Starts In Konoha: Unlocking Shadow Clone

The battle between Sasuke and Haku continued, but Naruto no longer paid attention to it.

The fact that Sasuke could think of a way to break through Haku's ice barrier was already beyond Naruto's expectations.

If he continued watching, he believed there won't be any interesting content.

After all, Sasuke's strength is only at the Chunin-level, but Haku is stronger than Zabuza. As long as Haku got serious, no matter how fancy Sasuke tries, he won't be able to defeat him.

Naruto secretly signaled to Zabuza, who was hiding in the mist, and Zabuza sprang into action.

Using the cover of the dense fog, Zabuza employed his Silent Killing Technique to approach Kakashi silently from behind.

At the next moment, his Kubikiribocho slashed at Kakashi's back without mercy.

The sheer killing intent weighed on everyone around, sending shivers down the workers' spines.

Sakura, especially, was trembling, her hands soaked in sweat as she struggled to hold her kunai, which soon clattered to the ground.

"Sakura, pick up your weapon and protect the workers."

Kakashi ordered sternly, quickly drawing a kunai to block Zabuza's strike.

How could Kakashi not notice the killing intent that ordinary people could feel?

Without hesitation, Kakashi lifted his headband, revealing the scarred eyelid concealing his scarlet Sharingan.

Kakashi had no concerns about defeating Zabuza.

But what will happen after he defeats Zabuza?

How much Chakra will he have left?

And how many more enemies might be lurking in the mist?

These were the real concerns.

If he used up all his Chakra to deal with Zabuza, he would not be able to stop more enemies.

As an experienced ninja, Kakashi knew the importance of conserving energy for unforeseen situations. Now, the three tomoe in Kakashi's Sharingan spun rapidly, operating at full capacity.

He needed to handle Zabuza with the least energy expenditure possible.

Naruto, hidden among the workers, chuckled at the sight of Kakashi's serious expression. This was part of his plan. In the original work, Zabuza had been too reckless, showing up with only Haku by his side and letting Kakashi fight without reserve.

But now, with the thick mist obscuring visibility, Kakashi would feel an immense pressure. After all, fear of the unknown is the greatest fear of all.

"Take this!"

Zabuza shouted menacingly, brandishing his giant blade with mastery. In one-on-one combat, the Kubikiribocho's unique capabilities made it a rival even to the Sharingan.

The sword could absorb iron from his opponents' blood, allowing it to self-repair and even restore Zabuza's stamina by draining blood, earning its reputation as an unbreakable blade.

As a specialist in solo duels, Zabuza feared no one. With the Silent Killing Technique, he could pinpoint his target by sound alone, making his assassination skills top-notch.

However, after a feigned attack, Zabuza quickly disappeared back into the mist, per Naruto's instructions: his objective was to wear down Kakashi's mental defenses and, ideally, incapacitate him, making Naruto's next phase easier to execute.

Using the Silent Killing Technique, Zabuza appeared at random spots among the workers, forcing Kakashi to constantly reposition himself.

With the Sharingan fully activated, Kakashi's mental fatigue reached its peak. He couldn't afford to wait any longer, or Zabuza might wear him down completely, making it impossible to face any unknown enemies that might lie ahead.

Whoosh!

Kakashi's figure flickered in a burst of speed, reaching Zabuza's side in an instant.

Seeing an opening, Zabuza couldn't resist swinging his blade down, slicing into Kakashi and sending blood spraying through the air.

But in the next moment, both Zabuza and Naruto's faces darkened. Naruto had specifically instructed Zabuza not to injure Kakashi.

It's not that Naruto feels sorry for Kakashi, it's simply because Kakashi could summon his Ninken, which could track Zabuza by the scent of blood.

In the original work, this technique had been Zabuza's undoing, breaking through the mist and dismantling his entire offensive strategy.

Not only that, the most important thing is that when Team 7 was just established, Kakashi asked his Ninken to memorize the scent of Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura so that they could be found easily if they lost contact.

If Kakashi summoned his Ninken at this moment, there would be no doubt that Naruto, who was hiding among the group of workers, would be exposed.

With Kakashi's clever mind, it would be easy for him to deduce what was happening. And at the very least, he'd pick up on something unusual.

Naruto looked at Zabuza with resentment and gave him the middle finger.

The middle finger not only means insulting him, it also means a change of plans.

Zabuza quickly suppressed his pride and pushed the mist to the extreme thickness.

Taking advantage of the thick mist, Naruto rushed out from the group of workers and arrived at a far distance in a flash.

Then, he turned around and walked back.

"Kakashi, what happened? How did you get injured?"

Naruto said, returning to his original appearance.

"It was Zabuza's attack. But now that you're back, things should be easier."

Kakashi took out a bandage and wrapped it around his injured arm. With Naruto around, he could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Kakashi then summoned his Ninken, who immediately pinned Zabuza in place.

As Kakashi formed hand seals, faint electrical sparks began to gather around him.

Sensing Kakashi's intent, Naruto quickly interrupted, "Kakashi, you're injured… let me handle this."

Without waiting for a response, Naruto launched himself at Zabuza.

"Please go easy, Naruto-sama."

Zabuza pleaded.

Naruto said impatiently, "Who told you to ruin the plan? I told you not to hurt Kakashi, but you refused to listen. I almost got exposed because of you. This punch won't be gentle."

As he finished speaking, a dark red tail began to form behind Naruto, slowly taking shape.

It hovered in midair like a sentient fist, slamming into Zabuza with immense force. The Ninken quickly dispelled themselves, returning to their realm, after all, getting hit by this punch would surely mean serious injury or death.

Boom!

With a resounding impact, Zabuza was flung backward, coughing up blood as his bones felt like they'd shattered. Without his control, the mist gradually cleared, revealing the bridge once more.

At the other end of the bridge, Sasuke was locked in a fierce battle with Haku.

Though, to be precise, Haku was merely toying with Sasuke.

However, when Haku saw Zabuza injured and collapsing, his body trembled, and an intense killing intent radiated from him, almost manifesting as red waves in the air.

Bang!

This time, Haku wasted no time with tricks.

Forming hand seals with lightning speed, he created an ice pillar that erupted in front of Sasuke. Before Sasuke could react, the pillar exploded, sending him flying several meters back.

When Sasuke landed on the ground, he was already unconscious, and his life or death is uncertain.

At the next moment, Haku appeared at Zabuza's side, supporting him in a hurry.

"Zabuza-sama, are you alright? What happened?"

Haku asked, concern evident in his voice.

Zabuza waved a weary hand and replied weakly, "It's all my fault for not following the plan. In order not to be exposed, I was injured by Naruto-sama."

"Then... what should we do now?" Haku breathed a sigh of relief, but his brows were still furrowed.

Wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth, Zabuza replied, "Just now, Naruto-sama signaled us to initiate Plan T."

"Plan T?"

Haku was briefly taken aback, "Naruto-sama means…we're to make this deception real..."