Before the realization dawned, Zabuza, who had hidden himself, was surrounded by Kakashi's summoned ninja hounds.
Upon confirming the approximate location, Kakashi immediately displayed his Sharingan without hesitation, and then the Chidori began its piercing cry!
Sensing danger, Zabuza instantly used the Hidden Mist Instant Body Switching Technique to relocate himself. Still, with each bark of the dogs, Kakashi was able to adjust his bearing, charging straight at Zabuza.
After realizing he was completely exposed, a fierce look flashed in Zabuza's eyes. Abandoning the idea of hiding, he stood his ground and began forming hand seals.
"Water Release: Great Waterfall Technique!"
A giant sphere of water burst forth from Zabuza's mouth, heading toward the direction of the Chidori's cry.
With a bang!
Kakashi used the Chidori to directly tear through the water sphere, forcefully breaking out from within.
Although the impact of the Great Waterfall Technique caused Kakashi to feel a surge of blood upheaval, he was confident in his ability to take down his foe.
Kakashi's Chidori was too fast, and it was clear that Zabuza was too late to form seals again.
But at that moment, a figure immediately stood in front of Zabuza.
"Ice Release: Ice Rock Dome!"
A bowl-shaped solid ice wall instantly enveloped both him and Zabuza, and then Kakashi's Chidori struck upon the ice wall.
Despite encountering blockages one after another, Kakashi still managed to break through Haku's defense with a brute-force attitude.
But the power of Chidori was nearly depleted, and Zabuza directly kicked it away on the wrist, finally resolving the crisis.
"Water Release Secret Technique: Thousand Flying Water Needles of Death!"
Turning the water into thousands of needles, they flew directly toward Kakashi. Kakashi realized this person was the one who attacked him at the beginning, and he had to dodge while defending.
However, just as Zabuza was about to break out, Haku immediately grabbed and whispered something to him.
Zabuza immediately looked angry but disappeared into the dense mist along with Haku.
After the mist slowly dissipated, Kakashi, with a furrowed brow, pulled out the needles that he couldn't block from his body.
The Eight Ninja Hounds surrounded him, watching their surroundings with vigilant eyes.
Until Pakkun spoke up: "Those two have gone far, Kakashi. How did you end up provoking someone from the Hidden Mist? And that just now, was that Ice Release?"
Kakashi was equally puzzled.
In a country without ninjas, the appearance of at least a jōnin from the Hidden Mist was already strange. Now, an Ice Release user has appeared...
It seems that they targeted him due to his investigation into the Ihō Association.
Indeed, the Ihō Association is not simple!
They have already collected much information these days, yet many truths still hide in the mist.
What happened to the once-prosperous Kado Association? Why was there suddenly bloodshed and even Kado was killed?
What role did Naoki, who claimed to be Kado's son, play in it?
Who helped him smoothly inherit Kado's assets while eliminating all the extending hands and forces?
There are too many doubts in this.
However, today's rash action also confirmed one thing for him: that there must be someone else behind Naoki.
This mysterious force might be the true existence they need to investigate.
Then Kakashi suddenly thought of something.
Everyone says that the most luxurious palace in the Land of Waves is the residence of Naoki, but he found out through visits in recent days that Naoki doesn't live there at all.
Having spent so much human resources, material resources, and wealth to build such a luxurious palace, he doesn't live there. What's the reason?
If it's not some peculiarity, could it be that someone significant lives inside?
And this palace, was it not prepared for Naoki himself, but for someone else?!
Then, who could make Naoki willingly give up the palace?
Kakashi felt he might have touched the edge of the truth.
Whether it is or not, a try will reveal it.
He plans to check out the palace after recovering from his injuries!
Meanwhile, elsewhere...
"Haku, why did you stop me just now? It would only take a moment, and I could have slit his throat!"
Haku took off his mask, smiled slightly, and went along with his words: "Of course, that person is no match for Mr. Zabuza, but the esteemed person had instructed if an outsider with Sharingan is found, try not to initiate conflict and report it immediately."
"Although the mist was thick just now, with such proximity, I wouldn't mistake it. The opponent's left eye is indeed the Sharingan."
Only then did Zabuza unhappily purse his lips. Perhaps out of jealousy, he suddenly asked: "If one day that guy asks you to kill me, what would you do?"
Haku was startled momentarily, then smiled and said, "That won't happen. In a few more years, we'll be free. The esteemed person won't break his word. If Mr. Zabuza wishes to leave, we'll leave together."
Zabuza hummed discontentedly, "What if I'm ready to take him down? Who would you help?"
Haku still smiled, "That is... to knock Mr. Zabuza unconscious and then flee immediately~."
"Just the two of us couldn't be a match for that esteemed person, so to avoid Mr. Zabuza doing something foolish, I would knock you out and escape overnight."
"Speaking of which, it's been so long. Does Mr. Zabuza still hold a grudge over that incident?"
Zabuza's expression soured, seemingly not entirely satisfied with Haku's answer but also understanding Haku's stance.
"It's good that Haku wasn't charmed by that guy."
"No way, after the ten-year agreement, I must take Haku and leave together."
"If that guy dares not to let go by then, might as well fight that bastard!"
Zabuza thought fiercely, but he had no confidence in his heart.
Seeing him like this, Haku smiled even more happily. It felt good to be needed.
But at the same time, Haku felt somewhat disappointed.
He wanted to stay here with Mr. Zabuza.
Although the daily work was boring, sometimes unavoidable conflicts arose.
But he and Zabuza could gain respect here, and there was no need to hide and lead a stable life.
He only wanted just that.
Once they leave this place, they might be chased by the Hidden Mist ANBU again.
What awaits them might be a life of constant escape and hiding.
So, how could he persuade Mr. Zabuza to stay here indefinitely?
Haku suddenly felt a bit troubled.