightened she was, she couldn't back down now!
"Then let's go!"
On a rescue mission like this, any delay could mean the difference between life and death for their comrades. Kakashi and the others didn't know where their comrades were or how to reach the Land of Waves, so they needed Sakura to guide them.
Naruto immediately went to notify Mei Terumi. When she learned the news concerned Zabuza, she was startled too and hurried to join them.
Meanwhile, a red-haired girl wearing glasses happened to pass the entrance. Her eyes lit up the moment she spotted Sasuke, and she was about to approach and greet him.
But they vanished from her sight in an instant,