Kakashi was not at all surprised to see Zabuza appear with the Kirigakure ANBU who had taken him away.
"Just as I thought. If I'd known, I wouldn't have wasted time staying here."
Kakashi grumbled, but still gave his orders.
"Mr. Tazuna, fall back. Naruto, Hinata, Sakura, get ready to fight."
"Ready to fight!"
Naruto immediately grew excited. Was he finally getting a real fight? He hadn't had one since defeating Mizuki.
Of course, the bell test didn't count. Making the three of them fight Kakashi had been far too unfair.
Perfect. He already couldn't stand that masked guy, so he would use this chance to teach him a proper lesson.
"Naruto, don't let your guard down. That youngster is no pushover."
Inside the Sealing Space, Kushina grew nervous as she watched Naruto prepare for his first real clash with an enemy from outside the village.
"Don't worry, Mom. I'm really strong."
Brimming with confidence, Naruto prepared for battle.
Beside him, Hinata activated her Byakugan.
"Naruto-kun, I'll support you."
"Okay, Hinata. Keep an eye on that guy for me, and let me know if you spot an opening."
"Then what should I do?"
Sakura felt a little ignored.
"Sakura, just act as the situation calls for it!"
Kakashi offered no objections to their arrangements. Young ninja needed to try things for themselves.
Failure was fine, as long as they learned from it.
Becoming an excellent ninja meant making mistakes and building experience along the way.
"Kakashi Hatake, this time, I'll take your head and cash it in at the Bounty Station."
Kakashi said nothing, simply drawing the White Fang Ninja Blade from behind his back.
Zabuza took down the Kubikiribōchō.
The next instant, both shot forward like arrows loosed from a bow, charging straight at each other.
Clang!
A metallic