On the bridge, visibility within the thick fog was compressed to less than ten meters.
The air was damp, cold, and viscous... every breath carried the heaviness of water vapor.
Jiraiya, Adult Sasuke, and Naruto stood in a relatively less foggy area, listening intently to the sounds of fierce fighting coming from within the mist.
Jiraiya turned his head and said quietly to Adult Sasuke beside him, "Hey, Samoyan, keep an eye on Naruto. Don't let him run around. I'm going in to help Kakashi."
However, Adult Sasuke slowly shook his head: "No need. If the opponent is merely Momochi Zabuza, Kakashi is strong enough to handle him. If we rush in recklessly, we might disrupt his rhythm."
He still remembered that life-and-death battle. He and Naruto had been pinned down by Haku, while Kakashi alone had dealt with Zabuza.
Hearing this, Jiraiya raised an eyebrow, about to say something, when suddenly both of them tensed. They keenly sensed another powerful Chakra approaching rapidly, stepping into the range of the thick fog without any attempt at concealment!
"Who?!" Naruto also heard the footsteps, nervously gripping his kunai as he turned to look in another direction on the bridge.
Heavy footsteps approached from afar, accompanied by the teeth-aching screech of metal scraping against the ground.
The thick fog seemed to be pushed aside slightly by an invisible force, and a tall, burly figure gradually became clear.
The newcomer wore a blue-and-gray uniform, his posture straight as a pine tree, his silver-blonde short hair somewhat hazy in the mist.
Most striking was the forehead protector on his head, which has a pentagram emblem, and the enormous broad-bladed greatsword he was dragging along the ground!
The blade of the greatsword was thick, with a circle near the hilt. The edge glinted coldly, carving a clear, shallow scratch on the rough bridge surface, emitting a continuous, low scraping sound.
The gazes of Adult Sasuke and Jiraiya instantly sharpened!
Having traveled in the Land of Stars for over two years, Jiraiya naturally recognized this attire and that forehead protector!
'Why would a Land of Stars' Ninja be in the remote Land of Waves?'
'And at such a sensitive time?'
Adult Sasuke's doubts grew even deeper.
He had never seen that forehead protector's emblem before... it clearly didn't belong to any Ninja Village force he remembered.
But what concerned him even more was the extravagantly shaped greatsword in the other's hand. It was unmistakably the Kubikiribocho that should have belonged to Zabuza!
'How did it come to be in this unfamiliar Ninja's hands?'
"Hey! You... are you an enemy too?!" Although intimidated by the other party's aura, Naruto still mustered his courage, holding his kunai across his chest, and shouted.
The tall, silver-haired Ninja stopped, seeming to just then notice the three waiting warily by the bridge's edge.
He raised his empty left hand, scratched the back of his head, smiled, and said in a booming voice: "Don't be nervous, everyone. I am Iida Yusuke, a Jonin of the Land of Stars. I was entrusted by Tazuna-san's family to come and help. I'm not an enemy."
"Land of Stars' Jonin? Here to help?" Naruto was stunned for a moment, then looked questioningly at Jiraiya.
Jiraiya's face immediately broke into a somewhat playful smile. He patted Naruto's head and laughed heartily: "So he's on our side! Good, good! Naruto, put away your kunai. Be polite to friends!"
Jiraiya guessed it was most likely related to the upcoming Joint Chunin Exams.
He also quickly shot Adult Sasuke a 'wait and see' look.
Although Naruto was still a bit skeptical, he put away his kunai as told and curiously examined Yusuke, especially that super-heavy-looking big sword of his.
This was his first time seeing a Ninja from another village up close...
Dragging the Kubikiribocho, Yusuke walked past the three with steady steps. His gaze cast towards the depths of the thick fog, the area where Chakra Collisions were most intense. His tone carried a hint of eagerness for battle: "The enemy inside is the Kirigakure's Missing-Nin, known as the [Demon], Momochi Zabuza, correct?"
Jiraiya folded his arms, watching Yusuke with interest, especially the Kubikiribocho in his hand. Suddenly, as if remembering something, he said in a conversational tone: "Oh? Speaking of which, I seem to recall that the four Ninja Swords of your Land of Stars originally belonged to Kirigakure, right?"
'Four Ninja Swords?' Adult Sasuke beside him stirred.
In his Space-Time, although the members of Kirigakure's famous Seven Ninja Swordsmen changed, the seven swords were basically still under Kirigakure's control.
'This Land of Stars had actually managed to seize four Ninja Swords from Kirigakure?'
