Chapter 8: The Demon Will Return
Night fell over Tazuna's small home in the Land of Waves.
The sea breeze pushed mist through the trees, and the air inside the home was thick with unspoken tension.
Team 7 sat around a low wooden table. Bowls of hot rice and soup steamed before them—but none of them were eating.
Even Naruto, who normally wolfed down three servings, sat unusually still.
Kakashi broke the silence.
"You all did well getting here," he said. "But don't relax yet."
Naruto blinked. "Why not? We beat that Zabuza guy! He's gone, right?"
Kakashi's visible eye narrowed.
"No," he said flatly. "Zabuza's not dead."
The Truth Revealed
Naruto gaped. "What?! But I saw it! That hunter-nin took him out!"
Kakashi shook his head. "It was a trick."
He leaned forward slightly. "Those senbon hit vital-looking spots, but I noticed something off. If that hunter-nin were real, he would've destroyed the body to prevent revival or intel leaks. Instead, he took it away—intact."
Sakura gasped. "So they were working together?"
"Yes," Kakashi confirmed. "And I estimate we have a few days before he's healed enough to return."
Naruto slammed his hand on the table. "You mean we've got to fight that demon guy again?!"
Sasuke remained silent.
He's right. Zabuza survived. And this time, Haku won't hold back.
[System Notification: Canon Event Reconfirmed – Zabuza Arc Continuation Confirmed]
[Next Event: Bridge Encounter Approaching]
Training, the Subtle Way
The next morning, Kakashi gathered the team behind Tazuna's home.
Despite still recovering, he stood straight, arms folded, giving orders in his typical calm drawl.
"Shadow clones for Naruto. No more than three. Focus on control."
Naruto groaned. "C'mon! I can do ten!"
"Yeah. Sloppy ones. Three perfect ones are better than ten bad copies."
He turned to Sakura. "We're going to try tree-walking again, but blindfolded this time. You're better when your brain stops overthinking."
Then to Sasuke, he didn't say much.
Just a nod. "I assume you already know what you need to do."
Sasuke gave a light shrug, eyes cold but focused.
"I do."
[System Notification: Team Training Logged – Light Guidance Received]
[SP +2 – Mentorship Effect Logged]
Later – Alone Again
By late afternoon, Sasuke was back on the roof.
The ocean was loud in the distance, but his focus was on balance, stance, and strike motion.
He moved with intent.
Shadow punches. Slide-step counters. Controlled breathwork between each strike.
He pictured the ice mirrors. The way Haku had moved—fast, shifting between reflections. No time to think. No time to blink.
If I can't react in an instant, I'm done.
He dropped to the shingles and began fingertip push-ups.
[System Notification: Mirror Battle Simulation Active – 42% Sync]
[+3% Taijutsu Training Logged]
But then the system chimed again.
[Shop Available: 57 SP Stored]
Would you like to view your available upgrades?
System Shop – The Debate
Sasuke stood, eyes narrowing.
It's time to look. Even if I don't buy, I need to know what's possible.
He opened the system interface mentally.
[System Shop – Open]
Silent Movement – 10 SP
Shuriken Enhancement – 10 SP
Fire Style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu – 60 SP
[Total SP Available: 57]
Notice: Some abilities require specific chakra control or technique alignment.
He focused on the last one—Phoenix Flower Jutsu.
His hand hovered.
60 SP… I'm just short. But it's the best next step. A multi-projectile fire style—perfect for disrupting Haku's mirror range.
He moved down to Shuriken Enhancement.
Only 10 points.
Better accuracy, tighter spin control, and faster retrieval. That's useful.
He scrolled to Silent Movement.
10 points. Passive stealth, reduced sound from footwork.
That'd help close distance on Haku when mirrors break… but only if I survive long enough to get that far.
His fingers paused.
Should I spend now—or hold out for Phoenix Flower?
[System Prompt: Recommendation – Spend for Immediate Battle Efficiency OR Save for High-Power Jutsu Access]
He clenched his jaw.
"No," he muttered. "Not yet."
[Transaction Cancelled]
[System Shop Closed]
[SP Total: 57 – No Purchase Made]
He exhaled and returned to training.
I'll hold out. I'll fight smarter. That's how I win.
Evening in the House
Back inside, Tsunami served warm stew. Everyone ate quietly—except Naruto, who finally gave in and downed two bowls.
Tazuna sat near the window, sipping tea, lost in thought.
Kakashi stood, still and sharp like a blade sheathed but ready.
"We'll move at dawn," he said. "Zabuza will want to finish what he started. The bridge is where he'll do it."
Sasuke nodded once.
His Sharingan had already seen the future.
And this time, he'd be the one breaking through the mirrors—not the one trapped in them.
[Chapter 8 Complete – The Demon Will Return]
SP Gained: +5 (Training + Mental Discipline)
Current SP: 57
Updated Attributes:
Strength: 2
Agility: 5
Intelligence: 7
Perception: 2
Control: 6
Resolve: 12
Known Techniques:
Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu
Clone Jutsu
Substitution Jutsu
Tree-Walking & Water-Walking
Basic Taijutsu (Uchiha Clan Style)
Shurikenjutsu
Sharingan (2-Tomoe) – Level 1
System Shop:
Silent Movement – 10 SP
Shuriken Enhancement – 10 SP
Fire Style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu – 60 SP (Locked: Not enough SP)
Next Objective: Reach the Bridge – Defend Tazuna, Defeat Zabuza, Survive Haku's Mirror Jutsu