It had been three days since Team 7 had started living in Tazuna's home. The quaint house offered a safe haven, though the tension of the looming danger hung heavy in the air. Despite the cozy atmosphere, the team knew that their time here was anything but a vacation.
Kakashi had woken up two days prior, quickly piecing together that Zabuza was alive. His sharp instincts were something the team had come to admire, though this time, it came with a grim revelation.
"We can't afford to waste any time," Kakashi had said, his voice firm but weary. "Zabuza is out there, recovering just like we are. The next time he attacks, he'll be even more prepared."
He had proposed training immediately, and the team, despite their initial exhaustion, agreed. However, there was a difference this time. Unlike in the anime, where they started with tree-climbing, Kakashi decided to focus on water walking.
"This will push your chakra control to the next level," Kakashi explained. "And once you have a solid grasp of it, I'll teach you one elemental jutsu based on your chakra nature. But don't expect me to go easy on you."
Yuto couldn't help but smirk at the announcement. 'Things are progressing just like I thought, but Kakashi's idea of introducing elemental jutsu is an interesting deviation. Maybe it's because of the level we've shown so far.'
The training sessions were intense, but thanks to their earlier experiences with Guy's team, they weren't starting from scratch. Yuto noticed that both Naruko and Hitomi had grown more comfortable balancing their chakra, though Naruko's tendency to overdo things still resulted in occasional splashes.
"Ha! Almost got it this time!" Naruko exclaimed, pulling herself out of the water for the fifth time that hour.
Hitomi smirked from her perfectly stable stance on the water's surface. "You've got the enthusiasm, Naruko. But maybe try using a brain cell or two instead of just brute force."
Naruko growled. "Oh, I'll show you brute force, you stuck-up—!"
"Enough, you two," Yuto cut in, balancing effortlessly on the water as a leaf was stuck to his forehead. "The goal is to train, not drown each other. Save the sparring for later."
Meanwhile, Kakashi kept a watchful eye on their progress, occasionally offering pointers but otherwise letting them figure things out. His weariness was evident, though he hid it well behind his usual aloof demeanor.
Outside of training, life at Tazuna's house was a mix of hospitality and tension. Tazuna's daughter, Tsunami, had been warm and welcoming, often thanking the team for their efforts to protect her father.
"You're all so brave," she had said one evening, placing a tray of freshly made rice balls on the table. "I don't know what we'd do without you."
However, her son, Inari, was a different story entirely. The boy had greeted them with hostility from the start, his eyes glaring with resentment.
"You're all going to die anyway," he had sneered during dinner one night. "No one can stand up to Gato. You might as well give up now." He then went on with his sappy story about his step dad and what not. The comments were getting to naruko and hitomi as they had been through similar experience, and couldn't help but want to hit this kid in the head.
Naruko's fists clenched, and hitomi opened her mouth to retort, but Yuto silenced them with a glance.
"Inari," Yuto said coldly, his Kamigan activating briefly. "If you're going to talk like that, at least have the strength to back it up. Otherwise, stay out of our way."
The glare he gave the boy was so intense that Inari froze, his bravado crumbling instantly. A moment later, the boy bolted out of the room, tears welling in his eyes.
Naruko blinked. "Wasn't that a little harsh?"
"It was necessary," Yuto replied, his voice even. "He needs to understand that fear won't solve anything. And if we're going to protect this place, we can't have him dragging everyone down with his negativity."
Kakashi, who had been listening quietly from his chair, gave a subtle nod of approval.
On the fourth day of training, progress was evident. Naruko and Hitomi had mastered water walking, able to stay on the water's surface for a full hour without issue. Yuto, as expected, was ahead of the curve, capable of maintaining balance for two hours while sticking a leaf to his forehead. However, the mission still required him to fight on the water for that duration.
'This will have to wait until we're back in Konoha,' Yuto thought, planning to perfect the technique under more controlled conditions.
Kakashi's recovery was noticeable, and with his health steadily improving, he decided it was time to begin the promised elemental jutsu training. Gathering the team after a morning session, Kakashi addressed them with his usual laid-back tone but with a sharp glint of seriousness in his eye.
"Alright, Team 7," he began, "since you've made good progress with water walking, it's time to take things up a notch. I'll be teaching each of you an elemental jutsu that aligns with your chakra nature."
Naruko immediately perked up. "Yes! Finally, some real jutsu training!"
Hitomi gave a small smirk. "About time. Let's see what you've got for us, sensei."
Yuto, however, remained quiet, his mind already racing with plans. 'This is the perfect chance to set things in motion. If I take the first shift to guard Tazuna, I can use the time to execute the first part of the Money Heist mission.'
Raising his hand, Yuto interrupted the excited chatter. "Sensei, I'll take the first shift to guard Tazuna. You can start training Naruko and Hitomi today, and I'll catch up tomorrow."
Kakashi tilted his head, one visible eye narrowing in thought. "You sure, Yuto? This training is important."
Yuto nodded confidently. "I'm sure. Besides, it'll be more productive if you focus on two students at a time rather than three. I'll get the same attention tomorrow."
Kakashi considered this for a moment before nodding. "Alright, that makes sense. Naruko, Hitomi, you're with me today. Yuto, stay alert during your shift. Gato might not make a move, but we can't take any chances."
"Yes, sensei," Yuto replied, hiding a small smirk.
As the girls eagerly followed Kakashi to begin their training, Yuto turned his attention inward, reviewing the details of his plan.
'Perfect. With them occupied, I can sneak out and begin scouting Gato's base. If I do this right, the first part of the mission—stealing his money—will be completed by tonight.'
He grabbed his gear, ensuring everything was in place, then left with tazuna towards his bridge.
'Time to take the first step in dismantling Gato's empire.'
(Pls give me some power stones!)
(Find out next time on Naruto:Eye system)