" Kakashi-sensei, aren't you going to pursue it?"
Sasuke glanced back at Kakashi, unaware of his shocked expression.
Naruto had no intention of continuing the pursuit; he simply shouldered the severed Executioner's Kubikiribōchō and called out to Sasuke.
"They're gone."
When Naruto passed by Kakashi, Kakashi finally snapped out of his shock and stared at Naruto in disbelief. If he didn't know Naruto, he would have suspected that Naruto was some kind of old monster.
"Truly a prodigy."
" Sasuke, there's no need to chase after them. Let's go; the mission is more important."
Kakashi was genuinely worried that Sasuke might impulsively chase after them, so he quickly tried to dissuade him.
On the other side, two people were running through the forest as if some ferocious beast was behind them. Blood was seeping from the chest of one of them, staining his shirt red. He would occasionally look back, his eyes filled with terror.
"Lord Zabuza, are you alright?"
Haku couldn't bear to watch any longer. Although he didn't know what Zabuza had just Zabuza, it was the first time he had ever seen Zabuza so flustered.
At this point, Zabuza also gradually reduced his speed.
Zabuza only stopped when he Zabuza that the other party couldn't possibly catch up.
"Bai, you might not believe it, but I just saw a kid who isn't from the Hyuga Clan suddenly conjure up the Byakugan out of thin air."
Zabuza didn't know how to tell Haku what had just happened. That kid was strange; not only could he conjure the Byakugan out of nowhere, but he also possessed an exceptionally powerful Ninjutsu.
He couldn't very well admit that he couldn't beat a kid and that the kid had taken his weapon, could he?
He wouldn't say that; it's too embarrassing.
Bai didn't speak, but simply nodded, not delving deeper into the topic.
"Lord Zabuza, where are we going now?"
Zabuza pondered for a long time.
"Back in Gato, I need to heal my wounds and get a suitable weapon. I'll leave my Kubikiribōchō with that brat for now. Once I'm healed, I'll take it back and kill that arrogant brat while I'm at it."
"Yes, Lord Zabuza."
Unlike Zabuza's haste, the other two members of Team 7, except for Sasuke, seemed shocked by Naruto's terrifying strength.
Kakashi wasn't sure if it was just his imagination, but he had a feeling that he was no longer a match for Naruto.
He spoke with some doubt.
" Naruto, how strong are you now?"
Naruto thought for a moment before speaking:
"I don't know, maybe I'm only a bit stronger than you?"
Seeing Naruto's nonchalant attitude, Kakashi knew this would happen. He hadn't expected Naruto to be stronger than him, and his mind was filled with many thoughts.
"He truly lives up to his reputation as the teacher's son, but isn't this talent a bit too extraordinary?"
Kakashi felt that when he was Naruto's age, although he was already considered a genius by others, Naruto's strength was a bit too much.
Because Zabuza the Hidden Mist Technique, Kakashi hadn't clearly seen the change in Naruto's eyes, but it hadn't escaped Hinata's notice.
She was also surprised that Naruto had Byakugan. Could Naruto be some unknown distant relative? Were they destined not to be together?
I felt worried, but even more so, I felt inferior, as if I were the weakest one in the team.
On the way back to Tazuna's house, seemingly noticing Hinata's strange behavior, Naruto tossed the half of the Kubikiribōchō that he was carrying on his shoulder to Sasuke.
" Zhuzi, can you carry this for me?"
Before Sasuke could react, he saw half of the Kubikiribōchō being thrown towards him, which startled him so much that Sasuke Sharingan.
He then caught the Kubikiribōchō that Naruto threw at him.
Although the Kubikiribōchō has been unlocked in the Naruto system, and the system also shows that the artifact can be fused with weapons in the Hokage world, thereafter the daily summoning time limit is no longer imposed.
Naruto had already attempted to fuse the sword when Zabuza Buza, but his brain-dead system told him that the Kubikiribōchō could only be fused when it was complete, and the half he had couldn't be fused.
Left with no other choice, Naruto could only carry the large sword around like this, parading through the streets. Besides, this group of people didn't bring any storage scrolls, so they had no other option but to do it this way.
Hinata, what's wrong?
Naruto slowly approached, startling Hinata was walking with her head down.
"Huh? Naruto... Naruto-kun, it's... it's okay."
Hinata lowered her head, not daring to look Naruto in the eye. She always felt that Naruto's gaze was too sharp, able to see through her little thoughts.
Are you really okay?
Naruto reached out and poked Hinata's soft cheek; it was so soft, he really wanted to pet it.
Hinata shook her head, feeling Naruto's movement, her face turned even redder, and she quickened her pace, not wanting to stay with Naruto any longer. It was just too embarrassing; she was afraid she would faint and cause trouble for everyone.
Kakashi also witnessed Naruto and Hinata's interaction, but simply watched silently, finding it somewhat amusing. These kids these days, really...
Sasuke then walked up as well.
"Hey Kakashi, why don't you have a girlfriend yet? Is it because nobody wants you?"
Upon hearing Sasuke's words, Kakashi's forehead creased with anger, and he punched Sasuke hard on the head.
"Alright, Sasuke, you're talking too much. I have my own pace."
Sasuke had been hit, was somewhat unconvinced and muttered something under his breath.
"Tch, if nobody wants him, then nobody wants him. What's with the excuses?"
"Hey, you little rascal."
Sasuke laughed and ran away.
Taking the Kubikiribōchō from Sasuke, Naruto was still thinking about where to find the enemy and restore the Kubikiribōchō. Otherwise, carrying it around all the time without being able to store it in the system space was a bit of a burden.
Just as I was thinking this, Tazuna, who had been leading the way, rushed back in a panic.
"Ninjas, something terrible has happened! There are so many enemies ahead!"
Sasuke's eyes lit up upon hearing this. Naruto had stolen all the limelight earlier, and now it was finally his turn.
Kakashi hadn't expected there to be enemies.
"Be careful, everyone, and protect our client."
The group remained where they were, waiting for their arrival.
A rustling sound was heard, and a large group of people carrying knives, spears, and clubs emerged from the depths of the forest.
One by one, hideous and ferocious-looking people appeared in everyone's sight.
"That's the old man from earlier, brothers, kill him!"
"Kill him."