The group had set up camp near the riverbank, the gentle sound of flowing water filling the silence. A small fire crackled in the center, casting flickering shadows across their faces. Despite Kakashi's relaxed posture as he read his book, his senses remained sharp, attuned to the forest around them.
Sasuke sat a few feet away, sharpening a kunai while keeping his eyes on the trees. Sakura rested against a tree, trying to stay alert. Tazuna had already drifted into an uneasy sleep, but Naruto…
Naruto sat cross-legged, staring at the fire, his fists clenched. The events of the ambush earlier weighed heavily on his mind. He had frozen. Again. Just like when he was a kid, bullied and unable to fight back.
His fingers twitched as he replayed the moment in his head—the enemy ninja lunging at him, the way he had stood there like a fool while Sasuke and Kakashi handled everything.
Why am I always the weak one?
"Still thinking about today?" Kakashi's voice broke the silence.
Naruto flinched, glancing up at his sensei. "Huh? N-no! I was just… thinking about how awesome I was!" He grinned, forcing his usual carefree tone.
Kakashi hummed, unconvinced. "You froze, Naruto. But that's normal for a first real battle."
Naruto scowled, looking away. "Tch. You think Sasuke would've frozen?"
Sasuke smirked without looking up. "Of course not."
Naruto grit his teeth, his frustration boiling. "Tch. Just you wait, bastard. I'll show you!"
Kakashi sighed. "Then don't dwell on failure. Learn from it." He stood up, stretching. "Get some rest. We have a long day ahead."
As Kakashi walked away, Naruto clenched his fists tighter.
I need to be stronger… No, I will be stronger.
---
Deep in the misty forests of the Land of Waves, a man walked along the riverbank, his steps silent. His face was obscured by a mask, his presence barely a whisper against the rustling leaves.
Beside him, a smaller figure followed, their expression unreadable.
"Haku," the masked man spoke, his voice smooth yet cold. "They will be arriving soon."
The younger figure, Haku, nodded. "I understand, Zabuza-sama."
Zabuza Momochi, the Demon of the Hidden Mist, grinned beneath his mask. "Let's see what this so-called Kakashi of the Sharingan is capable of."
Haku lowered his gaze. "And the children?"
Zabuza scoffed. "They're nothing. If they get in the way, they die."
Haku remained silent, his heart conflicted. If they are weak, they will not survive… but they are still only children.
The mist thickened around them, as if swallowing their forms whole.
---
The sun had barely risen when Team 7 resumed their journey. The atmosphere was tense, the memory of the ambush still fresh.
Naruto, though still carrying the weight of his earlier failure, seemed more determined. He walked ahead, eyes scanning the path ahead, fists clenched with purpose.
Tazuna, sensing the shift in mood, sighed. "I appreciate you kids taking this mission, even after I lied. If we finish the bridge, my country might finally have a future."
Kakashi nodded, his single eye serious. "We'll get you there safely."
As they neared a clearing, Kakashi suddenly held up a hand. Everyone stopped instantly.
The air felt… wrong.
Sasuke's eyes narrowed. "Do you feel that?"
Kakashi nodded. "We're being watched."
Naruto's heartbeat quickened. This time… I won't freeze.
The surrounding mist thickened unnaturally, obscuring their vision. The once-clear path ahead now felt like a trap waiting to be sprung.
Sakura swallowed nervously. "K-Kakashi-sensei… this mist—"
A deep, chilling voice echoed through the fog.
"You're perceptive, Kakashi of the Sharingan."
Kakashi's muscles tensed. So it's him…
A massive silhouette emerged from the mist, a colossal sword resting on his shoulder. The Killing Intent in the air became suffocating, pressing down on them like an invisible force.
Naruto felt his breath hitch. So this… is a real enemy?
Zabuza's eyes gleamed with amusement as he spoke, "Let's see if you and your brats are as tough as they say."