Mist rolled across the water like a living thing.
The small ferry drifted silently through the dense fog surrounding the Land of Waves.
Not even the sound of the oars could be heard.
The boatman whispered nervously.
"We're almost there."
Ahead of them, faint outlines of wooden docks and distant rooftops began to appear through the mist.
Naruto leaned over the edge of the boat.
"…This place is creepy."
Beside him, Sakura hugged herself.
"It's so quiet…"
Sasuke scanned the fog carefully.
Behind them, Kakashi had closed his orange book.
For once, he wasn't reading.
Even Tazuna looked uneasy.
The boat scraped softly against a wooden dock.
They had arrived.
The group stepped onto land.
A narrow dirt road led through the forest toward Tazuna's village.
Mist clung to the trees.
Naruto stretched again.
"Alright!"
"Let's go finish this bridge!"
They began walking.
The Shinobi Codex flickered faintly.
Environmental Modifier Detected
Heavy Mist Region
Perception checks slightly impaired.
They moved deeper into the forest.
Branches creaked softly overhead.
Water dripped from moss-covered bark.
Naruto kicked a rock down the road.
"Man… nothing ever happens when you're ready for it."
Then—
Something white darted across the path.
Naruto blinked.
"…Huh?"
A small white rabbit hopped nervously between the trees.
Naruto tilted his head.
"…Why is there a rabbit here?"
Sakura blinked.
"What's wrong with that?"
Naruto scratched his cheek.
"I dunno… it just feels weird."
The Shinobi Codex chimed softly.
Perception Check Triggered
Naruto stared harder at the animal.
Its fur was pure white.
Perfectly white.
His brain clicked.
"…Wait."
Naruto frowned.
"A rabbit's fur changes color with the seasons."
Everyone paused.
Naruto pointed.
"And it's not winter."
Kakashi's visible eye widened slightly.
"…Good catch."
The Shinobi Codex chimed again.
Perception Check Success
Observer: Naruto Uzumaki
Stat Increase:
+1 Intelligence
The rabbit suddenly froze.
Then—
WHOOSH
A massive blade screamed through the air.
The enormous weapon spun like a buzzsaw.
THUNK
It embedded itself in a tree trunk directly in front of the group.
Everyone jumped back instantly.
Standing on the blade's handle…
A tall figure appeared.
Bandages wrapped the lower half of his face.
A massive sword rested beneath his feet.
The mist thickened around him.
The Shinobi Codex pulsed violently.
Boss Encounter Detected
Target Identified:
Zabuza Momochi
Title: Demon of the Hidden Mist
Threat Level: High
Sakura whispered nervously.
"That's…"
Kakashi's voice finished for her.
"One of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of Kirigakure."
Zabuza chuckled.
"Well well."
"Looks like Kakashi Hatake himself came to play."
Naruto blinked.
"…Wait you know Kakashi?"
Zabuza ignored him.
"Hand over the old man."
He gestured lazily toward Tazuna.
"And maybe I'll let the brats live."
Kakashi calmly lifted his forehead protector.
Revealing the Sharingan beneath, Sasuke's eyes widened in shock. He'd have choice words for him later. What was the meaning of this?
Zabuza laughed.
"Oh?"
"Copy Ninja Kakashi."
"Now this might actually be fun."
Kakashi's voice became serious.
"Team"
"Protect Tazuna."
"Stay out of this."
Naruto stepped forward.
"Hey! Don't leave me—"
Zabuza disappeared.
Water exploded upward.
Kakashi vanished to intercept him.
CLANG
Steel collided in the mist.
Water rippled across the road.
The two jonin blurred between trees.
Naruto stared in awe.
"…Woah."
But suddenly—
The mist thickened even more.
The Shinobi Codex flashed.
Danger Warning
Killing intent detected.
Naruto froze.
Cold sweat ran down his neck.
Zabuza's voice echoed through the fog.
"Heh."
"Let's see how long the children last."
Sakura trembled.
"I can't see him…"
The ground beside them suddenly rippled.
Water surged upward—
And three identical figures emerged.
Water Clones.
The Shinobi Codex chimed.
Technique Detected
Water Clone Jutsu
User: Zabuza Momochi
Sasuke narrowed his eyes.
His body lowered into a fighting stance.
"…Naruto."
Naruto glanced over.
"Yeah?"
Sasuke's gaze sharpened.
"He's coming for Tazuna. Cover me.
Right on cue—
One of the clones lunged forward.
Sasuke moved instantly.
Kunai flashed into his hand.
He ducked the massive blade.
Spun low.
Three shuriken flew from his fingers in one smooth motion.
They curved through the mist like guided missiles.
THWACK
Two struck the attacking Zabuza square in the chest—
But the body burst apart into water.
SPLASH
Another clone rushed in from the side.
Sasuke pivoted.
His foot slammed into the clone's ribs.
The water body collapsed instantly.
Zabuza's real voice echoed from somewhere in the mist.
"…Not bad."
A low chuckle followed.
"Pretty sharp for a genin."
Behind Sasuke—
Naruto grinned.
"Oh hell yeah."
Not one to be showed up he formed a hand sign.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
POOF
POOF
POOF
Fifteen Narutos appeared.
The Shinobi Codex pulsed brightly.
Battle Mode Activated
Sub Mission, Boss Encounter: Zabuza Momochi
Victory Conditions:
• Survive the encounter
• Protect Tazuna
• Assist Kakashi Hatake
Rewards:
3 Skill experience packs
3 Free Lottery Rolls
Unlock Purchase of elemental affinity in Shop
Naruto cracked his knuckles.
"Alright fish-face."
"Round two."
And the battle for the Land of Waves had officially begun.