'This organization's strength and style of action seemed far more assertive than I had imagined.'
Yusuke was unbothered by Jiraiya's teasing. He simply nodded frankly, acknowledging it: "Indeed, Ninja Swords are an important part of a Ninja's strength. They belong to those who can wield them. I heard that Momochi Zabuza was a strong candidate for the Swordsmen before his defection, quite skilled. Meeting him today, I'd like to test my strength against him!"
His gaze returned to the thick fog, his fighting spirit rising: "Well then, everyone, I'll take over the fight inside. Please wait here."
Jiraiya made a 'go ahead' gesture, smiling as he said, "Sure, let us see the prowess of a Land of Stars' Jonin."
Yusuke said no more, took a deep breath, pushed off with his feet, and his form blurred into a grey afterimage. With an unstoppable momentum, he charged into the thickest fog at the battle's center!
At that moment, at the fog's center, the battle between Kakashi and Zabuza had reached a critical point!
"Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique!"
Zabuza's hands flew through hand seals!
Vast Chakra coalesced water around him, boiling fiercely. A ferocious, enormous water dragon raised its head within the mist, letting out a roar as it lunged at Kakashi!
This was a B-rank Water Release Ninjutsu, demanding high Chakra Reserves and precise hand seals, demonstrating Zabuza's deep strength as an Elite Jonin.
However, facing this berserk attack, Kakashi appeared unusually calm.
He had already pushed up the forehead protector covering his left eye, revealing his Three-Tomoe Sharingan!
The Sharingan's powerful dynamic vision and copying ability clearly imprinted Zabuza's incredibly complex hand seal process!
'Sharingan... hmph!' Zabuza sneered inwardly. He had heard of the Sharingan's abilities but didn't fully believe the other party could perfectly copy such a complex technique.
But the next moment, something that made his pupils contract happened!
Kakashi's hands, at a speed no less than his own, even more fluid and precise, completed the same forty-four hand seals!
"Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique!"
A water dragon, no less in size or power, surged from around Kakashi, emitting a deafening roar, and fearlessly met Zabuza's water dragon!
Boom—!!!
The two enormous water dragons collided violently in mid-air!
The terrifying shockwave spread outwards, instantly clearing a large area of the surrounding thick fog!
A deluge of water poured down like a rainstorm, the entire bridge deck shaking violently!
"Impossible?! Even such a technique can be..." Zabuza was horrified. He didn't expect the Sharingan's copying ability was this terrifying.
Just as his mind reeled, a sudden change occurred!
A tall, burly figure, like a ship cutting through waves, burst through the cascading water and charged at astonishing speed!
His target is Zabuza!
"Who?!" Zabuza reacted quickly. Though startled, he didn't panic, immediately swinging his Ninja Sword to block!
Clang—!!!
Sparks flew. A deafening clash of metal exploded!
Zabuza felt an overwhelming, mountain-toppling force transmit through his blade. His hand-web went numb, his arm ached, and his entire body slid uncontrollably back several meters before he barely steadied himself!
He looked closely. The attacker was a silver-haired Ninja he had never seen before, and the grotesque greatsword in the other's hand made him fix his gaze.
'The Kubikiribocho?!'
Almost simultaneously, Kakashi also clearly saw the newcomer, a flicker of confusion in his eyes.
But then, Jiraiya, Adult Sasuke, and Naruto walked out from the fog, and Jiraiya's voice sounded just in time: "Kakashi, this is Iida Yusuke-san, a Jonin of the Land of Stars. He's here to help us."
"A Land of Stars' Jonin?" Kakashi relaxed slightly, but his vigilance didn't completely fade. His Sharingan remained locked on the two in the field.
Zabuza licked his somewhat dry lips, a flicker of greed and violence in his eyes. He stared at the Kubikiribocho in Yusuke's hand and laughed hoarsely: "Tch... the Kubikiribocho... that's a treasure I've dreamed of! I didn't expect you to deliver it to my door today. Perfect..."
He didn't get to finish his sentence—
Crack!
A slight but clear shattering sound came from the Ninja Sword in Zabuza's hand!
Zabuza looked down, his face instantly turning ugly.
The premium Ninja Sword, known for its toughness, which he had spent a fortune custom-ordering from a craftsman in the Land of Iron, now had a clear crack on its blade after a single head-on clash with the other's Kubikiribocho!
And the crack was rapidly spreading!
Yusuke didn't give him a chance to breathe. His arm muscles bulged, and the Kubikiribocho, with even heavier pressure, pressed down again!
