After realizing verbal probing yielded nothing, both fell silent.
But their hearts grew warier.
In normal ninja probing, verbal sparring was standard, but not this tense.
They knew cans defied common sense.
Zabuza feared Kakashi might whip out a bracelet, turn into a magical girl, and surge in power.
Kakashi dreaded Zabuza pulling a *Heavenly Flying Immortal*-style killing move like Sasuke's.
Unimaginable, unpredictable.
Anything seemed possible, unlike typical ninja battles.
Still…
Fighting was unavoidable.
"Kakashi, warmup's over."
Zabuza raised his Teigu high, forming a seal with one hand. Instantly, white mist surged like a tide.
"Ninjutsu: Hidden Mist Jutsu…"
Kakashi watched Zabuza vanish into the fog, his caution mounting. Gritting his teeth, he held two pills.
One Power Pill, one temporary Mana Boost Pill.
Among Tsunade's Level 2 medical cans, few offered buffs—most were healing. But Zabuza clearly bought a strength-enhancing series. Their clash showed force rivaling even Gai's pressure on Kakashi.
Why sell cans to someone like this?
Shen Mo's gentle face flashed in Kakashi's mind, his gaze growing complex.
In that being's eyes…
Did Zabuza's ambition-driven will count as a will to change fate?
No choice now.
"Sasuke, Naruto," Kakashi gripped his kunai, raising his voice, "protect Dazuna. And, Rin."
The last word was enough. Rin understood.
Most of Kakashi's healing items were with her.
"Such teamwork," Zabuza's voice echoed from all directions in the mist. "Kakashi, before that man left, I asked if I could keep targeting you. Guess his answer?"
"…"
Kakashi stayed silent.
But Zabuza's voice rang clear.
"He… didn't care."
The final word seemed whispered in his ear.
Behind—!
Kakashi swung his kunai back in a flash.
Clang!
Metal clashed, sparks flew. Immense force from Zabuza's weapon pressed Kakashi, his armor glowing brownish.
Not a full set, but eleven Level 2 special gear pieces.
The strength boost was no joke.
Crack…
The concrete under Kakashi cracked, his shoes shredded, his arm trembling.
Even with a Power Pill, his strength paled against Zabuza's.
Zabuza had used plenty of light orbs too.
"Quiet now, Kakashi?" Zabuza held back, increasing pressure. "Didn't seize that man's opportunity, huh? Selling jutsu—just a bluff? Look, your legs are shaking, scissors at your head. One push, and your skull's like that sword…"
Kakashi gritted his teeth, face flushed, straining fully.
The ground's cracking grew louder.
His gear… all special equipment?
Kakashi glanced at Zabuza's armor, eyes disbelieving. Special gear was rare— a full set… Level 3 cans?
No time to drag!
His Sharingan began shifting to a new form.
But then—
"Kakashi-sensei!"
Naruto, unable to bear Zabuza's taunts, charged into the mist, fists swinging.
Trouble!
Kakashi caught Zabuza's smug look.
He'd baited Naruto with those words!
And a partner!
Kakashi's Mangekyo Sharingan needed time to charge chakra—too late now.
Gritting his teeth, he angled his kunai right, letting Zabuza's force slice his shoulder, trading injury to break free.
"Naruto, fall back! He has a partner!" Kakashi rolled clumsily, shouting.
"What?" Naruto froze, confused, turning. All was white mist, Sasuke and the others gone.
"Too late."
Zabuza didn't attack Kakashi, standing there, his exposed eyes mocking silently.
One brat was missing.
The other wouldn't match Haku.
As his words landed, silent arrows shot from the mist, speeding toward Dazuna.
So fast!
Sasuke couldn't block them all, shielding vital spots but not retreating.
Thud, thud—
Piercing flesh.
"Aaagh!" Sasuke screamed, wracked by pain.
"S-Sasuke—!" Naruto's face was childlike, helpless, terrified.
If his recklessness got Sasuke hurt, or killed…
"Naruto, run toward the scream!" Kakashi panted, heart racing at the cry.
"Give up, Kakashi," Zabuza said, planting his Teigu in the ground, not attacking, his voice clear to all. "My partner opened more *cans* than me."
That alone…
Sank Kakashi's heart to rock bottom.
Zabuza's tone rang true—not a bluff.
Another…
Who opened even more *cans*!
"Sasuke, drink this."
Rin poured red potion into Sasuke's mouth, hands darting to yank ice arrows from his body, letting the potion heal him.
Sakura…
Collapsed, staring at Sasuke, a bloodied porcupine of ice arrows, her mind near breaking.
"For some unrelated civilian," a genderless voice drifted from the mist, "is it worth dying?"
"Shut up! Shut up!"
Sasuke's body shook, enduring searing pain.
He'd heard Zabuza's words.
Another can buyer!
Why, despite buying so many cans, did stronger can users keep appearing?
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