An encounter

"Hmph, I only released the Water Prison Technique because I got distracted for a moment," Zabuza insisted, unwilling to admit that a newly minted genin had outwitted him.

"Stop comforting yourself. You were forced to release it," Kakashi said, waiting for Zabuza to make the first move.

Zabuza leaped backward and rapidly formed hand seals. Kakashi formed his at the same time. They finished almost simultaneously and shouted in unison, "Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique!"

Two identical water dragons collided, evenly matched.

How is this possible? The Sharingan can copy an opponent's techniques, but we finished at the same time. How did he do it? Zabuza wondered.

He retreated again and formed hand seals, failing to notice that Kakashi was moving faster than he was.

"Water Release: Great Waterfall Technique!"

A massive, swirling surge of water struck Zabuza, slamming him hard against a tree.

"You... how could you..."

"Predict the future? That's right. And in your future, all I saw was death," Kakashi interrupted.

Just as he prepared to deliver the killing blow, several silver needles shot out from a nearby tree and pierced Zabuza's neck, seemingly killing him on the spot.

"Thank you for weakening my target. I've been pursuing him for a long time," the masked hunter-nin said flatly.

"I'll dispose of the body. Farewell, Konoha ninja." The masked man hoisted Zabuza's body onto his shoulder and left using the Body Flicker Technique.

"Well, Mr. Tazuna, we're almost at your house, aren't we?" Kakashi asked.

Tazuna was about to answer when Kakashi collapsed from excessive chakra depletion and overuse of his Sharingan.

"Kakashi-sensei!" Sakura cried out in concern. Naruto, Sai, and Sasuke immediately stepped forward to check on him and confirmed that he was in no serious danger. Naruto adjusted Kakashi's forehead protector, created several clones to carry him, and the group headed toward the bridge builder's home.

When they arrived, Tazuna's daughter, Tsunami, welcomed them, and everyone went to their rooms to rest.

The next day, Kakashi came downstairs on crutches and found the genin and Naruto eating breakfast. Before he could speak, Naruto voiced his concerns.

"Kakashi-sensei, I think Zabuza is still alive."

"So you figured it out too, Naruto. That's right, I also think he's still alive. That hunter-nin's behavior was very unusual. It went completely against protocol," Kakashi explained to everyone.

"Yeah, one of the books the Pervy Sage gave me said that hunter-nin are supposed to cut off their target's head and burn the body. Since he took the body away, he must have been working with Zabuza," Naruto added.

"Aren't you two overthinking this? Kakashi-sensei, didn't you examine him yourself?" Sakura almost pleaded, hoping she was right.

"That's true, but think about it. That hunter-nin used silver needles. If they strike the right pressure points precisely, they can put someone into a state of suspended animation that looks no different from actual death. I suspect Zabuza will return within a week, so we need to make the most of our time and train." Kakashi's expression was grave, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"Sensei, with all due respect, we're no match for Zabuza. A week of training won't change that," Sai said, hoping his teacher would face reality and avoid fighting this legendary swordsman.

"You won't be fighting Zabuza. I'll handle him. Your opponent will be the fake hunter-nin," Kakashi explained.

An hour later, in a forest clearing

"All right, today we're going to learn how to climb trees," the silver-haired ninja said flatly.

"Kakashi-sensei, we already know how to climb trees." Sakura looked baffled, unable to understand why her teacher thought they couldn't even do that.

"I mean climbing trees without using your hands." Kakashi never lifted his head, continuing to read the book in his hands.

"Like this?" Naruto asked, walking over to a tree and strolling effortlessly up its trunk.

"It seems you've already mastered it. Good. Naruto, you'll come with me to protect the bridge builder." Kakashi thought to himself, Lord Jiraiya took him on as a student, and I haven't managed to teach him anything. This is a good chance to give him some guidance.

"Then can I bring a water balloon? I want to keep practicing the task the Pervy Sage assigned me," Naruto asked.