His sword momentum was like a mountain bearing down, unstoppable!
Zabuza's Ninja Sword could no longer withstand this terrifying force and snapped accordingly!
The broken half of the blade spun through the air and embedded itself deeply into a nearby bridge pier with a 'thud'!
Zabuza, shocked and enraged, retreated hastily, trying to create distance.
Yusuke pressed his advantage. The Kubikiribocho moved in his hands, seemingly cumbersome but surprisingly fast!
"Hiding in the Mist Technique!" Zabuza, both shocked and angered, quickly formed hand seals. The surrounding thick fog instantly became even more viscous, greatly hindering visibility and perception.
His figure also melted into the thick fog, disappearing, only his murderous voice coming from all directions: "Land of Stars brat... let me properly assess whether you're worthy of that sword!"
Facing this even more treacherous environment, Yusuke did something unexpected.
He held the Kubikiribocho horizontally before him, assuming a defensive posture as steady as a rock, then slowly closed his eyes!
"What is he doing?" Naruto, watching, couldn't help but exclaim.
"Watch closely!" Adult Sasuke said in a low voice.
Kakashi and Jiraiya also looked thoughtful.
'Land of Stars' Ninja seemed to have unique methods for dealing with the Hiding in the Mist Technique.'
Within the thick fog, Zabuza also felt a flicker of surprise, but he wouldn't miss any opportunity.
Water Clone Technique!
He formed hand seals secretly. A water clone, almost indistinguishable from the original, silently coalesced and quietly approached from Yusuke's left, its kunai thrusting for his back!
Meanwhile, Zabuza's original body launched the true fatal blow from the right side, his blind spot!
His sword wind was sharp, aimed directly at the neck!
However, just as the two Zabuzas' attacks were about to land—
Yusuke's tightly shut eyes snapped open!
A sharp light exploded in his eyes!
As if he had already seen through everything, he swung the Kubikiribocho casually to the left!
Clang!
The water clone's kunai was easily deflected. The immense force directly shook the water clone into a puddle of clear water.
Almost simultaneously, Yusuke twisted his waist. Using the momentum from deflecting the water clone, the Kubikiribocho traced a perfect arc and, with even greater speed and strength, backhand slashed at Zabuza's original body attacking from the right!
This change of move was as fast as lightning, seamlessly natural!
"What?!" Zabuza's original body was greatly shocked!
He had completely not expected that with his eyes closed, the other party could not only accurately distinguish truth from falsehood but also mount such a swift and precise counterattack!
Caught off guard, he could only block with his half-broken Ninja Sword held horizontally!
Clang—
Crack!!
The Kubikiribocho struck the broken blade without any trickery!
How could that already cracked Ninja Sword withstand this long-telegraphed attack, with both power and speed at their peak?
It completely shattered!
Pieces of broken metal flew in all directions!
"Damn brat!" Zabuza, shocked and enraged, hurled the remaining hilt at Yusuke's face, trying to obstruct his vision, while retreating rapidly, attempting to vanish back into the fog.
But Yusuke reacted even faster!
He tilted his head slightly, easily dodging the thrown hilt, and pushed off hard with his feet!
The bridge surface shuddered slightly. His body turned into a silver lightning bolt skimming the ground, instantly catching up to the retreating Zabuza!
The Kubikiribocho, with a shrill cutting sound, came sweeping in again!
The battle instantly entered its most dangerous, most direct Taijutsu and swordsmanship duel!
Deprived of his weapon, Zabuza could only use a kunai, relying on his vast experience and agile movements to dodge and block awkwardly, completely passive and on the defensive!
Yusuke's swordsmanship was bold and broad, heavy and powerful. Each strike contained the force to split mountains and crack rocks, forcing Zabuza back step by step, danger appearing at every turn!
At the edge of the battlefield, the four watching had varied expressions.
"This guy... is quite impressive," Jiraiya said, stroking his chin, a flicker of appreciation in his eyes.
The power, speed, and grasp of opportunity Yusuke displayed were all outstanding even among Jonin.
"Mm..." Kakashi nodded, his Sharingan closely following Yusuke's movements, analyzing his techniques. "The [Ninja Sword Tournament] hosted by the Land of Stars in recent years is very famous. Iida Yusuke successfully defending his title for two consecutive terms shows his strength is not to be underestimated."
"His Taijutsu and swordsmanship seem to fuse characteristics of multiple styles, forming his own unique, very practical, and quite... domineering style."
As a former Anbu Commander of Konoha, he had some knowledge of powerful Ninjas from other villages.
Adult Sasuke remained silent, but the Rinnegan hidden beneath his slanted bangs flickered with a grave light.
Yusuke's combat style was ruthless, efficient, carrying a pure killing aura tempered by blood and fire, different from any Ninja style he had seen.
'The Land of Stars... what kind of place was it?'
"So strong!" Naruto watched, dumbfounded, unable to help exclaiming.
In the field, Zabuza failed to dodge in time. His Akatsuki's black and red cloud robe was slashed by the Kubikiribocho, leaving a long gash. Blood immediately flowed, staining his clothes.
And the spilled blood, as if drawn by something, seemed to gather in wisps towards the Kubikiribocho's body!
As the blood was absorbed, Zabuza's face visibly paled, his movements noticeably slowing and weakening!
Yet Yusuke's offensive grew even more savage and fierce, like a raging storm, giving his opponent no respite!
The more Zabuza fought, the more alarmed he became!
He prided himself on being the [Demon], having experienced countless fierce battles. Even against powerful Ninja like the Fourth Mizukage, he could put up a fight. When had he ever been suppressed like this by a seemingly under-twenty-year-old youth?!
The other party's swordsmanship was fiercely powerful, his strength astonishing, but even more terrifying was his insight, as if he could predict all of Zabuza's moves! As if he had specifically trained to counter the Hiding in the Mist Technique!
This felt less like a battle and more like being toyed with!
'I can't go on like this!' A vicious glint flashed in Zabuza's eyes. He leaped back several meters, melting back into the thick fog.
His hands flew through hand seals at high speed!
"Water Clone Technique!"
Two lifelike water clones charged out of the fog, lunging at Yusuke from left and right, trying to harass him.
Meanwhile, his original body, hidden in the fog, began coalescing Chakra, preparing to unleash his strongest Water Release Ninjutsu for a final desperate gamble!
"Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique!"
The enormous water dragon coalesced again, carrying Zabuza's rage, roaring towards Yusuke, who had just dealt with the two water clones!
However, facing this formidable attack, Yusuke not only didn't retreat, but stepped forward!
He gripped the Kubikiribocho's hilt with both hands and let out a low shout!
Dazzling blue electric arcs instantly burst from the Chakra Pathway in his arms and legs!
They emitted a 'crackling' popping sound!
His muscles swelled slightly, his speed suddenly soared at this moment!
His entire body transformed into an afterimage wreathed in lightning. Instead of retreating, he charged forward to meet the massive water dragon!
"What?! Tanking the Water Dragon Bullet head-on?!" The watching few were startled!
"Yaaah!" Yusuke let out a roar. The Kubikiribocho was raised high, its body also wrapped in berserk lightning!
He had actually applied Lightning Release Chakra to the Kubikiribocho!
He brought the blade down hard on the roaring water dragon's head!
"Break!"
Boom—!!!
The Kubikiribocho, wreathed in lightning, like a hot knife through butter, easily split the powerful water dragon in two from head to tail!
The parted water rushed to both sides, revealing Zabuza behind, who, having just performed a large-scale Ninjutsu, had a momentary lag in his Chakra Circulation and a look of horror on his face!
"Impossible!!" Reflected in Zabuza's pupils was the figure wreathed in lightning, splitting the water dragon and charging at him with unstoppable momentum!
'He had been hiding his true strength?!'
'This terrifying speed and explosive power...'
Yusuke's eyes were cold. Seizing this fleeting opportunity, the Kubikiribocho, with a screech that tore the air, ruthlessly slashed at Zabuza's neck!
Shlick—!
Blood sprayed!
The Kubikiribocho's edge deeply embedded itself in the collarbone of Zabuza's right shoulder, nearly cleaving half his shoulder off!
"Cough..." Zabuza coughed up a large mouthful of blood, staining the bandages on his face crimson.
He struggled to raise his head, looking at Yusuke, his eyes filled with disbelief and humiliation: "You... you were... deliberately showing weakness... baiting me into using... a large-scale Ninjutsu..."
Yusuke looked down at Zabuza, slowly pulling the Kubikiribocho from his shoulder, bringing out a trail of blood.
"Facing an opponent like the [Demon] Momochi Zabuza, any carelessness can be fatal. Caution is the first rule of a Ninja's survival."
With that, he stopped looking at the dying Zabuza, sheathed his sword, and stepped back.
Losing support, his face covered in blood, the light in Zabuza's eyes rapidly dimmed as he fell backwards into a pool of blood.
The thick fog began to slowly dissipate.